South Florida Divers, Inc. SCUBA Club December 2004 Newsletter

David Schneider

“Science hasn’t yet defined the elusive and random cause-and-effect factor of DCI (Decompression Illness)”. Bearing in mind that DCI is not only manifested by severe pain and paralysis it is always helpful from time to time to reacquaint ourselves with some basic facts regarding this serious potential problem for all divers, regardless of age, physical condition or dive profile.

Since the vast majority of us have never had DCI we have no way to compare the way we feel at the end of our

dive to the warning signs of DCI. We have all at one time or another experienced the normal post-diving aches and pains that are associated with any physical activity. What we must look for, however, are the unusual sensations that we have not felt before. Simply dismissing these odd sensations because they are mild is a potentially serious mistake. Most of us, whet her we like to admit it or not, are reluctant to address our minor anomalies. We are even more reluctant to bring

them to the attention of others.

DAN wants us to recognize and keep in mind three telltale factors:

1. “New or unusual symptoms the diver has never experienced before.”

2. “Symptoms in areas of the body in which the diver has never had an injury.”

3. “Symptoms that began within 30 minutes of the last scuba dive.”

Among the things we should be alert to look for are numbness, heaviness and tingling, particularly in the arms,

legs and face. DAN research shows that half of all DCI hits were noticeable within the first 30 minutes after completion of the individual’s last dive(s). These symptoms may well be far more threatening than we like to think.

Anything that is not physically natural to us as divers should not, and cannot, be overlooked or downplayed. Our health and safety is first and foremost in our own hands.

APRIL MEETING PROGRAM

THE MARINE ARCHEAOLOGICAL COUNCIL’S CURRENT VENTURE:
REVISITING THE SS COPENHAGEN WRECK

The Marine Archaeology Council (MAC) is a non-profit organization engaged in research, conservation and public awareness of Florida's maritime history. Based in Pompano Beach, and founded in 1976, it’s staff of avocational archaeologists, authors, and conservators explore, document and preserve historic shipwrecks in South Florida.

SFDI’s resident shipwreck enthusiast Dave Clancy will introduce us to MAC, especially focusing on its current survey of the SS Copenhagen wreck. Built in England in 1898, the steamship Copenhagen became the pride of Glasgow's merchant fleet. Constructed for cargo capacity and strength with a double bottom, and powered by triple expansion steam engines, she was put into service under contracts across the Atlantic. Her career was cut short, however, on May 26, 1900, when, carrying 4,940 tons of coal on a voyage from Philadelphia to Havana, she ran hard aground on a rocky ledge close to shore, just south of Pompano Beach. Despite extensive salvage efforts, and, although her cargo was saved, the Copenhagen could not be freed from the reef. She remained visible above the water for years until WWII naval fighter pilots helped her to become part of the reef by using her for target practice. Today, she is classified as a Florida underwater archaeological preserve. Much of her structure has become part of the reef, and provides a home for a myriad of marine life.

Several SFDI divers are assisting MAC with the survey, and are sure to be on hand to lend their comments. Come and join us to learn about MAC and the fascinating Copenhagen wreck – alot of history, archaeology and conservation right in our own back “seayard”!

You can learn more about shipwrecks at Dave Clancy’s website www.Wreckhunter.net.

President's Message	Come Join The Fun !
Calendar for April and beyond	April Meeting Program
Happy April Birthday!	Peter Stephinson's New Zealand Photos
Safety Message...DCI	Last Chance for the Turks & Caicos Trip
Papua, New Guinea Trip Planned	E Board Positions Available
Help Save Stranded Dolphins	Lots of Laughs and Other Wisdom