By Ethan Gordon
What do the invention of the underwater strobe, the birth of saturation diving, and the discovery of the Titanic have in common? Answer: The Boston Sea Rovers. While that may seem like a mighty claim, it's history... plain and simple.
The Boston Sea Rovers is a diving club that evolved into an organization that hosts a yearly clinic (or dive show) dedicated to "raising the level of awareness of the underwater world." It's called a clinic, because in addition to a packed exhibition hall, it features world-renowned seminars and workshops that run continuously over the two-day show. But, let's talk about the show's almost 60-year history and back up that early claim.
One early supporter and Honorary Member of the Boston Sea Rovers was Doc Edgerton – a well-known professor from MIT. He is largely credited with the invention of the electronic strobe and was instrumental in developing side-scan sonar. As you can imagine – a young Jacques Cousteau was eager to learn all about how he could bring one of these early strobes underwater to aid in his documentation of the underwater world. Cousteau, by the way, was a regular at the Sea Rovers' shows, where Doc Edgerton introduced him to Boston audiences. Their collaborations together gave rise to many underwater discoveries, inventions, and technologies that would influence the world for decades to come.
As a result of the Sea Rovers, Cousteau also formed an important bond with scientist USN Commander George Bond. Commander Bond introduced the radical concept of saturation diving (living and working underwater) to divers first at a Sea Rovers Clinic. This presentation garnered Cousteau's attention and eventually led to a collaboration that became the Conshelf projects – and later the Navy's Sea Lab.
Perhaps one of the Sea Rovers' best-known alums is Dr. Robert Ballard. As a young officer with the US Navy in 1967, he was stationed in the Boston area, and soon began attending clinics, and becoming involved with the Sea Rovers. Bob joined the team, and worked for years as the Daytime Chairman, and Vice-President of the club. But perhaps more relevant, and of interest to readers, was how Bob was inspired by Sea Rovers members to pursue his dream. During one particular clinic, while talking to other Rovers, Bob described his passion of shipwrecks, and how awesome it would be to discover the Titanic. The Sea Rovers encouraged him to pursue his dream, and as they say, the rest is history.
Don't miss this year's exciting clinic at its brand new expanded venue in Danvers, Massachusetts on March 4th and 6th, 2011. For more info, go to: www.BostonSeaRovers.com