News
Paul Toomer: Wreck Head
Part 1 – Let’s Get Wrecked
Well, it is with utter disbelief that I find myself sitting here writing this article. It seems like only yesterday that my instructor, Steve Axtell, took me on my wreck elective dive for my Advanced Open Water course. Oh my God, what a day that was. It was on the wreck of the Kyarra off Swanage in Dorset in the UK. I think I may have done a little wee in my wetsuit when I got to 28 metres and saw all that “tin” laid out before me. It was like being six again. Everything was new and exciting. And you know, even though now I am the instructor, not one tiny feeling has changed since that first dive on the Kyarra with Steve all those years ago.
Photo: Danny Barber
Every wreck dive hints at the possibility of uncovering something new. Maybe something from one of the two World Wars, or perhaps something Roman… who knows?
Wreck diving comes with its thrills, but also some inherent dangers. It is perhaps these dangers, along with the excitement of discovering something new that makes wrecks so exciting.
Most divers want to explore, and even for Open Water divers there’s the possibility of finding something new. Wrecks are everywhere! As British divers we are so very lucky – Britain’s nautical history and the wildness of our coastlines means that some of the best wreck diving in the world is right on our own doorstep. With a little training and some simple research we are able to become the “Buzz Aldrin” of the underwater world and see something no one has ever seen before.
Now, before I get too carried away I guess I should tell you who I am, what I do and what I plan to write about in this column over the coming months.
I started life in South Africa. In my mid-twenties I relocated to the UK, where I got the opportunity to try diving. I was hooked instantly. Within months of beginning my diver training I owned my own dive centre in London and it wasn’t long before I became a Course Director. I then discovered technical diving, and I’ve never looked back. I can’t get enough of wreck, cave and rebreather diving, and I’ve worked as an Instructor and Instructor Trainer for PADI, IANTD, and TDI. I recently held the position of Director of Technical Training for SSI, but moved on when I was given the opportunity to co-own and run my own diver training agency. I am now the Director of Diver Training at RAID International.
Photo: Danny Barber
On any given day you will find me teaching people from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience how to enjoy the wonders of technical diving. I am permanently underwater, showing divers the skills and techniques that will allow them to safely achieve their goals and objectives. Most of my training courses involve at least one visit to a beautiful wreck and at some point will involve penetrating the very heart of one of these metal monsters. How lucky am I? Only Jeremy Clarkson has a job as good as mine, and that’s only because he gets to blow up caravans!
In the coming months I am going to be discussing many different issues regarding safely diving on and in wrecks. I want to discuss the everyday challenges that a wreck diver faces. Wrecks can be gentle little dives that lie in shallow calm water or they can be deep, inaccessible wrecks with fast moving currents. Wrecks, much like caves, come in many shapes and sizes and need varying degrees on competency to attempt them. Wrecks (unless purpose sunk, where they are cleaned and sanitised, making them safe to dive) have all sorts of debris that can make penetrating the wreck extremely hazardous. Wrecks, unlike caves, have sharp rusting metal and piping, wiring and doors, which present all manner of safety issues.
Photo: Danny Barber
So with that in mind we will look at lining off, finning, buoyancy, lighting, staging, mapping, equipment drag and trim, entanglement issues, hazards specific to wreck and emergency drill associated with wreck diving.
I am also planning to look at different training programmes, including twinset, sidemount and rebreather wreck diving. We will review individual wrecks and also interview expedition divers and wreck discoverers. I also want to take a look at wreck equipment like spools, reels, lights, wings, fins, suits… even helmets.
So please join me on my journey through the skills, knowledge, history and understanding of the ultimate thrill in diving: Wrecks!!!
Paul is the Director of Training at RAID. To find out more about the courses that RAID offers, visit www.diveraid.com.
Main photo: Jason Brown
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.
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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.
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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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