2013 Daytime Seminars

The Boston Sea Rovers are the proud sponsors of the “Longest Continuously Running Dive Show in the World,” a distinction made possible primarily due to the excellent quality of speakers that have continued to grace our stages. We take great pleasure in hosting the best educators, explorers, scientists, divers and speakers in the world. The purpose of these lectures help us to achieve our club our mission, “To educate the general public about the underwater world.”

Our daytime presentations form the backbone of our show. In two days we will host over 40 speakers covering a myriad of diving and marine related topics. Each hour there are three simultaneous lectures being held on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5 pm. You get to choose which speaker or topic you would like to see based on your interests.

 

 

 

Saturday Presentations

9:00-9:45 AM
10:00-10:45 AM
11:00-11:45 AM

--- Lunch Break ---

1:00-1:45 PM
2:00-2:45 PM
3:00-3:45 PM
4:00-4:45 PM

Sunday Presentations

9:30-10:15 AM
10:30-11:15 AM
11:30-12:15 PM

--- Lunch Break ---

1:00-1:45 PM
2:00-2:45 PM
3:00-3:45 PM

Presentation Summaries

A Hidden World of Intense Color – New Developments in Underwater Fluorescence Imaging and Science

There is a hidden world of intense color lurking beneath the sea of ambient sunlight. We can visit and document this world of fluorescence by diving at night with special lights and filters. This talk will describe advances in the science and technology of underwater fluorescence, illustrated with images made by divers from around the world.

Presented by:

Charles Mazel
Charles Mazel, PhD, has been a pioneer in underwater fluorescence exploration and equipment development. He has participated in numerous expeditions to study the spectral properties of marine organisms, including dives in manned submersibles to 3,000'. Through his company NIGHTSEA he has made the equipment for viewing and imaging fluorescence available to sport divers, professional photographers, and marine scientists worldwide.

back to top

Beyond Artifacts: The Andrea Doria before “technical” diving.

Peter Hunt, author of Setting the Hook, offers a personal perspective of a unique period in the amazing evolution of wreck diving. Travel back to a tipping point in the popularization of deep diving as the Andrea Doria is explored in a time before mixed gas or formal technical training

Presented by:

Peter Hunt
Peter Hunt crewed on five Andrea Doria expeditions in the early 1980s before hanging up his deep sea fins to become a Navy pilot. A critically acclaimed writer (Angles of Attack, Ballantine 2002), and former airline pilot, Hunt holds a history degree from Brown and a University of Washington Masters.

back to top

Cruising and the Environment

The cruise industry is continually striving to achieve the highest possible standards of environmental protection of our oceans. Get an inside look at what happens to the waste produced on a cruise ship and what the cruise industry is doing to minimize its impact on the marine environment.

Presented by:

Betsy Hackley
Elizabeth Hackley graduated in 2008 from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. After graduating, she worked as an Environmental Officer for Royal Carribean, where she oversaw the ship's waste management programs and ensured the ship was in compliance with local and international environmental regulations.

back to top

Diving Safety… It’s No Accident

This seminar presents a review of the causes and contributing factors in dive accidents from DAN accident data with recommendations on how to reduce risk and improve diver safety.

Presented by:

Dan Orr
Dan Orr is President of Divers Alert Network (DAN). He came to Divers Alert Network in 1991 as Director of Training, responsible for developing and implementing DAN training programs including the internationally successful DAN Oxygen First Aid Course. Dan has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biology and has authored and contributed to many books and magazine articles.  

back to top

Diving to the Ends of the Earth

Polar diving is a unique adventure. And the Arctic and Antarctic are surprisingly different. Faith Ortins has led expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctica and will share her experiences with you. If you ever want to do polar diving, this is a must see! If you just want to share in the wonder of the Polar Circles, well, this is also a must-see!

Presented by:

Faith Ortins
Faith has spent most of her adult life in the ocean. Starting as a scientific diver and volunteering for public safety diving operations in the 1980’s, Faith became a technical diver and divemaster and has thousands of dives over her 34 year diving career. She worked with DUI to develop some of the first women’s drysuits and now leads DUI’s sales team worldwide. She created the DUI DOG Rally and Demo Days program which promotes local diving facilities while divers demo DUI products. She has led expeditions around the world including many to the most remote places on Earth. A frequent presenter at dive shows and conferences, she is a 2010 inductee into the Women Divers Hall of Fame and a member of the Boston Sea Rovers.

back to top

Dolphins, Mantas, & Sharks…Diving the Socorro Islands

Experience the Revillagigedos Archipelago a series of 4 islands 300 miles south of the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Here you encounter large creatures on a daily basis. Several species of whales and large sharks, including hammerheads, silvertips, and Galapagos sharks, gather around these islands. A highlight of many dives are the huge mantas that seek out divers’ bubbles to play in. Close encounters with these gentle giants is an experience you will never forget.

