Errol Flynn, the legendary Hollywood swordsman (pun intended) was also an early skin and scuba diver. By the time I discovered Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s first book, “The Silent World,” in the early 50s, Flynn had already been spearfishing for years, and had recently taken up scuba diving. In his autobiography, “My Wicked, Wicked Ways,” he recounted … Read more
One of the first things that I learned as part of my military officer training was “Do not, under any circumstances, volunteer for anything”. This was especially true in January 1971 at the height of the Vietnam war. But, through a rather circuitous route of give and take between the army and navy, a short … Read more
It’s almost unthinkable that a group of British divers in their mid-thirties would not of heard of the actor James Stewart but that is what I encountered on a liveaboard recently. To think that such a famous stalwart of the Hollywood Dream Factory could have been forgotten only half a Century after he made such … Read more
Cocos divers are a committed bunch. (Some might opine that they should actually be committed… to a room with padded walls wearing jackets with sleeves that tie behind you.) First of all, it’s not a cheap investment and there’s the little matter of a two-day sea crossing of nearly 400 miles just to get there. … Read more
Many divers who emerge from initial diving certification programs with an “open water” certification choose not to pursue further formal training, going forward by acquiring practical experience though their diving activities. Often, this works well since practical “real life” experience arguably is just as relevant in producing a qualified diver. At least, in warm water, … Read more
