Steve Lewis – Tech Diver Training
Many things set expedition diving apart. One issue is that successful expedition diving is always the result of a team effort, and the outcome of a dive can depend as much or more on the individuals schlepping gear, and pumping gas, than it does on the folks laying line or surveying. Another thing to consider is that every moment spent in the water is bought with the effort of several hours work by many, many more people than the few who “get wet and glorious” in the water. Needless to say, in expedition diving, especially of this type, the term “dive team” covers everyone… even the folks making sandwiches and tea.
To illustrate the point, here’s a precis of a recent posting by Rick Stanley of Ocean Quest (the main project sponsor). It tells us a little about the clean-up process in the mine shaft where we will be basing our operations in February. By the way, the main shafts in Bell Island mine are not vertical as they are in many mines. In Bell Island, they slope at about 10-degrees from horizontal… both above and below water. Makes for an interesting challenge in both environments.
“Another successful day with another third [of the prep work] done, with volunteers Mark and Marcia McGowan, Johnny Olivero, Nick Dawe and myself. Belle Islands Staff Volunteers Bonnie and Tom Spracklin and Teresita (Teddy) McCarthy all on hand.
“We cleaned up big area where large picnic table will be going along with an area around the Rib 32’ for a gear set-up work bench and storage. We cleaned down walking area down the slope to the water’s muddy edge. We installed steel supports over a deep trench to attach our platform and for a gangway to floating dock. ( Docks and platforms yet to be built).
“Lunch today was prepared by Marcia in the cafeteria of the mine…fantastic sandwiches cakes and cookies…and she’s coming again tomorrow with special chilli…..going to keep her on…and you should see her moving iron ore…the miners were turning over in their graves today…ha, ha, ha!
“In the afternoon we continued working on bridge area and cleaning slopes… We edged the walkway with iron ore chunks and old Powerline posts that were nearby for safety to keep folks on track walking down slope. We cleaned away iron ore off old water pipes as they are artifacts and to have that nice line looking down the shaft to the water.
“Good day had by all and tomorrow we work on lighting, diverting water running down slope and installing a water pump and hose for wash-down area. Also beautification will continue ;-)”