NARVIK – Norwegian Eldorado for Wreck-Divers Wrecks of Narvik

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NARVIK – Norwegian Eldorado for wreck-divers Wrecks of Narvik

Text by Erling Skjold (history and diving) and Frank Bang (diving) Underwater photography by Frank Bang Ship photography by Erling Skjolds, NSA collection Translation by Michael Symes Dieter von Roeder

The port of Narvik in north Norway was established around the export of iron-ore from Sweden. This was due to the very good harbour and its ice-free conditions. At the outbreak of World War II, Narvik was a strategically important harbour, and during the first few days of the war a very intense battle was fought out here between German, Norwegian and British naval forces. During this fighting several ships were sunk, both warships and civil merchant ships. Narvik harbour was transformed into a great ship cemetery, with wrecks sticking up out of the water everywhere. Several of the ships were later salvaged, but many wrecks still remained. With its high density of wrecks, Narvik is an eldorado for wreck divers.

A diver explores the wreck of the German destroyer Hermann Künne in Trollvika

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www.navalhistory.net

Narvik harbour

Maps outline battles in Narvik and around Norway during World War II Narvik harbour

The importance of Narvik as a strate- Attack on April 9th the Eidsvold in just a few seconds. The that it was British gic harbour increased immediately at The German attack was a great surprise German ships could thereafter sail into forces that were the outbreak of World War II. Germany for Norway, and the forces in Narvik the harbour basin, partly hidden in a attacking, as three needed large amounts of iron ore for were quite unprepared for the attack. strong blizzard. On board the armour- torpedoes hit the their armaments industry, and had a big In the morning mist, the armoured war- plated Norge, it was clear that some- ship. He therefore advantage, in that the ships carrying ship Eidsvold, which was anchored thing was terribly wrong, and slipped ordered the ship to the ore could use neutral Norway and outside Framnesodden, discovered its moorings. When the foreign warships be beached and Sweden to get safely through, without that foreign naval vessels were on their were discovered in the harbour, the blown up. the British navy being able to attack. way in to Narvik’s harbour. Even with Norge immediately opened fire against In the space The export from Narvik went ahead its forty years, the armament of the them. Again, it went terribly wrong for of just a short therefore, with ore ships from many Eidsvold was a big threat to the much the pride of the Norwegian navy. Norge time Narvik har- countries. Due to the war between smaller German destroyer, Wilhelm was struck by a torpedo fired from the bour was under Finland and the Soviet Union, Norway Heidkamp, which stopped a few ship’s German destroyer Anton Schmitt, and German control.

had moved her largest warships to lengths away. It must have seemed capsized and sank in just two minutes. All the merchant www.navalhistory.net North Norway, and in April 1940 both very strange for the commander of the Out in the harbour basin, all was total ships that were not the antiquated armoured warships were Eidsvold to be requested to surrender chaos. The merchant ships launched German were immediately put under The British hit back guarding Norway’s neutrality in Narvik, to a German destroyer a long way lifeboats into the water, and thereby German control, and the guns on the Even though the attack was surpris- in order to ensure that the traffic with in a Norwegian fjord. As the Eidsvold rescued a number of survivors from the British cargo boats were demounted to ing for Norway, the Royal Navy were the ore carrying ships was not disrupted prepared to open fire the Wilhelm Eidsvold and Norge. The captain of the be used as land-based artillery. already out in the Atlantic in a hunt for by the warring nations. Heidkamp fired torpedoes, which sank German ore-boat Bockenheim thought the German warships that were sail-

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Neuenfels

ing north. Thus, the retreat of the aged, and the German naval Narvik harbour took place. Under 10 German destroyers in Narvik leadership in Narvik was nearly command of the British battleship could be cut off. As the weather totally wiped out when the Wilhelm HMS Warspite, a large British force conditions were good for a surprise Heidkamp was hit by a torpedo. sailed into Ofotfjord to annihilate attack, the British second destroyer The retreat of the British ships was, the German destroyers. German group was ordered into Ofotfjord in however, not quite so easy, as the submarines attempted to attack order to attack the German forces German destroyers guarding the but the torpedoes didn’t work! Thus, there, and to create the greatest fjord threw themselves into the fray. all the remaining German destroy- possible damage to both the war- The British destroyers HMS Hardy ers could be destroyed. This time ships and the merchant ships there. and HMS Hunter were thus sunk the British losses were small. Only The attack was a total surprise, in Ofotfjord. The remaining British the destroyer HMS Eskimo had its as the German destroyers at forces also discovered the German bows destroyed by a German tor- the mouth of the fjord had not supply ship Rauenfels, which was pedo. Most of the German destroy- observed the British attackers. The beached and blown up. Essential ers were beached, emptied of British could therefore fire their tor- supplies of ammunition, weapons ammunition and blown up. The pedoes straight into the harbour and provisions were thereby lost for merchant ships were not spared. basin without meeting any serious the Germans. When the British forces pulled out, resistance. The results were over- After this there were some quieter all the merchant ships were either whelming. Two German destroy- days. Planes from British aircraft sunk or destroyed. Narvik harbour ers and several cargo boats were carriers attacked the harbour, but was transformed into an enormous sunk after being hit by torpedoes. caused only limited damage. ships’ cemetery with wrecks sticking In addition, many ships were dam- On April 13th, the great battle of up out of the water everywhere.

View of the great damages in Narvik Harbour after it was attacked on April 9, 1940, World War II

63 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL EDITORIAL FEATURES FEATURES TRAVEL TRAVEL NEWS NEWS EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT BOOKS BOOKS SC SCIENCEIENCE & & ECOLOGY ECOLOGY EDUCATION EDUCATION PROFILES PROFILES PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED features Narvik Wrecks the wrecks. These rules and regulations, and self-declaration can be found on the internet at www.narvik.kommune. no/havnetj/dykking.html When one has registered, a dive permit can be obtained for NOK 50.00 per week. The dive permit is valid for the wrecks: Martha Hendrik Fisser, Stråssa, Romanby, Neuenfels, Anton Schmitt, Wilhelm Heidkamp, and Diether von Roeder. It is totally forbidden to dive down to some of the other wrecks that lie in the Narvik area. This is because they have either not been cleared of ammunition, or that they are preserved as a historic site. Among others, it is forbid-

◄ A diver explores the bridge of the wreck of the German destroyer Anton Schmitt

▲ Close up of a porthole on the destroyer Anton Schmitt

► Captain Terje Seiness with divers on the way to the wrecks of the German destroyers

