Dive Training Blogs
DIVE ODYSSEY: A Day in the Life of… an Underwater Actress (Watch Video)
Gemma Smith talks about her role in Dive Odyssey. You can watch this amazing short film here:
The sport of diving always reminds me of an oak tree: there is the main trunk from which everything else grows, but there are also hundreds of branches reaching out in all directions, eager to be independent and different. This is exactly how diving is! From the main interest we all have in our underwater world there are a never-ending variety of new branches to go off and explore, and something new to learn, enthuse or inspire everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience. I don’t think it is possible for anyone to ever be bored as a diver! In this series I want to explore some of the many possible careers and paths available to those of us lucky enough to have access to the many oceans, lakes, rivers and waterways on our planet, and in this article I’ll take a closer look into the life of an underwater actress, and in particular what it is like to work on an underwater filming project.
The Birth of Dive Odyssey
Sometimes I question my sanity. I really do. It’s the middle of winter with just a few weeks left until Christmas. A couple months back, if I would have imagined life at this time, I’d see myself sitting at home in front of a roaring fire. There would be piles of chocolate and holiday food around me, and I would generally be enjoying some festive cheer. The life of someone working full time in the diving industry tends to involve long hours and lots of physical work. We take our breaks as and when we can, and Christmas is one of the few times of the year where we can totally stop. Where am I though? Well, I’m not at home in front of a fire, and there is a distinct lack of chocolate and Christmas cake. I’m in Finland. In the middle of December. And I’m getting ready for one of the most unusual dive projects I’ve ever been involved in.
If you had asked me a while back if I’d ever thought of being an actress, my answer would be a resounding ‘NO’! My sister was the accomplished actress in the family, starring in school plays right from a youngster all the way through her teenage years. I couldn’t imagine anything worse! No, l was more than happy to leave that side of things to the professionals. I would never agree to act…would I?
Sometimes someone comes up with an idea that is so crazy and unique that you know that you just have to do it. In this case, for me, there was no question in my mind. Janne Suhonen, along with Antti Apunen, is one-half of the legendary Scandinavian ‘Divers of the Dark’ filming team. For years I had admired their work. From the iconic shots of Ojamo Mine in their homeland of Finland to their French cave diving series of films and photographs to their masterpiece of a book showcasing the Molnar Janos cave in Budapest; as far as I was concerned their work was unrivaled. Having had the chance to meet them several years back at a dive conference we had struck up a friendship. So when Janne contacted me about being involved in his next project I immediately said yes. This was a dream come true for me. I’d done lots of underwater modeling for photographs before, so I wasn’t worried. I mean, it was modeling I’d be doing right? Well, kind of. I would indeed be in front of a camera….but he was making an underwater movie and I’d be one of the actors.
We all love diving, of course, we do. However, even the most zealous dive enthusiast has to grudgingly concede that as a spectator sport it is lacking slightly. Janne dreamed of changing that. Inspired by the classic movies such as Blade Runner, 2001 – A Space Odyssey, and of course James Cameron’s own underwater masterpiece The Abyss, his idea was to make an underwater sci-fi movie of sorts. Nothing even comes close to the otherworldly feel and sense of the unknown of outer space as the underwater world does, so why not combine the two? Diving needs to have a fun as well as a serious side. After all, isn’t this element of escapism one reason we all started this sport in the first place? And from this seed of an idea, the concept for the movie ‘Dive Odyssey’ was born.
