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WWW.AQUALUNG.COM Dräger Ray semiclosed . Behind, an open Inspiration fully closed rebreather What is it like? WWW.AMBIENTPRESSUREDIVING.COM Text & photos by Peter Symes Diving Rebreathers Why bother?

Rebreathers look cool, glitzy, tech- they provide for a much differ- nical and heralded as the future of ent and richer diving experience, which, in the first place, is why we go in diving, right? We read a lot about the water ourselves rather than watch- their impressive performances con- ing dive movies on Animal Planet from cerning duration of dives, gas econ- the comfort of our reclining chair at home. omy, extended no deco limits and However, as we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch in diving either. There is what not. But isn’t it a bit like watch- a trade-off, and you will have to consider if it the underwater realm so you can have an ing Jeremy Clarkson from BBC’s car is still worth your while despite this. enriching experience by witnessing, first program, Top Gear, whiz around in It is not merely a matter of comparing hand, this magic realm. So, as far as I am fancy Ferraris and Aston Martins with technical matters, performance and param- concerned, if someone invented human eters when pitting rebreathers against the gills and a thin hide to cover and keep me a goofy, happy grin on his face and open circuits (regulators and tanks). It is warm, my twin-set would surely be left to rust reeling off a string of excited super- easy to be blinded by dazzling numbers and in the attic for good. latives? Yes, they look fabulous and facts on how much longer you can stay I just want to see fish and other underwa- under water with no deco-obligation and so ter life. I want to get as close as possible sound fabulous, but you’re still not on, but consideration should also be given without disturbing the sure what all the fuss is all about and to the sensation and experience of diving creatures, and for what’s in it for you... and whether you rebreathers. me, this is could actually afford one. I think these subjective matters have been exactly grossly overlooked in textbooks and articles. Rebreathers aren’t exactly an impulse buy, Yet, how can we put words to them? but they don’t quite require the same deep pockets as a super car. So, you could actu- Why? ally own one if you put your mind and piggy Wine connoisseurs have a whole weird bank pennies into it. vocabulary to describe all the flavours They do come with the same sort of built- of wines, but describing diving the in bragging rights and can still gather a rebreather experience to an open crowd on a beach. However, the glitz fac- circuit diver still feels somewhat tor shouldn’t be the only reason for getting like trying to describe a sunset one—there are easier routes to impressing to a blind person: “It’s... erh... members of the opposite sex. just really cool and... uhm...” Any piece of equipment is Diving experience just a means to an end and The reason to go with a rebreather should not the end itself. It is a means be their performance in the water, and that of transporting you down into

Aaah! Silence at last—and the Unbearable Lightness of Being starts to sink in Black goby, Baltic 64 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Up close and personal. This squirrelfish Rebreathers tips almost sat on my mask

what all the fuss and hype Comparison Rebreather-friendly is about with Let’s go on a dive and compare how dive centres & locations these gizmos. open and closed circuits perform. In Do check the list of so-called rebreath- I am a pho- the following, I will use a fully closed er-friendly dive centres before you go. tographer, so system for comparison rather than the It could save you quite some hassle aside from more widespread and more economi- and money. You can find these dive the better cally accessible semi-closed system centres on various lists, ie. online bulle- personal since the fully closed systems are the tin boards and web sites. For example, experience, I thoroughbred of rebreathers, and you could use this one at the Ambient can also get because I am better acquainted with web site: www.ambientpres- better pic- this type of system. surediving.com/ccrdbint.htm) tures when I Before we even get to the water, So far, it seems that open circuit sys- don’t blow or there is the matter of transportation. tems lead closed circuit systems 4-0 in scare all the If you are going to the beach in your the why-bother score due to the hassle and remains stretched like a drum-skin. critters away. own van, there is not much difference factor. If not, we have to go over all the seals For me, the in hassle when it comes to transporting and joints once more. longer no-deco a with tanks and regulators Before the dive The open system now leads the score times that these or a rebreather. OK, we are now at the waterfront with 5-0. units give me But if you have to travel by air, we all our gear spread out, rigging up. Mr. Next, comes the fire-up sequence are great but not are talking about a completely differ- Open Circuit mounts his BCD on a tank, where the rebreather diver stares very a prime concern. ent ball game. Going by plane, the regulator on top, opens the air and he intently upon the unit’s handsets (the Although, I have on open circuit diver can bring along his is ready to dive in a minute or so, save controllers). Do not distract her at this more than one occasion, or her regulator and BCD, or the odd popping o-ring experience. No time! appreciated the fact that I can opt to hire everything at the desti- complications here. The electronics on the handset are could just stay down there at nation. The diver doesn’t have to worry Ms. Re Breather, on the other hand, taking the diver through a “pre-flight” depth to get my shot far long- about carrying tanks either, so there is has a lot more equipment assembly sequence of actions and tests, and she er than an open system would not too much excess baggage. to do, some testing on top of this, and must respond to these accurately and have permitted me. Rebreathers are different story. then some “pre-flight procedures” to observe closely that the rebreather Other CCR divers may have other undertake. responds correctly. By pre- uses and other subjective reasons for The check-in challenge After assembling the unit, we first the unit, the diver makes sure that it liking their units. For instance, rebreath- It isn’t quite the same for the poor have to do a negative pressure test, operates properly before entering the ers have also become quite popular rebreather diver who might have to where we, under eye-popping strain, water. among some wreck enthusiasts, techni- schlep quite a bit more hardware onto suck all the air out of the unit, close During the start-up sequence, the cal divers and cave divers. the plane. It is not an issue to be taken the mouthpiece and watch it to breathing loop is filled lightly these days when airlines are less see whether the counter- with 100% Hearing and less tolerant of passengers who do lungs remain deflated and to calibrate Another major reason why I have not head limits and bring along squashed like vacuum- the sensors, a richer diving experience on my overweight bags. packed coffee. so we rebreather is that I can hear better—no The rebreather diver must rely on the After that, we then have to noisy breathing apparatus or bubbles— destination dive centre to fill his or her do a positive pres- and so, can more keenly sense what , and if the diver is lucky, sure test where is going on around me, even when I the dive centre can also supply CO2- we inflate the unit do see it directly. I have a much more scrubber and rental tanks. If not, well… fully and make it acute sense of the three dimensional let’s hope that overweight charges look like an over- space around me and what is in it. But aren’t an issue for you. blown tire to see let me get back to that later. if it holds pressure

