News
An Introduction to the PADI Distinctive Specialty B.A.D. (Basic Archaeological Diver)
There are more shipwrecks off the coast of the UK than any other country on Earth; we have wrecks off our coast dating to the Bronze Age, bearing witness to hundreds, if not thousands of years of trade in cargo, people and ideas – and wars. They and their artefacts can tell stories that even the history books can’t.
Encountering a site for the first time can be puzzling. It is surprisingly hard to recognise a cannon that has lain underwater for over 200 years. How to distinguish it from a rock? Then, once its shape is revealed, how to record it? How to identify what to survey, what to look for? These questions would seem obvious on land. Then of course there is also plenty of time to discuss them. Underwater most sports divers do not carry comms, and often have very little time.
Enter the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust’s (MAST) B.A.D. course. This PADI Distinctive Specialty course, Basic Archaeological Diver, was created to equip divers with all the rudiments of underwater archaeology, how to record and interpret the thousands of wrecks off the coast of the UK and beyond. (Some readers old enough will spot that MAST pinched the acronym from the original commercial dive course taught at Bovisand, Plymouth called Basic Air Diver. Similarities end there other than geographical location; the course is taught in the same spot.)
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[Photos by David Jones]
The course is written and designed by maritime archaeologists with experience in a great variety of underwater sites around the world. It is all part of a cunning plan of course, to recruit a new generation of eyes and ears to become the guardians of our underwater cultural heritage. The only hope we have of preserving our future is by learning from our past, by recording and appreciating our wrecks – these vessels represented society’s most developed or technologically advanced pieces of equipment, comparable to today’s space craft.
Enter the vast amphibian army of adventurous British sports divers. Armed with little more than tape measures and cameras, students learn over two days just how much of a difference they can make in preserving our underwater heritage. They also learn about the relevant heritage legislation, in a state of flux at the moment, and the background to the discipline, the difference between salvage and archaeology. International experts often visit to give talks. Lectures have included news on current projects such as the 17th century Swash Channel wreck excavation off Poole in Dorset or the Bronze Age site off Salcombe in Devon.
The course is currently taught in Plymouth – though we are now expanding with newly trained instructors in Portsmouth and the north east of England – and since the practical diving sessions take place in Bovisand and New England quarry – no foul weather or badly timed tide can stop us.
Fresh avenues open up to newly qualified BAD divers who are invited to volunteer to work on the Coronation protected wreck of 1685 off Plymouth where more survey is underway. There are otherwise ample opportunities in the UK for divers to get more involved in exploring historic wrecks by contacting the site licensees through English Heritage’s website. Many dive clubs often have their own sites. The BAD course will equip them to study them more effectively. Or for those wishing to launch deeper into the discipline, the Nautical Archaeology Society offers plenty of one or two day courses in speciality areas of the discipline such as dendrochronolgy, the study of dating timbers.
Included is a reduced price voucher to dive the Coronation site, guided by one of the licensees, expert on the site and its history. All the profits from the course contribute to underwater heritage research projects. Thanks to its popularity these proceeds have so far paid for the conservation of two of the 17th century Swash Channel wreck carvings.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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