Daytime speakers

Divers often think about Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll as similar locations with some kind of wreck diving on offer, but the reality could not be further from the truth. Besides a shared location in the Pacific, Truk and Bikini are vastly different for reasons that encompass politics, history, diving depths, required skill levels, the types of wrecks and more. 

Aron Arngrimsson has owned and operated several high-profile technical diving operations, written for dive publications and training organizations, developed products with industry leading manufacturers and has regularly helped organizations develop training outlines. Aron has filmed documentaries and commercials along with hosting numerous TV and film productions including National Geographic, Dive Odyssey and Monty Halls and is now the co-founder of our sister company, Dirty Dozen Productions.

This is the story of the Ocean liner MN Viminale, sunk during World War II by an American torpedo boat off the coast of Palmi, South Italy. The Ship now lies at 107 m/350 ft of depth.

Andrea Murdock Alpini is a TDI and CMAS technical trimix and advanced wreck-overhead instructor based in Italy. He is fascinated by deep wrecks, historical research, decompression studies, caves, filming and writings. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and an MBA in Economics for The Arts. Andrea is also the founder of Phy Diving Equipment. His life revolves around teaching open circuit scuba diving, conducting expeditions, developing gear, and writing essays about his philosophy of wreck and cave diving. He wote the books: "Deep Blue: storie di relitti e luoghi insoliti" (2020), and in "Immersioni Selvagge" (2022). Actually he is working on a new book: "Andrea Doria: Un lembo di patria".

There are many thousands of shipwrecks around the UK, many have already been discovered but taking a  fresh look at sonar scans and venturing deeper has allowed forgotten wrecks to be rediscovered. This includes British warships HMS Jason, HMS Hoste & HMS Negro as well as the USS Jacob Jones.

UK based technical diver and Underwater Photographer Rick Ayrton has been involved in wreck discovery around the British Isles for many years. The past two years have been some of the most rewarding and productive. Rick is an award winning underwater photographer and he enjoys bringing images of long forgotten shipwrecks back into the public eye. In 2021 he published "Expedition Britannic" a book about the 2019 expedition that was well received by both divers and non-divers.

Learn from a decade of Backscatter Operations Manager, Becca Boring's underwater photography mistakes so you don't have to learn the hard way.   

              Raised on wreck diving and photography Becca Boring has been the Operations Manager of Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo for the last decade. She is passionate about documenting and helping others capture the beauty of the underwater world and has a particular fondness for the wrecks of the Pacific.

Explore the fascinating wreck and history of the Destroyer/Minesweeper USS Emmons. Sunk during the battle of Okinawa in April 1945 with the loss of 60 officers and crewmen, the Emmons remained undiscovered for more than five decades.  Resting in 145 feet of clear, warm, blue water the Emmons is one of the most intact, diveable warships from WWII.

Mike's fascination with maritime history and shipwrecks began after his first wreck dive off the New Jersey coast in 1971. Since then he has explored many shipwrecks in various parts of the world and has participated in numerous projects and expeditions. In 1985 he was part of the seven-man team that recovered the bell from the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria. From 1989 to 1995 he operated a charter boat off the Virginia coast and discovered a number of wrecks, including the 4-masted steam-schooner Eureka that sank in 1888 carrying a cargo of general merchandise. While living in Europe from 1999 to 2004 he explored wrecks in the English Channel, Scapa Flow, Baltic Sea, Northern Ireland, Norway, and the North Sea - including three expeditions to document the wrecks from the Battle of Jutland. In 2002 Mike organized a team of English and American divers who traveled to Poland to dive the German liner, Wilhelm Gustloff, where more than 9,000 people perished after being torpedoed by a Russian submarine in January 1945, making it the deadliest shipwreck in history. From 2017 to 2022 Mike lived in Okinawa Japan, traveling throughout the Pacific, diving wrecks in Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Truk Lagoon, and Bikini Atoll.   Mike now lives in Florida, retired from work but not diving.

Developing safe, sound, and proficient diving plans for operations in remote locations requires a comprehensive understanding and addressing of the specific challenges and associated risks.
Given the distance from advanced medical care facilities, ensuring the health and safety of the diving team in remote locations is a top priority.
The diving support available on-site could be minimal or inadequate. A critical point is the quality of breathable gas.
Another important thing is obeying local rules, laws, and regulations. Diving fees could be needed.