Presented by:

Jim & Pat Stayer
For 38 years Jim & Pat Stayer have been diving in the Great Lakes and around the world. Pat is a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and Jim is a Licensed Captain for 29 year. They have co-authored three books and produced 26 DVDs and their footage has appeared on several major networks.

back to top

Freediving – It’s more than just snorkeling…..!

The presentation that Nick will be offering will be an insight into the world of freediving and all of the different activities that people partake in whilst holding their breath. With a range of videos and photos you will experience everything from Scooter racing, freefalling into blue holes and a first hand commentary on what it’s like to compete in a freediving competition.

Presented by:

Nick Fazahopen web page
Nick Fazah began his underwater career as a scuba instructor in the Florida Keys. He was first certified as a NAUI/SSI instructor in 2004 at Hall’s Dive Center, then made the move to teach in Boston, MA. During the first few years he worked with the very experienced people that East Coast Divers kept on staff and knew that Boston was going to be his new home. “The challenge of different tactics that comes with hunting and the pushing of ones own personal limits was addictive. I am the kind of person who really likes to know what’s going on while I’m doing it. That’s really what got me thinking about furthering my education about Freediving.” Since 2010 Nick has been teaching freediving to the general populous of New England and recently became SSI's first Instructor Trainer for freediving in the US. He is also the proud new joint owner of East Coast Divers in Brookline, along side his long time friend and business partner Alex Dulavitz.

back to top

Global Climate Change and the World’s Oceans

A discussion of what Global Climate Change is and how it affects the world’s oceans.
The warming and acidification of ocean waters is of major concern for the biodiversity, habitats and sustainability of the world’s oceans. The presentation will focus upon three case studies and the impacts of Global Climate Change on coral reefs, snails and shipworms. with a discusssion of what we can do to lessen these impacts.

Presented by:

George Buckley
Boston Sea Rovers Board of Directors Member, Assistant Director of Harvard University's Sustainability and Environmental Management program, President of the Accolade Foundation of Bonaire, Prinicpal Investigator on over 25 Earthwatch Expeditions, consultant for NOVA-TV, past Vice Chairman of the EarthEcho Foundation and recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award from the US Environmenatl Protection Agency.

back to top

Hammerheads and Oceanics of the Bahamas

Rare and iconic sharks, the elusive Great Hammerhead and Oceanic Whitetip are a hop skip and a throw away!We bring you images of recent trips to both Cat Island and Bimini in the Bahamas for what were incredible shark diving expeditions. Up close and personal with these impressive sharks.

Presented by:

Michel Labrecque – Julie Ouimet
Profil  Co-owners of award winning PADI 5-Star IDC dive center, Michel and Julie have spent much of the last few years travelling the world and leading dive trips. Michel is an underwater photographer. He is also a PADI Master Instructor, IANTD Trimix and TDI Sidemount Instructor, DAN and EFR Instructor Trainer. Julie specializes in video. She holds degrees in Law and Public Relations. She is a Trimix diver, EFR and DAN Instructor and PADI Assistant-Instructor. Both Julie and Michel do freelance work. Their articles have been published in dive and non-diving publications alike. They have recently joined the ranks of En Profondeur Dive Magazine’s regular contributors. During the last two years, they have become involved in shark conservation, raising awareness and donating photos to numerous organizations such as Shark Trust and the American Elasmobranch Society.

back to top

In Depth Indonesia

The Indo Pacific is often referred to as the “Ring of Fire” and Indonesia is right in the middle of that ring. Learn all there is to know about the different diving regions in Indonesia and what makes each one special and a little different.

