Cultural activities
Description
Cultural activities encompass expressions, traditions, and practices
that reflect a group's shared values, beliefs, and history.
Divers, underwater vehicle pilots, technicians, and sailors share
common values based on navigation, diving, and robotics history.
Our database provides many historical scientific and technical papers
that searchers can use. However, the history of underwater activities
must also be studied through dedicated websites, maritime and diving
museums, and reports by recognized historians and archeologists to
better understand the reasons for the procedures we use today and
their evolution throughout the ages.
These historical activities should be actively supported, as it would be
impossible to establish historical facts without individuals collecting,
restoring, and studying ancient artifacts.
This section aims to provide links to museums, archeological
organizations, and any organizations involved in cultural activities
related to diving, navigation, and underwater vehicles.
1 - Underwater archeology
During the early days of diving, underwater archeology was limited to
simply retrieving wrecked objects from the depths without further
investigation. Unfortunately, this was often done with the intention of
selling these treasures for a profit.
However, such practices are now strictly prohibited due to territorial
and exclusive economic zone laws that designate wrecks as the
property of coastal states. Consequently, modern underwater
archeology is conducted by government-appointed scientists in charge
of investigating shipwrecks found within their respective countries'
waters.
Despite being tasked with this important work, many archeologists
face significant budget constraints that limit their ability to conduct
thorough investigations. As a result, they sometimes seek assistance
from volunteer sports divers using SCUBA or rebreathers.
While helpful in some ways, it must be noted that these diving
practices are not as safe as those in force in commercial diving and
cannot be carried out on sites where professional operations are
already taking place, despite what some self-proclaimed organizations
might claim. The main reason is that it would be unsuitable to impose a
high level of safety on some divers while authorizing others with
weaker levels to dive at the same site. This is why we have separated
archeology from other underwater work activities, as we cannot
support working activities performed using the above gears despite
understanding why archeologists use them. For more information,
refer to the Diving study CCO Ltd #9 “Analysis of the document IOGP
411 - rev. 2021” (page 92).
It should also be mentioned that Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles have become increasingly
popular tools among archaeologists in recent years. Initially developed
for offshore industries, these advanced technologies have helped
improve many aspects of modern-day underwater investigations while
simultaneously reducing reliance on recreational divers.
For those interested in learning more about underwater archeology
courses or participating in non-profit organizations engaged in similar
activities, we have included links that provide relevant addresses, along
with various reports compiled by experts in this field. Click on the
button below to open our database.
2 - Maritime and diving history museums
Numerous national maritime museums have been created that exhibit
vessels' parts, navigation tools, and diving equipment from the early
periods of navigation and diving. It is also the case of private and non-
profit organizations that organize various activities explaining these old
systems. These establishments can be visited during their open hours
and can be contacted for documentation.
In addition, historical diving websites have been created that provide a
lot of photos and documents.
To open the list, click the button below.
3 - Addresses for those who want to start diving
Commercial diving and ROV pilot training school addresses are
provided in the “Training establishments & recruitment agencies”
section in “Logistics”.
However, it is not a bad idea for those who have never dived to start as
sportive divers and contact organizations employing sportive divers for
activities such as archeology to ensure they are comfortable and able
to work in the water. Many commercial divers started their careers
this way before becoming professionals. Commercial diving courses
are expensive, so it is better to ensure you are fit for such a job before
passing the threshold.
•
Members of the Confederation Mondiale des Activités
Subaquatiques (CMAS)
The “World Underwater Federation, also known as the
“Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS)”, is a
non-commercial international diving federation that provides sport
diving and other aquatic activities. It is recognized by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in addition to being a
member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Founded in 1959 in Monaco, it includes over 120 federations offering
reasonably priced courses.
•
Divers Alert Network (DAN)
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a safety organization dedicated to
supporting divers.
It provides research and emergency medical services, educational
programs, insurance, and various support services.
It must be noted that the courses provided are of a high level.
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List of manufacturers of sports diving equipment.
Although sport diving equipment is much simpler than the
equipment used for commercial diving, the investment remains
costly for less fortunate individuals. Therefore, investing in robust
and performant systems that will last a long time and not break
down during a dive is crucial. The index we provide lists the most
well-known manufacturers.
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