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If you have ever seen any promotional brochures about Thailand, you will have probably seen pictures of picturesque palm fringed beaches, glistening golden statues of Buddha, and smiling women selling wooden trinkets on a floating market. After all, Thailand is ‘The Land of Smiles’. Although the term ‘the land of smiles’ was originally a marketing ploy used by the Thai tourism board to attract more visitors, the name has now stuck and the country attracts millions of visitors each year to experience the kindness of the locals and the wealth of experiences Thailand has to offer.
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Read our latest articles about scuba diving, travel, ocean conservation, marine life and anything else related to our blue planet!
Planning a Snorkeling Trip? This is what you need to know.
Let’s be honest: there is a lot of misconception when it comes to snorkeling. Scuba divers often overlook it, and beginners are usually afraid of what this water sport entails. But because we can reframe our thinking in ways that make us more aware of our surroundings, this guide will open your eyes to the snorkeling world – which in turn will boost your confidence. And you know what? Learning to snorkel won’t just make you a more successful swimmer – it will change the way you experience the world. It makes you fitter and healthier, as you gently build your muscles. It gives you a skill you can use almost anywhere in the world, from your home waters to exotic travel destinations. It makes you a more interesting person to talk to – as you’ll have a wide repertoire of underwater adventures. It reconnects you with nature, as you see animals in their natural environment (imagine swimming alongside a manta ray or a whale shark). It will even make you happier and appreciate the little things in life (like taking a dip in crystal-clear waters). Snorkeling will give you all this and much, much more. To deliver on the premise of this article, here are the essential snorkeling aspects that you need to know. What Does Snorkeling Mean? “Snorkel” is one of those funny words that we’re used to having in the English language, but if you say it a few times, it just sounds strange. The snorkel refers to the tube swimmers use to breathe while keeping their face submerged. Hence, snorkeling refers to the leisurely activity of swimming on the sea surface and looking at the aquatic world beneath through a mask – while continuously breathing through the snorkel. Snorkel was first used in 1945 to refer to submarines’ intake and exhaust tubes and the noise they made when in use. The word is an anglicized spelling from German schnorchel (“submarine snorkel”), related to schnarchen (“to snore”). Who Invented Snorkeling? Man’s fascination for the ocean’s depth can be traced back centuries, as far as 5000 years ago. Through the years, technologies have evolved to facilitate underwater exploration, from rustic hollow reeds to diving bells and finally, to today’s modern snorkel. Where Did Snorkeling Originate? The concept of snorkeling was first recorded in 3000 B.C on the island of Crete, in the Mediterranean Sea, where skin divers used hollow reeds to collect sea sponges. How Snorkeling Works Right, let’s get into the practical part: how does snorkeling work? With few prerequisites and little snorkeling gear required, it’s easy to get started. So grab a mask, snorkel, fins and a healthy dose of motivation. Step #1: Improve Your Swimming Performance If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can get by with a life west and still enjoy what snorkeling has to offer. But, honestly, a life jacket will hinder your movements and make it impossible to dive and take a closer look at fish and corals. So, take your time to improve your swimming technique in a swimming pool, paying particular attention to your swimming kick, as snorkeling is more about floating and using your legs than arm strokes. When you feel like taking things a notch higher, practice swimming with fins – as it will allow you to move through the water with less effort. Pro tip: Beginners might find it unnatural to wear a mask and breathe through a tube, so get comfortable wearing the snorkeling gear. Don’t worry, after a few sessions snorkeling becomes second nature. Step #2: Improve Your Breathing and Breath-Holding Technique Snorkelers are often unaware that they are effectively engaging in breathing exercises. Even on the surface, snorkelers regulate in and out breaths through their mouth. More advanced snorkelers, like to dive and spend longer times underwater while holding their breath and getting up close to marine life. Step #3: Breathe In, Breathe Out, Relax Learn to move with minimal effort, and let the occasional kick do the work. Snorkeling is not about wearing yourself out to the point of exhaustion, but rather spending up to a few hours admiring the aquatic world bursting with colours and marine life. Are Snorkeling and Scuba Diving the Same? It’s fair to say that snorkeling is a precursor of scuba diving and thus shares some similarities. Both activities give exclusive access to