Dr. Giorgio Caramanna is a geologist and a professional diver with over 30 years of diving experience in many challenging environments.
In 2018, the International Academy of Underwater Sciences and Techniques awarded him the “Golden Trident.” He is currently a member of the Academy's board of directors.
Giorgio is an instructor of the Diving Program of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MA, USA). He is also the author of “Risk Management for Diving Operations,” a textbook for WHOI's Dive Leadership, the Alvin scientific submersible pilots training, and the University of Helsinki (Finland) Scientific Diving training.

On assignment for Ocean Geographic Magazine for their 2024 DEMA Edition, underwater filmmaker and photojournalist Paul Cater Deaton documents a return trip to the Italian Riviera for an update on the intriguing farming experiment known as “Nemo’s Garden.” We learn about some of the challenges facing the Nemo’s team, the benefits of growing microgreens under a few atmospheres of pressure in a subaquatic environment, their studies into sustainability and best practices, and their recent expansion into America. We visit the undersea biospheres that are the heart of the experiment and discover surprising facts about growing terrestrial crops under the sea.

Paul Cater Deaton is an award-winning Writer, Producer, Director and Cinematographer. Based in Galveston, he works all over the world on film, TV, music video and documentary projects.

He is a member of Boston Sea Rovers, Television Academy, Explorers Club, Historical Diving Society and American Advertising Federation. Credits include The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, HBO Documentaries and The Amazing Race.

He is a NAUI SCUBA Instructor and TDI Nitrox and Rebreather diver. Certified in Global Shark Biology, Biodiversity and Conservation by Cornell University and the University of Queensland. He was named a Philippines Specialist by the Philippines Department of Tourism.

Diamond Shoals Light Vessel No. 71 was sentinel of the seas at arguably the most treacherous spot to navigation on the US East Coast, Cape Hatteras. On August 6, 1918 U-140, Under Korvettenkapitan Waldemar Kophamel attacked the Collier SS Merak, just off the outer Diamond Shoal. When the U-boat became aware that the nearby Lightship began transmitting wireless messages about the attack, the guns of the submarine turned on the unarmed lightship. Uwe Lovas first located and dived the LV 71 in . The vessel lies in 190 feet of water just to the South of Cape Hatteras. She is nearly intact and visually spectacular.

Marc Corbett, Panda Daniels, and Jay King are founding members of the North Carolina Shipwreck Project. A group dedicated to locating, exploring, researching, and documenting historic shipwrecks along the NC coast. The NC Shipwreck Project is a technical dive team, and extremely close group of friends who work together towards their goals. 

PROTEUS™, will change the way we explore and relate to the Ocean. Conceived as the International Space Station of the Sea, it is a collaborative global platform for researchers, academics, government agencies, and corporations to advance Ocean science. The platform will provide a transformative setting to enable significant advancements in climate solutions, renewable energy, future medicines and cures, and sustainable food sources.

Fabien Cousteau is the Co-Founder & Chairman and Chief Oceanic Explorer for rhe PROTEUS Ocean Group (POG). He is the grandson of Jacques Cousteau, and son of Jean-Michel Cousteau. Brian Helmuth, PhD is a 25-year Professor at the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University and Lead on POG Science & Research Strategy. Mark Patterson, PhD is a POG Lead Strategic Advisor and Northeastern Professor in Marine & Environmental Sciences/Civil & Environmental Engineering.

A groundbreaking presentation that explores advanced techniques in underwater macro cinematography for natural history films lead by renowned cinematographer Cristian Dimitrius. Discover the power of new optics for capturing stunning close-ups, the unique perspectives offered by probe lenses, and the dramatic effects of creative lighting. These cutting-edge tools reveal intricate marine life details and enhance visual storytelling. Ideal for expert and aspiring filmmakers and researchers, this talk promises to inspire and revolutionize your approach to underwater filming.

Cristian Dimitrius is a Brazilian Emmy Award Winning cinematographer, photographer and television presenter specializing in wildlife and natural history films. Cristian's innovative cinematography and unorthodox camera techniques are helping revolutionize the way people see wildlife. He is one of the most experienced cinematographers working in Brazil, having shot and produced for the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Netflix, DisneyPlus,PBS, CNN and many more. He was also Boston Sea Rovers Diver of the year 2024 and his life-long mission is to inspire people to fall in love with our planet through his images.

Join Schoolyard Films as we explore innovative solutions to plastic pollution, from scientific research on plastic-eating organisms to activists preventing waste from entering oceans. Bulk stores promote reusable containers, while young changemakers engage policymakers and CEOs with impactful – and surprising – results! The ultimate goal: “turn off the tap” of plastic production. Inspired by award-winning filmmaker Tom Fitz, discover how lifestyle changes, activism, and community efforts can protect our blue planet, its delicate oceans, and its magnificent wildlife.