On a rebreather, I often get the sense that I can hear what is going on behind me 65 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A couple of worthwhile tips Rebreathers rebreather resources: www.therebreathersite.nl www.rebreatherworld.com Weight can As you descend, the increasing ambi- become a real issue ent water pressure also starts to squash Some manufacturers: when travelling with your counterlungs flat. They have about www.steammachines.com your rebreather. the same volume as a BCD, but need www.customrebreathers.com If possible, sort it a constant volume in order for you to M www.ambientpressurediving.com ot beforehand. have something to inhale. www.ccrb.co.uk Sometimes you can negociate a fair Unless you add some more air (or price on overweight diluent, which can also be some other (Above list is not exhaustive) before you go - or breathable gas) on your way down— buy some extra either by manual injection where you allowance. do a series of small bursts, not unlike

what you do with your drysuit, or by the WWW.CUSTOMREBREATHERS.CO means of an ADV (Automatic Diluent observe that the oxygen a little water into our masks, and then Valve)—you will soon enough find your- drops down from 1 bar to stabilise at clear it by an exhalation through the self sucking very hard for no air... not so 0.70 bar partial pressure, which we have nose. On open systems, this is just some- comfortable, so you only do that once. chosen as our low set point. thing you do, and many divers exhale Some 5-6 meters down, or if you are This is the oxygen level with which through their nose on a regular basis. at the bottom of a somewhat shallow we start the dive. Any wrong or erratic On a rebreather, this is a big no-no, as it coral , you pause and look up for behaviour of the oxygen sensors will means venting precious gas out into the the tell-tale streams of bubbles that The Megalodon is another popular show in the readings or produce an out- environment. might indicate a leak. You can also ask CCR-rebreather on the US market right error-message, of which you must On rebreathers, you clear masks very your buddy to look around for you. strive to find the cause and correct carefully and sometimes in a cross-eyed If everything’s fine, you may proceed before you can dive. manner as you try to watch exactly how and switch to the higher set point, Finally, we can hit the water. Upon much air is required to just push that last where your oxygen level is kept at entry, or slightly into the descent, it may drop of water out of the mask without 1.3 bar partial pressure. Only below 3 Prism CCR from Steam as it was pre- be our habit to clean our masks. We let losing any air. meters at which time the ambient pres- STEFAN BESIER, WITH PERMISSION FROM STEAM MACHINES sented at DEMA 2003

The ADV (Automatic Diluent Valve) on a Inspiration CCR, makes sure that more air gets automati- cally added into the breathing loop upon descent

Hovering becomes a delicate skill when diving rebreathers. You need to be far more accurate in regards to how much air you have in your wing or dysuit. But once you get it right, you will lie com- pletely still—even while breathing in and out

66 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED tips Mouthpiece Rebreathers sure is at least 1.3 bar, can the system level given much mention in various Flow-diagram and the whole breathing loop with air from maintain a 1.3 bar partial pressure of text books. This feature allows you, all of main components Air/ diluent tank my air (diluent) tank. With one hand, I oxygen, hence, the need for a lower set sudden, to hear or sense what goes on of a Prism Topaz keep pressing the inflator button down point at the surface. (On newer rebreath- behind you. It provides you with a 360º CCR-regulator. The injecting air, while I pull the cord to keep ers, like the Evolution, this set point switch- awareness that is not so unlike what you diver’s lungs and open the over-pressure valve that is vent- the CCR’s counter- ing can be set on automatic.) have on land. On land, you can usually ing air. I do this for say, 10-15 seconds, lungs, scrubber and It is, after all, this bother that permits hear when somebody enters an area hoses has a con- after which the entire atmosphere in the the rebreather to flourish and deliver its you occupy even if you are reading a stant total volume Scrubber breathing loop should be exchanged promises. This is where it picks up on all book and facing another direction. with air, which I know I can always the points leading to an enhanced div- breathe. Needless to say, this procedure ing experience. issues Counterlung is quite wasteful of your relatively small First of all, there is this amazing tran- Continuing on our journey, we swim, gas supplies. quillity—you can’t hear a sound except, down a slope. As I sink, I compensate for If I am still in doubt for some reason, maybe, noises from your buddy’s equip- lost buoyancy with squirts of air into my the golden rule is to “bail out”. That ment. And this is what I treasure most on wing, and then, to halt my descent com- means switching to open systems, which the rebreather: you regain the practical pletely, I take the traditional deep inhala- Oxygen is either a regulator connected to the use and sense of hearing. You are not tion, which would, if I were on an open tank rebreather’s air (diluent) tank, or a com- cocooned any more in cascades of bub- circuit, have halted me just above the WWW.STEAMMACHINES.COM pletely separate system, ie. stage tanks. bles and heaving, wheezing, whining bottom. Not so on a rebreather. If I switch, it is paramount that I remem- valves. This time, I most ignominiously plough no effect on overall volume and buoy- I can still just hang around to make the ber to close the mouthpiece, otherwise You’d be amazed how much noise straight into the muddy bottom flat on ancy. most of my roll of film. water will enter the breathing loop and open circuits actually make, but it is hard my face. The reason? My lungs and the Boy, does it make you feel stupid when But unlike my open system buddy, I do replace the air resulting in a very consid- to fully appreciate this before you try and counterlungs on the rebreather main- you bite the dust this way. have to watch my handsets, my con- erable loss of buoyancy. experience the alternative yourself. tain a constant total volume, so when I Buoyancy on a rebreather is a more trollers, at regular intervals to make So, what should you know and be I haven’t seen this change of noise inhale, I just empty the counterlungs with delicate thing. Because you can’t use sure that I am still getting the right able to do? What should your buddy, your lungs to fine tune your hovering, nor blends. On a closed circuit on an open system, be able to do to “Artist’s impression” of the 360º awareness sensation will your breathing disturb your position, rebreather, I always have to know assist you in case you run into trouble? you won’t bob up and down with each which gas mix I am breathing and A CCR rebreather diver can become breathing cycle, which is really great that it can sustain life at a given depth. unwell for all the same reasons that an once you have nailed it and want to lie On open systems, once you have open circuit diver can, plus a couple completely still with a pygmy seahorse in the regulator in your mouth, you more things can happen including the cross hairs of your viewfinder. only have to breathe it and you are , and . For the very same reason, a rebreather set. Not necessarily so on a (CCR) (too little oxygen, too much