German bombers also sank several allied were blown up so that the ore-boats in the company of its Other shipwrecks ships in this area. The most well known could pass over them. After the war, the slayers. Narvik was a quiet place for the rest of these is the Norwegian fast-route ship salvaging work continued on the remain- of the war. The most dramatic event Dronning Maud in Gratangen. ing ships. From 1949 until 1956 most of the Diving to the that otherwise occurred was when the cargo boats were lifted and broken up wrecks German ore-boat Odin sailed into the Clearing up for scrap. Only the most damaged and All diving in Narvik German anti-mine boom at the entrance The big work of salvaging the sunken heavily loaded were allowed to remain, is controlled by the to the harbour, and immediately sank. ships in Narvik was started already in the and today they make a fine and excit- Harbour Authorities. Apart from this, it was only minor ships Spring of 1940. Norwegian and German ing diving site for wreck divers. In 1964, Anyone wishing sinking due to collisions, overloading, etc. salvage boats worked at top speed, and three German destroyers were lifted from to dive must regis- There are several wrecks of aircraft in just a short time most of the wrecks the harbour basin and moved out to ter with the Narvik to be found in the area around Narvik, which were blocking the quays were lift- Framnesodden, where they are out of Harbour board, and both in the sea, in fresh water, and in the ed and sent overseas for repair. In addi- the way of shipping traffic. Thus the total- sign a declaration mountains. During the fighting in 1940, tion, the wrecks out in the harbour basin ly destroyed armoured vessel Eidsvold lies regarding diving to

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◄ Divers explore the wreck of the German destroyer Wilhelm Heidkamp. INSET LEFT: Gunnery holes. INSET RIGHT: Corridor of the wreck ▲ A diver gets up close and personal with artifacts still visible on the wreck of the German destroyer Wilhelm Heidkamp ►A door blown from the wreck of the British cargo boat Romanby

den to dive down to Eidsvold, Norge, down-line, one arrives at the roof to be remembered. This vessel could Odin, Erich Giese and all the German of the control room of the Wilhelm do 35 knots at its fastest. On the port- destroyers in Rombaks fjord. Heidkamp, which is the middle one side af the wheelhouse below the first of the three destroyers. The vessel lies deck, there is a hole straight into the Three German destroyers on its keel, with its stern blown off. crew’s laundry. Otherwise, there is a in one dive! It is recommended that one swims lot of detail that should be studied. Imagine diving down to three straight out from the starboard of the To get over to the Diether von German destroyers from World Wilhelm Heidkamp, to arrive at the Roeder you should swim straight out War II in one single dive! It is pos- Anton Schmitt, some 7 meters away. from the the port side of the Wilhelm sible in Narvik. The destroyers Anton Anton Schmitt lies leaning on its Heidkamp, that is, in the opposite Schmitt, Diether von Roeder and starboard side. Up at the highest part direction from the Anton Schmitt. Wilhelm Heidkamp lying outside (the port side) it is about 15 meters It is about a 30 meter swim. Of the Framnesodden, were opened for div- deep, and it is 24 meters at the Diether von Roeder, just about only ing a few years ago. The destroyers deepest. Most of the ship’s stern has the mid-section remains. The stern make a fine and well preserved div- been blown away, but the wreck is and the bows were blown away, and ing site, with a dive depth of 12 - 24 otherwise fairly intact. Among other much of the remaining ship shows the meters. The wrecks lie close together, things, there is the wheelhouse with ravages of time. But there are still a so that if you are a practiced diver its many details. A good route, is to number of details that are worth tak- with lots of air, you can visit all these swim forwards to the bows and con- ing back with you. Outside Framne- three wrecks in the same dive without tinue down towards the keel, there- sodden, it is also not as muddy as it is the need for decompression. after swinging slightly towards the in the harbour basin. Normally, there is a small plas- starboard where one will meet the tic buoy attached to the Wilhelm bows of the Wilhelm Heidkamp. The Wrecks of merchantships Heidkamp to which the dive boat bows of the destroyer stand up from in the harbour can be moored. Following the the sea bottom, and it is a fine sight, The wreck of the British cargo boat

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◄ Diver reveals the reserve propeller blades of the German Narvik Wrecks cargo ship Neuenfels

Romanby lies in the harbour basin. The sticking out. Being 130 meters in length, deck the depth is about 12 meters, which after the torpedo ▲ Colorful corals decorate the boat was being loaded on 9th April and the Romanby is a big wreck to explore. gives a long bottom-time and thereby hit 10th April is also walls of the ship wreck Neuenfels sank after being hit by a torpedo on 10th Beautiful growths of sea anemones and good time to explore. an imposing sight. april. Of the wrecks in the harbour, the sea carnations can be seen many places After being sunk, the Neuenfels lay with Normally, there are ► Jarles checks out the propeller Romanby is probably the best to dive on the wreck. The depth along the deck its masts and some superstructure above buoys on this wreck blade of the Neuenfels down to. The wreck is fairly complete, is about 12 meters, and the maximum the surface, although they later had to too. and it is easy to swim through the cor- depth to the bottom outside the wreck is be blown up in order not to be a danger About 4-5 years ◄ INSET: Jarles with the rudder of ridors and down into the engine room, 28 meters. Romanby lies on its keel on a for the shipping traffic. The remains of the ago the whole the Neuenfels which lies completely open. It is recom- flat bottom. There are normally buoys on blown up superstructure lies on the bot- deck was covered mended, though, that inexperienced the wreck. tom beside the wreck. with 30-50 cm of mud. All the mud has Stråssa and Martha Hendrik divers should not swim down into the If you swim through the first cargo com- now gone after Narvik Urban Council Fisser engine room. Neuenfels partment from the stern you can see one extended the industrial area, which Further out in the harbour basin lie the Behind the rear cargo compartment, Further in, lies the German cargo ship of the reserve propeller blades. Down at caused a greater flow between high- wrecks of the Swedish cargo boat Stråssa you can see, among other things, a Neuenfels. This is the biggest wreck the bottom, under the stern, both pro- water and low-water. This should be and the German cargo boat Martha folded stock anchor. Swimming further remaining in the harbour, and it is an pellers can be seen sticking up from the taken into consideration when planning Hendrik Fisser. There is only about 30 back towards the stern, and letting imposing sight, with its 143 meters length seabed, and also the rudder which is half dives to the wrecks in the harbour. The meters between the two wrecks, so it oneself glide out from the railing, you and 18 meters breadth. Here, too, there sunk into the mud. Looking out from here, surface current can often be extremely is quite possible to visit them both in a will see the fine rudder of the wreck is a maximum depth of 28 meters to the one can really get an idea of the impos- strong. single dive as long as one just wants a together with the propeller axle that is flat sea bed outside the wreck. Along the ing size of the wreck. The hole in the hull general overview. If you just want to dive