              Amy Giannotti is a marine ecologist and proudly represents Schoolyard Films as their Director of Development. Amy’s love of the sea spans generations, as her great-great grandfather was a prominent captain of sailing ships from Cape Cod during the 1800s. Amy has a B.S. in biology from Marietta College and a M.S. in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia. She has extensive experience in freshwater and marine environments, including underwater caves and problems with invasive species.

Caribbean coral reefs have experienced dramatic changes over the past few decades, driven by both natural and human-induced factors. Once thriving ecosystems, these reefs now face increasing pressures from climate change, particularly marine heatwaves that are growing in both frequency and intensity. The extreme ocean temperatures recorded during 2023/2024 triggered the fourth global bleaching event, underscoring the vulnerability of coral ecosystems to rising temperatures. In response to this heatwave, the reefs of Little Cayman —an isolated and well-protected ecosystem— experienced dramatic changes in coral cover and species composition which will have implication for overall reef function. Similarly, well established coral nurseries suffered from near complete mortality. Here I will explore these changes in the context of long-term monitoring data and examine the cascading effects on the future success of restoration efforts. Finally, I will discuss emerging strategies to identify and protect potential climate refuges, such as deeper reefs and offshore seamounts, which may serve as sanctuaries for coral species and provide hope for sustaining these vital ecosystems amid rapid environmental change.

Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley received her PhD from Harvard University in 2009 where she studied the evolution of corals across the Caribbean. She subsequently held postdoctoral positions in Florida and Italy, before settling at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. During her time at BIOS she became heavily involved with studying the invasive lionfish, a project that led her to technical diving as they discovered dense aggregations on deeper reefs. She quickly became fascinated with mesophotic coral reefs and over time transitioned to a closed circuit system. In 2020 she joined the Central Caribbean Marine Institute as the Director of Research where she lead a team focused on documenting biodiversity on deep reefs, understanding community dynamics, and examining the potential of mesophotic reefs as thermal refuges.

    Diving combined with lab experiments has recently produced some exceptional discoveries of octopus behaviors. Join our adventures worldwide to witness octopuses sleeping and dreaming with colorful skin patterns, octopuses on the Great Barrier Reef conducting elaborate courtship displays, blue-ringed octopuses demonstrating social recognition via chemical sensing through their suckers, and some exciting brain and nervous system discoveries that are reshaping our understanding and appreciation of the elegance and adaptability of these strange animals.

              Roger Hanlon is a diving biologist who studies rapid adaptive coloration in cephalopods. He has conducted detailed field studies worldwide with the aid of diving citizen scientists and film crews, and has published 250 scientific papers, several dozen of which involve two dozen octopus species worldwide. He is a Senior Scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole and was trained at Florida State University, the University of Miami, and Cambridge University. Active public outreach includes TED 2019, BBC, NOVA, Discovery, National Geographic, TEDx 2015, New York Times, and others.

Beneath the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada, Jill Heinerth has discovered a remarkable community of endangered organisms that have never been documented. Protecting these animals requires understanding and protecting a unique biota including lake sturgeon and other threatened species. Jill will take the audience on a wild ride through over 10 km of submerged passageways.

More people have walked on the moon than visited many of the places Jill Heinerth has explored on Earth. From the most dangerous technical dives deep inside underwater caves to swimming through giant Antarctic icebergs, Heinerth has been the hands and eyes of climatologists, archaeologists, biologists, and engineers worldwide. She was named the first Explorer-in-Residence of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and inaugural recipient of the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration. Jill is a Fellow of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, National Speleological Society, WINGS WorldQuest and the Explorers Club, which recognized her work with the prestigious William Beebe Award for ocean exploration. The Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times have lauded Jill’s best-selling memoir Into the Planet. Dolly Parton selected Jill’s book, The Aquanaut, for her Imagination Library program. Running Cloud Productions of Australia is currently filming a feature documentary that will be released in 2024 and previewed at the Sea Rovers Film Festival.

In this presentation, listeners will delve into the underwater world of cinematography and gain insight on the ins and outs of underwater filmmaking. Maxwel Hohn talks about his behind the scenes of wildlife filmmaking and working with large productions like Netflix, National Geographic, and BBC and the steps he took to turn underwater filmmaking into a full time career

An underwater and wildlife cinematographer with a passion for showcasing the world's stunning natural diversity. Maxwel grew up on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia before travelling around the world evolving his skills as a photographer. Maxwel currently works for productions like Netflix, Disney, National Geographic, BBC, IMAX, and more. He is a rebreather diver, cave diver, and a brand ambassador with Divesoft, Huish Outdoors and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Dr. Kernagis will provide an update on the latest research in diver health and performance.