diver will prefer to swim around an object rebreather, which is a mobile nitrox oxygen and too much CO2). rather than over or under it. Ascending mixing unit. As such—if anything goes means venting gas, which you lose for awry, God forbid—it can serve you a good. gas mix too lean or too rich in oxygen Diluent flush At depth, I have several other advan- for your own good. maneuvre. tages over my open circuit buddy: I Too little oxygen leads to hypoxia, Illustration adapted won’t run out of gas any time soon. and you will faint. Too much, and from Inspiration My on board gas supply will last me you run the gauntlet of oxygen manual ( Diving) 10-12 hours, although the CO -scrubber toxicity, which brings along with it 2 Simultaneously shouldn’t be used more than 3 hours. uncontrollable cramps. In either pressing the diluent And with lots of non-deco time to go case, is imminent. This feeder and pulling around at medium depths, it also gives is why knowing at any given time the over-pressure me peace of mind and no stress. what you are breathing is one of valve chord al- It is the Zen of diving. Should a school the golden rules of CCR-diving. lows air (diluent) of hammerheads parade by 45 minutes If I am ever in doubt, I may first to replace what- into the dive when my buddy’s open perform a strangely looking exercise ever gas was in circuit system would be down to 40 bar, called a “diluent flush”, where I flush the breathing loop before

67 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED This little Rebreathers green knob is the valve to maintenance and cleaning of the the O2-tank. unit. Rebreathers need to be disinfect- Buddies should ed at regular intervals because the know how to unit has recycled air that has been in The check and open it and out of your lungs numerous times. Semi- closed The verdict? rebreather Dräger It seems that you will have to endure Ray comes—at the If I am in trouble and appear unre- a bit more bother and complexity time of this writing—at a sponsive, it is first of all, important to when diving rebreathers. Which brings suggested retail price of around ensure that I don’t drop the mouth- us back to the main question: Is it US$ 2,000, making it just a little bit piece for the reasons just mentioned worth it? more expensive than a complete and to prevent me from drowning. Yes, it is. Rebreathers are certainly scuba set for open circuit diving, that It could also be beneficial if you know not for everyone. The ease and is, regulator, BCD and tanks. how to perform a diluent flush on my uncomplicated aspects of the open The fully closed rebreathers are system. So, before we enter the water, systems will still make open circuits more expensive and will, as a rough we should perform a little drill. Also a better option for many as well as guide, come in the US$ 5,000-10,000 you should know how to open my O2 a certainly more economical and range for the most popular consumer valve, in case it has become closed accessible one, ie. when you bring models. This is, admittedly, not exactly and caused my problem. Other than your family along on a trip. pocket change for the average blue that, all the usual drills and techniques But for those who are willing to go collar worker, but not totally out of taught at any advanced or rescue those extra nine yards to fully appreci- reach either, if you really want one. diver course applies. ate what it is like being down there It all comes down to a matter of On the ascent, the rebreather diver soundless, bubble-free, the way priorities. Do you want to have the will once again become more busy. nature intended, the rebreather is kitchen refurbished, or one of these As the breathing loop contains a sub- the thing that will get you hooked for great machines? Well, that is a matter stantial amount of gas, this also has to good. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you) for you and your partner to sort out. be vented in a controlled way along I have already mentioned the Safe diving! ■ with that of the wing or drysuit in order soothing silence, but the ability to be to perform a controlled ascent and to in the water and have a sense that The Ourosboro rebreather by Kevin Gurr do the required safety or decompres- you are truly part of the environment is one of the newest CCRs on the market. sion stops. rather than being the noisy intruder, is See the New Equipment section for more Before I go shallower than 3 the priceless part. The wildlife acts dif- information meters, I also have to ensure that the ferently—your presence is somewhat rebreather switches back to low set accepted. I wouldn’t go so far as to point, so it will not over-inflate and say that marine life acts indifferently, make me float up like a zeppelin. but the rebreather certainly lets you At the surface, I will not switch to get far closer, and the critter behav- as some open circuit divers iour seems far more natural and less do, but keep breathing on the unit, apprehensive. mouthpiece in place, until I am safely I have had blennies sitting right on out of the water. This also gives me my mask. This is the closest I have lots of oxygen in the meantime. Also, gotten to feeling like a human fish. It I must not power down the unit while gives you the same sort of Zen expe- I am still breathing from it as the injec- rience as when you freedive, yet it tions and continued replenishment of gives you the time duration of open oxygen is being controlled by the unit. systems and then some. Maintenance & cleaning Footing the bill After the dive, there is also a bit more OK, now we come to the serious ques- to do and hassle when it comes to tion: What is this going to cost me?