66 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Narvik Wrecks cargo compartment, towards the remains of the superstructure of the mid- ship section, where the engine room, among other things, is to be found. The engine room of this wreck is not open from above, but it is relatively easy to swim through. Look out for possible divers behind you, as it can easily become cloudy. Penetration here should not be carried out by inexperienced divers. The wreck is otherwise easy for everyone to get around on. Remember to turn back in good time if you started your dive from the Stråssa, and must get back to the down-line on this wreck. If the visibility is not so good you should give yourself good time for the return. With depths down to some 28 meters (at the seabed), the most sensible is to use at least two dives to expore these two wrecks, as there are so many different things to see. If you keep to the deck, an overview of both wrecks can be obtained in a single dive. Common to all wrecks in the harbour basin, is that the parts that have been blown away lie on the bottom just beside the wrecks. With a little planning, one can therefore also visit masts and superstructures, but visibility can be bad. Hermann Künne in Trollvika With regard to the German destroyer Hermann Künne, which lies in Trollvika in Herjangs fjord, the wreck can be CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: down to the Martha Hendrik Fisser, one usually one can look down into an open engine room reached both by car and by boat. Either ▲ A diver checks out the does so via a descent/ascent from the Stråssa. with the ship’s big motor in place. There is also Over on Martha... way, it takes about 30-40 minutes to trav- rudder of the German One can then follow a rope that is stretched a workshop here with, among other things, a Martha Hendrik Fisser was the victim of a British el the 30 km from the centre of Narvik. cargo boat Martha between the two wrecks. Both vessels have lathe and other machines. Unfortunately, due torpedo 10th April. This wreck, too, lies upright If you intend to go by car, it is important Hendrik Fisser been affected by work with explosives, but to the stagnant water, the visibility is generally on its keel on the 28 m deep, flat bottom. The first to contact some of the local divers ► Divers explore the wreck the hulls and parts of the superstructures not very good here. The wreck is well deco- depth along the deck of this wreck is 10-12 from Narvik Sports Divers Club or Bjerkvik of the Swedish cargo boat remain. rated with colonies of dead man’s fingers, and meters. If you get to this wreck using the rope Divers Club. In order to be able to get Stråssa Stråssa was kept partly afloat after the there is a rich animal life. from the Stråssa, you will arrive at the stern of down to the water where the Hermann ▼ Stråssa in its glory days attack, but was finally blown up by the The rope between Stråssa and Martha the Martha Hendrik Fisser, where, among the Künne lies, you have to pass the boom ◄ The Stråssa is a wreck Germans in May. Today, the Stråssa is a fine Hendrik Fisser stretches between the sterns first things you will see, is a curved staircase which closes off the the final stretch of with lots of details to dis- wreck with lots of detail. The wreck lies upright of both ships. On Stråssa this rope is fastened down to the rooms that were in the stern. In the old national road to Harstad. The cover on its keel on the flat seabed. The depth is beneath the railing at the front edge of the front of the stern lies the rear cargo compart- wreck of the Herman Künne starts at about 28 meters to the bottom outside the stern on the portside. On Martha Hendrik ment, where one can see a 4-bladed reserve the low-water line and goes down to 40 wreck and 15 meters along the deck. Parts of Fisser’s stern the rope is fastened to the star- propeller. meters depth. It is a fine subject for pho- the wheelhouse are still relatively intact, and board side. One can easily swim down into the after tography, and a wreck which is suitable

67 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Technical data Narvik Wrecks for the most relevant features wrecks in Narvik:

Wilhelm Heidkamp – Z-21 Built: 1939 Shipyard: Deschimag, Bremen #923 Owner: German Navy Weight: 2411 tons displacement Dimensions: 125.1 x 11.8 meters GPS: 68°26.086”N 017°22.643’E

Anton Schmitt – Z-22 Built: 1939 Shipyard: Deschimag, Bremen #924 Owner: German Navy Weight: 2411 tons displacement Dimensions:125.1 x 11.8 meters GPS: 68°26.058”N 017°22.588’E

Diether von Roeder – Z-17 Built: 1938 Shipyard: Deschimag, Bremen #919 Owner: German Navy Weight: 2411 tons displacement Dimensjon:125.1 x 11.8 meters GPS: 68°26.083”N 017°22.682’E

Romanby Built: 1927 Shipyard: W. Gray & Co, West Hartlepool #987 Owner: Ropner Shipping Co, West Hartlepool Weight: 4887 tons Divers explore the wreck Dimensions:127.9 x 18.0 meters of the German destroyer GPS: 68°25.533”N 017°22.629’E Hermann Künne, which lies in Trollvika in Herjangs fjord Neuenfels Built:1925 Shipyard: AG Weser, Bremen #397 Owner: DDG Hansa, Bremen Weight: 8096 tons Dimensions:143.2 x 18.6 meters for divers at all levels of experience. Many German Dornier 26 seaplane, also from be obtained from the Harbour Authorities • Narvik Dykkerklubb (Narvik Diving Club) GPS: 68°25.230”N 017°23.601’E details from the ship are to be found eve- the wartime. Relatively intact (one can (telephone 76- 95-03-75) in order to be can assist with tips about diving and over- rywhere. The propeller has disappeared actually see that it is a plane …), it lies at able to dive in Narvik. Information, regu- nighting, and also boat trips. Contact Stråssa Built: 1921 but the gigantic rudder is still there, stick- a depth of 22 meters. The fuselage stands lations og conditions for diving in Narvik, Frank Bang on telephone 957-56-450. See Shipyard: AB Götaverken, ing majestically out to the side. Many fish upright but the wings broke off when it together with a self declaration for a also Bang’s website: Göteborg #356 Owner: Trafik AB-Grängesberg- live in and around the wreck. Those who sank and are now lying over the fuselage. dive permit can be found on the Narvik http://home.online.no/~f-bang/ Oxelösund, Stockholm just want a relaxing time can study the Another German plane from World Harbour board’s website: www.narvik. Weight: 5602 tons many different things that they had on War II is a Junker 52, which lies east in kommune.no/havnetj/dykking.html • Tore Lie and Torje Løvgren provide boat Dimensions:120.1 x 16.3 meters board. It is still forbidden to remove any- Hartvikvannet about 3 miles from Narvik. trips with a 23 ft RIB. Contact telephone GPS: 68°25.142N 017°24.032’E thing that lies in and around the wreck. The plane is quite intact at a depth of 2 to • Narvik Dyk & Äventyr (Narvik Dive and 911-94-960 (Torje) 9 meters, and there is easy access to the Adventure) are currently the only tour Martha Hendrikk Fisser Built: 1911 Plane wrecks too... plane in the summer. It is a good photo- operators who have a complete presen- • Kristoffersen Dykk (Kristoffersen Dive and Shipyard: Ropner & Sons, Not only is Narvik favoured with the graphic subject. tation with dive boats (live-aboard), over- leasing) fill air, give service and sell equip- Stockton #456 wrecks of many ships, but there are also nighting and diving. The firm runs week ment. Contact telephone 907-211-05 ■ Owner: Hendrik Fisser AG, Emden plane wrecks. In Rombaks fjord some Diving in Narvik? tours from weeks 13 to 45. See website: Weight: 4879 tons kilometers north-east of Narvik, lies a As previously stated, a dive permit must www.narvikdykaventyr.nu Dimensions:118.2 x 15.9 meters GPS: 68°25.207”N 017°24.220’E