Presented by:

Jenny Collister
Jenny has worked in the travel industry for 26 years. She received a degree in travel and tourism in 1986. Her interest in diving began in the frigid Canadian waters. Jenny is President and owner of Reef & Rainforest and was elected to the DEMA Board of Directors in 2012

back to top

Indonesia: Exploring the Best Diving in the World

Travel from Raja Ampat to Lembeh Strait on a video and imaging expedition with Annie Crawley. You will virtually dive with hairy octopus, walking sharks, and dancing with manta rays. Annie spent three years living and working throughout these 17,000 islands and spent January of 2013 enjoying island life on the best reefs in the world. You will see the most up to date images and video from one of the top dive destinations in the world!

Presented by:

Annie Crawleyopen web page
Annie on Bow Darwin Arch Galapagos Dive Into Your Imagination with Annie Crawley, motivational speaker, photographer, filmmaker, author, and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. As a producer and publisher she has created an award winning series of books, DVDS, Educator Guides and iBooks to entertain, educate and awe you about life below the sea. Annie created Dive Into Your Imagination to change the way the next generation views the ocean and themselves. Her work has been published and broadcast worldwide. Find out more www.AnnieCrawley.com and www.DiveIntoYourImagination.com

back to top

Innovations in Rebreather Design: what’s in it for you!

Rebreathers have become flavor of the month and there seem to be more units available every week. One side-effect has been radical changes to design features; however, what are the real-world implications and how might these “innovations” play a role in keeping you safe?

Presented by:

Steve Lewis
Steve Lewis has been an active technical diver, instructor and expedition leader since the early 1990s when diving was an antidote to a career in marketing and brand management. In 2002 he retired from the corporate world and became a dive bum full-time, and is currently a training, and product consultant for a major rebreather manufacturer and design consultant for a leading open-circuit dive equipment company. As a speaker, educator, and blogger, he is best known for promoting safe diving practices to technical divers using both open and closed-circuit kit, in caves, on wrecks and in open water environments.

back to top

It Came From the Muck: Indonesia’s Lembeh Straight

For some divers, travelling half-way around the world is only worth it if there are big animals, fabulous coral reefs or spectacular shipwrecks to explore. But Indonesia’s Lembeh straight, between Lembeh Island and the mainland of North Sulawesi, is a world away from home and presents a completely different type of experience. Here, divers explore a sandy, silty, muck bottom to search for the tiniest of creatures. Garishly colored Nudibranchs, myriad species of shrimp, and other invertebrates unique to these waters beckon divers from all around the world to come and find what lies lurking in the muck! Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they search for Pygmy Sea Horses, Dwarf Frogfish, tiny Cuttlefish and numerous other surprises in these fascinating waters. Along the way, experience the mating of the gaudy but shy Mandarinfish and uncover the secrets of Lembeh at ni ght. And just when you thought Lembeh was only about muck, Eco-Photo Explorers will describe coral reef and shipwreck opportunities as well. This program will also detail the travel logistics necessary to maximize your experience in Indonesia.

Presented by:

Michael Salvareza – Christopher Weaver
Michael Salvarezza and Christopher Weaver have been diving the waters of the world since 1978. In that time, they have spent hundreds of hours underwater and have accumulated a large and varied library of photographic images. They have presented their work in many multi-media slide presentations, and have appeared previously at Beneath the Sea, the Boston Sea Rovers Underwater Clinic, Our World Underwater and the Long Island Divers Association Film Festival. Mike and Chris have been published in numerous magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, and have authored many articles for the majority of the dive publications the world over. Their work has also been used to support a number of research and educational programs, including the Jason Project for Education, the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in New York and the Cambridge University and the University of Groningen Arctic Centre work on monitoring the transformation of historic features in Antarctica and Svalbard.

back to top

Living with the Fishes: the Helgoland Saturation Mission on Jeffreys Ledge

In 1975, an international team deployed the Helgoland saturation habitat on Jeffreys Ledge off Massachusetts to study herring. This pioneering mission overcame numerous obstacles and revealed many challenges of working in the ocean. Recent dives located remains of the project and provide valuable insights into the health of this area.

Presented by:

Matthew Lawrence
Matthew Lawrence is a maritime archaeologist working for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary headquartered in Scituate, Massachusetts. He has a M. A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies. In addition to the Stellwagen Bank sanctuary, he has conducted archaeological fieldwork at the Olympic Coast, Channel Islands, Thunder Bay, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries.

back to top

Macro Magic in St. Vincent

St. Vincent, a naturalist’s and photographer’s paradise, is located in the southeastern Caribbean. Last summer Andrew Martinez brought a small group of underwater photographers to enjoy the beautiful and fascinating marine life. From batfish, and electric rays, to unusual nudibranchs see why St. Vincent is known as the Critter capital of the Caribbean.