������ � ��������������������� 68 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 010101010100010101010010101010101010101010101010010101010010101 Photography Digital : Text and photos by Dan Beecham

PRODUCT SHOTS COURTESY OF OCEAN OPTICS WWW.OCEANOPTICS.CO.UK And Housings In the last issue we looked Compact Cameras and at the advantages and Housings: WP-DC40 The production of cheap poly Compact cameras and hous- disadvantages of digital carbonate housings for con- ings are now so popular that underwater photography sumer level cameras such as the nearly all divers carry them compared to traditional Olympus C7070 and Canon S70, film systems. Now we’re has made it inexpensive for the first time to submerge camera’s reviewing images and navigating tographers are often caught out going to look at what kind which offer features which in the menus like an SLR. whilst struggling to get their heavy cameras and housings are past were only available on more Compact cameras are easy equipment to and from their des- available on the market expensive SLR’s. Housings for com- to travel with; we hear more and tination. A complete compact pact cameras are produced by more about divers in disputes camera system can weigh as little today, the costs involved, the cameras own manufacturer, with airlines over fares for excess as three or four kilos, which means and which one is right for and also appeal to the outdoors baggage, and underwater pho- it is easily transported in a ruck- you. market, making them much sack. cheaper than if they were just There are many cameras and To help simplify matters, we’re being used by divers. Because compact’s offer so Using a compact camera and housings on the market at the going to group cameras into four much flexibility at a fraction of housing means you can use the moment, but most different categories, these are; the cost, they occupy a large same camera that you use on people agree that - Compact Cameras and part of the market, and nowa- land, whilst diving. This saves Olympus are the most Housings days nearly all divers have a costs, and means you only have versatile systems avail- - Digital Underwater cameras camera and housing, to travel with one camera. There’s able. Filter threads are - Entry Level DSLR’s and Housings often small enough to also a huge range of accessories - Professional Level DSLR’s and fit into a BCD pocket. available for compact’s, includ- Housings ing filters, external units, and supplementary wet-lenses that can be removed and replaced underwater to suit your subject. Another great thing about com- pacts is that the LCD screen can be used for composition, not just

D70 housing with fisheye As you can see with a cam- era and housing you can use a wide range of ‘ports’ to accommodate a range of lenses, from a 10.5mm fisheye D70 housing with lens for photographing large subjects such as wrecks or sce- 70-180mm macro nic’s, right through to a 70-180mm macro zoom lens for photo- zoom lens graphing small shy subjects from a distance.

70 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography

a standard feature on the Olympus Disadvantage Digital Underwater Cameras range, which leaves you much more The main disadvantage of a compact Also known as amphibious cameras, choice in the range of accessories that camera is lag. This is a small de- these are systems which are designed you can attach in the future. This also lay between pressing the shutter release specifically with underwater photogra- stops you having to use adapters to button, and the camera actually taking phy in mind. Cameras such as the newly add accessories, which can be expen- the picture. When you first use a camera released Sea and Sea DX8000G, offer sive and often introduce many more with shutter lag it can be very distracting, an ‘all in one’ to an underwater parts into the system. especially if you’re used to the instant camera, and often include handy fea- Whichever system you choose to go shutter release on an SLR. If the camera tures such as built in colour corrective for, check that the camera offers you is very slow it can stop you getting the filters. aperture and shutter priority modes; picture you wanted. If you plan on pho- Amphibious cameras generally offer the the majority of compact cameras only tographing fast moving subjects, a com- same sort of functionality as a camera in have fully automatic systems, pact may not be the best route to take. a housing, in fact that’s exactly what an which do not offer enough flexibility for Compact’s suit most peoples needs, amphibious camera is, a normal digital use underwater. Also check that the they can be carried on every dive for a camera built into an underwater housing. housing will accept any accessories quick snapshot if the opportunity presents There’s nothing special about the cam- you may need to use in the future. For itself, or they can be kited out as a com- era which makes it more suited to under- example, if you plan on photographing plete system for more serious photogra- water photography. very small critters such as nudibranchs phy. Compact cameras and amphibi- or pygmy seahorses, then you’ll need One of the hot cameras at the mo- ous cameras share many of the same to make sure the system you’re looking ment is the Olympus C-7070. A 7 mega- advantages and disadvantages, they at will accept a close-up or macro lens, pixel compact which offers you plenty both suffer shutter lag, yet they both otherwise it will not be appropriate for of control, excellent image quality, and offer you the versatility of being able to you. a housing which will accept a range of change lenses underwater. accessories. The camera and housing together should cost you around £500 (US$875).

The V is prob- ably the best known amphibious camera and the model which many famous photographers started. It went out of Sea & newly production 4 years ago released DX8000G but left a lasting legacy

71 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Glove housings fits the photography camera very snugly Which brand? The Canon versus debate is stronger than Enlarger for a view finder ever at the moment.

