Seminar Schedule

How do I get a black background versus a blue one?  When do I need more magnification (and when is it unnecessary)? And what’s with all the different lenses?  This seminar on underwater macro photography will address the basics of getting great images of small subjects.  We’ll cover concepts such as composition, negative space, and creative lighting.

Over the years there have been many presentations on why divers get hurt or die. This presentation approaches the issue from the opposite direction, providing insight on how to be a diver for a lifetime. This program focuses on safe diving practices, avoiding accidents before they happen, and maximizing comfort, enjoyment, and adventure of the sport of scuba diving. The presenter’s perception of this vital topic is based on four decades as a divemaster and international scuba tour leader.

You cannot smell, taste, feel or see breathing gas: so how do you know what it is and whether it is safe to breathe? Cylinder filling operators carry a primary responsibility in this regard. However, it is the diver who is exposed to what they expect to be in the cylinder. There are some fundamental principles to know and understand if you want to be more assured of your own safety.

How to employ a targeted, mission-specific approach to dive planning that will help you realize your wildest dreams as a diver and get you closer to your favorite marine animals. These simple techniques just might change the way you dive—and the way you relate to the underwater world.

This is the annual update for instructors and trainers teaching DAN first-aid courses. Managing refreshers and upcoming course tweaks will be addressed. If you have not taught in the last 24 months, attendance may count towards maintaining active teaching status.

Women’s anatomy and physiology is of course different than men’s. Women are generally considered less strong but more flexible, and there are differences in risk awareness, body composition and hormones. How relevant this is to scuba diving and what it might mean for decompression is not well studied. We’ll look at the differences that have been explored in physiology and psychology research, and we’ll draw some conclusions about equal opportunity underwater.

Recreational scuba diving is inherently safe but is very unforgiving of mistakes. When you look at the circumstances surrounding a diving accident, especially diving fatalities, the majority are either directly or indirectly caused by human error. The concept of personal responsibility for diving safety will be explored through the use of available diving accident data. Divers should be able to reduce the likelihood that when something does happen, when they take personal responsibility for their own safety through proper planning, preparation and execution of a scuba dive.

Years ago, I gave a presentation about a far off, tropical location that included images of some very colorful nudibranchs. Afterwards, a friend asked me where they could find such critters closer to home; the answer was, of course, Monterey. Northern California’s marine life is an interesting as anywhere in the world. Yes, some very photogenic nudibranchs are found here, but there are also other colorful invertebrates, fish, and our legendary assortment of bewhiskered marine mammals. Come see where to find these critters right off NorCal’s many beaches.

Not dive? No way! Perhaps you are a veteran diver with no intention of giving up the underwater thrill and passion or newly-retired with finally time to really dive, we each think about our “mature” diver status. How can we stay fit for diving? Are there medical conditions that prohibit diving and adaptations we can use to continue diving? How about any legal challenges we need to know about?  During this talk we will tackle the physical, emotional, social and rightful aspects we face now or in the future and provide strategies to revel in our underwater world!

Global attention on Plastic Pollution has hit mainstream news outlets in a big way this past year, but the problem has been accelerating for over 20 years.  While education remains critically important, we will focus on solutions that are being tested and implemented right now, addressing upstream solutions and source points as we live on an ocean planet and its downstream from everywhere.

Most divers are very familiar with diving in the Caribbean and maybe the South Pacific. However, this presentation highlights places that most people have never heard of….or can even find on a map! From Tasmania to South Sandwich Islands to Azores- See what you are missing in these remote destinations around the world and be prepared to add some spots to your bucket list!

The lecture covers risk management for the average to advanced diver when on liveaboards and in more remote locations, with or without access to a decompression chamber.  The emphasis is on prevention, risk mitigation, recognizing hazards before they become problems or dangers, how to prevent decompression sickness, and what can and should be done when a diver suspects they might have issues. The speaker presents several real life examples of right and wrong decision making, and presents what can and can’t be done with a chamber.

DAN First Aid Courses are at the forefront of the diving industry to train both divers and dive professionals with the skills necessary to deal with diving accidents and injuries.  This presentation will give an overview of the courses available, what the benefits are of each course, how you can receive instruction and how dive professionals can benefit by becoming a DAN Instructor.

Using light effectively is the foundation for good underwater photography.  But where should the strobes be placed, and how does the sun affect your image?  What is a snoot and when should it be used? How does ambient light come in to play underwater?  These topics and more will be discussed in a comprehensive look at how light can make or break an image, and how using light effectively can turn a blah image into a WOW shot.

If you asked leading experts in dive medicine what they would predict for the future of decompression sickness prevention, you would get many different answers. Some see it in the optimization of dive computer algorithms, others in standardized pre-conditioning procedures before the dive, and some are convinced that preventing DCS is just one superfood or decompression pill away. Lacking a crystal ball, we look to the recent literature, where we find promising hints (mostly from animal studies) about what personalized decompression may look like in the future.

This one-of-a-kind presentation is based on the knowledge acquired over a lifetime of hard traveling – a crystallization of Ken’s more than forty years of international travel experience. This presentation is continually updated to reflect changes in the airport and international travel experience.   The audience is invited to learn from Ken’s (many) mistakes, resulting in a presentation equally humorous and informative.  Audience participation is encouraged throughout, enabling all participants to benefit from their shared experiences.

