The Historical Diving Society sponsors a number of Working Equipment Groups which actually dive in "hard hat" heavy deep-sea diving equipment, as a hobby. I was able to join the California Classic Equipment Divers at their last rally in Los Angeles earlier this year, and had a chance to try both a Japanese diving helmet, and a classic Navy Mark V hard-hat system. It was quite a thrill to try out these amazing pieces of equipment, maintained by amateurs in perfect working order.

Above, left, I am about to dive in a Japanese helmet and rig. On the right, I am diving a US Navy Mark V 200lb helmet and suit.

Below, you will see pictures of the FIRST CACED Rally, held on 1/11/99 in the City of Los Angeles. The dives for this first rally were done in a tank belonging to the College of Oceaneering, in the port of Newport Beach, CA.  Click on each picture to make it larger.

And here I am going in the water for the first time.....

This California Classic Equipment Diver rally was a very interesting experience for me, the culmination of a life-long dream to be a deep-sea diver.  

          THE SECOND CACED RALLY, held in the Port of Los Angeles, on 9/4/99 (below):