A Guinness World Record : The World's Longest Scuba Dive

NEWS

Irish diver Paul Devane has smashed the Guinness World Record for the longest cold saltwater SCUBA dive in his second attempt.

Diving.ie reports that Devane set a time of 13 hours and 4 minutes off Killary in Co Galway on 9 October - breaking through the bar set by a Maltese team in February this year, who themselves broke the record set by Devane's brother Declan in 2009.

Speaking to the Irish Independent ahead of his successful second attempt, Devane said: "It will be cold, it will be long... There will be no breaks, no meals, no toilet stops."

Devane said his main aim was to raise money for his chosen charities Hang in Hand, supporting families of children with cancer, and the RNLI.

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WELCOME

In 2009, Declan Devane set the first Guinness World Record for the “Longest Cold Salt-Water Scubadive” (open sea) and in doing so both he and the team raised over €35,000 for two children’s cancer charities

Declan set a time of 11hrs and 42mins without surfacing and without toilet breaks (unless that wasn’t water in his suit!).

In February of this year, 2012, a Maltese team broke this record, after their second attempt, by less than 1 hour.

This October 9th, Paul Devane (Declan’s ‘younger’ brother) will attempt to reclaim the record in aid of two important charities:

1. Hand in Hand (http://www.handinhand.ie/), the children’s cancer charity, a non-profit organisation that provides the families of children with cancer with much-needed practical support.

2. The RNLI (http://www.RNLI.ie/), the charity that saves lives at sea and which operates in both the U.K. and Republic of Ireland

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THE ATTEMPT

There have been many world record attempts for the longest time spent underwater. This attempt however differs in a few important details from other underwater records that have been set.

What primarily sets this dive apart from others is the fact that the attempt will take place in open, cold sea (the Atlantic ocean off the west coast of Ireland). Unlike many tank/aquarium/pool dives, this dive take place in an uncontrolled natural environment and will expose the divers to the elements for a prolonged period.

Therefore, we are attempting to claim the Guinness World Record(tm) for the world's 'Longest open, cold saltwater SCUBA dive'.

'Officially' Guinness tell us that this record category is currently awaiting a successful claim and inform us that no claim of less than 24 hours will be accepted as the inaugural record........ without surfacing...and without the option of wee breaks!

We are diving in beautiful but cold Atlantic water (temperature will be less than 15 degrees centigrade) in noless than 11 metres at low tide and each of the two attempt divers (Declan and Paul) will not be permitted to break the surface of the water for the duration of the attempt. This calls for some standard and 'not so standard' equipment configuration all of which is detailed in 'the equipment' page.

The dive also allows us to publicize the need to protect our environment - the dive location is beautiful and we want to keep it that way. Not only do we want to prevent too much climate change, but also we'd like to preserve the quality of the water. To that end, we are advocating for changes to the common household products that everyone uses on a daily basis. Be aware of what you send down the drain - chemicals in toothpaste, low cost dish soap, and laundry detergents etc. Always use biodegradable products, and use them all sparingly. If you purchase in bulk, buy from a reputable wholesaler. Make sure that the cleaning products you use are safe for the environment - the water we dive in is counting on you.

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THE REASON

We are motivated to take on the Guinness World record for the longest open sea water scuba dive in memory of Cillian Devane, who died of a brain tumour on the 6th February 2009 at 2 years of age. 

Cillian was so beautiful, so full of life, full of hope, promise and unfilled dreams. Anyone who met Cillian will know that their lives changed for the better by knowing him. 

We hope that our efforts and peoples generosity will, together, honour Cillian’s memory, as well as all the children who suffer serious illness, and to help raise funds for the Children’s Ward at Beaumont Hospital where Cillian died and for CDs Helping Hands. 

Thank you Cillian for being in our lives and for the blessing you will always be. We will never forget you sweetheart.

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LOCATION

The Guinness World Record™ for the world’s ‘Longest open saltwater SCUBA dive’ will take place in Scubadive West.

Scubadive West is Ireland’s most perfectly located PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) scuba dive centre. The centre is idyllically situated on the sheltered Killary Fjord (the only Fjord in Ireland or the UK), which is 10 miles long with high mountains on either side and 40m depth in the middle.

Scubadive West is Ireland’s all-weather dive centre, with sheltered diving all year round. The dive centre is owned and managed by Cillian & Breffni Gray. Indeed, so ideal is their location that many other dive schools complete their training dives at Scubadive West.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC Training centre and National Geographic dive centre, Scubadive West can conduct all levels of training from Discover Scuba Diving (beginners can try a dive) to Instructor level. Scubadive West is also blessed with it’s own private training cove. This is perfect for training dives and for those looking to refresh their dive skills.