Dr. Dawn Kernagis is the Director of Scientific Research for DEEP. Her research over the past decade and a half has centered around extreme environmental physiology, health, and performance optimization, funded by agencies including the US Navy, NASA, US Department of Defense, DAN, and the American Heart Association. Dawn has also been a diver since 1993; she was a diver and operations manager of multiple underwater cave and wreck exploration projects. In 2016, she was selected as a crew member of the NASA NEEMO XXI undersea mission. Based on her research and diving background, Dawn has been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame, selected as a Fellow of the Explorers Club, and is the recipient of the 2018 Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society's Young Scientist Award.

Join us on a journey through European underwater history! Our career as support divers on underwater archeological projects takes us to rivers and seas, shallows and depths. We have seen the remains of a Roman bridge buried in the muck of the Danube river, Renaissance shipwrecks of Croatia, Roman piers in Slovenia. We will talk about the different environments we work in and our experiences as business (and romantic) partners on various projects throughout Europe.

Andrea and Tomas Kiss are instructors and passionate CCR divers. Over the years, SCUBA diving has become their lifestyle and profession. Founders of the AKITO dive team, with focus on diver training, underwater photogrammetry, support for scientific diving operations, and promotion of underwater environment and heritage protection.

Longtime Safety Supervisor, AIDA + CMAS Judge, and dive instructor Francesca Koe will share safety protocols from a host of high-performance international freediving competitions, along with best practices she's gleaned from lived-experience and real-world scenarios for every freediver, from novice to expert. The questions you will want to answer before diving in.

Francesca Koe, (longtime Editor-at-Large for DeeperBlue.com, and narrator of the smash Nextflix documentary "The Deepest Breath) brings extensive breath-hold & freediving competition experience as the VP of U.S.A. Freediving, a multi-agency & multi-disciplinary dive instructor, and as an active AIDA + CMAS judge for international depth & pool events. Francesca has worked at Vertical Blue for over a decade, collaborating in roles of safety, production & now as the Chief Media Officer of VB. Partnering with many other global schools & competitions, Francesca is focused on ensuring best-practices, medical training and safety are prioritized worldwide.

DEEP Research Labs and the DEEP Institute is pushing forward to future of underwater exploration. NASA has built spaceships and trained astronauts, DEEP aims to do the same thing with their underwater habitat design called 'Sentinel' and their training programs called 'Aquan'. DEEP is 70,000+ engineering hours into a 200m designed habitat capable of 30 days missions with 6 people. This habitat design is unique in that its expandable, redeployable and reconfigurable with a life span of 25-30 years. Additionally, DEEP is developing a line of submersibles to work hand-in-hand with the Sentinel habitat system. All of this is hand in hand with DNV, a classification and certification society.

Kirk Krack is a renowned ‘multi-disciplined’ diver and entrepreneur. Scuba instructor since 1988 and mixed gas instructor trainer since the mid-90’s, in 2000 Kirk developed one of the world first freediving educational systems, Performance Freediving International eventually training seven athletes to twenty-three world records and receiving the ‘DAN Rolex Diver of the Year’ award. He’s worked extensively in the movie industry recently training cast and crew for James Cameron on ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. Kirk has joined DEEP Research Labs an ocean exploration and marine engineering company developing underwater habitats, submersibles and training.

For nearly 40 years, I heard my father's sea stories from his WWII experiences serving in the Polish Navy.  Although he passed away in 2003, in 2014 I began a journey which started by chance, and culminated in the discovery of the wreck of his ship, 83 after its loss at the height of WWII. This is the story of that journey, the planning and preparation undertaken, the friendships made, and the results of the efforts of a multi-national team of shipwreck hunters, historians, and archaeologists. 

Chris Kraska is the son of an Irish mother and Polish Father who met and married in Scotland at the height of WWII while father was a seaman in the Polish Navy. As a marine archaeologist, divemaster, and underwater photographer Chris has made hundreds of dives in warm waters as well as on Lake Erie.   As part of his avocational work, Chris has been a member of MAST, the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team, since 2006 and served as the chairman of the board from 2012 until 2018. He has participated in numerous archaeological surveys as as a survey diver, dive safety officer, and project manager.Chris became involved with DWP CARES after meeting its Director while filming a documentary on Lake Michigan in 2019.  Since that time, he has helped shape the organizations educational platform and course structure as part of their education advisory board.Chris has degrees in political science, archaeology, and education.

Caribbean Reef sharks readily recognized their own image reflected in the lens port of an underwater camera housing, single sharks making up to 18 passes to look at themselves. Among 3 divers identically suited in maille, they surrounded the one whom they had not previously encountered. These events point toward higher-order cognition including a Theory of Mind and sense of Self, much like us. Sharks come from an ancient lineage, almost as distant from humans in evolutionary terms as insects. Sameness in that context has profound implications for our relationship with life on Earth, which we ignore at our peril.

Mark Seth Lender is a producer for wildlife content and Explorer in Residence at Living on Earth, nationally  broadcast to 250 Public Radio stations. He does his own fieldwork and writes and voices his material on air (2009 – present). He has a monthly byline at Connecticut Examiner (http://ctexaminer.com/) and is an occasional contributor to Estuary Magazine (http://estuarymagazine.com/). He is the author together with his wife Valerie Elaine Pettis of the award winning and much-beloved children’s book, Smeagull the Seagull, A True Story (http://smeagull.com/) The Decisive Sequence, the work-in-progress of his first book of photography is at https://marksethlender.com/the-decisive-sequence/ . Mark was inducted into the Explorers Club in 2015.

Join Kayla as she leads team members Jill Heinerth and Charlotte Pilon-McCullough to explore the three-masted schooner, the OLIVER MOWAT, in the waters of Prince Edward County region of eastern Ontario. The OLIVER MOWAT was considered the crown jewel of the Millhaven shipyards when launched in 1873 and her career lasted 48 years, representing the last of the era of wind and sail. Lost in 1921 and re-found in 2004, the wreck was kept secret for its protection. Come discover this amazing wreck with Kayla as part of a 2023 Royal Canadian Geographical Society Flag Expedition!

Kayla Martin represents the upcoming generation of shipwreck divers and since 2014 has shared her passion at conferences across North America. She promotes preserving historic shipwrecks and low-impact diving as the Heritage Ambassador for Save Ontario Shipwrecks and serves on the board of Ontario Marine Heritage Committee.She volunteers as a member of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Dive Team and assists the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society in creating 3D photogrammetry models.Selected as a 2023 Royal Canadian Geographical Society Expedition Grantee, she is currently leading an expedition to document the Oliver Mowat, an intact Great Lakes schooner. 

Filming underwater presents a fascinating dichotomy between capturing macro subjects and wide-angle scenes. Macro filming focuses on tiny, intricate marine life, like nudibranchs or shrimp, requiring precision, patience, and specialized equipment to bring out minute details often missed by the naked eye. On the other hand, wide-angle filming highlights grand underwater landscapes, showcasing vast coral reefs, large marine animals, or the interplay of light in open water. It demands a different approach, emphasizing scale and depth. Both styles offer unique storytelling challenges and rewards, requiring distinct techniques to reveal the hidden beauty of the underwater world in its fullest form.

Nancy McGee is a celebrated underwater explorer, filmmaker, and adventurer with over three decades of experience. A member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and an Explorers Club Fellow, Nancy has piloted the Exosuit, scuba dived on all seven continents, and captured rare footage of extraordinary marine encounters, including snorkeling with whales, crocodiles, and diving with an elephant. Known for blending scientific exploration with storytelling, her work promotes ocean conservation and has been featured in numerous documentaries, publications and exhibitions. Nancy continues to inspire others to explore and protect our planet’s most remote and fragile aquatic environments..

Tasmania has done an amazing job preserving its reefs and marine life. However, climate change is something the tiny island cannot control...and it is having a profound impact on the marine environment. See how their efforts at mitigating its impact are working and what we can learn from their efforts.

Faith Ortins has spent her life educating people about diving through her love and enthusiasm for the ocean. She inspires people and instills in them a passion for diving in all its forms. In early 1990’s, she worked with DUI to develop the first women’s drysuits before becoming DUI’s VP of Sales and Marketing for 20 years. She created the DUI DOG Rally and Demo Tour Program which promoted local diving facilities across the US, teaming dive retailers together while divers test dive DUI products. She now is the co-owner of Blue Green Expeditions which guides expeditions to all the oceans on the planet including multiple polar expeditions. She is a 2010 Inductee to the Women Divers Hall of Fame and associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers.