Presented by:

Andrew Martinezopen web page
For more than 40 years, Andrew Martinez has been diving around the world. His work has been published in most nature, travel, and dive magazines. His photos are used in books or displays in the New England Aquarium and many other aquaria and science centers. The new and expanded 4th edition of his popular book, Marine Life of the North Atlantic, is considered the best guide to this region.

back to top

New England Underwater — 30 shots, 30 stories

Every picture tells a story — but maybe not be the story you expected. Join Jerry Shine for the stories behind the pictures. From fish in unexpected places, to mass nudibranch gatherings, to overly curious snapping turtles — you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wish you’d been there with a 50mm lens.

Presented by:

Jerry Shine
Jerry Shine is the author of A Shore Diving Guide To New England and Nudibranchs Of The Northeast. His writing and underwater photography have also appeared in more than 100 publications worldwide, including Audubon, Wired, and National Geographic Adventure.

back to top

Observational Class ROV Technology and Applications

Since their introduction into the commercial world in 1970′s, unmanned vehicles have become essential not only in the exploitation and development of deepwater oil and gas reserves – far beyond the reach of divers -but also in many other areas. Robotics technology developed primarily for the ROV industry has also been adapted for a wide range of other applications, including research, homeland security, search and rescue missions and commercial inspections.

Presented by:

Rhonda Moniz
Rhonda Moniz is an ROV Pilot/Engineer, Diving Safety Officer, Film Maker and Journalist. She has also worked over the past twenty years, as a lead Science Diver and Diving Instructor. Ms. Moniz is CEO and Director of Operations for Benthic Exploration, a company specializing in marine technology including ROV, AUV, Side scan, and sub-bottom profiling technology. She has been involved in a number of expeditions around the globe including several as ROV Pilot and Engineer for Dr. Robert Ballard. Ms. Moniz has been named Explorer in Residence by the New Bedford Ocean Explorium. She has served as the lead science diver and underwater cinematographer for the University of Massachusetts – Marine Science and Technology Campus, and the University of Rhode Island. She has worked as the underwater Director of Photography for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Museum of Natural History in New Mexico and has acted as Science Advisor for the underwater-segment for “Evolution” an eight hour PBS series for NOVA. She has also worked on several Discovery Channel productions. Ms. Moniz is a full member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, Divers Alert Network and, the Boston Sea Rovers.

back to top

Palmyra to Plymouth – A Shifting Baseline of Sharks

Throughout 2012, the Sharks Count Program has reached out to recreational divers in the Pacific and along the U.S. Atlantic coast to initiate the collection of ‘citizen science’ sightings of sharks to begin to understand where sharks are regularly seen. Initial information suggests that areas that have been fully protected such as Palmyra Atoll, maintain healthy populations of sharks while areas once known for more common shark sightings, without protected areas, such as popular dive sites in Florida provide less opportunities for divers to see the variety of sharks once common in those areas. In partnership with Scuba Diver Girls, OTS Guardian Full Face Mask, and Shark Reef Marine Reserve, month-long ‘survey’ counts were conducted in Fiji to collect important shark sighting data and to help promote both the conservation value and adventure of loggin g shark sightings. In combination with conservation outreach initiatives in Massachusetts, via JawsFest- 2012 and Sea Rovers 2013 Clinic, the Program is reaching out to Massachusetts’ divers to join the Sharks Count team of divers and log their dives for shark conservation.

This presentation will include exclusive photos from Palmyra, two conservation/field videos, and Sharks Count Program information for divers.

Presented by:

Samantha Whitcraft
Samantha Whitcraft is Shark Savers’ Program Manager for citizen science. As a marine conservation biologist she has worked to protect the oceans’ animals in the field, lab and office. Researching biodiversity, endangered species, and sustainable fisheries has taken her to the Amazon with National Geographic, to Mesoamerican with NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, and around the world to promote eco-tourism that emphasizes ocean advocacy and adventure. She is a Scuba Diving Instructor, published free-lance nature writer, and passionate community activist. Full bio at: http://www.sharksavers.org/about-us/leadership/745-samantha-whitcraft.htm

back to top

Pollution Canary : Albatross as Indicators of the Health of the Marine Environment

North Pacific albatross are the focus of recent studies examining marine pollution impacts on wildlife populations. Albatross, top marine predators, whose exposures to plastic pollution and toxins indicate how man-made pollutants infiltrate the marine food web. Here we examine current understanding of marine pollution levels learned from using albatross as a model.

