News
Project Highball wins the Duke of Cambridge Scuba Award
Project Highball, led by divers from East Cheshire Sub Aqua Club and team members from five different BSAC clubs, was recently given Royal recognition with an award from His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.
In conjunction with the BSAC Jubilee Trust, an award has historically been presented by HRH Duke of Edinburgh to the best underwater scientific project carried out by BSAC members. The Duke of Edinburgh created the prize when he was President of BSAC and the Jubilee Trust (the official charity of BSAC) and he personally judged the projects submitted and awarded the Prize. As The Duke of Edinburgh has now retired, The Duke of Cambridge has taken over the judging of the prize from 2017 onwards. The first of the Duke of Cambridge Scuba Prizes was awarded to Project Highball and was personally selected by the Duke who was very interested in the historical significance of the project.
Project Highball took place in July 2017 with two years of planning going into the preparations for the one week project. A team of specialist divers from five different BSAC clubs, commercial marine services companies and a team of mine clearance divers from the Royal Navy’s Northern Dive Group came together to survey Loch Striven and to lift two Highball Bombs from the bed of Loch Striven.
The Highball bombs were invented by Sir Barnes Wallis, and used the same technology as the Upkeep bouncing bombs that were used to such devastating effect against the dams of the Ruhr valley in the now famous Dambusters Raids. The Highball bombs were smaller than the Upkeep bombs and were designed to be used against Germany’s capital ships, in particular the Tirpitz (Sister Ship of the Bismark).
The Tirpitz was considered a huge threat to allied shipping and there were numerous attempts made to sink the ship using high level bombing and Midget Submarines. The Highball Bombs were designed to skip across the water and could be dropped over a kilometer away from the target and them skip over torpedo nets and hit their target; once at the target the spin of the bomb would keep them tight against the hull of the target ship and then they would explode underneath the armour belt when triggered by a depth charge fuse.
The Air Force created a specialist squadron (618 Squadron) to deliver the bombs using the lighter and faster Mosquito Bomber. 618 Squadron spent over a year on Loch Striven practicing with the bombs and perfecting the technology. Loch Striven was also the site of X-Craft testing and commando training and in 1943 was one of the most secret places in the UK. Shrouded by smoke screens and patrolled by guards, the activity in the Loch was kept top secret, leading to the Loch being known as the Secret Loch. Nearly 75 years later there are no intact examples of the Highball bombs anywhere in the world, so with the 75thAnniversary of Dambusters in 2018 looming, the interest in the bouncing bombs was bound to be high.
The Highball Project built on work done by Dr Iain Murray, who having written a number of books on the Upkeep bouncing bombs, identified Loch Striven as the site for the Highball tests from now-declassified military documents and excerpts from the test films that are now available from the Imperial War Museum. Dr Murray was convinced that some of the bombs would remain in the Loch and as luck would have it, Mark Paisey heard about his research and went up to Dundee to meet with him and the idea for Project Highball was born.
Planning for the project took two years, bringing together a set of skills that would enable the team to survey the loch and work on two sites, one in 35m of water and the other in 65m of water. Teams of specialists were identified and with everyone giving their time for free, the team managed to secure the services of a commercial survey company (Aspect Surveys). This brought in high definition Sidescan Sonar via GSE Rentals and Klein Marine Systems who supplied a state of the art high frequency towfish which was the first of its kind in the UK and used on the project as a trial.
In addition to this, we also secured the services of a professional ROV operator (Subsea Tooling Services) and the Royal Navy’s Northern Dive Group who were able to confirm the bombs were inert practice rounds and give us a Free From Explosives (FFE) certificate. The Royal Navy Dive team also brought a support vessel with a 10 tonne crane which made the actual lifting of the bombs much easier.
Our week in Loch Striven was planned in detail and consisted of a diver led jackstay search and detailed sidescan mapping of three different areas of the Loch, two target sites where we believe the bombs were dropped, and also a wider search for evidence of submarine operations (and the rumor of a lost Wellman Submarine). The search for the submarine proved fruitless but we did identify the bomb site and a large-scale debris field with over 100 highball bombs and we used this data to focus the lifting operations. We also found 5 X-Craft side charges – large 8 meter structures that were filled with two tonnes of explosive and bolted onto the side of an X-Craft submarine, then deposited on the seabed underneath a target ship.
Having identified suitable targets for lifting we directed the Navy Team to commence operations and the latter part of the week was focused on lifting two bombs for conservation and eventual donation to UK museums. Of the bombs we recovered for the museums, the Navy Team recovered one and the BSAC Team recovered the other. Both bombs are now undergoing conservation and one will be on display at the DeHavilland Museum in London Colney. The second will be on display as part of the Barnes Wallace Foundation at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey in time for the Dambusters Anniversary in 2018.
Team Highball produced a detailed dive trail which enables anyone to go and visit the Highballs in situ on the seabed:
Kevin Phillips, ECSAC Diving Officer said:
“All in all, the project was a huge success. From a personal point of view it was a real privilege to be part of the team and I really enjoyed diving with a purpose. So much so, that I have now started some Nautical Archeology Training and am aiming to run some more projects with East Cheshire Sub Aqua Club in the future as we have really caught the bug.”
You can find more details of the project, as well as the detailed survey results on the East Cheshire Sub Aqua Club website here.
You can view a 20 minute documentary on the Highball Project at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVWhyhjF6NY
Blogs
Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/courses/underwater-moviemaker.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
Gear News
Get 10% off a Seacraft GO! Scooter if you order before Christmas
Nautilus UK are offering a 10% discount on the Seacraft GO! scooter until Christmas (or until 5 units are sold) due to a slightly better exchange rate. Nautilus UK say this is a not to be missed offer on a very low margin product and unlikely to be repeated.
The Seacraft GO! is a revolution in the segment of compact underwater scooters. Weighing only 9,7 kg, the GO! offers exceptional performance and power.
Apart from that, the new Seacraft model is based on modular Li-Ion batteries with a capacity of 582 Wh which may be split up into several segments, approved to be transported in hand luggage aboard a passenger plane! This is, why we call them “air travel-friendly” batteries, since they offer you even more flexibility than every other Seacraft scooter before.
This makes the GO! the perfect companion for recreational divers, freedivers and technical divers looking for a reliable backup unit.
You can find out more about the Seacraft GO! scooter on Nautilus UK’s website here.
Call Nautilus UK: +44 (0) 333 444 0104
Email Nautilus UK: info@nautilus.uk
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