The dive profile is most important, but there are a multitude of factors that can alter decompression stress, many of which are not captured in current decompression algorithms. This presentation will consider key and contributing factors and the inter-relationships between them that can alter risk. Tools and practical strategies to optimize decompression safety will then be discussed.

Neal W. Pollock, PhD holds a Research Chair in Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine and is an Associate Professor in Kinesiology at Université Laval in Québec, Canada. He was previously Research Director at Divers Alert Network (DAN) and conducted research at Duke University, both in Durham, North Carolina. His academic training is in zoology, exercise physiology, and environmental physiology. His research interests focus on human health and safety in extreme environments, including decompression safety for both divers and astronauts.

Joe Romeiro has spent nearly two decades filming some of the oceans top predators around the globe and has one of the largest libraries of various species both day and night. Joe will be presenting about some of his latest work with sharks and showing off some never before seen footage.

Joe Romeiro is a multi-award-winning veteran wildlife filmmaker and Executive Director of 333 Productions. He is a member of the Explorers Club and in 2019 the Boston Sea Rovers awarded him the esteemed “Diver of the Year” award. Joe has spent over a decade filming and interacting with sharks all over the world. He has worked with many top celebrities and holds producer and filmmaking credits for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet and many more. His mission is to showcase sharks as beautiful creatures that are critical elements to our oceans ecosystem through personal interaction, education, research and filmmaking.He has worked with many respected scientists in the field to bring to light some of the world's first knowns about shark behavior and activities that astound audiences worldwide. Joe and his wife, Lauren, own a 45' research vessel located in Rhode Island, the R/V WARFISH, and has co-authored many scientific papers on shark behavior, movement, ecology and biology. His work focuses on his local New England waters, fighting for the survival of native species with an emphasis on the mako, blue, porbeagle and great white shark. His work has fueled awareness and legislation to protect these species not just regionally, but worldwide.

Between the Baja Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico lies the fabled Sea of Cortez. For decades, fisherman have known about the marine riches that abound in these waters. Today, SCUBA divers can explore beneath the waves of this dazzling marine paradise and witness the underwater marvels for themselves. Jacques-Yves Cousteau once characterized the Sea of Cortez as “The World’s Aquarium”, and for good reason. The Sea of Cortez is known for big animals, mesmerizing reefs and heart-pounding adventure. Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they dive with playful Sea Lions and Guadalupe Fur Seals, explore fascinating shipwrecks and journey to colorful reefs teeming with marine life

                 Michael Salvarezza and Christopher Weaver have been diving the waters the world since 1978.  They have presented their work numerous times at the Boston Sea Rovers Underwater Clinic, and all of the major dive conferences, and have published more than 200 articles in numerous magazines, including National Geographic Adventure. Their work has been used to support a variety of research and educational programs. Their expeditions have taken them from the Arctic to the Antarctic and many places in between.

Jennifer N. Sellitti is a lawyer and a shipwreck hunter. A criminal defense attorney by profession, she and her partner, Joe Mazraani, spend their spare time operating D/V Tenacious, a vessel that locates, dives, and salvages artifacts from shipwrecks in the North Atlantic. Jennifer is a US Coast Guard–licensed ship captain and a certified diver. She was part of the crew that discovered the wreckage of the 1855 passenger steamship Le Lyonnais, the WWI casualty West Point, the bow of M/S Stockholm, and other shipwrecks. She has served as surface support for expeditions to RMS Lusitania, SS Andrea Doria, and Titanic’s sister ship, HMHS Britannic. Jennifer is an associate member of Boston Sea Rovers and passionate about educating people of all ages about maritime history. 

Diving the Nantucket Shoals is not for the faint of heart. Deep water far from shore and ferocious currents make Nantucket Shoals diving a challenge even for the most experienced divers. Captain Eric Takakjian discovered numerous shipwrecks off the coast of Nantucket and dived these waters for years. During the past two summers, dive teams from D/V Tenacious have continued Takakjian’s work exploring and re-exploring wrecks he discovered many years ago. Join Joe Mazraani and Rick Simon as they discuss diving M/V Oregon, SS Newcastle City, and SS North American and other Nantucket shipwrecks. They will discuss the advantages of technical diving in these waters, what it is to hunt and explore shipwrecks there, and what’s left to do in an area they consider to be the next frontier of North Atlantic wreck diving. 

