News
Explorer Trains In Exosuit, New Advanced Diving System That Can Reach 1000 Feet; ‘Working In A New Frontier’
Ocean Opportunity, a Rhode Island based not for profit organization, is pleased to announce that its founder, Michael Lombardi recently became among the first to train in the new deep diving system called the Exosuit.
The Exosuit is the next generation Atmospheric Diving System (ADS) designed and constructed by Dr. Phil Nuytten and Nutco Research Ltd in Vancouver, Canada. The Exosuit keeps the pilot at surface pressure, therefore eliminating the physiological hazards associated with deep diving. The first production system was purchased and recently accepted by the JF White Contracting Company of Framingham, Massachusetts. JF White is a recognized leader in unique technology applications for underwater problem solving.
Lombardi participated in the weeklong training program at the invitation of JF White’s Diving Division, and recently commented “I am thrilled at the possibilities of this new found collaboration. Merging mutual interests in ocean exploration between industry, academia, and the private sector has been a formula at work – and putting the Exosuit to work for science uncovers an entirely new realm of unexplored ocean space. This could open several lifetimes of new marinescience opportunities.”
Lombardi is no stranger of the deep – his recent work, funded by the National Geographic Society, has taken science to thelower limits of Mesophotic (or ‘middle light’ ecosystems) to depths exceeding 400 feet with the use of his newly developed underwater habitat. This has resulted in numerous discoveries including a new species of fish, Derilissus lombardii, that is now archived at the American Museum of Natural History. He states, “working in a new frontier exposes tremendous potential for humanity. The fact that we can acquire vast amounts of new knowledge in just minutes of exploration is all the justification we should need to scale-up a renewed human presence in our oceans.”
The Exosuit affords dives to 1000 feet by protecting the pilot from the ocean’s pressure at depth. Special rotary joint technology allows the pilot to move and articulate to carry out human tasks.
Lombardi has assembled a team of multidisciplinary researchers to develop what will be an early use of the Exosuit for scientific exploration. Collaborators include Dr. Brad Seibel of the University of Rhode Island, Dr. David Gruber of the City University of New York, Dr. John Sparks of the American Museum of Natural History, and Dr. Winslow Burleson of Arizona State University. The group is planning an expedition to use the Exosuit in bluewater – the open ocean – to observe and document alien marine life in its natural environment at 1000 feet for the first time by human eyes.
The project is seeking sponsors and donors to contribute to making it a success. Michael is chronicling the project via Blog: http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/tag/exosuit-project
In a video produced exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the Hollis ST Elite System.
For more information about Hollis products, visit hollis.com.
Sea & Sea is the home of Hollis and other leading diving brands in the UK.
News
Relive the Red Sea’s Golden Age: New Paperback Edition of Treasures, Shipwrecks, and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving
by Howard Rosenstein
With Forewords by Sylvia Earle and David Doubilet
Experience the Red Sea’s golden age of diving through the eyes of its pioneering figure, Howard Rosenstein. The new paperback edition of his acclaimed memoir, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving, is a visual feast, showcasing over 200 stunning images above and below water by legendary photographer David Doubilet, the author and others.
Journey from a makeshift diving school in a train carriage to the forefront of global dive tourism. Rosenstein’s narrative weaves together thrilling underwater adventures, historical discoveries (from Roman coins to unmapped reefs), and encounters with a fascinating cast of characters, including underwater legends and world leaders.
This enhanced paperback release offers a deeper dive into Rosenstein’s story, featuring additional images, refined text, and minor corrections. Witness how his passion for the underwater world not only shaped a generation of divers but also subtly influenced the delicate peace process of the region. This is a story of adventure, discovery, and the enduring allure of the Red Sea.
You don’t need to be a diver to get lost in these pages—there’s something here for anyone who loves a good adventure, a slice of history, or a peek into someone else’s amazing life.
‘Unbelievable stories that are most wonderful because they are true.’
Sylvia Earle
‘Endlessly entertaining… A vivid memoir packed with characters and anecdotes.’
SCUBA magazine
About the author
Howard Rosenstein is a one-off who was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2009. In this memoir, he shares the more surprising as well as his favorite stories from the early part of his long diving career.
The book
Review copies on request – please contact Alex Gibson: alex@divedup.com |
Release date 11 March 2025
RRP GBP £25 | Paperback | ISBN 978-1-909455-54-2
216 pages | Revised 1st Edition | 234 x 156 mm
Available from Divedup.com, online and from retailers.
Dive Trade: Nautilus UK
Book Trade: Gardners Books.
Praise for Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving
‘Unbelievable stories that are most wonderful because they are true’ – Sylvia Earle
‘A page-turning memoir filled with stories of finding treasures, shipwrecks, and discovering exotic coral reefs teeming with marine life.’ – Explorers Journal, Explorers Club of America
‘Endlessly entertaining… A vivid memoir packed with characters and anecdotes.’ – SCUBA magazine
‘A very satisfying read.’ – DIVE magazine
‘A rollicking fun tale.’ – Kathy Sullivan, history-making astronaut and oceanographer
‘This is a fascinating story and one well told.’ – Divernet
‘Howard Rosenstein had a dream that he made a reality – he built, and they came.’ – David Doubilet
‘A fascinating story that, if it was not the real-life of Howard Rosenstein, it would make a first-class adventure novel.’ – Dan Orr, Diving Industry Consultant
‘A gripping tale.’ – Undercurrent
‘An upbeat tale of success with surprising twists along the way… will enlighten and entertain.’ – Jewish Book Council
‘A captivating voyage… I urge you to pick up a copy and embark on this thrilling journey’ – Amos Nachoum, award-winning nature photographer and diving travel pioneer
Gear Reviews3 months agoGear Review: SurfEars 4
- Blogs3 weeks ago
GO Diving Show 2025: The Monster Mark Evans Created (And Why the Industry Loves It)
- News1 month ago
Humpback Mother and Calf Win Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025
- News1 month ago
Go Diving Show 2025 Exhibitor Showcase
- Marine Life & Conservation1 month ago
ARC marine Celebrates “Commended” Award at Underwater Photographer of the Year with reef cube image
- News2 months ago
2-for-1 tickets now available for GO Diving Show
- News1 month ago
Filming 360 in The Bahamas
- News2 months ago
Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!