Presented by:

Wayne Sentman
Working as a Naturalist for Oceanic Society, a non-profit marine conservation organization, Wayne leads educational ecotourism and research programs internationally. Previously working for NMFS & USFWS on Midway Atoll for 4 years. Currently a Harvard Extension School Master’s candidate, completing a thesis project on albatross and marine plastic pollution.

back to top

Public Safety Diving – Lessons Learned

Sgt. Blake Gilmore will review some of the lessons learned during 2012 operations of the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team’s missions.

Presented by:

Sgt. Blake Gilmore
Sgt. Blake Gilmore has been with the Massachusetts State Police for almost 30 years, and with the Under Water Recovery Unit for 28 Years. He is a PADI  Master Instructor An NAPD Instructor, ERDI Instructor and has been involved in several different recovery and Port Security missions for the US Navy, US Coast Guard, FBI, US Customs, Secret Service.  He is also part of a 30 member team for the state of Massachusetts.

back to top

Rajan, the Swimming Elephant

An ocean-swimming four-ton Asian bull elephant frolics in the waters of the Andaman Sea, like a kid on opening day at the municipal pool.

Rajan is a 56 year-old Asian bull elephant, a real tusker.  Retired from the logging industry, he escapes the heat of the day and the bulk of his own weight by lumbering into the cool ocean. Nearly four tons of bulk is surprisingly graceful when submerged!  When I told my friends I was going to travel 12 time zones away, the Andaman Islands to film an elephant swimming, they all responded, “Elephants swim?”  This one does.

Presented by:

Nancy McGee
Nancy McGee Nancy McGee is an explorer and filmmaker. She is an adrenaline junky, seeking opportunities to film the unusual. Her film subjects include Humboldt squid, tiger sharks, and an oceanic swimming elephant.   Nancy conducts group tours in many of the world’s most exotic locations, some so remote the local natives have never seen Westerners.  She has filmed for NBC, Universal Studios, Discovery, and written for a variety of publications.  She is a member of the Women Divers’ Hall of Fame.

back to top

S.S. Newcastle City, A Nineteenth Century Timecapsule

This presentation will describe the historical background research and field search operations, which led to the discovery and subsequent exploration in the Atlantic Ocean of the wreck of the transitional steamship S.S. Newcastle City. The wreck was positively identified on the second expedition to the site. Methodology used in the exploration and documentation of the site will be discussed as well as methods used in the identification process.

The SS Newcastle City was lost on a voyage from England to New York in 1887. Built at a time when steam was replacing sail as a means of propulsion, and iron and steel was replacing wood for hull construction the Newcastle City represented a narrow period of time in the history of oceangoing cargo ship development. The Newcastle City was one of the first five ships built for the Furness Withy Steamship Company. Furness Withy later became one of the largest shipping companies in the world and is still in existence today.

The wrecks discovery in 2008 opened a complete and extraordinary window into a very narrow period of maritime history. This is the story of that discovery and subsequent exploration.

Presented by:

Captain Eric Takakjian
Captain Eric Takakjian a professional mariner has been sailing ships and oceangoing tugboats to various corners of the world since 1978. Presently Captain Takakjian is employed aboard an ocean going tugboat based in New York Harbor. He and his wife Lori also own and operate the research vessel QUEST conducting oceanographic and shipwreck research in the North East United States and outer continental shelf waters. Captain Eric has conducted extensive historical research on New England shipwrecks. Since 1985 captain Eric and his team have conducted expeditions resulting in the location and exploration over 70 previously undiscovered shipwrecks in the waters around New England and outer continental shelf waters. A diver since 1972 and an avid shipwreck diver since 1975. Captain Eric has been a fellow of the Explorers Club since 1997, a member of the Steamship Historical Society , and is an associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers.

back to top

See our Kids Program for more Sunday Presentations

http://www.bostonsearovers.com/kids-activities/

Presented by:

Kids Programopen web page

back to top

Shark Conservation

In my presentation, I will be talking about shark conservation and what one can do to help save the sharks

Presented by:

Briana Darcy
Briana Darcy I was put here to save Sharks... I was born on October 22, 1996 in White Plains NY. I currently reside in Westchester County. My interest in diving started at the age of 4. At the age of 5, I participated in the PADI Bubble Makers Program. At the age of 8, I participated in the PADI Seal Program and then advanced to the PADI Seals Master Certification. At the age of 10, I received my PADI Junior Open Water Certification in Marathon Key, Florida. At the age of 12, I received my Junior Advanced Open Water Certification. That same year, I also received my Jr. Nightdiver Certification, Jr. Digital UW Photographer, and Jr. Diver Propulsion Vehicle and I also received my Emergency First Response Certification. At the age of 13, I became a Jr. Rescue Diver, and my biggest achievement yet, I achieved my Jr. Master Scuba Diver rating. I also just achieved my Dry Suit Certification. I am an associate member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and also the recipient of the 2011 Women Divers Hall of Fame/ Ocean Pals Scholarship. I love to teach my friends about shark conservation and about saving the sharks. I also love underwater photography, I hope with my photos, I can show the world how precious the worlds oceans are.

back to top

Shipwrecks of Malta

Malta’s maritime history stretches from the time of the Phoenician’s to present day. In particular, Malta had significant strategic importance during the first and second world wars as a central island located in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1942, during the Second World War, Malta became center stage in a show-down between Britain and Germany. As a key location for the Allies, Germany sought to overtake Malta. Malta was relentlessly bombed and war ships and convoys were attacked in an attempt to break the resupply lines. Malta and the Allies prevailed, and today Malta is a time capsule of war history. Join us as we explore Malta and some of its most notable shipwrecks.

Presented by:

Heather Knowles – David Caldwell
Heather Knowles and David Caldwell are the co-founders of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. They operate their Salem, MA based dive charter boat, GAUNTLET year-round focusing on wreck diving. Both are members of the Explorer’s Club and the Boston Sea Rovers. They are also technical diving instructors through NAUI and TDI, and have had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s notable shipwrecks such as the Andrea Doria, Empress of Ireland, North American, and SS Republic among others.

back to top

Success and Beyond; Leatherback Sea Turtles

Save our leatherbacks operation (S.O.L.O.) has completed its self assigned mission of finding ways to save this giant leatherback turtle and is now embarking on an extension of environmental activities to remove the threats of huge wild pigs which are destroying nests and eggs at an alarming rate — because no one out there cares! Left alone the pigs can destroy the entire nesting beaches of any genetic traces of the turtles which come to nest and lay eggs. Want to learn; to help us; to become a donor? Please meet us at the presentation.

Presented by:

Larry McKenna
Larry is a former United States Air Force aviator having served 26 years in flying and designing new aircraft before moving into International banking and real estate developer. He is now a dedicated environmentalist to save the Leatherback Sea Turtle from its spiraling progress into oblivion. Larry is currently involved with conservation efforts to save the Pacific Leatherback turtles from a rapid extinction.

back to top

Sustainability at Sea

On board of the nautilus explorer started an incredible adventure of ecotourism in the remote island of Isla Natividad. This became the beginning of a film about a community of diver-fishermen who decided to save the sea working in close collaboration with marine biologist and ecotourism.
An inspiring human adventure.

Presented by:

Nathalie Lasselin
Nathalie Lasselin is an internationally award winning underwater cinematographer and producer. As a cave and technical instructor, she travels the world to document and share her love of the underwater and underground world. Her latest film: Heen taak has been seen on TV in 10 countries. She is also the president of ASTEX ( Aqua Sub Terra Exploration)

back to top

The China Wreck Delaware Bay-River

Presented by:

Bart Malone
A diver for over 50 years and an avid shipwreck diver, Bart is also the Senior Curator at The Museum of New Jersey Maritime History in Beach Haven, NJ.

back to top

The Sharks Of Cocos Island

The shear profusion of sharks at Cocos Island has always made it a World Class dive site. Stan has visited Cocos Island every year for so many years that he has lost count. This last time, fall of year ’12, a whale shark took up residence and proved very friendly to photographers. At dusk, a feeding frenzy of white tip reef sharks were in hair-raising proximity to the camera positioned in the very middle of the madness. In addition, large schools of jacks and curious hammerheads, also hallmarks of the Cocos scene, were present.

Presented by:

Stan Waterman
Stan Waterman is one of America’s pioneer divers. He has worked in the sea with a camera for over fifty years and in that time has received every major award in the diving field. As an underwater cameraman, director, producer, he has made films for all three major networks, PBS, cable television and for Hollywood as well. He has received five Emmys, was the first induction into the International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame and elected Honorary President of the Antibe International Underwater Film Festival in 1999. He and his family were the subjects of a two hour documentary by the Discovery Channel.

back to top

The Sounds of Fishes

The notion that the sea was a “silent world” was conveyed early in the history of scuba diving and the idea has erroneously persisted. This talk will show new research into the behavior and sounds made by coral reef fishes using underwater audio-video recordings of wild fishes in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Presented by:

Phillip Lobel
Phillip Lobel, PhD is a Professor of Biology at Boston University. He is an Ichthyologist and has worked on wild fishes worldwide. He also serves as the Scientific Diving Officer for Boston University and is active in the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Phil is both a NAUI (#41363) and a DAN (#13032) instructor. He was awarded the SSI Platinum Pro award in 2010 for having logged more than 7500 dives. In 2011, Phil was honored with the NOGI award for science.

back to top

The Tech Photographer

Technical Divers venture into environments that require techniques and equipment beyond the needs of a sport diver. Venturing into overhead environments or diving at depths beyond sport limits requires management and planning. Adding a camera into the mix can greatly change the thought process of the entire team. Pete will discuss the process and techniques used when diving in these situations and how the average diver can use these techniques to enhance their own images.

Presented by:

Pete Narwrocky
Pete Nawrocky began his diving career in 1971 in Long Island, NY. As a marine biology major in college, Pete became fascinated by the ocean and wanted to see for himself what he was studying. Since his High School days, Pete has spent his carreer diving, exploring and photographing a multitude  of environments Pete joined Dive Rite in 1998 and is best known for his willingness to share his passion for diving with others. An avid underwater photographer, Pete’s photos have graced the pages of many scuba magazines over the years and can often be found in Dive Rite’s own advertisements. Always the educator, Pete often uses his photography in his lecture presentations, which has taken him from Anchorage Alaska , Bonaire  the World Trade center as well as Industry Trade shows, local aquariums, high schools, etc. A Recipient of the Beneath the Sea Diver of the Year, Naui contribution to sport diving award and SSI Platinum Pro.

back to top

The Turks & Caicos You Have Not Seen

Discover an incredible destination in the Caribbean. Visit six islands, learn about the musts that nobody talks about and experience diving on fabulous reefs with a few surprises: want to pet a shark, a grouper, a turtle or an angelfish in the same week… or dive amongst Caribbean reef sharks that are not brought there through feeding… come and dive with us as we explore the Turks and Caicos you have not seen.

Presented by:

Danielle Alary – Michel Gilbert
DA_MG_2011Award-winning, lecturers, photography and multimedia producers, Michel and Danielle have been “at sea” for over 25 years. Authors of more than 900 articles related to diving, travel and sailing, they are underwater photography columnists for Diver and En Profondeur (Into the Depths) magazines. Danielle and Michel were honored during the 37th edition of Our World Underwater in Chicago in 2007, in recognition for their contribution to the diving community and to the show for many years.  

back to top

The U-550 Expedition

For many years, team members feverishly researched and dreamed of exploring the elusive U-550, culminating in two offshore survey trips over the past two years. On July 23, 2012, near the end of a grueling round the clock side scan survey, the final resting place of the grey wolf was located. Join us for a presentation on searching and exploring U-550.

Presented by:

Joe Mazraani

back to top

The Wacky, Weird, and Wonderful Underwater World

Travel around the world and witness some of the greatest moments from underwater photographer Annie Crawley’s collection. You will witness frogfish, cuttlefish, octopus and animals never seen before doing wild and wacky behaviors including eating and underwater voyeuristic behaviors! You will not want to miss the stories that go along with the footage! Come see the best entertainment our Ocean can give!

Presented by:

Annie Crawleyopen web page
Annie on Bow Darwin Arch Galapagos Dive Into Your Imagination with Annie Crawley, motivational speaker, photographer, filmmaker, author, and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. As a producer and publisher she has created an award winning series of books, DVDS, Educator Guides and iBooks to entertain, educate and awe you about life below the sea. Annie created Dive Into Your Imagination to change the way the next generation views the ocean and themselves. Her work has been published and broadcast worldwide. Find out more www.AnnieCrawley.com and www.DiveIntoYourImagination.com

back to top

Top 5 Tips for Professional Video with DSLR Cameras

Filming an epic natural history even or a once in a lifetime location requires a professional cameramen to have an “image survival checklist” looping over and over in their mind.  Similar to a aircraft pilot, it’s the mental checklist that kicks in when an underwater event goes from normal to unexpected to unbelievable.  Professional image maker Berkley White will share his top five mental checklist items as well as recent footage of sharks, stunning caves, and giant mantas.  Berkley’s techniques will focus on the unique advantages and limitations of DSLR video, however all divers will find that his mental checklist is relevant to cameras from point & shoot to professional.  Learn how to get the best video footage out of your next lucky dive.

Presented by:

Berkley Whiteopen web page
BerkleyWhite_largeimageBerkley White's passion for the ocean and diving led him to establish Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo in 1994. Backscatter has grown to be one of the largest underwater photographic equipment suppliers in the world with two locations in the US and is a great resource for technical support related to underwater imaging. Berkley's images and technical articles are published in US and international dive magazines and he regularly serves as a photographic judge or technical editor on publications. Berkley runs a full schedule of exotic underwater photo safaris each year and training events such as the Digital Shootout. His portfolio and presentation schedule can be found at http://www.backscatter.com.

back to top

Tracking White Sharks with Robots

In 2012, Massachusetts Marine Fisheries scientists teamed up with engineers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and The Discovery Channel to track white sharks using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) off the coast of Cape Cod. This multimedia presentation reveals the groundbreaking results of this innovative research.

Presented by:

Gregory Skomal
Dr. Gregory Skomal is an accomplished marine biologist, underwater explorer, photographer, and author. As the principal investigator of the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, he has been studying and diving with sharks for almost 30 years. He has written numerous scientific research papers and has appeared in a number of film and television documentaries, including programs for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and PBS. His most recent book, The Shark Handbook, explores the world of sharks.

back to top

Travel Tips – The No’s & Know How’s

This presentation is a compendium of travel tips and advice for your next trip – no matter how big or how small. Thoughts on how to prepare for all of those travel triumphs and travails!

Presented by:

Betty Orr
Betty Orr is Vice President & Director of Insurance for DAN Services. She came to Divers Alert Network in 1991 as a customer services representative in the Membership Department and transferred into the Insurance Department in 1999. Prior to coming to DAN, she worked with the Florida Department of Regulation as an agent and Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio as an Associate Professor of Biology. Betty has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biology and has authored and contributed to many books and magazine articles in both scuba diving and biology.

back to top

Underwater Jungle

Become a 21st century explorer, going where no person has ever dived before.  Deep in the heart of the Coral Triangle, reefs are still undiscovered…until now!

 Imagine a land lost in time, forgotten by Westerners for hundreds of years.  A land inaccessible eleven months of the year and so remote a passing ship is both a strange and celebrated sight.  With only charts and ideas of prevailing winds and currents, Nancy explores this unique and never before dived area of southeastern Indonesia.  

Presented by:

Nancy McGee
Nancy McGee Nancy McGee is an explorer and filmmaker. She is an adrenaline junky, seeking opportunities to film the unusual. Her film subjects include Humboldt squid, tiger sharks, and an oceanic swimming elephant.   Nancy conducts group tours in many of the world’s most exotic locations, some so remote the local natives have never seen Westerners.  She has filmed for NBC, Universal Studios, Discovery, and written for a variety of publications.  She is a member of the Women Divers’ Hall of Fame.

back to top

Underwater USA

Are you planning a dive vacation? The United States has some of the most diverse dive locations in the world. Come with us as we travel the country exploring both coast lines from cold water shipwrecks to tropical reefs and so much more, Underwater USA will take you across the country and show you some of the best diving in the world.

Presented by:

Peter Venoutsos
Peter Venoutsos has been a certified diver since 1976 and a commercial diver since 1983. His experience includes working with private underwater engineering firms, the Federal Government and the US Navy. He is an active member of the Connecticut Underwater Archeology Committee and his interests include underwater photography, shipwrecks & cave diving. He is the founder of American Scuba Adventures a underwater video company with the goal of promoting diving in the United States and around the world.

back to top

Please note that participants scheduled to speak at any Sea Rovers Clinic event are subject to last minute travel and work emergencies that are inherent when working with state-of-the-art gear being used to push the boundaries of exploration and discovery. Participant list subject to change at last moment – please come back often for updates and additions to our exciting film festival line up.