Oceans of Opportunity

Tag: #lifeaquatic

‘bottom feeding’

Every now and again, I feel like I’m in a rut that I appropriately refer to as ‘bottom feeding’. I face the same societal and economic stressors as the rest of our land dwelling population, and these days much of that stress comes from finances. Professional ventures often reach these crossroads where you are either…

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the chronic physical hazards of the life aquatic

Just 45 days into 2012, and I’m at hour 82 spent underwater for the year – and its not getting any easier. I’ve discussed the myriad of physical problems faced with diving here previously. Given that we’re still in the thick of winter (though be it a mild one), the environmental factors alone can wreak…

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The Age of Aquarius

Fifty years ago today – February 4th, 1962 – a particular celestial alignment lent itself to our embracing ‘the Age of Aquarius’. This was of course an interesting time, with the Age coinciding with radical sociopolitical change, and the outward promotion of a liberal new world view. Of course, the word ‘Aquarius’ share its roots with…

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Reconnect by disconnecting

Recent news headlines brought us a story of a young man who relinquished his digital ties for 90 days. Yes, this is such an outrageous concept that it made national news. What does this say about our species? I see it as losing touch with our role here on Earth…and a step in human devolution,…

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the decision NOT to dive

Of all the decisions we must make as divers, the most difficult is often the decision NOT to dive. Those of us diving in the commercial sector know that this decision can often cost a business a considerable amount of money, and even earn a sour reputation should a diver show up on sight and…

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a new perspective on ‘our’ undersea world for 2012

With the turn of this new year, this is an opportune time to reflect on this year’s past and more importantly – start focusing energies for what lies ahead. The last two years have marked a timely and ambitious push to take my deep exploration work to new depths, and shed light on a new public…

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the whoas and woes of winter diving

Our mild fall has passed, and we’re officially into winter diving. The sign for me is waking up to find my hotwater suit (which was hanging out to dry) frozen solid – a less than inviting garment to don at 7AM. So be it… Winter diving here in New England brings us both ‘whoas’ and…

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an illustration of why we do what we do

For the past several months, numerous friends and colleagues have forwarded me a short film about ‘Ray’. It is a beautiful piece that illustrates the lifelong passion we develop as a diver. Beyond ‘just a job’, for those of us that commit to living this life aquatic understand that there is no end point –…

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liquid breathing and the miracle of life

A wonderful Thanksgiving suprise was the arrival of my little Olive. It goes without saying that she was carefully inspected by her family for gills and webbed feet to see how much of her Dad was inherited right off. All kidding aside, among the most striking elements of Olive’s grand entrance was the realization that she…

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subaquatic job security – husbandry 101

Yesterday was a good reminder of where to find job security in the subaquatic realm – husbandry. Every device and structure – from instruments to bridges and piers – is severely abused by the natural forces of the ocean environment, and that means they need constant maintenance and upkeep…great news for us commercial divers. My…

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