Diving into Santa Barbara: The Evolution of Underwater Technology
Wednesday: December 4, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30
Presented by Don Barthelmess
Would you like to learn why Santa Barbara is known worldwide as the “Birthplace of Deep-water Diving”? Few are aware of our city’s pioneering efforts that began with local abalone divers of Santa Barbara harbor in the 1950s and 1960s. These events changed the world of commercial diving and deep-water exploration that exists today. We will explore the history of diving in Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands, from the native Chumash thousands of years ago to rapid advancements driven by offshore exploration and technology. Known as “The Santa Barbara Helium Rush” by diving historians, mixed-gas breathing was introduced for deep diving by local abalone divers. Santa Barbara’s marine and commercial diving infrastructure produced much of the advanced equipment, training, and global businesses that exist today.