jects) and dome ports for wide angle When you pick up a glove housing all the newer lenses (for shooting large subjects). The controls fall in the same position on your cameras lens quality and final image quality on hands as if you were using the camera under the an SLR is generally much better than that on it’s own. This offers you the highest water, a of other systems. Depending on where level of functionality. Because the hous- box housing and how you use your pictures, this may ing is designed from scratch, they are a may be a bet- make an SLR more suitable for you. lot more expensive. A housing body can ter choice for you. Some high end housings also offer the cost more than £2000 (US$3500), and a Box housings are also great option of a viewfinder magnifier. These system fully kitted out with ports and flash if you’re working to a tight DSLR’s and Housings can be especially useful with modern units could easily cost more than double budget. You can normally get a system Modern DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) DSLR’s that generally have very small that. up and running with a range of lenses for cameras such as the Nikon D70s and viewfinders, which appear to be even less than half the cost of a top of the line the Canon EOS 350D are now so cheap smaller when viewed from inside a Box Housings housing. However do bear in mind that on the high street that more and more housing and from behind a dive mask. As a general rule, box housings tend to because the system will be heavier than photography enthusiasts are using them Magnifiers significantly increase the cost be a lot larger and heavier than glove a glove housing, there could be poten- on land, unfortunatley the cost of get- of a housing, but also massively increase housings. This is because manufacturers tial costs in transporting your equipment Even though they sound ideal, amphibi- ting one underwater is very high. For this functionality. Many professional under- use the same basic hull for many dif- on a dive trip. ous cameras are often not the best sys- reason DSLR’s generally appeal to very water photographers simply will not work ferent cameras, and adjust the place- DSLR’s offer excellent level’s of flexibil- tems to go for. One of the problems with enthusiastic photographers who want with a housing which does not offer this ment of controls for different models. This ity, resolution, image quality and control, an amphibious camera is that if the worst to utilise the unique features that a DSLR feature. means there is a lot of wasted air space but this all comes at a price. There is happens, and you manage to flood offers the user over an amphibious or There are many different housings inside the housing, making it buoyant, no cheap way to get an SLR under the and destroy a camera, or if the cam- housed compact camera available for DSLR’s, ranging in price and and so additional weight must be added water, all housings are expensive (some era develops a fault for some reason, Beside costs there are some other functionality. There are two main types of to get it under the water. This also means a lot more than others), and you also the whole unit is useless. With a housed major differences between SLR’s and SLR housing; these can be reffered to as that the controls are not positioned very have to invest a lot of time into the main- compact camera its easy to replace the compacts, as well as differences in the box, and glove housings. Brands tend to conveniently on the housing, and you tenance and preparation of your equip- camera if you need to, and in fact many housings. As previously discussed, hous- specialise in one or the other. can be distracted by your equipment ment. photographers carry a backup camera ings for compact cameras are produced rather than being able to con- The most popular cameras at the with them, just incase. With a camera for the mass market, and as a result are Glove Housings centrate on get- moment are the Nikon D70s and the and housing you have a camera which very cheap. SLR housings are a com- When a new camera ting the image Canon 20D. The D70s currently costs you can use more effectively on land, pletely different ball game. Some hous- is released, a com- you want. around £600 (US$1050) usand the 20D also compacts are generally cheaper. ings are so specialised and appeal to pany such as Subal, Box hous- around £950 (US$1650) (camera body such a small market that they are made Seacam, or Nexus ings tend to be only). Many divers are choosing to go in batches of 20 or less, hence the cost. will design a brand available much with the Nikon, this is because there are Unlike a compact, when using an SLR new housing from sooner than glove two different wide angle lenses available, you must select which lens you plan on scratch. This means housings, simply a 12-24 mm zoom lens and a 10.5mm full using before you begin the dive. When the body of the hous- because they frame fisheye. This offers the user more working with an SLR you travel with a ing has a very snug do not take as flexibility when choosing which lenses to range of ‘ports’, these accommodate fit around the cam- long to develop, use underwater. different lenses. You use flat ports for era, with very little if you’re in a rush Fisheyes are very popular, allowing you macro lenses, (for shooting small sub- dead air space inside. to get one of the to capture large subjects such as wrecks,

Seacam housing

72 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Underwater pho- tography is nothing new. This is the Rollei housing that the legendary used

the past and so they have a lot of money invested in lenses, however most professional land photographers are taking the reef Canon route. The IDS Mk II is des- scenes or tined to become a cult camera, tems up and running, whale sharks. The many people believe it was the Hopefully we’ve now cleared Canon 20D is a better cam- first camera which allowed us to up a few of the questions about era in terms of resolution, speed say that digital is actually better the questions that you may have and build quality, but at the than film, and the results that it is had about the pros and cons of moment there is no fisheye avail- producing underwater are truly some of the cameras which are able. stunning. available on the market today. ■ Most underwater photogra- Professional level DSLR’s phers need not consider profes- In the next issue: Cameras such as the Canon EOS sional level DSLR’s, lower end Let there be Light IDS mk II, and the Nikon D2x are cameras such as the Nikon D70 the tools of professionals, and offer more than enough in terms Remember all the stunning colours carry price tags which are way of control, flexibility and resolu- you’ve seen in countless underwater outside most peoples budgets. tion. There are however a select photograph’s, and now wander why With a system fully kitted out, a few, mainly professional underwa- it’s not in yours? We’ll look at how to photographer could be entering ter photographers, who can justify get colour in your shots through the the water with more than £10,000 the expense of getting these sys- use of flashguns and filters. (US$17,500) worth of cameras equipment. Professional level DSLR’s offer the handling, build quality, and speed that many were used to with top of the line film cameras, as well as resolution and image quality that meets the needs of professionals. With regards to high end cam- eras, the Canon versus Nikon debate is stronger than ever at the moment, it seems that the majority of underwater photog- raphers are taking the route of the Nikon D2x, a 12 megapixel camera which renders excellent image quality and carries a price which is very competitive to the top of the line Canon cameras. Many divers are taking this route because they owned Nikon’s in Where the pros go, camera tables tend to get a little cluttered