the underwater world, but they are not the same thing. Essentially, snorkeling is all about taking in a panoramic view of the underwater world from the surface, while scuba diving sees divers completely immerse themselves underwater with a scuba diving kit. Read more about snorkeling vs scuba diving. Where to Go Snorkeling Choose a good location, obviously.. When you’re first starting out, avoid places with currents or waves. Rougher waters equal to more effort you have to put into going from one place to another, and nobody likes that. Instead, choose a spot with calm waters with plenty to see – it’s no fun looking at a barren reef. Pro tip: If you’re not ready to jump off a boat, start snorkeling from the beach, where you can stay at a depth you are comfortable with. Where to Go Snorkeling in Bali Bali has something for everyone, and every year it attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its cuisine, history and culture. Not surprisingly, Bali is also a hotspot destination for sea lovers, from surfers to scuba divers and snorkelers. Snorkeling USAT Liberty Shipwreck – Tulamben, Bali As well as being one of the best wrecks in the world for scuba divers, the USAT Liberty it is also a must-visit for snorkelers. The wreck starts at 5m (16 feet) and is home to many fish and an impressive selection of soft and hard corals. Snorkeling With Manta Rays – Nusa Islands, Bali Snorkeling with manta rays is the ultimate snorkeling experience. The Nusa islands are a manta point, meaning that your chances of snorkeling with manta rays here are pretty high! Where to Go Snorkeling in Phuket, Thailand Phuket is a fascinating island to explore. Famous for its natural beauty, snorkeling in Phuket is ideal for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike. Freedom Beach, Phuket Located a short ride away from the crowded Patong Beach, Freedom Beach is a quieter alternative. With white sand and excellent marine life, snorkeling in Freedom Beach is an enjoyable experience. Ao Sane Beach, Phuket By far, one of the best places to go snorkeling in Phuket. Isolated from the rest of the crowded beaches, Ae Sane Beach boasts a coral reef that is accessible all-year-round. Where to Go Snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico Cozumel is known for being a prime destination for scuba divers, but the snorkeling scene is pretty impressive too, with spectacular coral reefs with all the colours of the rainbow. Dzul-Ha Reef, Cozumel Dzul-Ha Reef is a top snorkeling site, with a healthy and vibrant coral reef with many tropical fish. Paradise Reef, Cozumel The name says it all. Snorkeling at Paradise Reef you can expect an underwater life that falls nothing short of spectacular. Ideal for seasoned snorkelers and nature lovers looking for paradise. Where to Go Snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii Maui is known for its beautiful landscape and pristine beaches, as well as incredible snorkeling options. Black Rock Beach, Maui Black Rock is the prominent rocky peninsula on the stretch of white sand of Kaanapali Beach. The epic underwater sights are topped by the Hawaiian torch lighting ceremony. Once the coastline and Black Rock are lit, the nightly ritual ends with the torch lighters cliff jumping. Don’t miss it! Molokini Crater, Maui This volcanic islet of Molokini is just off Maui, and a popular snorkeling and diving spot. Its perfect visibility and dramatic rock formations are second to none. Tropical fish inhabit these waters, and there have been sightings of manta rays and whale sharks. Can Snorkeling Be Dangerous? The truth is that snorkeling is one of the most popular and safest water activities. Although not an extreme sport, it does have its risks, make no mistake about it. Safety tip: Make sure you’re in good physical health and a good swimmer. Avoid snorkeling in areas with strong currents and waves, and never snorkel alone – especially if you’re in the open ocean. Can Snorkeling Cause A Sore Throat? Some people experience some pain in the back of their throat after snorkeling. This could be down to not swallowing saliva while breathing with a snorkel, causing a dry mouth and, consequently, a sore throat sensation. Safety tip: Make sure you start your snorkeling trip well hydrated. Can Snorkeling Cause Vertigo? We’ve all experienced it: a sudden movement of the head and we get the feeling that the world is spinning around us. The same can happen while snorkeling. When snorkeling, we often change direction quickly (most of the times to follow a fish), and doing so can upset the balance in our ears. Although it’s hard to contain the excitement when spotting something interesting, try to minimize your body and head movement. Safety tip: If you experience dizzy spells while snorkeling, stop and regain your balance by focusing on a point straight ahead. If necessary, exit the water. Can Snorkeling Be Done by Non-Swimmers? The short answer is yes. But it is strongly recommended that you learn to swim before snorkeling. With that being said, here are some essential snorkeling tips for non-swimmers: Never snorkel alone: go with a friend, family member or with a local snorkeling