If you asked leading experts in dive medicine what they would predict for the future of decompression sickness prevention, you would get many different answers. Some see it in the optimization of dive computer algorithms, others in standardized pre-conditioning procedures before the dive, and some are convinced that preventing DCS is just one superfood or decompression pill away. Lacking a crystal ball, we look to the recent literature, where we find promising hints (mostly from animal studies) about what personalized decompression may look like in the future.

Some of the most exciting, memorable, and emotional experiences we will ever have underwater involve our interaction with large whales. Have you ever been “scanned” by a sperm whale? Have you ever spent hours swimming with a mother humpback whale and her newborn calf? The moments when large animals accept our presence and allow us to share their most intimate moments are the most precious. Come here stories about personal encounters with our largest mammals, as well as where to dive and how photograph them.

Andy and Allison are among the most prolific North American underwater photographers today, and many of their most successful images were taken in California.  Using photos that have been successful in the past five years as illustration, they will discuss getting the best possible images from local waters. They’ll touch on a wide array of shooting challenges we all experience in our local waters, including dark water, poor visibility, and seasonal fluctuations.

We’ve all heard it before, plastics are an issue, humans are to blame for the destruction of the oceans and we need to change our ways before it’s too late. While everyone wants to tell you to produce less waste and to change your ways, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. An overwhelming problem that people want to help solve but no one knows where to really begin. This talk is to give divers the tools to start decreasing their impact on the planet, including one of their favorite places on earth – our oceans.

Whether it’s your first job or the last of many, there are careers you can choose that will let your avocation turn into your vocation. We visit some of the options you may not have considered and look at some of the available scholarships that might help you to attain your dreams, regardless of your age.

The DAN Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) program has been used by a diverse range of dive operations, beginning in South Africa in 2011 and expanding through Europe, Southern Africa, Asia and most recently the Americas. A review of elements revealed during the past seven years highlights the need for careful consideration of the real, everyday risks that dive businesses and professionals face.

Bring the kiddos as this session was specifically designed for ages 5-12. And their parents of course. Children will be introduced to pre-scuba diving activities they can participate in until they are old enough to get certified and they will be encouraged to love the ocean and marine environments. Jaclyn will show you ways to work together as a family to participate in conservation efforts!

Women’s anatomy and physiology is of course different than men’s. Women are generally considered less strong but more flexible, and there are differences in risk awareness, body composition and hormones. How relevant this is to scuba diving and what it might mean for decompression is not well studied. We’ll look at the differences that have been explored in physiology and psychology research, and we’ll draw some conclusions about equal opportunity underwater.

DAN First Aid Courses are at the forefront of the diving industry to train both divers and dive professionals with the skills necessary to deal with diving accidents and injuries.  This presentation will give an overview of the courses available, what the benefits are of each course, how you can receive instruction and how dive professionals can benefit by becoming a DAN Instructor.

Divers tend to take their equipment for granted. This includes their scuba “tank” (cylinder). Not only do they take the cylinder for granted, they may also take for granted the credentials of their favorite technician. We want to raise awareness among scuba divers that their equipment is not to be taken lightly – especially their scuba cylinders.

Recreational scuba diving is inherently safe but is very unforgiving of mistakes. When you look at the available diving accident data, especially the ‘triggering events’ in diving fatalities, the majority are either directly or indirectly caused by human error. A review of mistakes divers make and their consequences.

Whether you make videos for YouTube, competitions, or just to show to friends, if you don’t grab their attention in the first 20 seconds, you’ve probably lost your audience. This presentation will demonstrate how to lead with your best shot, tell your story, and leave your viewers with something to remember. It’s all about the edit.

Dottie Frazier is a diving legend. She claimed her place in diving history after becoming the first woman certified scuba instructor in 1953.Some of her many life achievements include:spearfishing champion in the 30s, skin diving instructor and commercial fisher in the 40s, scuba instructor in the 50s, dive shop owner and wetsuit manufacturer in the 60s and 70s. Dottie survived the deadly Long Beach earthquake of 1933 and served her country as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. Nearly 97, she works out on a treadmill daily, gardens and just sold her beloved motorcycle.

You cannot smell, taste, feel or see breathing gas: so how do you know what it is and whether it is safe to breathe? Cylinder filling operators carry a primary responsibility in this regard. However, it is the diver who is exposed to what they expect to be in the cylinder. There are some fundamental principles to know and understand if you want to be more assured of your own safety.

Beach diving along the Southern California Coast­line is fun and easy. And you can avoid the crowds (both divers and non-divers if you know where to go). This seminar, given by the authors of the popu­lar book Southern California’s Best Beach Dives, will touch upon some of these hidden treasures. The popular seminar will include what you can expect above and below the water, marine life encounters, and tips on how to make your beach dives as enjoy­able as possible.

There’s a whole lot happening below the surface. We’ll examine some of the fascinating relationships and behaviors taking place underwater, and we’ll explain how changing the way you dive and employing few simple tips for observing marine life can give you a deeper appreciation of the underwater world.