73 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED shark tales

Text by Edwin Marcow Photo by Peter Symes The time has come to repay the debt A suggested new revolutionary dive levy There have been three shark 70’s, particularly after the Jaws films, that attacks in recently; all sharks were vilified as killers. Divers with a misguided sense of bravado went Armin Trojer, 19, was bitten in about decimating shark populations chest-deep water; Craig Hutto, throughout the world. The problem today File image of black tip reef shark from the Kattegat Aquarium in Grenaa, Denmark. www.kattegatcentret.com 16, lost a limb while fishing in has become so great that the popula- Cape San Blas; and Jamie Marie tion projection for the gray nurse shark lowing their food source into new waters. The money raised from this levy would cal stage of its fight of survival, and the is quite depressing. The extinction of this The impact of man on the natural be directly used for an artificial breed- regrettable and shameful past of divers Daigle, a14 year old girl, was magnificent animal in eastern Australian world has had a far-reaching effect, for ing program. Test tube sharks in fact. indiscriminately killing sharks for sport, killed as she swam on a boogie waters could be a reality 10 years from we have upset the natural balance and Embryos harvested from female sharks in would not every one agree with this board. now. placed many animals, the wild would be reared revolutionary idea? However, objec- the gray nurse shark separately in artificial tions have come from – most surprisingly Shark attacks happen, but they are rare Rare included, on the endan- Shark attacks wombs to prevent “intrau- – Australian dive operators, the very peo- events, and are usually due to mistaken Shark attacks are rare and loss of life gered list. It is now time happen, but they are terine cannibalism” (this ple who should be more environmentally identity. But it is always greatly regret- worldwide only numbers a handful of to repay the debt! takes place where embry- aware. table when such terrible incidents do people annually. More fatalities occur rare events, and are onic sharks feed on one They fear that these extra charges take place. One can hardly imagine the from elephant stampedes in India but Shark Tax usually due to mis- another within the womb), would put people off diving. I believe, terrible pain and anguish of those poor without the same emotive and chilling A revolutionary idea has and to increase the odds though, that in 10 years from now, if families, especially for the family of Jamie headlines, or sense of . taken shape in Australia. taken identity for successful healthy there are no more gray nurse sharks in Marie Dagle, the teenage girl whose life We live in an ever-changing world, with Primary Industries Minister births. eastern Australia, the diving industry will ended so abruptly. our climate and the oceans on which we Ian McDonald has This would go a long way suffer even more than the recent 30% The closer we come to the day when depend being in a state of flux. Sightings championed the cause for ‘pay as you to help, as there are believed to be only drop the industry has suffered in the last we have electronic barrier protection for of basking sharks are up 65% off the dive’. In certain critical gray nurse shark about 460 gray nurse sharks remaining in two years. Why? The answer is simple. bathers and swimmers, the closer we will Scottish coast since 2001, but are down locations a charge of 20 Australian dol- eastern Australia, with a low birth rate of Love them or hate them, most people, come to having a human and a healthy 66% in south-western England, their natu- lars per diver, per day, would be levied. only two pups every two years. The math- especiality divers, are drawn to sharks, all shark population living side by side with- ral habitat. The reason for this abrupt and Divers would also be required to dive ematics speaks for itself. With so few gray sharks. out tragedy. dramatic change, with rising sea temper- with only specially licensed commercial nurse sharks remaining, and a low birth We need to be magnanimous, brave, atures, is that the distribution of plankton dive operators who would adhere to a rate, most scientists believe the popula- visionary and, above all, live with a good Jaws has been severly changed from its usual code of conduct and various other prac- tion cannot regenerate itself naturally. conscience. Save our seas, and we will It was after human intervention in the pattern. The whale sharks are simply fol- tices. With the population in such a criti- perhaps save our world. ■

74 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED No Safe Harbor: The Tragedy of the media Dive Ship Wave Dancer Books•Film•DVDs•CDs by Joe Burnworth Edited by Peter Symes Hardcover: 254 pages Publisher: Emmis Books & Gunild Pak Symes Published: June 20, 2005 ISBN: 157860219X POINT & CLICK Price: US$13.59 ON BOLD LINKS The author of this book, Joe Burnworth, has created a gripping page-turner focusing on the worst accident in sport history. A true adven- Sea Salt: ture book, No Safe Harbor provides a Memories & Essays dramatic account of the events that by turned a carefree scuba diving vaca- Hardcover: 320 pages tion in Belize into disaster and tragedy Publisher: New World as Hurricane Iris captured a group of Publications divers in her mighty path. Published: October 20, 2005 www.amazon.com ISBN: 187834840X Price: US$30.00 This book holds a treasure chest of memories and stories by the author, famed filmmak- er, adverturer and explorer, Stan Waterman, collected over his 50 years on, under and exploring the sea. Great tales of exciting adventures with Great White sharks and other magnificent creatures riddles the book with profound insights and poetic exposés of the natural underwa- ter world and the author’s experience with the amazing creatures of the ocean. www.amazon.com A World Below: Episode One Malta DVD Published: April 2005 DEEP DVD Price: GB£14.99 This DVD gives viewers the ulti- mate audio visual experience of shipwrecks through a fusion Aliens of the Deep of spectacular underwater by Joe MacInnis, Lisa Thomas (Editor), scenes and an amazing musical Mabul Kapalai: James Cameron (Introduction) score. With essential informa- Hardcover: 192 pages tion of each shipwreck pro- Sabah’s Underwater Treasure vided in a unique format, this by Isley, Jason; Simon Christopher;, et al Publisher: National Geographic Published: February 1, 2005 is the first part in the H2Ocean Hardcover: 202 pages series that takes viewers to the Published: 2005, Malaysia, 1st Edition ISBN: 0792293436 Price: GB£19.99 Mediterranean island of Malta. ISBN: 9838120944 The island’s strategic location Price: US$79.04 (S$132.00) James Cameron, director of The Titanic, offers this companion volume placed Malta in a pivotal role Ignored by the rest of the world until the 1980’s, the three during WWII where several bat- small Malaysian islands of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai, are to the new 3-D giant-screen film. The book follows a team of NASA tles left the island’s shores lit- home to one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems tered with an abundance of in the world. Five passionate divers who have spent the scientists on their exploration of the deep ocean vents in the Atlantic and interesting wrecks. last seven years in and around these islands document this www.aquapress.com remarkable ecosystem in this book with superior images Pacific Oceans. Earth’s most hostile and text that provides insight into the day-to-day activities and inaccessible environments are and behaviors of the flora dn fauna of these islands. While revealed as we catch a glimpse of the region is at risk for environmental impact from global the remarkable inhabitants that exist climate change, the future holds that the island of Sipadan in these strange ecosystems. will soon be recognized as a World Heritage Site. www.amazon.com www.selectbooks.com

75 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Often fished but rarely dived, Connemara loughs are bog diving territory at its best

RIGHT: Killary fjord, Connemara BELOW: Tube worm feeding Ireland’s Connemara

Text and photos by Jerome Hingrat Sliding into brack- ish water riddled by a seasonal down- pour might not be everybody’s idea of a week-end in the Wild West...but for the frustrated winter diver that I am, there is sometimes nothing like the peaty waters of Connemara.