Richard M. Simon grew up diving and crewing on New England dive boats. Rick is a Boston Sea Rover & 2005 Frank Scalli Intern and a TDI dive instructor with recreational and technical ratings. He is the president of Manta Industries, a dive equipment manufacturing company and is also the vice president of Shoreline Diving Services, INC., a commercial diving company specializing in inspection, salvage and construction. Rick is an avid diver, especially enjoying cave and wreck diving mostly on the East Coast but anywhere around the world. When he is not diving, he enjoys spending time with his wife Erin and their many farm animals.

Captain Eric Takakjian, a professional mariner, has been sailing ships and ocean going tugboats to various corners of the world since 1978.  Since 1985, Eric and his friends have conducted research and expeditions resulting in the location and exploration of over 70 previously undiscovered shipwrecks in the waters around New England and outer continental shelf waters. An avid shipwreck diver since 1975, Captain Eric has been a fellow of the Explorers Club since 1997, a member of the Board of Directors of The Steamship Historical Society of America and an associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers.

At the age of 50 years, JAWS is still considered one of the most influential thrillers of all time. Released in 1975, this summer blockbuster generated fear in many beachgoers - to this day, some will not go back in the water. Thought to inspire the “Jaws Effect,” the film is often blamed for the demise of shark populations. At 25 feet long, the movie’s villain eagerly consumed swimmers, held personal vendettas, and sank boats. Was this cinematic hyperbole, factual content, or something in between? This presentation will celebrate the anniversary of this iconic film by teasing out the truth from Hollywood fiction.

Dr. Gregory Skomal is an accomplished marine biologist, photographer, and author. He has been a senior fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries since 1987 and currently heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, where he has been actively involved in research on the life history, ecology, and physiology of sharks. He has written dozens of scientific research papers and his work has been highlighted in several film and television documentaries including programs for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and PBS.

Komodo is an amazing group of islands, where dragons roam freely and mantas soar gracefully.  It’s a multi-colored jungle of life with remarkable bio diversity.  Brilliant corals, sea fans, and sponges carpet the reefs.  Crawling among them are hundreds of crabs, nudibranchs, and shrimp with their vivid patterns and designs. Exotic fish are everywhere. Join the Stayers as they explorer this incredible place.

The Stayers, Boston Sea Rovers Associate Members and Explorer Club Fellows, are well-known underwater filmmakers dedicated to sharing shipwrecks, animal behavior, and remote dive destinations around the world. Jim & Pat have discovered several historic shipwrecks, co-authored 3 books, produced hundreds of multimedia presentations, and their footage has appeared on numerous major networks worldwide.  They have directed several evening film festivals and are popular presenters across North America. The couple have been diving for 49 years and ran a charter boat on the Great Lakes.  Jim is a USCG Captain and Pat is in the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Together they have led an amazing life of adventure

Photography and videography are two sides of the same coin, each reaching deep into the creative paths of artists to document and express the world around them. After over a decade exclusively in photography, Jake Stout ventured into the Amazon River to try his hand at videography. Though similar in many ways the methodology, mind set, and practices in photography and videography differ a lot. Hear from Jake as he discusses how he approached making a short film, follies, epiphanies and all. Learn how with a focused concept, cinematography and editing become second nature. 

Jake Stout is a wildlife photographer specializing in natural history photojournalism. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jake developed his love of nature spending summers in New Hampshire. Jake has been sharpening his photography skills since 2009 and has worked across many genres of the medium. Jake began his SCUBA journey in 2017 and never looked back. A year later, he was the recipient of the Boston Sea Rover’s internship in which he traveled around the world doing underwater photography with marine scientists, BBC and National Geographic photographers and filmmakers. In 2019 Jake had the honor of presenting his work at the Boston Sea Rovers Film Festival, the longest continually running dive show in the world, and was inducted as a full active roster member in 2020. He is currently developing underwater camera technology in the Red Sea at the Derya Akkaynak COLOR lab.

The Great Lakes region boasts a rich maritime history, with numerous shipwrecks resting on the lakebeds, ranging from remote locations to popular dive sites. This presentation delves into the allure of these submerged time capsules, shedding light on the stories of the ships and their fateful voyages. Additionally, we explore how modern divers are employing photometry and video technology to protect these precious wrecks. By documenting and sharing these underwater treasures, we can raise awareness about the importance of their preservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the historical significance of these submerged relics.

Greg Such, a distinguished boat captain, seasoned explorer, and dedicated instructor trainer, has dedicated three decades to the dive industry. Greg's passion for underwater exploration has taken him to the far corners of the globe, with a special focus on wreck diving. His expertise extends beyond diving, as he imparts his knowledge to train both divers and instructors. A true advocate for accessibility to remote dive sites, Greg actively collaborates with organizations to ensure divers can access these hidden gems. His commitment to preserving maritime history is evident through his efforts to document these sites for museums, ensuring that the world can share in the wonder of these submerged treasures.

This presentation will discuss the thought processes and methods used to design and build a carbon fiber rebreather chassis optimized for minimal size and weight, maximum strength and streamlined balanced performance.

Captain Eric Takakjian a professional mariner has been sailing ships and oceangoing tugboats to various corners of the world since 1978. Eric has conducted extensive historical research on New England shipwrecks. Since 1985 Eric and his friends have conducted expeditions resulting in the location and exploration over 70 previously undiscovered shipwrecks in the waters around New England and outer continental shelf waters An avid shipwreck diver since 1975. Captain Eric has been a fellow of the Explorers Club since 1997, a member of the Board of Directors of The Steamship Historical Society of America, and an associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers.

Come take a walk on the wild side!  Whether photographing macro or wide angle, a new creative technique can give a commonly photographed subject an entirely new life and tell a unique story about the dynamic underwater world.  This presentation will showcase some very creative in-camera photography captured with special techniques, tips and tools, as well as share the secrets of the magic behind the shot. Sit back and enjoy marine life big and small from the waters around the world presented in an unexpected way.

Ron Watkins has been an award-winning photographer for 20+ years, writer, public speaker, conservationist and photography instructor specializing in underwater and topside nature photography. Ron is known as an adventurer who is passionate about sharing his knowledge of photography and gets as much of a rush from nailing a shot as teaching someone else how to do the same.  As a Backscatter Photo Professional Affiliate, he leads trips, reviews gear and teaches workshops.  His imagery and stories have been featured in numerous publications including Oceanographic Magazine, Alert Diver, Ocean Geographic, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver Ocean Planet, and Unterwasser.

For 21 years, the Sea Rovers’ Summer Internship has played a major role in our mission to produce the next generation of diving leaders.  During the summer, the Intern partners with members of the Boston Sea Rovers and associates located throughout the United States to experience a wide variety of jobs and career choices.  Based in part on the personal interests of the Intern, the Internship provides advanced dive training courses and ample opportunities to dive and train with a variety of dive professionals in a broad cross-section of diving environments.  Opportunities can include hands-on work with professional under water photographers and filmmakers, educational specialists, marine engineers and scientists, equipment manufacturer’s representatives, and dive shop owners.  In addition to the unique time spent with some of our most distinguished members, the Sea Rovers Intern is outfitted with dive equipment (provided by Sea Rover corporate sponsors) for their use throughout the summer and will receive the necessary financial support to ensure travel and living expenses.  

This presentation will explore the use of a buddy system as a fundamental cornerstone of recreational diving and the responsibilities of a buddy diver.  The presentation will also examine the legal duty that a buddy diver owes to his/her diving partner and the liability that a buddy diver may face by deviating from those duties.  Finally, the presentation will discuss real case studies, present hypothetical scenarios to the audience, and offer suggestions to minimize buddy diving incidents.

Ron is an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Division of Criminal Justice in Connecticut.  He has been a prosecutor for 30 years and, before that, a civil trial attorney.  Ron is also an Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac Law School and an instructor for the Connecticut Police Academy.  As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor for Scuba Shack, Ron enjoys presenting on topics where the law and scuba diving intersect.

March 24th, 2024 marks the 15 year anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Lady Mary. The Lady Mary was a 71’ scallop fishing vessel that sank on March 24th, 2009 approximately 60 miles off Cape May, New Jersey with the loss of 6 crew and one survivor.  In the following months a team of divers made several trips to the wreck.  During those trips the team was able to recover a member of the crew and document the shipwreck with both video and still photography. This photo and video documentation was turned over to the United States Coast Guard and was found to be vital to the USCG’s Board of Inquiry.  This presentation will talk about the sinking of the Lady Mary, the subsequent dives to the shipwreck, some theories regarding her sinking, and the findings of the USCG’s Board of Inquiry.

Paul Whittaker has been an active diver since 1987 when he first obtained his scuba certification.  Since then Paul has traveled all over the world diving in various locations to include Bikini Atoll, Truck Lagoon, Halifax, Okinawa, Guadalupe, Socorro, and the Great Lakes.  His favorite dive destinations are off of New Jersey locating and diving shipwrecks, and North Carolina diving for meglodon sharks teeth.  Paul is a retired New Jersey State Trooper and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  He resides in Galloway, New Jersey with his wife and dive partner Jennifer.