The pot actually looks like a very small, cream submarine (at least to my somewhat uneducated eyes) in the middle of the room. Entry is through a round hatch into a transfer area, then through another hatch into the main chamber, where we made ourselves comfortable on the benches, put our computers in the bucket of water and began our descent.

The need to equalise is much more frequent than in water, and took most of our attention until we hit 50m. We then amused ourselves immensely squawking in Donald Duck voices at each other, insisting that we’d spotted a shark lurking in the depths and tucking into Mars bars that I think had been brought for some scientific reason that passed me by. We did a little written test in mental ability to compare with one taken at ‘surface’ level earlier, with the expected huge difference in mental agility. Don’t let any diver try and tell that they’ve never been narked and don’t get effected by depth.

The combined effects of pressure and general hilarity meant the chamber was quite hot and steamy by the time we began the ascent, not a situation I ever expected to be in with my fellow divers! The chamber uses US Navy tables but errs heavily in the side of caution, so the decompression schedule was 1 minute at 12m, 4 minutes at 9m and 23 minutes at 6m, all on 100% O2. And there ended our 50m dry dive, the staff gave more advice on what to do and what to avoid for the next 24 hours, and were happy to answer all our questions. For any divers who’ve never been in a decompression chamber, I’d highly recommend this experience, it was informative and enlightening and, most importantly, highlighted the need for extra caution during deep dives. And guaranteed no seasickness!

Report by Leanne Collinson

The pool will be closed that night for K&E members (in use by the Freedivers only).

Right to Left: Brian Maskell, Chris Hunka, Jackie Maskell, Marcela Turanova, Len Hards, David Allen and Richard Rayner

So how do you become a Guinness World Record holder?*

It’s easy, get involved in SCUBA Santa’s this year. Once again this charity fund raising event will be held at Vobster Quay on the 19th of December 2010. A group of us will be heading down for the day with our regulation specified Santa or Mrs Claws outfits to participate in the qualifying dive.

This is a very sociable event and we are looking to stop on our way back to enjoy a lovely Sunday Roast.

If you are unable to make the 19th of December, you can still support the RNLI, through sponsorship.

Further information can be found here.

Or E Mail: Me@DavidCAllen.co.uk

*Subject to rules and conditions being meet by participants and subject to Guinness World Record officiating and verification

The competition categories are listed below, and judging for these will take place by all members present at the club house on Thursday 4th November (see additional rules below for the photographic competition entries and cut off date).

There are two categories of Find trophies:

1. Jeff Betts Trophy for the best find;
2. Chairman’s Artefact Trophy for the best presented find.

So shine up your brass, clean up your crockery and bring along your unusual artefacts on the night for judging. Items MUST have been declared to the Receiver of Wreck and we require written evidence this has been done for your entry to be allowed in the competition.

Photos

It’s also time to look through your snaps and enter your best photos for this years’ photographic competition.

There are four categories:

1. Best UK photograph (taken in the UK on a club dive trip)
2. Best wreck photograph (includes any underwater wreckage)
3. Best underwater wildlife photograph (anything squidgy)
4. Best social photograph (must include club member(s) taken on any club dive trip or social event)

Plus – there will be a ‘Best Photo’ award taken from all entries that will be judged by the branch committee.

Last date for entry: 28th October.

Rules:

• Members can submit up to three photographs per category.
• All photos have to be taken since last competition i.e. from November 2009 to date.
• The winner for each of the four categories above will be voted for by members at a slide show evening (as in past years), to be held on Thursday 4th November.
• High resolution digital images to be supplied to Gren Hamlyn by email, CD, memory stick etc. – please detail what category the photos are being entered for.
• You agree to allow your photos to be displayed on the K&E website.
• All winners will receive a prestigious cup

Invite your family and friends!

Preston Cross Hotel
Rectory Lane, Bookham, Leatherhead. KT23 4DY

Dinner, Dance, Awards and Raffle

!

• Reception: 6.30pm
• Dinner: 7.30pm
• Carriages: 1am
• Tickets: £45.00
• Dress code: smart or black tie
• Friends and family welcome

For tickets see: Gill Wilson, Sandra Argent, Jackie Maskell or Ros Hepple

Our very own Gill Wilson in full bunny-suit. Did she find our stash of radioactive materials?

Mark your diary. The date for 2010’s DiverSE conference is Sunday 14th March 2010

I recommend everyone consider going to this, I really enjoyed last years’ conference with author and explorer Monty Halls and technical diving guru Jack Ingle speaking. I have no information yet as to what 2010’s line-up will be, but there is always something to interest.