The region of Connemara on the West coast of Ireland is famous for its scenery and fishing. It has inspired many artists and attracts tourists every year from all over

76 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Connemara the world, in particular the ment, it takes a while to seen to a live underwa- United States, Germany adjust and spot them. A ter Christmas tree. Sitting and France. The town of lot of these mud hoppers on a hard base of white Clifden, in particular, is a are more curious than their tubes, they really stand out popular place for fishing— sea counterparts, they will against the muddy lough sea and fresh water—golf, come out to gawk at the bed. At feeding time, with and hill walking. With a tourists, stare and hop out the reefs in full bloom, the low density population, of reach. bottom suddenly comes wild scenery and friendly In places, tubeworms alive. people, it is one of those have congregated in These reefs are very places where you can truly huge numbers and devel- much alive and support get away from it all. oped into full-grown reefs. a variety of animals. The Connemara loughs are Clumps of red, orange, colonies of tubeworms act like proverbial watering yellow and white serpula as a magnet for several holes: there is no short- (tube worms) are fanning species and diversity is the age of them. Water is not themselves in a gentle cur- order of the day. Sleepy exactly a rare commodity rent. This is the closest I’ve edible crabs are found around here, above and on their relation to the below, out of the heavens sea, some loughs seem it comes in every colour, deprived of any visible life, salted, fresh, not so fresh or others are just teeming with with a seasonal Guinness it. With sea loughs, a layer tint. In late summer, a of brackish fresh water sits plankton bloom and peat over the layer of salt water. water conspire to create In the summer, as the sun visibility averaging chow- filters through the surface, der-like conditions, at best. the water takes on an To cap it all, clouds of jel- eerie post nuclear glow. lyfish pulsating by don’t The surface acts help improve the visibility. like a filter and blocks off What a contrast with the daylight, soaking up what- clear waters of the Atlantic ever sunshine dares find its nearby! way over Connemara. Fed with seawater and fresh water from nearby Mysterious Shallows rivers, sea loughs can bring Moving along the shallows together an odd mixture reveals a sandy bottom of life resulting from the of broken shells and grav- interchange with the sea. els. Not the typical mud A slight is notice- plain. Beyond the shallows able with the and brings you into deeper water clarity can improve. waters, and in some areas It is a great spot for watch- the slope falls sharply into ing passing shoals feed- 20+metres. With limited vis- ing by. Shoals of garfish ibility, many dwellers are and rainbow trout are not camouflage experts and uncommon. Depending blend in with their environ-

LEFT: Detail view of Tube worms CENTER: Blennie camouflaged in the shallows RIGHT: Diver over reefs of tube-worms (serpulids) 77 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Connemara feature nestled among clumps of Connemara is a savage beauty. tubeworms. Starfish and brit- —Oscar Wilde tle star sit atop or in the cen- tre of the reefs when they’re not crawling their way across clumps of colourful umbrellas. Further along, the reefs are covered with strings of sea squirts in the shape of

light bulbs. In places, various attached to glowing pieces of the grub here is five-star. weeds and sponges appear orange sponge or wedged in to smother the colonies of a crack. Smaller scallops and Macro life serpulids, each species com- mussels are buried in many In June, nudibranchs and sea peting for space. It seems that places. They can be hard to hares enlaced in amorous the tubeworm colonies has spot and it’s only after get- embrace have colonised been themselves colonised. ting close that you’ll make out the reefs. They are obviously their tiny eyes. Another striking thriving in this environment. Fish residents are nudibranchs slim- It is difficult to imagine all Fish are not lacking either. ing their way across the reefs. these animals surviving on the Blennies and dragonets are Further along, three lob- muddy lough bed. The reefs hopping along the muddy sters have found a home at provide a habitat for these bottom, rock cook and the base of a large clump of species that would probably wrasse hover around feeding. tubeworms. One of them pops not be found here other- Blennies are not used to divers out of its den wielding a pair wise. Watching these animals and faced with less preda- of claws like garden shears. will test your buoyancy and tors than in the sea. In any But they’re not all the stay-at- breathing control. Serpulids case, they show real curiosity, home variety. We turn around are extremely sensitive to any attracted by the whirr of the to face an even bigger light, noise or vibrations. The auto focus - a few oblige by specimen trampling the muck. slightest disturbance and the posing. May coincides with Amazingly, the wily old beast colorful beasts retreat in a nest building for wrasses and keeps a steady course. I have wink. Unlike critters that dart the reefs are a busy hive of to make way as he retreats away and never reappear, activity where wrasse can into a hole hindered by two the serpulid worms are soon LEFT: Starfish in bog water be seen carrying along sea- oversized claws. Eat your out again. They cannot leave TOP INSET: Nudibranch weed twigs. Further along, the heart out Popeye! If the size of the reefs, they are the reefs, BOTTOM INSET: Curious blennie reefs have eyes. Scallops are these animals is an indication and I must have aged taking UPPER RIGHT: Clifden, Connemara glued to the reefs. Some are of the nutrients available, then photographs of them.

78 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RIGHT: Split view of bridge and shallows feature BELOW: Portrait of a lobster with diver Connemara Deeper, the atmosphere can be bottom is a plain of mud. The light- downright spooky. Light penetration est fin kick raises a cloud of soot-like is minimal and on cloudier days, dust. The kind of particles that stay almost non-existent. Past 20 m, we in mid-water and take all summer might as well be diving in a tun- to come down. nel. A halogen torch cuts through Back to the shallows, sun rays the first meters of water shrouded passing through the surface weeds by plankton and particles. Looking create ghostly silhouettes. After up, the surface is a faint glow. On persistent rain, water droplets float a sunny afternoon, we hit 25 m of on the surface trapped in an oily complete darkness in the centre film. Run off from the land give the of the lough. I had never been on surface a milky appearance. Within a night dive in the middle of the the last five meters, the separa- afternoon before. Definitely one for tion line between the layers of sea the logbook. and fresh water becomes visible. In contrast with the colourful reefs A horizon line runs below the sur- seen only a few minutes earlier, the face. Looking up from 10 metres,

the surface seems to have doubled up only fjord, Killary. It is an into two layers. Crossing the layers is like ideal base to dive and going through an optical illusion. I wonder discover the islands of if I haven’t gone cross-eyed. A bit like look- Clare, Inisboffin, Inisturk, ing through a magnifying glass that won’t and the many wonders of focus...After heavy rain, the halocline can Connemara. be seen up to 5 metres deep. www.scubadivewest.com

Dive Center Jerome Hingrat is a profes- The nearest dive centre to Clidfen is Scuba sional underwater photo- Dive West on the Renvyle Peninsula in journalist from Brittany. His (Ireland) among many others. His work focus- County Galway. It is a family run PADI photographs and articles have appeared es on destinations and subjects ranging from five star dive centre established for many in a wide range of publications, including the Amazon to the Indo-pacific to underwa- years. It is located on the banks of Ireland’s SportDiver (UK), Océans (France), Subsea ter Ireland. www.jeromehingrat.com ■

79 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED fact file BELFAST Connemara, Ireland Superiority by innovation

Irish Sea DUBLIN

NORTH GALWAY History Connemara’s his- implementation has met some and business investment. GDP is ATLANTIC tory streches back thousands difficulties in recent times. 10% above that of the four big OCEAN of years. Local archeologists European economies per capita have found Bann spearheads Government Republic and the second highest in the in Streamstown that are 7,000 EU behind Luxembourg. The Irish The combination of elegance, innovation and precision opens up years old. The spearheads are Geography The country Government has implemented a new dimension in a symbiosis of state-of-the art underwater hous- evidence that the people of is located in Western Europe, a series of national economic ings and autofocus reflex cameras. We ideally combine electronic that era were nomadic hunter west of Great Britain. It occu- programs over the past dec- Celtic Sea and mechanic perfection with classical modern and ergonomic gatherers. A change from the pies five-sixths of the island of ade designed to curb price design. nomadic lifestyle to that of farm- Ireland in the North Atlantic and wage inflation as well as Map of Ireland designating Connemara region ing communities is shown in arti- Ocean. Terrain: mainly level to reduce government spending, facts dated later. rolling interior plains surrounded increase labor skills and groups: Celtic, English; Religion: Web sites Celtic tribes arrived on the by low mountains and rugged promote foreign investment. On Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church The Killary Centre island of Ireland between 600- hills as well as sea cliffs on the 1 January 2002, Ireland joined in of Ireland 3%, other Christian reli- [email protected] 150 B.C. Norsemen began to west coast. Coastline: 1,448 km; circulating the euro along with gions 1.6%, other religions 1.5% Maol Reidh Hotel invade the area in the late 8th Elevation: lowest point - Atlantic 11 other EU nations. Agriculture: www.maolreidhhotel.com century. The invasions were Ocean 0 m, highest point - turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar Currency Euro finally ended when King Brian Carrauntoohil 1,041 m; Natural beets, wheat; beef, dairy prod- Exchange rate: EUR 1 = USD 1.21 Dive Operators BORU defeated the Danes in resources: natural gas, peat, ucts; Industry: steel, lead, zinc, Scubadive West 1014. In the qwth centery, English copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, silver, aluminum, barite, and Language English is the offi- www.scubadivewest.com invasions began and started gypsum, limestone, dolomite; gypsum mining processing; cial language generally used. more than seven centuries of Environmental issues: water pol- food products, brewing, textiles, Gaelic or Gaeilge is spoken Deco Chamber Anglo-Irish struggle of fierce lution from agricultural runoff, clothing; chemicals, pharma- mostly in areas located along Galway Chamber rebellions and harsh repressions. especially of lakes. ceuticals; machinery, rail trans- the western seaboard Galway Regional Hospital Guerilla warefare was sparked portation equipment, passenger tel. 00 353 91-24222 ■ by a failed 1916 Easter Monday Capital Dublin and commercial , ship The SEACAM system has been designed for top performance in Rebellion. In 1921, it resulted in construction and refurbishment; order to comply with the desires of most demanding professionals independence of Ireland from Economy With growth glass and crystal; software, tour- and committed photographers. Whether it’s fully automatic function the UK for 26 southern counties averaging a robust 7% in 1995- ism; Exports: machinery and or clever manual control, we want to help you to make full use of while six northern (Ulster) coun- 2004, Ireland is a small, modern, equipment, computers, chemi- your photographic possibilities. It is up to you to combine your entire ties remained part of the United trade-dependent economy. cals, pharmaceuticals; live ani- experience and creativity with one of the world’s best optotechnical Kingdom. Ireland withdrew Once the most important sec- mals, animal products systems. from the British Commonwealth tor, agriculture is now dwarfed in 1948. In 1973, it joined the by services and industry. Industry Climate Temperate maritime European Community. Since accounts for 46% of GDP, about modified by the North Atlantic then, Irish governments have 80% of exports, and 29% of the Current. Ireland has mild winters, www.seacam.com sought the peaceful unification labor force. Exports remain the cool summers, constant humidity of Ireland and have worked with primary engine for Ireland’s and is overcast about half the Britain to halt terrorist groups. A growth, however, the economy time peace settlement for Northern also benefits from a rise in con- Ireland was approved in 1998. Its sumer spending, construction, Population 4,015,676; Ethnic Lobster on the run. Photo by Jerome Hingrat

80 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED