DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA FEB 2026

Craig from BSAC Kingwall in The Orkney Islands div ing at Scapa Flow in his 7mm Neoprene Dry Suit that needed more than 20 kilograms of lead for neutral buoyancy. He does 2 hour scallop collecting dives in mid winter when the water is 4 degrees in this suit. More challenges of wreck photos. Diving with a buddy is often a good idea. They can enhance the dive experience. On the other hand, the number of times you dive on some world famous wreck with someone who hasn’t dived for three years and they have lost most of their skills is staggering. After they ruin the photographic oppurtunity it takes hours for the dust to settle. In dive magazines, great pictures of wrecks are posted. The best of these have weighted strobes and powerful torches strategically placed on the wreck to create that awesome three dimension photo. All the wrecks I dive on are too difficult to set up this sort of scenario. After the shoot, it would be impossible to recover the hear which would get lost to the deep. The bottom line is that the art of pre setting the camera becomes paramount. The Nippo Maru galley photo can only be possible if you set your camera up for total darkness, make sure your focus light and your flashes are pointed where they should be. Double check your buoyancy and get a grip on the nitrogen narcosis that is numbing your brain. You can control nitrogen narcosis to a point using simple mind control concentration. Some divers like to let the ‘Narks’ take over and enjoy the buzz. Self discipline and the resolve to stay focussed is paramount.

Incandescent light on the Heian Maru

The munitions of this ship’s hold are scatte redt everywhere.

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Dive Log Australasia #416 February ’26

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