guide. Wear a life jacket: a flotation device will keep you safely afloat while you admire the marine life. Choose a non-swimmer-friendly snorkeling location: calm and clear waters are a must. Know your snorkeling gear: get familiar with the equipment (i.e. wearing a mask and breathing through a snorkel). Can Snorkeling Make You Seasick? Generally, the best snorkeling spots are a boat ride away, and for some, the movement of the boat can trigger a wave of nausea. Others are more susceptible to motion sickness, and just floating on the sea is enough to make them feel queasy. Here Are Some Tips for Combating Seasickness: Go out on a calm day: you can’t control the weather, but you can pick days when the water is calmer. Take medication: seasickness medication is an effective solution against seasickness. Take it before getting in the water (or boat). Remember to investigate the side effects (some are known for causing drowsiness). Go ginger: if you’re not a fan of pharmaceuticals, there are natural remedies for seasickness. The best one is ginger; many people swear by ginger tea and biscuits. Can Snorkeling Cause a Sinus Infection? Under some circumstances, yes, snorkeling can cause a sinus infection. When snorkeling, water enters the ear and sinus cavities, and it can damage the delicate membrane inside. Also, when you go underwater, the increased pressure affects your sinus, which can cause a sinus blockage and – ultimately – a sinus infection. Why Snorkeling is Fun! Snorkeling is an easy, fun, safe and relaxing activity for the whole family to enjoy. With little strain on your body, snorkeling is a great way to improve your overall fitness, as well as build your confidence in the water and boost your mood. The beauty of snorkeling lies in its simplicity, as you can make of it what you want: a slow surface swim or – for the more experienced – breath-holding dives. Either way, snorkeling is a fun and rewarding activity. Although often underrated, snorkeling is an opportunity to connect with nature and observe underwater life without the bulky equipment and training required for scuba diving. Snorkeling does not involve expansive gear, and it adds a new dimension to your holiday because as well as sightseeing or sunbathing, you have the skill to explore exciting underwater attractions. With snorkeling, you really get the best of both worlds! :)
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Great White Shark: Everything You Need to Know!
Tell somebody you’re a diver, and you’re guaranteed to be asked whether you’re scared of sharks or if you’ve ever seen one. It’s part of the collective consciousness to associate the deep blue with threats and lurking predators, and the most infamous of all: the great white shark. As one of the ocean’s deadliest animals, the great white shark captures our imagination as a scary, fast and powerful bloodthirsty creature. Despite its popularity, however, it is one of the least understood animals. So, let’s take a closer look at this incredible creature. What is a Great White Shark? Scientifically known as Carcharodon Carcharias, the great white shark is named after its white underside. It also goes by many names, like white shark, great white or white pointer. It’s a member of the mackerel shark family, which includes other well-known shark species such as the extinct megalodon and the unusual-looking goblin shark and the megamouth shark. Is a Great White Shark a Mammal? People often ask themselves this question, and in case you’re still wondering, the answer is “no”. This confusion probably stems from sharks’ similarity to dolphins, which are mammals. But Sharks are fish, really big fish! How Heavy is a Great White Shark? As the largest predatory fish, it should come as no surprise how heavy great white sharks are. An adult’s average weight is 522–771 kg (1,151–1,700 lb), with females weighing between 680–1,110 kg (1,500–2,450 lb). How Long is a Great White Shark? With regards to how long great white sharks are, females are also generally much larger than males, measuring 4.6-4.9 metres (15-16ft). The largest female Great White ever seen is known as “Deep Blue” and has recently just been spotted in Hawaii and measures a whopping 20ft. some brave divers went up close and personal you can see the close encounter here via @oceanramsey. The male Great Whites reach betweeen 3.4-4 metres in length (11-13ft). But it is not uncommon to find bigger sharks. How Fast is a Great White Shark? Despite their massive size, you’ll be surprised how fast great white sharks are. They can propel themselves through the water up to 33 kmph (21 mph), proving to be extremely fast and agile predators. How Big are a Great White Sharks Teeth? If you picture a great white shark, you will probably think of a big mouth with dagger-like teeth, and rightly so. The great white has a row of around 300 serrated teeth behind the main ones, and just like a conveyor belt, it rotates to replace any tooth that breaks off. The great white will continue to replace its teeth throughout its life – thousands of times. As if this wasn’t impressive enough, wait ‘til you find out how big the great white shark’s teeth are! Measuring an average of 6cm (2.5 inches), it is no surprise that the teeth are the first thing that come to mind. What do Great White Sharks Eat? With such a powerful bite, what do great white sharks eat? As a carnivorous predator, their diet consists mainly of fish, sea lions, rays, other species of sharks and some species of dolphins, but their preferred prey is the seal. Once they get hold of their prey, the great whites shake their head from side to side, using their teeth to saw off mouth-sized chunks of meat to swallow whole. How do Great White Sharks Hunt? Thanks to their special sensing organs located on their snout (ampullae of Lorenzini), great whites (like other sharks), can detect the slightest change in electric and magnetic fields in the water. In other words, they can easily detect water movement, as well as the heartbeat of immobile animals. Also, great whites have an acute sense of smell and can to smell a drop of blood in 100L of water up to 5km (3miles) away! With a natural body design finely tuned to kill, the white shark has no problems locating its next meal. But despite its brute image, the great white shark is not a frantic killing machine, but rather a very smart hunter. So, how do great white sharks attack? The great white shark has two hunting methods. The first is a surface charge, where the shark swims on the surface towards its prey. You can often see its iconic dorsal fin exposed. The second, and the most spectacular one, is called Polaris attack. The great shark will camouflage itself by staying close to the seabed as it searches for its prey on the surface. Once it does, it performs an explosive high-speed vertical swim, delivering a single powerful bite. The force behind this breaching behaviour can be so powerful that the shark completely launches itself out of the water. Imagine that! When is Great White Shark Mating Season? Although one of the most recognizable shark species, little is known about its mating habits, matins season or its life cycle in general. We know that baby sharks grow in an egg and hatch while still in the mother’s womb. The gestation period is between 12-18 months, with the mother giving birth to 2-10 pups. Where are Great White Sharks Found? At this point, you’re probably wondering where great white sharks are found. Great whites live in coastal waters across the world, from North-South America to the Mediterranean Sea, South Africa, Japan and Oceania. They prefer cooler water temperatures ranging between 12-24C (54-75F). They usually stay in shallow waters, near the surface. This explains the occasional encounter with humans. Can Great White Sharks Live in Freshwater? As the apex predator of the sea, can the white shark live in freshwater? No, great whites cannot survive in freshwater, unlike other species of sharks. Most notably, the bull shark. Why do Great White Sharks Attack Humans? Despite its unshakable reputation for being a man-eater, great white shark attacks on humans are, in fact, rare and only a few are fatal. There are different theories to explain why great white sharks attack humans. Some believe that sharks confuse humans’ silhouette for that of a seal. Others believe that being the curious creatures that they are, they take a teste bite to see if human meat is a source of food, which is not. The human body has too many bones and too little fat to appeal to the diet of a great white. Whatever the explanation, they soon realize their mistake after the first bite and swim away. Why is the Great White Shark Endangered? Although there is no accurate data on white shark population, over the years their numbers have rapidly declined, and the IUCN has listed them as vulnerable. But why is the great white shark endangered? Primarily because of illegal human interaction. The white sharks’ reputation as a big and dangerous animal has attracted many sports-fishing enthusiasts and trophy hunters to kill them for fun for their fins, jaws and teeth. Great white sharks also get caught up in fishing nets and meshes that protect beaches. What can we do to protect great white sharks? By rising shark awareness and by simply debunking myths that are still circulating because of the “Jaws effect”. Conclusion There is no denying that great white sharks are dangerous, but if there is one thing we shouldn’t do is continue living in the misconceptions created by the media. By learning to understand them, we can see them for what they are: highly intelligent creatures that keep our ecosystem balanced and thriving. Once we realise how much they help us, we can start to accept them out of respect – not fear. If you’re interested in scuba diving with sharks and want to live to tell the tale, there are plenty of alternatives for you and you can learn more about diving with blacktip reef sharks in our other blog. That’s all for our take on the infamous ocean predator “The Great White” Shark. If you have any comments or views you’d like to share, please enter them in the comments below and don’t forget to share this with your diver friends and peers on social media.. Happy Diving! :) Photo credit(s): Elias Levy, 900hp, Travelbag Ltd & Yuri Drozd.
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The Diving Bell
One human trait that has existed since the beginning of time, is that of curiosity. Our curiosity to explore the lofty skies, the insides of the earth and the depths of the oceans. This curiosity for exploration resulted in something that is now known as “The Diving Bell”. The diving bell was the world’s first submarine, the first instrument that allowed mankind to venture into the unknown deep blue sea and it is the first piece of equipment that helped us on our way to develop advanced marine technology. The diving bell is most definitely a milestone in the maritime history books. So, What Exactly is a Diving Bell? A diving bell is essentially a heavy, solid watertight chamber that is used to transport divers from the surface to a certain depth underwater and allow them to stay there for a period of time before re-surfacing. The diving bell is usually used to perform underwater commerical work, salvage wrecks and submarine rescues. How is a Diving Bell Made? In the earlier days, the bells were cast in all kinds of shapes and tried with all types of materials. There were wooden bells and cast-iron bells too. Some were bottle-shaped, while others resembled wine glasses. The only thing that each bell had in common was that they were all very, very, very heavy. This is why iron was commonly used to make these little underwater chariots. The reason it needs to be so heavy is because of the immense pressure exerted from the engulfing water. Nowadays they are made much differently and obviously the quality of the bell is far superior. Here’s the process of how a modern-day diving bell is made: The main part shape and design of the diving bell is created from very strong steel usually all in one piece. The bell is then cut and shaped with 3 primary sections: The body, the sides and the bottom. The 3 separate sections are hand-welded together by certified experts to ensure the welding is strong enough the endure extremely high pressures as well as being completely watertight. 2-3 windows or viewports are fitted, these are commonly made from cast acrylic. After all of the 3 sections have been welded together, the bell is inspected by undertaking ultrasound and visual checks, then proof testing is started. Proof testing is to ensure that the bell can withstand pressures that it has been created for. The bell is then sprayed with a specialist paint called a marine epoxy Lights, CO2 pumps, heaters and fans are all added to the diving bell interior along with wiring, pipes to ensure the bell is fit for use. How Does a Diving Bell Work? The concept of a diving bell is quite simple, which makes it believable that an early version of it was being used in the 4th century. The concept is so simple that you can try it in your kitchen sink! Here’s how: Fill your sink with water Get an empty cup Push the open end of it vertically into the water Remove the cup The water will not enter the cup. Why is that? Well, the pressure of the water creates an air pocket within the cup, which is the concept behind the diving bell. The force of the water pushes the air upwards: as air is lighter than water, which makes an air pocket. This air pocket is used by divers to enable them to breathe underwater from within the diving bell. However, this has its limitations. The diving bell could be submerged only so deep and still have a breathable pocket of air. It took a lot of research, trial and error, prototype development and the minds of some great inventors to create a version of the diving bell that allows the bell to enter greater depths and the person inside to be safe. What Is The Diving Bell Pressure Equation? The pressure equation is not so simple and to understand the diving bell pressure equation, we’ll need to refer to Boyle’s Law. Unfortunately, we don’t have any physicians that work at divecompare.com so we thought we’ leave this one to the experts and refer you to page 10 of the University of California’s document on scuba diving physics for the full explanation. “For any gas at a constant temperature, the volume of the gas will vary inversely with the pressure.” If an inverted bucket is filled with air at the surface where the pressure is one atmosphere (14.7 psi), and then taken under water to a depth of 33 fsw (10.1 msw), or two atmospheres (29.4 psi), it will be only half full of air. Any compressible air space, whether it is in a diver’s body or in a flexible container, will change its volume during descent and ascent. Ear and sinus-clearing, diving mask volume, changes in buoyancy, the functioning of a scuba regulator, descent or ascent, air consumption, decompression—all are governed by Boyle’s Law (see Figure 2.6). Examples of Boyle’s Law An open-bottom diving bell with a volume of 24 cubic feet is lowered into the water from a surface support ship. No air is supplied to or lost from the bell. Calculate the volume of the air space in the bell at depths of 33, 66, and 99 fsw (10.1, 20.3, and 30.4 msw, respectively). Boyle’s Equation: P1 V1 = P2 V2 P1 = initial pressure surface absolute V1 = initial volume in cubic feet (ft3) P2 = final pressure absolute V2 = final volume in cubic feet (ft3) Example 1 – Boyle’s Law Transposing to determine the volume (V2) at 33 ft.: V2 = P1 V1 P2 P1 = 1 ata P2 = 2 ata V1 = 24 ft3 V2 = 1 ata × 24 ft3 2 ata V2 = 12 ft3 NOTE: The volume of air in the open bell has been compressed from 24 to 12 ft3 in the first 33 ft. of water. Example 2 – Boyle’s Law Using the method illustrated above to determine the air volume at 66 ft.: V3 = P1 V1 P3 P3 = 3 ata V3 = 1 ata × 24 ft3 3 ata V3 = 8 ft3 NOTE: The volume of air in the open bell has been compressed from 24 to 8 ft3 at 66 ft.” Content Reference: https://www.ehs.ucsb.edu/ When Was The Diving Bell Invented? It is believed that the first diving bell was invented sometime around the 4th century BC: according to Greek philosopher Aristotle. Aristotle’s famous student Alexander the Great is often depicted in paintings sitting inside a glass cauldron at the bottom of the ocean, which suggests that the diving bell was in use. The foundation of what the modern world would come to know as “scuba diving” centuries later, was laid. Other diving bells were invented and used in various places in Europe, mostly to salvage treasure. The modern diving bell was invented by Englishman Edmund Halley (who is also known for the comet bearing his name). In 1690 Halley built a diving bell that used leather tubes and lead barrels to supply fresh air underwater. His diving bell was wooden, weighted with lead and fitted with a glass viewport. Inside, Halley hung a platform for the diver to rest and with the help of weighted barrels, when the diver pulled on them, water pressure from below forced the barrels to release fresh air into the bell. Helpers on the surface refilled the barrels with fresh air continually and Halley and a team of divers managed to stay underwater at a depth of around 60 ft (18.3 m) for as long as an hour and a half using his bell. The Modern Diving Bell Today we find the diving bell to be a modified version of its predecessor. It is a simple transport-bell, used to transfer divers from the deck of the diving-vessel to the area where they have to do their work and back again. This has proved to be a safe vehicle for travel to the limit of up to 100 meters on breathing mixtures. Despite the use of saturation diving techniques, decompression still is critical. A diver can reach a depth of 65 meters in 3 minutes, but it can take him more than 2.5 hours to return to the surface because of his decompression stops (off-loading nitrogen that has crept into the body). It is very dangerous not to obey the laws of decompression. How Deep Can a Diving Bell Go? Modern-day diving bells are made to reach depths of most and commercial diving is conducted between 65 (20 metres) and 1,000 feet (304 metres). However, some diving bells are made to only have a working depth of around 33 feet (10 metres). What is a Diving Bell Depth Record? Thanks to the advances made in technology especially the saturation diving industry, the diving bell depth record had been reached with the deepest dive to 2,300 feet (701 meters) by a human under the pressure of 71.1 atmospheres. Now that is one deep dive. What is a Wet Bell? It is essentially a platform for divers use to descend and ascend from an underwater work area, the platform includes an air-filled space, open at the bottom, where the divers can stand or rest without their heads being submerged. What is a Closed Bell? A closed or dry bell is a pressurised chamber for human transport which is lowered underwater to a workplace, equalised in pressure to the environment, and opened to allow the divers in and out, keeping this pressure equal without flooding the interiors. The internal pressure requires a strong structure, and a spherical ended cylinder is usually the most efficient. Closed bells are used in the commercial diving industry regularly and require the inhabitants to have a strong technical background. Closed bells once back on the surface attach to decompression chambers to aid with diver decompression once the underwater work is completed. They are used for submarine rescues and similar operations like it. Diving Bell Accidents In the nineteenth century and before scientists discovered the effects of pressure on the human body, decompression sickness and casualties because of “the bends” had become a common theme among deep-sea explorers. One diving bell accident occurred when a drilling rig called the Byford Dolphin, in 1983. Five crew members passed away and a sixth was seriously injured. The platform was drilling in a gas field when four divers were in two connected chambers. One of these chambers was also connected to a diving bell. Due to human error, the clamp of the bell was opened earlier than required and the higher pressure chamber rushed into the lower pressure of the bell. As a result, there was an explosion and the bell was blown away with unfortunate casualties. Newer bells have much more enhanced safety and security systems in place to prevent catastrophes such as these accidents. Diving Bell Submarine Rescue During the earlier days of the United States Navy Submarine Force, there were several accidents in which submarines sank with the loss of life. These experiences led submariner Charles Momsen to think of alternatives for rescuing survivors from sunken submarines, which at that time was still a virtual impossibility. Momsen soon conceived a submarine rescue chamber that could be lowered from the surface to mate with a submarine’s escape hatch. Since then, great advancements have been made to the chambers which have led to hundreds of successful rescue operations. That concludes our thoughts on the diving bell, I hope you enjoyed the article. If you have anything to add or would like to share your thoughts, please do so in the comments below and don’t forget to share with your friends on social media. Happy Diving!
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