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OpinionsAll perspectives expressed in this section are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of X-RAY MAG or its associates

Edited by Peter Symes Open Letter to Disney

Attention: Mr. Michael Eisner Please consider the following: developing in the mother for up to Instead of supporting conserva- Chief Executive Officer, Disney World two years. tion, DISNEYLAND HONG KONG is 1. In the minute it takes you to read 6. Sharks are vanishing from our now contributing to the extinction Dear Mr Eisner, this letter almost 200 sharks will world’s oceans very quickly. The of sharks, promoting cruelty and Since Sylvia Hui’s editorial in have their fins removed while still demand for shark fin soup in wastefulness to children and young The STANDARD on 18 May 2005 - alive and thrown back into the sea Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong adults. Since many shark species are “Disneyland weddings for the young to die. Shark experts estimate that and China is primarily responsible protected, DISNEY is therefore seen and wealthy..The menus feature tra- 100 million sharks are slaughtered as encouraging the sale and con- ditional Chinese banquet delicacies each year for their fins. sumption of endangered species. In such as roast suckling pig, shark’s fin 2. Shark fin is tasteless and has no this aspect, DISNEY is promoting to soup and sliced abalone”, you would nutritional value - they are carti- Instead of support- children and young people a mes- have received hundreds of pleas at lage, just like your fingernails and ing conservation, sage that cruelty and exploitation of a global level to remove the grue- hair. animals is acceptable. some item from the menu. 3. It is Cruel to consume shark fin. It DISNEYLAND We are disappointed at the is akin to chopping legs off a cow HONG KONG is now THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE response or lack there of to the issue; and throwing them back into the it is apparent that shortsightedness field and allowing them to bleed contributing to the We respectfully suggest the following or plain ignorance from your ban- to death. extinction of sharks, actions: Admit the shortsightedness of quet and PR staff. By promoting and 4. Because of the demand from Asia, current policy, and instead, support offering shark fins soup, DISNEYLAND fishermen from Galapagos are promoting cruelty and the conservation of sharks by remov- is seen as supporting the culling now pushing for wholesale revisions wastefulness to chil- ing shark fins soup from wedding PHOTO COURTESY OF BIMINI BIOLOGICAL FIELD STATION of sharks, eventually causing their to the fishing statute by demand- dren and young adults banquets and replace it with other This guy is cutting the fin off a great hammerhead shark. Most shark finners dump extinction in the world’s oceans. ing a year-round fishing calendar, more sustainable delicacies. the carcasses or live sharks back into the sea to die a horrible slow death of suf- Imagine shark fins to be the hand use of long-line fishing, a lifting of Since 2002, Ocean N Environment fication. A surfboard-sized fin from a basking shark can get USD 5,000 on the mar- and legs of Mickey Mouse; chop the prohibition on shark fishing. In and Asian Geographic have pro- ket. Studies show that, since 1986, Hammerhead populations in the North Atlantic have decreased by 89%. them off and throw the lame strug- this respect, the Asian culture is for the peril of sharks globally — duced a card/letter package “ WHY gling body of Mickey on the side threatening to destroy one of the some 100 million animals are killed WE ARE NOT SERVING SHARK FIN walk to die a slow painful death! That most unique and fragile eco-sys- every year just for their fins. SOUP TONIGHT” for couples to distrib- Mouse struggling in agony without his is how sharks are harvested from the tems remaining on this planet. ute at their wedding dinner. Perhaps arms and legs on the cover. Get the world’s oceans. 5. Sharks reproduce very slowly and To conserve sharks and the preserve you may wish to consider this as an picture? we are killing them faster than they the species, we must address the option. By doing this, DISNEYLAND can replace themselves. Sharks issue at the heart of the problem. We and prospective wedding couples Submitted by: have slow growth rates and do must reduce the demand for shark will be seen as intelligent, eco-savvy, Michael AW, Chairman not reach sexual maturity for years. fins in Asia. Since 2001, Ocean N and most importantly, contributing to Ocean N Environment Australia It takes a whaleshark 25 years to ENvironment and Asian Geographic the preservation of our ocean envi- Publisher of Asian Geographic, reproduce. For Hammerheads and have launched the ‘Say No to Shark ronment. Scuba Diver Australasia and Tiger sharks it takes 15 years. Once Fins” campaign on an annual basis I trust that you will respond expe- Underwater Channel sexually mature, sharks have long targeting young couples and chil- diently. Imagine the next edition www.asiangeographic.org gestation periods with the embryo dren. of Asian Geographic with Mickey www.scubadiveraustralasia.com

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Text by Michael Symes Photos by Peter Batson (www.exploretheabyss.com)

Hydrothermal vents are places rocks are to be seen on Iceland and Cyana. They first found slightly warm in the Earth’s crust where very other volcanic islands today. And sedi- water with the deep tow, then dived ments with unusually high amounts of on that spot in Alvin. As they hoped, hot water arises from vents in iron, manganese, and other metals are they found 20°C warm water seeping the cold, deep-sea floor. This found near mid-ocean ridges. There from fissures. But more importantly, they hot, mineral-laden water is a are also large chunks of ocean crust, found a strange alien landscape littered rich environment for the devel- kilometers thick, known as ophiolites, with what looked like chimneys expel- that have been lifted up onto land by ling clouds of black smoke. opment of an exotic marine tectonic forces. These ophiolites show The greatest surprise, however, life, previously unknown before evidence of hot seawater circulation was that there were very numerous, the discovery of hydrothermal through fissures in the rocks in the dis- large animals living around the vents. vents. This marine life uses a tant past. Furthermore, heat flow anomalies quite different chemistry from indicated that the crust near a mid- Global View: Pacific Ring of Fire other animal life, be it marine ocean ridge crest was cooler than life in the upper sea levels, or expected. It was infered that the crust was cooled by circulation of seawater terrestrial life. Thus, hydrother- through cracks and fissures in the rock. mal vents are not only very There were also deep-tow tempera- Explorer interesting geologically speak- ture anomalies. An instrument package Ridge ing, but even more so from the towed at about 2500 meters depth near Mariana the East Pacific Rise, a geologically biological point of view. active zone betwen the Pacific tectonic Arc plate and the Nazca plate, measured East Their discovery an average temperature of ca 2°C, but Pacific Prior to the 1970s, hydrothermal vents detected warmer water temperature Rise were an unknown phenomenon, but peaks of 0.1°C to 0.2°C. certain observations had led marine This then led geologists, in 1977, to geologists to hypothesize that vents organize an expedition to an area of existed. Rocks had previously been the East Pacific rise near the Galapagos recovered from the sea floor contain- islands, some 2500 meters below the sur- ing minerals known to form when vol- face. They took a deep tow instrument MID OCEAN RIDGE SYSTEMS canic rocks react with seawater. Such and Cousteau’s research submersible ISLAND ARC/TRENCH SYSTEMS

