DIVING THE NEMOSUIT IN HAWAII
Keauhou Marina, Hawaii, August 2003: Veteran
Commercial Diver James “Ace” Parnell celebrates his 60th Birthday by
realizing a childhood dream of being Captain Nemo for a day. What could be better than that?
At
the Parnell residence in Kona, Pat and Ace discuss the procedures for diving
the NEMOSUIT.
Pat’s
truck and the gear that will be used this day.
At
the divesite. “Happy Birthday, Ace.”
Pat discusses the NEMOSUIT with Reverend Robert Daley, who will participate as a safety diver; while Ace prepares a digital camera for use by his wife Carolyn, who is also an accomplished diver.
Pat
tending Ace while he dons the NEMOSUIT.
Rob and I prepare to
lift the heavy (120 pounds!) diving apparatus down to the water’s
edge. At this point I was painfully
aware of how far out of shape I’d become.
Between working for a living and working in the shop, I had really
neglected my physical conditioning.
Obviously, it’s time to re-read Bill Phillips’ BODY FOR LIFE and
hit the treadmill again! ;-)
Ace
stands by ready to receive the tanks and helmet, while Carolyn is in the water
ready to assist.
These
MORSE boots are made for walkin’…on the bottom of the ocean, that is.
As
Captain Nemo strolls out into deeper water, we get a look at the authentic
graphic detailing on the tanks.
Ace
takes a long stride into the depths. The
AQUALA suit is a perfect match for the Disney Original.
Captain
Nemo continues his underwater journey.
I really like the photographic qualities of this shot.
What’s
this? The lost ruins of ATLANTIS?
The
dive progresses perfectly as Ace reconnoiters submerged structures for the
camera.
Barely
visible in the background, Pat uses conventional SCUBA while filming the
action.
Another
look at the back of the rig.
Ace
doing the “Nemo shuffle”. Darned if this
doesn’t look like a scene from the movie.
Captain
Nemo.
At
the end of the dive, Rob helps lift the heavy tanks atop a rock while Pat
assists in recovering the diver.
Ace
Parnell: Captain Nemo for a Day.
The
dive crew: Pat, Rob, Lynn, Ace, and
Carolyn.
The
end of another beautiful day in Paradise.
(Images Copyright Pat Regan, 2003. “All Rights Reserved.”)