Arrival
A project of this size is never easy from a logistics point of view. Between arranging all the gear and gas, the timings and schedules of various elements, and trying to bring together a motley crew of international divers from various corners of the globe all at the same time, Janne did not have an easy task on his hands. The plan from the outset was to have the film split into three distinct phases, with this first phase being filmed at the famous Ojamo Mine just outside Helsinki. It’s late one evening in December when the British contingent, myself among them, arrive to start filming. Everyone on the project has been handpicked for a certain role. TV presenter and full-time adventurer Andy Torbet and I are the two ‘actors’, we have multiple cameramen and a lighting crew, as well as surface support for when we are in water. Most of the team have worked together before, and we are all friends and colleagues. This is just as well, as Janne’s plan is by no means simple, as we are about to discover…
The Story
With the international team now assembled, it is our chance to hear for the first time in full Janne’s dream and vision for his film. The story will have no words or spoken voice. It will rely totally on the ambience, evocative lighting, the stunning underwater scenery and locations, and specially composed music to tell the narrative. Detailing the meeting between an earthly human Explorer meeting an otherworldly underwater ‘Being’, it will follow their subsequent journey together. The location for phase one of the shoot would be without a doubt the most dramatic. Filming and working at depths of up to 80m/260ft in temperatures of 1-2 degrees Celsius/34-36 degrees Fahrenheit for hours at a time, the whole team would be equipped with CCRs, not to mention plenty of thermals and heated vests! Andy and I even had special custom-made gear for the roles; he as the ‘Being’ in a steel grey colour scheme, and I as the human Explorer in bright orange. Drysuits, scooters, rebreathers, tanks, everything was colour matched to our specific roles. While a bright orange JJ rebreather would not necessarily have been my first colour choice, when it is seen on camera it truly comes alive. There is no question that a good director has more to think about than ‘just’ directing.
A typical dive day
Due to the limitation in access to the mine because of the commercial diving school based at the site, we are restricted to late afternoon or evening dives only. This actually works very well, as there is a surprising amount of dry land work to do first. Being the professional that he is, Janne has hand drawn and storyboarded every single scene he wants to film. This allows not only him to envisage what he wants, but is a huge help in allowing the actors to understand what is needed from them. Plus the fact that at 80m/260ft in this kind of temperature we really need to nail the shots the first time around. No one wants to spend more time completing cold water decompression than they have to. After the morning wake up call and a warming breakfast at the nearby lodge where we are staying, the team normally arrives at Ojamo around midday. This gives us all a couple hours to strip and prep all rebreathers from the day before, and complete checks on all gear. The freezing temperatures are a constant reminder of just how on the ball we need to be. What might be a small or annoying issue in warm water (a flooded drysuit say) could easily turn into a really serious problem in these conditions. When everyone is sure that their gear is good to go, its time for the specific filming briefing. With the storyboards as our guide, we do dry land run-throughs of everything we want to do underwater. Practice on land makes the task of coordinating underwater so much easier.
Our aim is always to get in the water around 5pm, but things often take longer than anticipated on a film shoot! Getting in the water around 6pm and out around 9pm is a good day. It’s often easy to forget just how involved these dives are. We are all diving CCR with a minimum of two bailout tanks. We are working at least 500m into the mine, so to maximise bottom time Diver Propulsion Vehicles are used to get to the particular location for the shot more quickly. We are diving in an overhead, so all the gear needed for ensuring safety in that environment (primary light, two back up lights, reels, spools, arrows and cookies, and so on) also has to be carried by every diver on every dive. Add to this needing enough drysuit, dry gloves, and enough thermals to remain safe and comfortable in this water temperature. Oh, and at the same time as all this, remember that you are a human Explorer interacting with an otherworldly ‘Being’ and act accordingly! I was only glad that I didn’t have to deal with a camera as well! This was some of the most technically challenging, not to mention thermally tough, diving I’ve done. It was also incredibly fulfilling. I count myself lucky that I was able to work with such a professional team on my first film shoot, both in my fellow actor and in the amazing lighting and filming crew.
Post-production
At the end of the day, I had the easy job. Now it’s up to the director to make a coherent whole out of the scenes we filmed. Trying to tell a story with no dialogue is not going to be easy, but I know if anyone can do it Janne can. From here comes the editing, colour correcting, general post-production, and the composing of music to bring this mini-film together. And this, after all, this is only phase one of filming! Now some of the team go on to the Plura cave system in northern Norway for the above water snowy wilderness sequences, as well as the reshooting of any shots as required, and finally on to the pool in Helsinki for the grand finale of the adventure the ‘Being’ and the human Explorer have shared together. It’s been over 18 months since first filming, and work on the project is still ongoing. I can’t wait to see the finished film, but whatever happens its been an incredible experience. I’ve learnt so much and worked with an amazing team, and I don’t think you can ask much more than that.
