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Training to be B.A.D
Scubaverse contributor Mark Pearce discovers that the new PADI Basic Archaeology Diver (BAD) Specialty is a hit with the course’s first attendees…
Over the years PADI instructors have developed and written many great courses. These PADI Distinctive Specialties are carefully engineered to further the knowledge and training for divers in specific aspects and areas of diving. Designed to instruct and improve your abilities in any number of different avenues, the list seems almost endless these days.
If you are like me, some will appeal more to you than others. But working toward my PADI MASTER SCUBA DIVING Rating, I am always on the lookout for something interesting. This course ticked many of the boxes for me!
So, when asked if I would like to attend the inaugural class of the new PADI Basic Archaeology Diver (BAD) my first thoughts were a Time Team style event underwater, with a trowel and instructors in brightly coloured stripy woollen jumpers, looking at shards of pottery, and extrapolating the whole history of an artifact from very little information!
Anyway, the course sounded interesting, and in truth, a course in underwater archaeology has been on my overdue list for some while. And when it was suggested, it was one of those courses that you think ‘why hasn’t PADI written this course before?’ as it is a logical and obvious skill that almost any diver would want to learn. No diver would pass up the opportunity to explore and learn about a wreck if they were to discover it for themselves, and to be able to do so using internationally accepted methods, would be by far the best way. Sadly for most of us, discovery of a new wreck is unlikely, but certainly discovery of artifacts from known wrecks is what we can enjoy. Also, by looking closer at the wrecks we dive, it helps to appreciate the rusting metal or timber frames as more than just an obstacle course for intrepid divers: you begin to learn about the people on board, the ship herself, the event that brought them to rest where they did, and a whole host of other clues to follow and keep you busy during winter evenings when diving is just a wishful dream.
The course has been written by MAST, the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, a not-for-profit organisation who are ‘dedicated to exploring and studying the many thousands of wrecks that surround the UK waters, and to investigate the maritime past to protect it for the future’. A huge task indeed when you remember there are more wrecks surrounding the UK than any other area of the world!
So the course was held at the Plymouth University’s Diving and Marine Centre by Roger ‘Ginge’ Crook and maritime archaeologist Jessica Berry (both from MAST). It is set over two days, and includes an impressive three dives, all of which are made at the New England Quarry near Plymouth. This allows you to hone the skills you have learnt in a well prepared environment, without the unpredictable conditions that you would have to tackle out at sea. The course is well balanced with not too much theory (not my favourite) and plenty of practical instruction. You learn simple yet effective ways to measure and plot items as you find them, so with clear records you, or anyone else can find their way back to them. You also learn about the laws regarding recovery of objects from the sea which have recently been changed, so you will be able to make sure you don’t fall foul of them either!
Along with the practical side of the course, what came through loud and clear was the way they were enthusing you to look closer at what you see, to ‘dig deeper’ as it were. All of us dive areas regularly, perhaps we have a favourite wreck that we return to often. What we have learnt can be applied to any of them, to build a knowledge base, and perhaps make more of a project than just diving the wreck. We left the course with ideas of how we could apply what we have learnt in our own areas of diving, and a greater appreciation of our underwater heritage.
So where to from here? First, a dive at the Coronation wreck (1685) near Plymouth. The course offers a reduced price opportunity to dive the wreck site with a rare guided tour from one of the licensees. She was a 90-gun second rate British naval vessel. This is a rare and exciting prospect, and for those who want to learn more, there are many good courses in archaeology provided out there by various training agencies. This one is a great starting point to an incredibly interesting aspect of undersea exploration.
To find out more about the Underwater Archaeology courses that MAST offer click here
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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