Tevnia plume PETER BATSON

70 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED TOP LEFT: Alvin submersible BOTTOM LEFT: Alvinellacaudata Hydrovents FAR RIGHT: Black smoker science BELOW RIGHT: Map of Active Sites

Surrounding these chimneys was a assumptions. Here was proof unique type of ecosystem that had never for the first time that life could been seen before. These animals turned be sustained by the earth itself, out to be completely new species, often totally cut off from the world of new Families or Orders, and even one sunlight. new Phylum. Until then, it had always been assumed that all life on Earth Hydrothermal vents obtained its energy from the sun. Using a and their formation process called photosynthesis sunlight is Hydrothermal vents occur in converted into energy by plants which, geologically active regions of WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE THE CHEMISTRY OF A “BLACK SMOKER” IS UNIQUE: AFTER SEA WATER SEEPS in turn, provide food for countless species the ocean floor where the planet’s crus- INTO THE CRUST, OXYGEN AND POTASSIUM AND THEN CALCIUM, SULFATE, of animals in a complex web of life. But tal tectonic plates are slowly spreading AND MAGNESIUM ARE REMOVED FROM THE WATER. AS THE WATER HEATS UP, SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM DISSOLVE FROM THE CRUST. MAGMA here was a sight that challenged those apart thus allowing magma to well up SUPERHEATS THE WATER, DISSOLVING IRON, ZINC, COPPER, AND SULFUR. THEN from below to form moun- THE WATER RISES BACK UP TO THE SURFACE, WHERE IT MIXES WITH COLD SEA- NOAA WATER, FORMING BLACK METAL-SULFIDE COMPOUNDS. tain ranges known as mid- ocean ridges. Vents are As cracks form in the ocean floor at usually clustered in fields these spreading centers, seawater seeps and normally found at a a kilometer or two down into the hot rock

depth of more than a kilom- where it is heated by the intense heat of NOAA eter. Most have been dis- the magma. As the water is heated to covered along the crest of boiling point, it expands and rises back to chimneys are formed from dissolved met- the Mid-Oceanic Ridge, a the surface, up through the cracks and als that precipitate out when the super- 74000 kilometer-long chain fissures through which it dropped. On hot vent water meets the surrounding of mountains that wraps its way back up, the hot water dissolves cold deep ocean water. Individual vent around Earth like the seam minerals and other chemicals from the openings typically range from less than on a tennis ball. A few vents rock. When it reaches the ocean floor, a centimeter to more than two meters in have also been found at the water is a rich, chemical soup. Some diameter. seamounts, underwater vol- of the minerals precipitate out of the sea Vent chimneys can grow very rapidly, canoes that are not locat- water and harden on the rim of the vent. up to 9 meters in 18 months. During a ed at the intersection of the Over time, the rim of the vent is built up December 1993 dive to the Phoenix vent tectonic crustal plates. into a tall, chimney-like structure. These field, Alvin accidentally toppled a 10

USGS PETER BATSON 71 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Hydrovents high temperatures, high pressures, and total darkness existing at these vents. Similar communities have since been found at several hundred hot spots around the world. Hydrothermal vents are like underwater oases, providing a habitat for many creatures that are not found anywhere else in the ocean. More than 300 new species have been identi- fied since the first vent was discovered in 1977. These creatures are like nothing else on Earth.

NASA Thickets of giant tube worms, some more than two meters tall, can be seen around calcium, potassium, and sodium, together with

silicon, barium, rubidium, PETER BATSON iron and manganese. The black smokers are the hottest of the vents. They throw out mostly iron and sulfide, which combine to form the black iron monosulfide. It is this compound which gives the smoker its black colour. There are also so-called white smok-

PETER BATSON ers which release cooler Strange and unique species develop in the ecosystem of the hydrothermal vents such as the vulcan octo- water, and which con- pus (ABOVE), shrimp and vent crabs (INSET). tain amorphous silica mixed with zinc- and iron- meter-tall smoker. When the sub returned However, the intense heat is limited to sulphide, and calcium- and bar- for a brief visit three months later, the just a small area. Within less than a cou- ium-sulphate. These compounds chimney had already grown back 6 ple of centimeters of the vent opening, are white. meters. the water temperature drops to 2°C, the However, important and com- The dark colour of the water spewing ambient temperature of deep seawater. mercially interesting as the chemi- forth from these vents has earned them cals in the vents might be, it is the the name black smokers. Chemicals in creatures surrounding the vents As the vent water bursts out into the hydrothermal vents that are the most interesting. ocean, its temperature may be as high There is a very mineral-rich environment as 400°C. This water does not boil, how- surrounding these vents. The water ris- Creatures at these oases ever, because it is under so much pres- ing from the vents is acidic, with a pH Scientists once thought that no liv- sure; for when the pressure on a liquid of about 3.5, and contains up to 0.03% ing thing could survive the harsh

is increased, its boiling point increases. H2S. It contains significant amounts of combination of toxic chemicals,

TOP RIGHT: Stalked barnacles RIGHT: Alvinella head PETER BATSON 72 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Hydrovents

the vents. The tail ends of the worms are likely that they emerge from below when the THE TUBE WORM firmly fixed to the ocean floor, while the red conditions are right. Most of the creatures that A particularly remarkable type of vent animal plumes at their heads look like a field of red congregate around vents live at temperatures is the tube worm. These can be 3 or more poppy flowers. When Alvin had been at the just above freezing. meters long. They live within a tough, white same spot less than two years earlier none of tube attached to the sea floor near a vent. these strange creatures had been observed. Thus chemicals are the key to vent life, not A red “plume” protrudes from the top of the Measurements at the site have since shown heat. tube. This structure contains red haemoglobin, that individual tube worms can increase in that absorbs oxygen, carbon dioxide, and length at a rate of more than 80 cm per year, Incredible deep sea creatures had been hydrogen sulfide from the water surrounding making them the fastest-growing marine inver- known for quite some time, but these animals the worm. The brown, spongy tissue filling the tebrates. all depended on the regions above for their inside of a tube worm is packed with symbiotic In addition to the giant tube worms, which sustenance. They feed on small scraps of food bacteria - about 10 billion bacteria per gram have so far been found only in the Pacific, and dead animals that fall from above. Here of tissue. The bloodstream of the tube worm there are Jericho at the vents, though, some- transports the absorbed chemicals to the bac- worms, bristley orange SYMBIOSIS thing entirely different was teria, which are housed within a special organ worms, small benthic Symbiosis is an association between taking place. These organ- called the trophosome. The bacteria then worms living in the mud, two organisms that benefits them both. isms were using another use these chemicals to grow and to produce and finger sized, red In the case of many of the vent ani- process to get their food organic substances that are absorbed by the palm worms that stand mals, the animal has chemosynthetic directly from the vents worm for food. Having no digestive tract at all, upright, topped with bacteria as symbionts. The animal gets themselves. the worm thus depends solely on the bacteria fronds. A special class its food from the bacteria. The bac- This process is known as for its nutrition. of small worms, called teria get an ideal location for growth, chemosynthesis, with bac- Tube worms reproduce by spawning: They Alvinellids (named after because the animal provides them with teria in the water actually release sperm and eggs, which combine in the sub), live on the both oxygen and hydrogen sulphide. feeding on what would the water to create a new worm. Biologists walls of mineral deposits otherwise be a lethal soup don’t know how the infant worm acquires its that form around vents. of noxious chemicals. Small own bacteria. Perhaps the egg comes with a Mussels, shrimp, clams, animals feed on these bac- starter set. and crabs are abundant at many vents, but teria, and these small animals again provide At least 5 different species have been dis- these are not the same species we usually eat. food for the larger animals. It is an entire eco- covered. The prawn-like shrimps that dominate vents in system, totally separate from the world of light. the mid-Atlantic, for example, have no eyes. It should be noted, though, that not all vent Both clams and mussels reach enormous size animals have symbionts. Some are scavengers near vents. They appear to live about 20 years or carnivores that benefit from the rich food and attain lengths of 20 to 30 cm. Like the supply, for example, crabs and amphipods tube worms they, too, have symbiotic bacteria that live within specially modified gills. Chemosynthesis Although the clams and mussels do have Chemosynthesis is analogous to photosynthesis digestive tracts, it appears that the symbionts but with a different energy source. provide nearly all of their food. Photosynthesis, which is used by all terrestrial It is still not fully known how shrimp and other plants, and the great majority of the marine

PETER BATSON vent creatures can cope with chemical-laden ones too, is exemplified by how phytoplank- seawater that would kill ordinary shellfish. ton produce their food. In this process, carbon ABOVE: Riftia on tevnia While octopuses are at the upper end of dioxide and water react under the energy RIGHT: Palm worms are the vent’s food chain, bacteria are at the bot- input of sunlight, with chlorophyll as a catalyst, one of the many species tom. They are the first organisms to colonize to produce organic molecules such as sugars that live near hydrovents newly formed vents, arriving as if in a blizzard and starch, with oxygen as a biproduct. and then settling to form white mats attached

to the ocean floor. Bacteria have been found CO2 + H2O → ‘CH2O’ + O2 living beneath the ocean’s floor, and it seems WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE

NOAA PMEL VENT PROGRAM ABOVE: Colony of tube worms

73 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Hydrovents

PETER BATSON

Stalked barnacles

where ‘CH O’ is the basic building block of sugars, the energy in H S is restricted to certain types of 2 2 Photosynthesis Chemosynthesis lipids, etc. bacteria containing the oxidising enzyme. Chemosynthesis takes place in two stages, with CARNIVORES For the production of a specific compound, sugar, the first stage being catalysed by bacteria such as we can write the following process. Thiomicrospira and Thiothrix.

6CO + 6H O → C H O + 6O H S + 2O → SO - - + chemical energy + H O 2 2 6 12 6 2 2 2 3 2 BACTERIA SULFIDE CHLOROPLASTS Sulphide Energy i.e. six molecules of carbon dioxide plus six mole- The chemical energy produced here then facili- Light Energy cules of water produce one molecule of sugar plus tates the reaction between carbon dioxide and Reduced six molecules of oxygen. Here the sugar can be water to produce organic molcules. Carbon glucose, for example. Compounds However, due to the absence of light-energy CO2 + H2O → ‘CH2O’ + O2 from the sun to power photosythesis other energy Reduced sources must be used to drive food synthesis. Now, As shown above, symbiotic chemosynthetic bac- Carbon Hydrothermal the most prevalent chemical dissolved in vent teria can use hydrogen sulfide as their energy Green Compounds Vent water is hydrogen sulphide, H S, which is produced source. However, methane-using symbiotic chem- HERBAVORES 2 Plants when seawater reacts with sulphate in the rocks osynthetic bacteria also exist, especially at cold- below the ocean floor. And it is that which supplies seeps (see below). There are many varieties of the energy to drive the chemosynthesis, for hydro- chemosynthetic bacteria. Nearly all use a reduced gen sulphide is a highly reduced molecule, and chemical energy source, using oxygen to oxidize it CARNIVORES therefore a great deal of energy can be obtained to produce the energy they need. when it is oxidised. This ability to oxidize and release Instead of photosynthesis, hydrothremal vent ecosystems bon dioxide and water to produce sugars. Photosynthesis get their energy from chemicals in a process called chem- gives off oxygen gas as a byproduct, while chemosynthe- osynthesis. Both methods involve an energy source, car- sis produces sulfur. Information source: NOAA

74 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED BONAIRE science Hydrovents Hospitality Without Limits Transience are sessile, and even animals like crabs Vent fields are tens of kilometers apart can’t move that far. So, how are new vents along ridge axes, and most vent fields are colonized? How do vent species survive probably active only for about 20 years, when vents frequently die? although some can be active for 100-1000 years. The chimneys eventually become Colonization of new vents blocked as chemical precipitates plug up It is not known how tube worms and other the cracks and fissures and flow ceases. organisms locate new vents for coloniza- �� The animals near such dead vents also die. tion. The vents are small, and they are �� However, new vent systems form fairly fre- separated, like islands. Most vent organ- �� quently, as forces of plate tectonics open isms have a free-swimming larval stage. �� new cracks and fissures. But it is not known whether the larvae float �� Most of the animals that live near vents aimlessly or purposely follow clues, such as �� chemical traces in the water, to find new �� homes. Many vent animals produce eggs $ with large yolk sacs. It seems that their 599 pp/sext eggs and larvae can survive for a long �� time, perhaps years. It is thought that the �� larvae drift with currents along the bot- JOHN COLLINS tom, which may tend, at least slightly, �� to flow toward active vents. When the Sponges and soft corals do not grow near hydrothermal vents. It is thought that they cannot survive �� in this extreme environment �� larvae find favorable conditions, they �� settle to the bottom and grow to adults. However, most die because they fail to high temperature, etc.) are harmful to affected by the harsh and highly variable �� find an active vent. When the flow of them. conditions on the Earth’s surface, where �� hot, sulphide-rich water slows to a trickle, any photosynthetic organisms would have �� death also comes quickly. Hydrothermal vents are needed to live. Certain microorganisms �� important sources of knowledge have adapted to thrive on these vents �� Cold Seeps and create rich underwater ecosystems �� These are entirely different, geologically, Interesting as it is in itself, the life surround- that some scientists believe may represent �� from hydrothermal vents. They occur in sit- ing hydrothermal vents is also an impor- some of the earliest life forms on Earth. SILVER-SPECIAL! uations where sediments are compressed, tant source of knowledge. For example, Biologically, hydrothermal vents have a �� squeezing out the water between the vent bacteria can withstand higher tem- lot to tell us about the origins of life and �� mineral particles and causing it to seep peratures than any other organism. That the conditions in which life can be found, out of the sea floor. Cold seeps are men- makes them attractive to researchers who which is important to our continuing search tioned here because they have hydro- are developing heat-stable enzymes for for life elsewhere. thermal vent-like organisms that use a genetic engineering, and culturing bacteria There are many other reasons why scien-

CH4- or H2S-based energy source. designed to break down toxic waste. Also, tists want to learn more about hydrothermal these bacteria and tubeworms may show vents. For example, these underwater gey- Animals that don’t live the way to the development of new drugs, sers are believed to play an important role near vents industrial processes, and other products in the ocean’s temperature, chemistry, and Some animals normally found in the deep useful to us all. circulation patterns. Hydrothermal vents are �� JOHN COLLINS ocean are not found, or are rare, near Some biologists think that life, in the form central to the function of the Earth system �� vents. These include sponges and anemo- of chemosynthetic bacteria, first evolved and the life that is part of it; the vents at �� Hydrothermal vents may play a role in the regulation of nes and echinoderms. Perhaps the condi- at vents. One reason is that such deep ocean ridges are an essential part of the �� ocean temperature which has a large affect on coral tions near the vents (hydrogen sulphide, sea organisms would have been less chemical balance of seawater. ■ �� growth and health ��

75 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RECOMMEND science Hydrogen bonding Hydrogen bonding X-RAY MAG between water molecules in water TO YOUR FRIENDS! H2O MOLECULE Place our banner link on your web site

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Text by Micheal Symes Visit our sponsors or Water Facts become one THE HEAT CONTENT OF WATER For the first, the large heat capac- releases such a large amount of heat force called a hydrogen bond. Thus, It has often been stated that life depends ity of the oceans and seas allows energy to the skin that it causes the when water molecules are close togeth- on the anomalous properties of water. them to act as heat reservoirs, so that damaging and very painful scald. er, their positive and negative regions WWW.XRAY-MAG.COM More than 40 properties of water appear sea temperatures vary only a third as But why has this apparently simple sub- are attracted to the oppositely-charged to be anomalous in some way or other, and much as land temperatures. This effect stance such a high specific heat? The regions of nearby molecules. This hydro- among these is its large heat capacity. moderates and stabilises our climate, answer is hydrogen bonding, which also gen bonding is shown by dotted lines The specific heat capacity of a sub- reducing extremes in temperature. explains many of the other properties of in the diagram. Each water molecule stance is the amount of heat energy That is also why coasts experience water. has the potential to be hydrogen-bond- required to heat one gram of the sub- a milder climate than areas that lie ed to four others. It is these hydrogens UV-fotoutrustning för proffs stance one degree. The original unit of more inland. The heat stored in water HYDROGEN BONDING bonds that account for some of the Även för digitalkameror heat energy was the calorie, which was is also transported to other plac- Water is a polar molecule, having a essential and unique properties of water. the amount of heat energy required es around the globe through cur- weak, partial negative charge d- at As water is heated, the addition of to heat water one degree celcius. rents and will warm up colder water. the oxygen atom and a partial positive energy first causes the hydrogen bonds However, the relative unit of the calorie Secondly, and of more direct impor- charge d+ at the hydrogen atom. This to bend and break. And, as water is a was later replaced by the absolute unit tance to humans, the high water con- is because the electron shell round a light molecule there are more molecules of the joule, where one calorie equals tent in organisms contributes to thermal hydrogen atom is rather thin, and the per gram than most simlar molecules to 4.18 joule. Water then has a specific regulation and prevents local tempera- positive charge on its nucleus shows absorb this energy. Now, because the heat capacity of 4.18 J g-1 K-1 , where K ture fluctuations. This allows us to more through, thus giving the hydrogen atom energy absorbed in these processes is refers to the absolute temperature scale. easily control our body temperature. a small but definite positive charge. not available to increase the kinetic Water has the highest specific heat of The high heat capacity of water is On the other hand, the electron shell energy of the water, and thereby raise all liquids except ammonia, and can thus also the reason, for example, why hot round an oxygen atom is rather thick, its temperature, it takes a considerable retain and store large amounts of heat. water can cause such serious scald- and so the oxygen atom has an extra input of heat to raise the temperature of This high heat capacity of water has as ing. Hot water, when cooled from bit of negative charge. These opposite water. Which is the same as saying that least two major impacts on our lives. say 100°C to the temperature of skin, charges attract, giving a relatively weak it has a high specific heat. ■

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76 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical Leigh Cunningham is matters the technical manag- er and TDI Instructor Trainer for Ocean College, Sharm El Configuration Sheikh. Probably best known for his records - Leigh once Leigh held the record for the Cunningham deepest dive in the Red Photos courtesy Craig Nelson Sea - and attempts of www.aquaimaging.co.uk & Hose Routing reaching extreme depths, Two hotly debated subjects he also has a wide range of teaching credentials to his cur- riculum:

Since the introduction of or decompression diving. And advantage of having the a dive, the back- In my opinion, As stated, having TDI instructor trainer, DSAT Tech Scuba diving in the mid there are also the personal back-up Low Pressure Inflator up system should a creeping inflator Trimix instructor, PADI MSDT experiences and preferences (LPI) connected would be the be checked along the specifics 1950s, one of the most could cause buoy- IANTD Technical diver instructor of the individual diver to con- possibility of having a ‘creep- with everything regarding kit ancy problems dur- CMAS 3 star instructor. hotly debated subjects sider. What might be a very ing’ inflator. else. For if this isn’t configuration can ing the dive. When in the world of technical logical, safe configuration in done there is the diving in environ- diving is that regarding one environment, could lead But what is a creeping inflator? possibility that salt frequently vary ments where the to a multitude of difficulties in For those using wet suits, the crystals could form bottom very close, the best type of gear a very different environment. tech wing (BCD) would have around the inflator or you are above configuration. Over the For example, I have had much a redundant bladder to give mechanism. This would then your maximum depth, then years, many experi- discussion with many divers independent back-up buoy- cause the back-up inflator to there is no problem. In the on the issue of whether or not fill only very slowly, i.e. creep, enced divers, instruc- ancy. Divers using dry suits event of losing buoyancy to have the back-up inflator may consider the dry suit as a causing buoyancy problems. abruptly you can just sit on the tors, and training agen- connected to the redundant form of back-up buoyancy or The diver would then have to bottom and connect the LPI to cies, have all claimed wing. A redundant wing sys- opt for the redundant wing. vent gas from two bladders your back-up wing. However, that their method and tem is standard kit for divers Normally, divers would not use during the ascent, which can in an environment where, for using wet suits, and is also the back-up bladder unless be very tricky. practical purposes, there is no style of kit configuration an option for those using dry there was a problem with the Unless equipment is not bottom, it might be wise to is the best. suits. The dis- primary bladder. During a rig maintained by cleaning and have your LPI connected check washing after every dive, to your back-up wing. In my opin- prior to it is highly unlikely salt The questions you ion, the crystals will form. I have, should ask yourself specifics though, met numerous in this type of envi- regarding divers who do not have ronment are (i), kit con- the back-up inflator con- how long would it figura- nected to the LPI. In my take to connect tion can opinion, because of the the LPI? and (ii), frequently possibility of a creeping infla- what depth might vary tor in some environments, e.g. I be at by the time because of the effects of a bottomless wall, it would be I get it connect- different diving environ- very wise to have the back-up ed and estab- ments, be they fresh- inflator connected to the LPI lish neutral water deep cave, at all times.. buoyancy? Gear Configuration Gear open-ocean, When hoses are routed down and behind, they don’t snag on objects, and it is more streamlined

77 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical Example of a single bladder Hose routing matters wing - the Gravity Zero 55lb This, too, is a subject that has had seen at www.abyssuk.com many a group of technical divers Many factors dictate the Be safe! Have a debating in open session for hours degree of negative buoy- neat and tidy, on end. In the caving community, ancy at depth. These can a pioneer of configuration proto- streamlined div- col is William Hogarth Maine, or be the depth itself, the ing system. Bill Main as this highly respected thickness of the wet suit, caving pioneer is called. The term and how close you are to Hogarthian was adopted due to a perfectly weighted sys- Also, a diver may be able to Bill’s philosophy. Originally, this maintain his depth at the bottom philosophy was based on safety tem (steel tanks all round by lightly finning. However, finning issues in caving, where, if divers make an over weighted too hard and for too long could used exactly the same equipment diver). lead to excessive CO2 produc- and configuration down to even tion. The breathing rate would the smallest detail, i.e. if one diver then increase, and the flush- was a replica image of the other, ing and exhaling of CO2 would then, in an emergency, other become less efficient. This would team members would be com- then cause the breathing rate to patible with the diver in trouble increase even more, producing Incorporated in this style of con- more CO2 and thus predisposing figuration is a very rigid hose rout- the diver to a heavy narcotic hit, ing, the specifics of which include essar- together with a greater possibil- what side you have your primary ily heavy ity of O -toxicity problems. This gas by first stage and back-up regulators, 2 equipment, is the well known vicious circle adjust- a 2m primary hose that would be becomes over- of too much CO , leading to ing his wrapped once around the neck, 2 whelming. too much N2, leading to too body to and the location of additional much O2. an optimum equipment for the dive. Again, Very deep diving for Bungee or not? position, then the due to differing diving environ- technical divers will have Another hotly debated bungee would assist ments, this configuration may not a different set of consid- subject is whether to in self-deflating the wing always be the most suitable. For erations for buoyancy have a bungeed or an by squeezing the gas out example, in open-ocean do we compared to the aver- un-bungeed wing system. from any position. However, that really need a 2m long hose when age recreational diver, Again, much like the Low Pressure advantage could also turn into a one of 1.5m may be sufficient? who may experience Inflator issue, there is no one right disadvantage in the event of a depth changes of only or wrong answer. There is only the wing malfunction, such as a split In summary, what is funda- just a couple of atmos- consideration of what should be or ruptured bladder. In this sce- mentally important is that, no pheres. At 200m there used in a variety of environments nario, a rapid loss of gas would matter what the environment, is a great deal of differ- or diving circumstances. For occur from both the split and no matter where the hoses are ence, with a pressure example, in confined or closed by the bungee squeezing away located and their length, no mat- change of over twenty environments, such as cave or badly needed gas. In the un-bun- ter whether your back-up LPI is atmospheres. At these wreck penetration, the bungeed geed system there is always the connected, divers depths, an over-weighted wing could result in snagging or option of turning sideways to trap MUST know what diver runs the risk of reaching entanglement, whereas in open some of the remaining gas inside. they have the point of no return, where water or ocean diving this prob- This is not for the faint-hearted and where the ability to inflate is exceeded lem would not generally occur. but is an option none-the-less. So, it is situ- by an increasing descent speed, The advantage of a bungeed there is no right or wrong answer, ated. This as suit-compression and excess wing is that, if a diver found him- only what is best for the given is the only lead, or the addition of steel self in an undesirable position environment. way to tanks, steel plates and unnec- where it was difficult to dump Gear Configuration Gear

The secondstages are rigged on different first stages as is a Erh..no! Fine and orderly source of bouyancy. This way, in case a first stage fails, i.e. hoserouting but this is not it freeflows, it’s valve can be closed and the diver will still quite what we had in mind have both breathing gas and buoyancy.

78 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical matters resolve a problem in a worst- they dangle like a dog’s tail!. community, by breathing off case scenario, whether it be Nearly all recreational agen- the second stage that would in a cave, in open water or cies have a general agree- be donated to the out-of-gas inside a wreck. It therefore ment that the alternate air diver, and having the back up makes great sense to have source is usually stowed in the regulator on a bungee around a tidy, streamlined and neat imaginary triangle between the neck, where it can be configuration that is well suited the chin and down and located with ease. ■ to the given environment and across the rib cage. However, the diver. I believe that in an out-of-air This discussion is by no emergency, the stressed diver means restricted to the techni- on the bottom will always pre- cal diver. Recreational divers fer to take the regulator from also need to consider their his buddy that he can clearly hose routings, many of which see and knows that it is work- may have been learned or ing. The alternate air-source in become a habit, good or bad, the triangular region may have over many years of just taking flashing fairy lights on it, but I such things for granted. I have can guarantee that in most seen some recreational divers cases the out-of-air diver will stow their alternate second always go for the one in their stages in various unsuitable buddy’s mouth. If I had my places like BCD pockets and way, I would adopt the same restrictive retainers, or even philosophy in the recreational 37975#175¥185x125attached to 3.30.2005nothing, 03:17 where PM Page 1 community as in the technical C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Gear Configuration Gear

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