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
By Marissa Eckert
What are the requirements to start cave diving? What do I need to do to be prepared for cave training? These are all questions I get asked by so many potential students. There are many options when coming up with an answer. The first option, and the easiest, would be to go the training agency website and look up the requirements to take the class. However, this leaves a lot open for interpretation and doesn’t mean you will necessarily be ready. Like anything, there always needs to be minimum requirements. But is that enough? Maybe for some people it is, but for most people it’s not.
So, what are the requirements?
TDI breaks cave training down into three different levels. Those levels are cavern, intro to cave, and full cave. To start cavern the requirements state that you must be 18 years old or 15 years old with parental consent, have an Open Water Certification, and a minimum of 25 logged dives. This doesn’t sound like much. So, what do I tell my students when they ask me? First, I find out if they are only interested in cavern or if they are interested in potentially progressing into cave diving. If they are interested in progressing into cave diving, I always strongly suggest they get comfortable with a dual configuration first. This configuration can be side mount, back-mounted doubles, or even a rebreather. The main things I tell everyone they need to have down are buoyancy, good trim position, the ability to hover in place motionless without moving their hands or feet, and good overall awareness. This means awareness of oneself and what your body and equipment are doing, but also total awareness of what is going on around you.
So, what does all this mean?
Many times I’ve had students show up thinking they had all these things mastered only to quickly realize they have a long way to go. Which by the way, is okay! After all, we all start somewhere and progress at different paces. The most important thing is to be open to feedback. But there are also ways to prepare yourself better. First and foremost, when starting down this route it is critical to find a good instructor. Take time to look up instructors, ask questions, interview them, look at their past students, look at what type of diving they are doing, and most importantly ask questions! Find out what techniques they use during class.
I have found that video recording students when they are struggling with something gives them a great perspective to see what they are doing wrong and helps them visualize and correct it. Does the instructor look good as a diver? Whether you like social media or not, the internet can be a great place for research. When looking at a diver they should look in trim, almost like they are laying flat on a table. In videos are they finning with their hands? Are their feet constantly moving? Are there things dangling below their body? All equipment and hoses should be extremely clean and contoured to the body.
The most important question to always ask during training is WHY? There should always be a why behind everything we do. And it should never just be because I said so. Make sure the instructor knows why they are telling you to do something a particular way. Everyone can always learn new ways of doing things, instructors included.
How can you truly prepare yourself?
A good idea is to record video of yourself or have a friend record you while diving. Send it to your instructor ahead of time, so they can give you feedback and let you know if there are things you need to work on. There is no certain number of years to be diving, or a certain number of dives to have, that says yes you will be ready. Every individual learns at a different pace. If a class is only offered in a minimum number of days with a maximum number of students allowed, be aware that this means less time practicing each skill. For this reason, you might be better suited doing one-on-one training or having a regular buddy take the class with you. This ensures you are comfortable with each other and familiar with each other’s habits in and out of the water, and that you get along!
The most important thing of all is to come to class with an open mind, a readiness to learn, and no concern with whether you will receive a card, but with a concern that you will learn to be a better, safer, more competent diver. I always tell my students safety is the number one most important thing in cave diving, but fun is a close second! Sometimes, it may not feel fun. Stop and ask yourself does this instructor have your best interests at heart? I know I certainly do. I want to go to sleep each night knowing that I gave my students as much knowledge as possible to make them safe and thoughtful cave divers.
With proper training, proper equipment, proper experience, and a proper attitude I think cave diving can be done very safely. I often joke that the most dangerous thing about cave diving is driving to the dive site!
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months agoSave £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide