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News from
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Deep Blue used to circulate a monthly newsletter but now Rich keeps an updated news section written below.
You can also find us on You Tube by typing www.youtube.com/filmingunderwater and see what wrecks we've been diving
If you need dates or information on trips or courses that are not found within this site then please email Rich here
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Welcome to the 2010 blog below! My aim is to keep you updated throughout the year as the months pass by, please feel free to email me your comments to rich@deepbluediving.co.uk
The 2009 blog will still be kept underneath the 2010 , but will be archived at some point in mid 2010.
January 2010
1st January Happy New Year to everyone reading this, all the best for 2010. I celebrated New Year by going for a run on Dartmoor this morning with my neighbour Helen and then spent the afternoon getting my kit ready for a days fun diving on Seeker tomorrow. I'm taking the JJ-CCR for some quality time and doing a bit of filming as well.
2nd January nice day out on the boat today with gorgeous sunshine but unfortunately no vis! Had another half hour on the JJ-CCR though and feeling very confident with the rig so looking forward to a good seasons diving
5th January spent the last 2 days working with the builders on the new unit, should be starting to move in next Monday 11th Jan, now getting ready for a Mod 1 Sentinel course starting Thursday, let's hope the snow melts soon!
7th January have postponed the CCR mod 1 course as the conditions down here are quite poor with all the roads snowbound, that's a first for the Sunny South West!
9th January spent the last few days starting to pack things up in preparation for the move next week into our new premises. Next week should prove to be a challenge not only shifting loads of dive equipment but the snow is forecast to come back, deep joy!
14th January after a very hard 6 days work we have just about completed the move into our new place. The builders were still working as we were moving dive gear in! A big thanks to Mike, Steve and Kieran for helping out with the move. I have one more day's work to go then it's time to start the Mod 1 CCR course at the weekend, I'm glad the snow has gone at least
16th January started the mod 1 course for Chris, Doug and Rick in the new Centre, really enjoyed the day and as the quarry is only 6 miles away we got more done on the first day then I imagined, shame the water temp is only 4 degrees!
17th January another day in the quarry today, got over 2 hours IWT with the lads and more theory / kit prep afterwards. We are out on Seeker tomorrow diving wrecks but off to Vobster tuesday as the forecast is pants.
19th January Rebreather course all finished so congrats to Rik and Doug for getting through Mod 1 CCR and well done to Chris for Recreational Rebreather Diver cerification. The conditions were incredibly hard in particular for Chris who had travelled from St Martins in the Caribean where the water temp is a little warmer at 26 degrees!
22nd January had a couple of days off after what has been a manic 2 weeks with the move and mod 1 CCR course. Picked up the latest addition to our family on wednesday in the form of a Border Terrier pup called Jimmy! Jimmy will be keeping me company this year on my travels around the UK so no doubt some of you will see him in Plymouth or any of the quarries
26th January spent the day prepping kit for tomorrows film job, I launched the RIB later on in the afternoon and we're off to Hat Rock tomorrow to get some more footage for Thursdays meeting with a Marine Conservation Group.
27th January had a great day on the RIB today filming Hatt Rock with Kieran and Sean, I have uploaded a 6 minute clip on my You Tube Channel
29th January had a succesful meeting with the MCS yesterday, hopefully there may be some work to come from the meet, fingers crossed! Now getting my kit ready to go to NDAC to finish off a CCR Trimix course for Ian and Peter, should be bloody freezing!
30th January had an enjoyable day in NDAC with a dive to 75m with Peter and Ian to get them finished on their respective CCR trimix training courses, well done lads
February 2010
1st February blimey where did January go? Can't believe we are a month into the New year already, unbelievable! Anyway I've had a busy couple of days getting the RIB ready for a big Commercial contract starting mid Feb, I have to tow the RIB up to Dundee to work in the River Tay, that's some road trip!
2nd February getting ready for a mod 1 course tomorrow here in Plymouth, 3 lads on the course so another busy 5 days, got some time off after that though
3rd February course started well and got through theory, build up and strip down today, off to the Quarry tomorrow for the first dives, chilly!
5th February spent the last 2 days in 4 degrees with the lads on the course, managed just over 4 hours IWT so now half way through the course with all the skills pretty much completed. Weather looks great for tomorrow so we're going out on Seeker to dive the Scylla and the Lane, course finishes on Sunday then it looks like I'm off towards Scotland with the RIB on Thursday for the Commercial work to start.
7th February had a disaster on the boat yesterday as we had no vis and a huge swell, so we bailed out and ended up in Vobster for a long 80 minute dive to try and catch up, now in the NDAC for the last day, everyone should get through fine today
8th February Congrats to Toni, Steve and Kieran for passing CCR Level one training after 5 good enjoyable days. Now I'm getting ready for a long drive North on Thursday with the RIB but will be stopping in Penrith to meet the family in the Lakes for a few days first
12th February arrived ok in the Lakes with the RIB, managed a healthy 15mpg towing the RIB up the M5/M6. I'm in the Lakes until Wednesday as that's when the job starts in Edinburgh
16th February arrived in Port Edgar Marina, Edinburgh at 11am this morning, met the Divers doing the Bridge inspection then prepped the kit and launched my RIB. Then we took a quick spin out to have a look at the railway bridge where the lads will start diving tomorrow, some very deep water and strong currents to contend with, glad I'll be topside drinking coffee!! We will be here for a week before heading further North to do the same on the Tay Bridge.
23rd February job now finished on the Forth rail bridge, very enjoyable and a bit of an eye opener watching how a Commercial op works. Now we're in Dundee waiting for permission to start on the Tay Bridge, should be up here for another ten days befeore setting off on a 600 mile return journey at 65mph!!
March 2010
1st March job all finished here in Dundee, nothing too exciting diving wise but a great eye opener into the world that is Commercial Diving. I'm now setting off on a 600 mile journey with the RIB and a lot of Coffee, looking forward to getting home and seeing the family
2nd March arrived home at ten last night after a steady 9 hour drive, put the RIB back in the unit and now thinking about getting ready for the next Mod 1 CCR course that starts in 2 weeks time, good to be home!
5th March had a busy week catching up with admin after being away from home although having Kieran doing a few days work each week now is a great help. We're slowly making our way through loads of boxes of dive kit in preparation for a big stock take over the next few weeks. I might also be heading North again with the RIB for some more bridge work, I should know by this coming Friday
10th March had another productive meeting about film work with the MCS group, sounds like there could be quite a bit of filming to do, fingers crossed!
15th March just about finished emptying all the boxes of dive kit, I think it's been breeding during the time its been stored, no idea how I managed to fit it all in at our last place. The builders have finished the upstairs area now so we can start moving more gear out of the way. My friend Hugh Miller will be moving upstairs to build his LED Filming lights that he uses on his BBC work
16th March started the Mod 1 Sentinel Course today, still bloody cold in that quarry, off to NDAC on Friday to finish it off
19th March finished the course off for Gary in the NDAC so congrats to him for Sentinel crossover training, having the weekend off then getting ready for the next Mod 1 CCR course that starts on Tuesday 23rd March
23rd March met Morten and Mick who are on their respective CCR training courses. Morten has driven 3000km from Norway to be here, that's commitment! Mick has flown in from Dublin and they will both be here for the next 6 days
25th March had a good couple of days with the guys so far, heading off to the quarries this weekend as the weather doesn't look too good, when will our Season of good weather actually start?
28th March finished the course off in NDAC today so congrats to Morten and Mick for Mod 1 CCR training, now heading home to wash everything down!
30th March have travelled upto Stoney today to complete my Instructor course on the Discovery Mk 6 CCR. So far so good and despite Stoney being as cold as ever, I'm enjoying diving the unit again after a couple of months not using it.
31st March arrived back home to Plymouth after my Mk6 Discovery Instructor course, now planning on having an Easter break with the family, back to work on Tuesday 6th April so will update the log then, happy Easter!
April 2010
7th April got back from a restful Easter holiday with the family, now getting ready for the Mod 1 CCR course that starts tomorrow in Vobster
11th April got through the first 3 days of the course ok apart from some problems with the Mk6 Discovery CCR! Real shame as I'd been enjoying diving the unit over the last couple of days and today it wouldn't fire up, better luck next week hopefully for the course completion. I'm off to Stratford tomorrow for a meeting about filming then back down to Plymouth on Thursday in preparataion for the coming weekend
14th April short but sucessful meeting in Stratford, heading back down to Plymouth tomorrow to start the continuation of the Mod 1 CCR course.
16th April started again with the 2 x Marks and weather looks very good for the weekend. I'm taking the RIB out as the vis looks good and the conditions seem perfect, about time after such a rubbish diving winter
19th Aprilfinished the Mod 1 CCR course off over the weekend so congrats to Mark Culwick and Mark Hines for completing Mod 1 training. We got 4 cracking dives in over the weekend on our local wrecks. Weather was perfect and a great end to the course, well done lads. Today I'm getting ready for the CCR Trimix course that starts tomorrow
22nd April course started well here in Plymouth with perfect weather and diving conditions. We did the theory yesterday followed by a shallow second dive then went out and dived the Medoc today in 55m. We're heading for the Stonehaven tomorrow which is a wreck I last dived 2 years ago and found a sextant in the bridge area!
24th April all going well for the 2 lads on the training course so far, unfortunately the vis below 40m is rubbish with all the plankton that's now starting to grow as the water temp increases. Last day tomorrow diving HMS Untiring which will bring an end to the 6 days of training
25th April finished the CCR Trimix course for David and Barry, so congrats to both of those guys after a good 6 days together where we actually dived in the Sea every day!!
26th April getting ready to travel to Lundy Island tomorrow to have a look at a boating job, really enjoying the weather and hope it holds for Dive Fest this weekend
29th April took the boat down to Dive Fest, as hoped the wind direction looks good but rain is forecast until late Sunday afternoon. Mark is driving the boat this weekend and I'm having a weekend off with the family before starting work on Tuesday again. Look like we got the Lundy job as well which is good news, I will know more about that on Tuesday too
May 2010
3rd May picking the RIB back up from Pentewen today, looks like all went well for Dive Fest which is must be a relief for the organisors after last years wash out, hopefully they will be inspired to do the same again next year, just maybe not on a Bank Holiday weekend please!
6th May had a busy few days getting gear prepped and serviced and now just leaving for a recce trip regarding a Film shoot so back in on Tuesday next week, will update the blog then but the next few weeks look exciting with lots of small commercial and filming jobs getting underway!
13th May as expected, a very busy week having lots of meetings and on- site visits, but the upshot is we've got plenty of commercial and filming work booked in until the end of June, which given the state of the UK Recreational Diving Industry is a God send! I also got a phone call from the Company we do Bridge Inspection for and they have more work lined up towards the end of the Summer, which is also good news!
14th May got application paperwork through today to name us on the BBC Approved Contractors list, very happy days, turned out the guy who runs it is a Diver also!! Fingers crossed I fill it in correctly and get my name on the List, I've been wanting this for a long time indeed
15th May ran the Ivybridge 10k race today in 45 minutes, knackered!
20th May had a very busy week this week indeed, hence the lack of blog entries! On Tuesday I went out diving with my JJ from Bovisands just to check out a few things and get some more hours in, I'm doing my JJ Instructor course in July so want to be fully up to speed with the unit. Then the rest of the week has been a mixture of prepping for a BBC shoot next Tuesday and working on the RIB from Lundy Island. I'm having the weekend off tomorrow spending it with the family in the sunshine before starting another busy week on Monday
27th May had a really good week this week, the BBC shoot went well and we have picked up quite a few Rebreather sales over the last few days including supplying 2 Mk6 Discovery units to Antigua, let's hope they want training as well! Tomorrow I will be getting the RIB ready for the Bank Holiday weekend charter which is a 3 day trip. After the Charter I'm away for a few days on Holiday visiting friends in London
June 2010
1st June now on my way back to Plymouth to start getting ready for 10 days of Tech training that starts on Friday 4th June. I'm starting with a Mod 1 CCR course then going straight onto a CCR Trimix course for some other divers, looks like a busy period ahead of me
7th June finished the Mod 1 course for the guys, so well done to Tristan and Mark for coming down and enjoying the diving as well as the training, we're enjoying some good conditions at the moment. The highlight was Sundays dive on the Maine where we had great vis and great topside conditions. I'm now having a day in the Centre catching up on admin before starting again tomorrow on a CCR Trimix course
12th June course started well and it was good to meet Tor from Norway and Nick who are both training towards Trimix certification. Tor has had a tough week so isn't diving for the next 2 days but Nick is going well so hopefully by tomorrow Nick will be through his training and both chaps will be on their way home after 6 long hard days here in Plymouth. No diving for me next week but I do have a load of admin before heading off for 2 weeks in Malin Head onboard Loyal Watcher. Kieran will be around though whilst I'm away in case anyone needs anything
16th June Trimix course all finished now so well done to Nick for getting through a tough 6 days and better luck for Tor who hopefully will be back soon to finish what he started. The weather has been great over the last 10 days I've been diving but conditions are not so good below 40m unfortunately. I'm now getting ready this week for a fortnights diving and filming in Malin Head on Loyal Watcher, which I am very much looking forward too as I have no training dives to make, just fun dives, bring on the famous Malin vis please! I'm having a day off today but back in tomorrow to meet a couple of guys looking to buy Rebreathers, Friday will be a busy packing day before hitting the road on saturday
19th June arrived safely in Ayr Harbour to join Loyal Watcher after a steady drive North today. We're leaving later on this evening stopping off halfway over to make a shallow check out dive before hitting the wrecks in Malin on monday, really looking forward to 2 weeks of diving with Mike Potts
24th June had a cracking first weeks diving in Malin with perfect topside conditions. We dived the Audacious on Monday in 10m vis but very green water, not typical Malin. Then we moved on to the Empire Heritage and Justicia on tuesday and weds again in average vis for the area. Thursday was our final day in Malin before heading back towards Ballycastle and we were treated to typical Malin vis on the Audacious which bodes well for next weeks trip! I'm meeting up with the family in the Lakes for the weekend before heading back for another weeks diving on Sunday afternoon
27th June back onboard Loyal Watcher for another weeks diving, this time on Deadlight subs with Tom Jaspers group. I'm using the new 5d Mk2 DSLR this week for video and stills, first impressions after today are that the results could be stunning, just need the good Malin vis to help which will be tomorrow, weather permitting!
30th June had 3 cracking dives on Deadlight subs this week in stunning vis, easily the best I've ever seen in Malin Head. I've uploaded a short You Tube clip so take a look at www.youtube.com/filmingunderwater and click on the Malin Head Mov file after selecting the 720p setting. Weather has beaten us though and now we are heading back to Ayr Harbour for an early bath, which suits me as I'm away again on Saturday for another weeks work
July 2010
3rd July now sat at Gatwick Airport after 2 days of heavy travelling! I landed back in Plymouth late Thursday afternoon and stripped / cleaned all the cameras and dive kit. I'm now boarding a flight to Antigua to conduct some Discovery Mk6 CCR training for 2 guys who live and work on St Marteen, back next Saturday!
6th July sweating nicely out here in the French West Indies, the mosquitos are enjoying my pale white english skin! The guys are doing well on their Mk6 Discovery rebreathers and I'm certainly enjoying the 30 degree celcius water temperature!
10th July all finished here on St Martin, so well done to Chris and Peter for completing their Mk 6 CCR training courses. I'm packing up and heading off home for a couple of days before the next 10 day job which starts in Portugal on 14th July, another busy period ahead of me, no complaints though!
13th July arrived ok in Portugal with the family who are having a holiday whilst I do this quick film job for a local dive centre. Hoping to be done by the end of the week so I can have next week off before flying back home into another lengthy period of work again, it feels good to be busy after having a quieter 2009 season
22nd July job and holiday all finished now so heading back to Faro airport after a very hot 10 days in Portugal, very different weather than what the UK has been having by the sound of it. I'm driving the RIB tomorrow for the next 5 days then straight into a small 1 day job for the BBC, all go again now until the end of October which is great news, looking forward to getting home though.
27th July just about to finish up the 5 days on charter, made a nice change being above the water and driving my own boat, change is often as good as a rest! We're filming for the BBC tomorrow then it's a busy day thursday getting ready for the CCR Mod 1 course that starts on Friday
29th July filming job went really well today, very happy with everything and more importantly, so were the BBC! Getting ready for a Mod 1 CCR course that starts tomorrow and runs through until next Monday then we start work on the Scylla Reef surveying contract that we we won last week for the next 3 years, weather still good down here on the Coast thanks goodness
30th july course started today for Mark and Phil, so far so good and we're on the hard boat Seeker tomorrow
August 2010
2nd August course now all finished for Phil and Mark so well done to the 2 guys for completing CCR Mod 1 training, just got another couple of days to do for Phil and we'll be there! Tomorrow I'm starting the Scylla Reef survey on behalf of the National Marine Aquarium which should take us up until Friday at the latest, weather looks good fortunately!
6th August finished the Scylla reef project on time and completed what we needed to do, now just have to work through 200 odd photos to identify the many areas of the wreck, interesting work and definitely something different! I'm having the weekend off with the family then next Monday will see me getting gear ready for a week in Malin Head on Loyal Watcher again, bring it on!
13th August I'm up in Preston now having spent the first part of the week getting the report written from the Scylla Reef survey and also getting kit ready for next weeks Malin trip. I also met up with my mate Andy Hayhurst in Capenwray yesterday to run a CCR try dive day on the JJ for Steve, Brian, Tim and Paul, I hope they enjoyed the day as much as we did, the sun even came out! Now I'm in Preston stripping the rebreathers from yesterdays session and getting ready to join Loyal Watcher for a week in Malin starting tomorrow
18th August now onboard Loyal Watcher having a superb time on Watcher, vis is superb and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves in the stunning water conditions. Tomorrow we are aiming to dive the stern of the Justicia then we will be heading back towards Bally castle
21st August arrived back home now after an epic trip to Malin Head. We managed to get 5 days diving in on Audacious, Empire Heritage and both ends of the Justicia, fantastic fun and unbelievable vis. I'm now in the Lakes for a week with the family on a walking holiday but contactable by mobile if anyone needs anything. Kieran is on his way back from Shetland and will be around the dive centre most of next week.
29th August had great fun in the Lakes walking and now on way back down to Plymouth. I'm starting a Mod 1 CCR course on Tuesday that runs through until the Sunday and Kieran is running an ART course that starts on Thursday. I've now got a very busy period of work that pretty much takes me through to the end of October then I'm back out to Antigua again at the end of November for more MK6 Discovery training.
2009 blog started 2nd January 2009 below just about recovered from the festivities at New Year, Best wishes to everyone reading this for 2009!
Spent today getting ready for the first training course of the year that starts tomorrow in Vobster Quarry. We will be there until Monday then back down to the Coast to complete the dives from Seeker
3rd January started the CCR mod 1 course off for the 4 guys, water looks freezing!
5th January finished in a very cold Vobster (6-7 degrees) but now on way to Plymouth for 3 days boat diving, weather and conditions look perfect!
7th January got 3 of the 4 lads through the course so well done to Rich, Ian and Paul for CCR module one completion and I am sure Keith will be back when he recovers from the flu. Now getting ready to travel to NDAC to start a CCR trimix course
8th January met the 2 guys on the CCR Trimix course in NDAC and got stuck in, vis good in the quarry and topside temperatures still below freezing
10th January travelled down to Plymouth yesterday to finish off the course from Seeker, weather looks ok and glad to be back out on the boat again, great start to the year regarding Sea dives so far
11th January both lads completed their training so congrats to Mark and Charlie for passing IANTD CCR Normoxic Trimix training
12th January now starting work on Ocean Venture for a few days
13th January boat now looking pretty good, hopefully getting a fun dive in tomorrow from Seeker
20th January sorry the blog has been a bit quiet, Steve and I have been working flat out this week getting the RIB ready to have the engine fitted on Monday 26th Jan, everything looking really good!
25th January boat now at the engine fitters and should be done by thursday, so now have a few days to catch up with planning and paperwork, plus getting ready for the coming CCR try dive weekends
28th January just collcetde the boat from the engine fitters, looks and sounds fantastic, will be putting it in the water next Tuesday after trhe try dive weekend.
29th January heading off to Stoney now for the weekend, will update the blog when I get back on Monday
February 2009
2nd February had a very enjoyable weekend up in Stoney, and got some good feedback from the folk who attended the try dive weekend, will definitely be organising another one towards the end of March, more details to follow!
February 4th got the RIB in the water for the first time today, very happy with the speed and handling but need to sort a few niggles out with the GPS, other than that all good and a relief to have it nearly finished
5th February now in NDAC trying to run a Trimix course in the Snow!!!
7th February got through the first day ok but snow too deep and icy to dive today plus NDAC closed the site. The lads on the course retreated home and have re scheduled for March
10th February had 3 cracking days testing the RIB, flat out she will do 50knots and can cruise easily at 30knots. Most impressive was how she handled in choppy conditions, which is no surprise as when weighed she is 2000kg with full fuel tanks
11th February took the RIB out of the water and back into the hangar to have the forward shelter built and the final touches completed. I am now on route to the Lakes for a week with the family (half term) and then when I get back I have a Mod 1 course running. I will leave the blog now for a week and will come back on Monday 23rd, cheers!
22nd February now back from a good week walking in the Lakes, getting ready for a CCR Module 1 course that starts on Thursday 26th in Vobster. I have also updated the expedition page with details of the 2010 Loyal Watcher trips
25th February arrived in Vobster a day early to have a scooter run around the quarry with Dan and get ready for the course starting tomorrow, 6 degrees in the water!!
28th February all 3 guys doing well on the course so far, water very cold though so just managing to make the time, looking forward to some warmer sea water on Sunday
March 2009
2nd March After 2 lovely warm days in the Sea in 9 degrees congrats go to Al and Jim for completing Inspiration Mod 1 training, well done chaps
3rd March now getting ready for a Trimix training course starting this Thursday in NDAC
5th March had a great day in NDAC today, lovely warm sunshine and had a great time in the water with the 3 lads on course. Weather looks pants for the weekend though so unlikely to get back down to Plymouth
7th March as expected weather blew us out, but had a good time in the NDAC as the vis was superb, congrats to David, Wayne and Ian for completing Trimix training in such cold water, well done lads.
10th March back in the dive centre prepping Rebreathers and servicing kit, got a Mod 1 CCR course next week so will be getting ready for that too
13th March spent the day on Ocean Venture putting the final touches to the front frame work
16th March spent most of the day getting the Rebreathers ready for the course starting on Wednesday, coldest time of the year at 5 degrees so hope the lads on the course have brought some warm clothing!
17th March travelling most of today up to Stoney, starting course at 9am tomorrow. Starting to get some bookings now for the new RIB which is a good sign, interesting also to see that the demand for used units is much higher than the demand for new units, is this so called Credit Crunch starting to nibble in the Tech world??
18th March started the Rebreather course for Keith and Steve, both on Inspirations, and so far so good!
21st March all done in Stoney and now heading home, congrats to Keith for passing OW rebreather course and better luck to Steve when he comes back to complete in June
23rd March started a CCR Sentinel Trimix course today in Plymouth
25th March had a cracking day at Sea today in Plymouth, vis really good and water getting warmer, doesn't look too hopeful for tomorrow though, but fingers crossed!
26th March as expected, totally blown out with a NW Force 6 making diving too uncomfortable, Hugh and Kat have re-scheduled for next week so hopefully we will have better weather
27th March heading off to Bath with the family for the weekend but back on Tuesday for my first 3 day commercial charter on Ocean Venture, really good news to get the boat working so soon in the year.
31st March started my first commercial job today with the RIB, all ran well and I was pleased with how the layout worked, in particular the ladder, a good start indeed.
April 2009
2nd April job now finished and a very happy client which is good news, also spent some time working with a HDV ROV, really liked the look of that bit of kit and may have to start saving hard to buy one as I can imagine the potential for such a piece of equipment
3rd April now back in Bath with the family for the weekend and will be back down in Plymouth on Tuesday getting ready for a busy Easter weekend and CCR mod 1 training course that starts on Good Friday in Vobster
6th April back in Plymouth now getting ready for the coming weekend CCR training course and Easter dive charter on Ocean Venture
10th April now started the Mod 1 course in Vobster for Steve, Keith (again!) and Alun, weather looks lovely topside and the vis is perfect in Vobster
14th April course now finished here in Plymouth, only Alun left!! Less said about this course the better but congrats to Alun who worked incredibly hard despite having 2 less than perfect buddies for company, well done mate.
15th April now getting ready for a weekend in Finland running CCR try dives, looking forward to going out there again
17th April arrived in Finland ok and being looked after very well by my host Janne Halonen, got a busy weekend with 22 CCR try dives to get through!
19th April weekend now finished, and I was very happy with how it all went, great to see so many people interested in rebreathers and we had 8 units available for trial. Thanks to my hosts Janne and Mikko for putting it all together and providing the Finnish Survival Kit for the Brit (large mug and earl grey tea bags!)
22nd April halfway through the CCR Trimix course in Ojamo, the standard of the Finnish students is very high as always, makes my life much easier in such hard conditions, great fun to be back in Ojamo again after a year away, vis as good as always! I am home early Friday morning then having the weekend off with the family before getting the boat ready for the next commercial charter at the BH weekend in May
24th April on my way home from Finland after a great week, really enjoyed being back here and yesterdays dive in the 88m level was a superb way to end the trip. Congratulations to Zoli, Laura and Matti for completing CCR Level 3 Trimix training
29th April got back home ok, checked RIB and that's ok, and now getting lots of gear and rebreathers ready for our expedition to the Britannic in May. We have been asked by National Geographic to do some filming inside the boiler room that we first dived in 2003, so that will be good fun to go back in there again!
30th April got the rest of the gas pumped for saturday and spent the rest of the day chasing kit around the South Coast in preparation for Britannic, a very busy week nearly coming to an end!
May 2009
1st May finished at 01:00 on Saturday morning after being out on the boat and now very tired and heading for Portsmouth!
2nd May met the DSV for the Britannic job in Portsmouth and loaded all the kit onboard with Carl and Leigh. So now everything is in place for the Britannic expedition and the boat is heading down the Channel and into Biscay over the next few days. Now having a few days off before starting Mod 1 again on Wednesday, exciting times!!
5th May spent the day getting the gear ready for tomorrow's CCR course starting in Vobster, but now watching Man U so far beat Arsenal 2-0!!
5th May Man U 3, Arsenal 1, brilliant!
6th May arrived in Vobster and met Robin, Andy and Paul all raring to go on their CCR Module 1 training course
8th May just finished day 3 of the course in Vobster but weather put paid to our plans to dive from Plymouth tomorrow so another day in Vobster then off to Plymouth for the Sunday!
10th May had a cracking day in Plymouth to complete the CCR Module one training for Andy, Paul and Robin, well done lads! Also had my first dive off the RIB which was good to see how it all worked, very happy with it too!
11th May got an easy week prepping kit for Britannic and also getting the RIB ready for Dive Fest weekend in Cornwall, hope to see some folk down there.
15th May arrived at Pentewen Sands with my RIB, great to see so many folk at Dive Fest, not sure if the weather is going to be kind though tomorrow, what a shame
16th May blown out, bloody typical, but at least Man U are Champions!! (never mind Stu, always next year!)
18th May now getting ready to fly out to Athens for this years Britannic Expedition. I am unsure how much email contact I will have out there, so the blog may not be updated for a few days or even until I get back on 1st June, I will do my best to keep in contact with anyone who emails me though.
June 2008
4th June arrived back home from Greece with huge sadness at the loss of my good friend Carl. I have found it difficult to write anything whilst away but after the service this Friday there will be a full incident report posted on RBW and YD
8th June now getting ready for a CCR training course starting on Wednesday 10th
13th June got back from Carl's funeral service in Birmingham, now feel that I can start to think properly again after what has been a very sad and upsetting last few weeks, going out on the RIB today with a group to dive the Scylla and the Lane, weather looks perfect too!
14th June having a day off today to get ready to start a Mod 2 CCR Trimix course tomorrow
16th June had a cracking 2 days on the RIB with the guys on the Mod 2 CCR course, great diving and great vis, should be finished by Thursday so hoping to have a day or two on Seeker before the weekend off with the family
18th June completed the Mod 2 CCR Trimix course so congrats to Rich and Ian for completing the training course, going out on Seeker tomorrow for a fun days diving!
24th June made the mistake of travelling to Vobster early this morning so had to fight my way through the hordes heading for Glastonbury, never the less the 4 guys doing CCR try dives all managed to get there and we had a good day in the sunshine
25th June arrived bright and early for the start of a Mod 3 CCR course in NDAC, met the 3 guys and we spent the day doing theory as one poor chaps CCR didn't arrive in time, off to Portsmouth tonight to collect all the kit from the ship we used in Greece
26th JuneGot back to my campsite an an unhealthy 1am after 7 hour round trip, but got my kit back so happy
27th June now in Plymouth to complete the last 2 days from Seeker divng 70m+ wrecks, looking forward to the day and catching up with folk on the boat, sun still shining!
28th June finished the Mod 3 course so congrats to Stu for getting through the training with a great performance, I have no doubt the other 2 lads will be back soon to complete their training and I look forward to diving with them again.
30th June now on my way to Vobster to dive with Max and hand over her new Evolution plus rebreather
July 2009
3rd July I am now away until the following Sunday on a family holiday in the Lake District so no news updates until I get home sorry! I am contactable on my mobile for work related enquiries though, the number is 07791 152 317
13th July got back from the Lakes after a lovely week with the family walking in the hills, now getting ready for 5 days new wreck diving on Seeker
14th July blown out so far, typical of the UK summer! Got a small filming job over the weekend so getting ready for that
17th July weather has postponed the filming so looks like I get the weekend off with the family! Next week I will be in Plymouth all week diving from Bovisands as I am running an Instructor Training course
20th July starting an Instructor training course today here in Plymouth but off to Stoney for Tuesday and Wednesday unless the weather improves, are we going to get another typical UK July and August again?
22nd July now on the East Coast starting a small film job for a wreck researcher, back onshore Saturday 25th
25th July Back from the film job in the North Sea at an unhealthy 4am today, all kit now cleaned and de-mobbed, ready to go again on Monday 27th for the start of a CCR module 1 course in Plymouth
27th July met Dave and Marc to get the Mod 1 CCR course underway, so far so good and we will be in Vobster until Wednesday before returning to Plymouth for 2 days on the boat
29th July typical July weather means we will now be in Chepstow for the final 2 days, another great UK summer ahead of us! Only good point is that I drove up to Manchester after diving today to collect my new Z1 HDV camera and housing with Fathom lens, very happy to have that piece of kit in my van right now!
31st July Mod 1 all finished now so congrats to Marc and Dave for completing their training and good luck with your units lads, keep practising the skills!
August 2009
1st August now away for a weeks holiday with the family but still able to answer calls and emails. Am back to Plymouth on Saturday 8th when I will be getting ready for a 5 day wreck exploration trip on Seeker
8th August back in Plymouth preparing my new HDV camera and kit ready for 5 days of new wreck research off Seeker starting Monday, might go down to Bovi tomorrow to float and leak test the new camera, just in case!!
12th August just had 2 cracking days on Seeker where we dived 2 unknown marks, there is a thread on South West Mafia under the trip report section. More importantly for me was the camera worked well, no leaks or damage, all seemed ok thankfully!
13th August working in the Dive Centre all day today getting ready for Malin head on Saturday, very excited!
14th August got all the kit prepped and packed into the van, 44 stages and 8 tubs of lime plus my own kit. setting off at 05:00 tomorrow
15th August arrived Glasgow airport at lunchtime, so just updating my site whilts waiting for the guys from Finland to arrive, will be onboard Loyal Watcher tonight, fingers crossed (I do a lot of that!) for the weather.
17th August just heading out to dive the Audacious, looking forward to seeing this huge wreck again, everyone on board and happy so far
20th August had 2 great dives on HMS Audacious plus the Empire Heritage yesterday, vis superb but topside conditions pretty grim with fresh Southerlies and plenty of Malin rain! Just off to dive the Laurentic this morning and back into Bally Castle this evening
22nd August arrived back in Plymouth at an unhealthy 03:00 after a long drive back from Glasgow through the night. Had a great week with my Finnish friends and congrats to Janne, Jani and Turo for CCR Hypoxic certification
23rd August ran a day in Plymouth for CCR try dives then did the OW dives from the RIB, not much vis bit at least the weather was kind. Now getting ready for a CCR mod 1 course starting tomorrow which completes on Friday
September 2009
1st September getting ready for another Mod 1 CCR course tomorrow after a great BHW away in Cornwall with the RIB. Last weeks Mod 1 training was a bit of a wash out for the poor chap on the course, hopefully he will be abck when he has got a few more dives under his belt and feels a bit more confident
3rd September course going well and David seems to be enjoying his Sentinel rebreather, we are off to Plymouth on Friday afternoon to finish the dives from Bovi
5th September woke up to blue skies and no wind, so looks like it could be a good days diving. Got a guy coming down today to dive a KISS rebreather too so busy day for me at Bovi
7th September finished the Mod 1 CCR course so well done to David, now getting ready for the Scilly Isles Expedition that starts on Saturday 12th so will be in the Centre all week
9th September had a quiet week this week sorting gear out in the Centre, weather looks great for the next few days, which is good news for the forthcoming Scilly Isles trip starting on Sunday
12th September joined Loyal Watcher in preparation for leaving tomorrow
13th September dived the Afric today on route to the Scilly Isles, anchoring up in Mullion Cove tonight
14th September now crossing over towards Seven Stones to dive HMS Pincher in 65m, will update the site later on tonight when anchored up in St Marys!
15th September stunning dive on HMS Pincher, really stunning vis and a very interesting wreck, definitely worth another lool
16th September pinged a few new marks this morning but too windy to dive offshore so settled for an inshore wreck on the South side of the Scillies
17th September dived a wreck 10 miles SW of Mullion Cove today due to strong NE winds. The wreck is called the Facto and was quite interesting, vis not a as good as yesterday though but still ok at 8m.
19th September got back from Falmouth on Friday and got all my OC kit ready for this weekends Advanced wreck diving course. I am using the RIB too and with the weather perfect am really looking forward to it
20th September had a great day yesterday on the Syclla, looking forward to more of the same today
21st September weekend completed ok and congrats to Adam and Mark on completion of their wreck training course over the weekend. Now having a couple of days off before travelling to Chepstow to run a CCR Module 2 Trimix course
23rd September arrived in Chepstow ok and met John, Tony and Denis who are doing a Mod 2 Instructor and Mod 2 Diver training course, theory today then diving tomorrow
24th September had a good long day with the guys today in the quarry, all good so far and the vis is escellent which is always a bonus!
26th September finished in NDAC so congrats to John for completing CCR Mod 2 Trimix Instructor and to Tony and Denis for completing Mod 2 CCR Trimix training27th September took a group of divers out to the JEL who had been out on the RIB for the last few days with Mark, quite a busy few days for Mark the Skipper and myself. Now getting ready to travel to Sweden tomorrow for a week running a CCR Module 1 course
29th September arrived fine in Sweden to be met by my host Marcus for the week. I am unsure how much internet service I will have as we are heading to the Coast tomorrow for the CCR dives, will update the site as much as possible during the week, back home on Monday 5th October!
30th September met the other 2 guys on the CCR course today and we loaded the boat to head off to a summer house on an Island of Stockholm where we will be based for the next 5 days. To say this is idyllic is an understatement, what a beautiful place to be based and perfect for this type of course
October 2009
2nd October all 3 guys doing very well on their CCR Inspiration training course, weather is just perfect and the diving is ideal for the course, all on schedule to finish by Sunday 4th
5th October got back from a great weeks diving in Sweden, congrats to Marcus for completing his CCR Instructor course and also to Niklas and Henrik for completing their CCR Module 1 training course
10th October had a reasonably quiet week this week fiddling with Rebreathers at the unit. I have decided to move to a much bigger place as we have outgrown the unit at Brent Mill, plus with Steve Wright doing suit and cylinder repairs and testing we are going to need the space, we move in mid December so exciting times ahead!
13th October just collected the RIB from it's first annual service and now getting ready to go Cave Diving in France on Friday
16th October no Cave Diving for me this week as the guys booked on the course have been delayed with work, so we will have to re schedule, which means I get an extra week to prepare things for the upcoming Tek conference in Lancaster.
21st October now getting ready for the Half Term Holiday in the Lakes with the family after a busy week sorting things out for the move into the new premises in December
30th October heading back from the Lakes this afternoon and stopping of at Capenwray to do a small presentation on Expedition Diving tonight. I'm back in Plymouth on Sunday getting ready for a Mod 1 course that starts on Monday 2nd November
November 2009
1st November arrived back in Plymouth late last night, had a really enjoyable evening in Capenwray talking about Expedition Diving, so thanks to Andy and Ian for inviting me, back to work tomorrow on a Mod 1 CCR course!
5th November Mod 1 course all done now and I'm getting ready for a CCR try dive session in Vobster on Sunday. Next week will see me getting the new unit ready to move into some time during December
9th December try dives went really well in Vobster, all 4 folk enjoyed using the different units and the day went very smoothly if a little cold!
11th November had a busy few days working with builders and starting to move some little used gear down to the new unit. I am diving over the weekend so will need to prep some kit tomnmorrow for Friday
14th November supposed to be starting an Advanced Nitrox course today but the guys on the course have had problems with their work so a weekend off for me!
16th November arrived in Lancaster to start a 4 day Cylinder Testing course, will be here until Friday 20th
18th November enjoying being a student for once and learning a lot about cylinders, should all be finished by 3pm tomorrow then off home
20th November arrived home late last night after an enjoyable 4 days on the Cylinder testing course, we can now test cylinders!! Having an easy few days then back into it on Monday, hopefully the builders have been busy building the new Centre while I have been away
23rd November the builders have not been very busy !!
25th November getting the new JJ CCR ready for a test dive tomorrow in New England Quarry, looks like it has a lot of potential and am very excited about using it.
26th November well it was as good as I hoped, very impressive piece of gear, doesn't breathe quite as well as a Sentinel but much more streamlined and easy to prep, could be a winner for the guys who make it
27th November starting a CCR Trimix course today and then up to NDAC over the weekend
December 2009
4th December sorry for not updating the log, I've been pretty busy this last week finishing a Mod 1 CCR course for Anthony and Steve plus overseeing trhe building work at the new Dive Centre which is coming along well. In addition I have taken delivery of the new Posedion Discovery Mk 6 CCR which looks small but very well made. I'm diving it next week so will update the log accordingly!
14th December pretty much done for the year now diving wise, it's been an interesting and challenging 2009 and I am very much looking forward to the coming12 months. I will be available throughout the Christmas period by phone or email as I am now concentrating on finishing the new dive centre, we aim to be in my mid January. All I have to do now is wish everyone all the best for the Holidays and thanks for your support in 2009, cheers from Rich!
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