Ireland’s West coast, the most Westerly in Europe, is washed by the mild Gulf Stream which brings with it an abundance of colourful marine life. The highly indented nature of the coastline and the many offshore islands, provide sheltered and varied scuba diving with dramatic seascape and crystal clear waters.

Visitors will find plenty of accommodation locally in Tullycross, Letterfrack, Leenane and Clifden.

 

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More Background on WorldsLongestScubaDive.com

World's Longest Scuba Dive: A Record-Breaking Underwater Adventure The World's Longest Scuba Dive is an extraordinary feat of human endurance and aquatic exploration that has captured the imagination of diving enthusiasts and adventure seekers worldwide. This article will delve into the history, significance, and impact of this remarkable underwater endeavor.

Origins and Evolution

The concept of extended underwater stays has fascinated divers and scientists for decades. Early experiments in underwater habitation, such as Jacques Cousteau's Conshelf projects in the 1960s, paved the way for longer-duration dives. However, the specific challenge of remaining submerged on scuba gear for record-breaking periods emerged as a distinct pursuit in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The World's Longest Scuba Dive record has been attempted and broken multiple times over the years, with each successful attempt pushing the boundaries of human physiology and diving technology. These record attempts have typically taken place in controlled environments such as aquariums or specially designed tanks, allowing for constant monitoring and support.

Notable Record Holders

While the current record holder's identity and duration are subject to verification by official record-keeping organizations, several notable attempts have made headlines in recent years:

1. In 2016, Cem Karabay of Turkey set a Guinness World Record by staying underwater for 142 hours and 42 minutes.
2. Allen Sherrod, an American diver, claimed to have spent 48 hours and 8 minutes underwater in 2011.
3. Will Goodman from the UK held the record in 2010 with a dive lasting 48 hours and 8 minutes.

These attempts, among others, have contributed to the ongoing narrative of human perseverance and the quest to extend the limits of underwater endurance.

Challenges and Preparations

Attempting the World's Longest Scuba Dive presents numerous challenges that require extensive preparation and support: Physical Endurance: Divers must maintain their physical and mental stamina for days on end, dealing with fatigue, hunger, and the psychological stress of prolonged submersion. Physiological Concerns: Extended exposure to water and breathing compressed air can lead to various health risks, including decompression sickness, hypothermia, and skin maceration. Equipment Reliability: Dive gear must function flawlessly for the entire duration, necessitating redundant systems and frequent equipment checks. Nutrition and Waste Management: Specialized feeding systems and waste disposal methods must be devised to sustain the diver throughout the attempt. Support Team: A dedicated team of medical professionals, dive experts, and logistics coordinators is essential to ensure the diver's safety and the attempt's success.

Scientific and Medical Significance

The World's Longest Scuba Dive attempts have contributed valuable data to the fields of diving medicine and physiology. Researchers have studied the effects of prolonged immersion on the human body, including:

• Changes in skin composition and integrity
• Alterations in circadian rhythms and sleep patterns
• Impacts on respiratory function and gas exchange
• Psychological effects of isolation and confinement

These findings have applications beyond record-breaking attempts, informing practices in commercial diving, underwater construction, and even space exploration, where astronauts train in underwater environments to simulate zero-gravity conditions.

Cultural Impact and Media Coverage

The World's Longest Scuba Dive has garnered significant media attention, often making headlines in both diving-specific publications and mainstream news outlets. The spectacle of a person living underwater for days on end has a natural appeal to the public's sense of wonder and curiosity about human limits. Coverage typically focuses on the following aspects:

• The diver's personal story and motivations
• The technical challenges and innovations involved
• The potential risks and safety measures in place
• The broader implications for diving and marine science

Documentaries and television specials have also been produced, offering behind-the-scenes looks at the preparation and execution of these record attempts. These productions often highlight the teamwork and technology required to support such endeavors.

Environmental Awareness

While the primary goal of the World's Longest Scuba Dive is to set records, many participants have used their platform to raise awareness about marine conservation issues. By spending extended periods underwater, divers can draw attention to the beauty and fragility of aquatic ecosystems, as well as the threats they face from pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Some record attempts have been explicitly linked to environmental causes, with divers partnering with conservation organizations to promote sustainable practices and ocean protection initiatives.

Diving Community Reception

Within the diving community, reactions to the World's Longest Scuba Dive attempts have been mixed. Many enthusiasts admire the dedication and skill required to undertake such challenges, viewing them as inspirational feats that push the boundaries of what's possible underwater. However, some diving professionals and safety advocates have expressed concerns about the potential risks involved and the message these attempts might send to less experienced divers. They emphasize the importance of adhering to established safety protocols and warn against attempting to replicate such extreme dives without proper training and support.

Technological Innovations

The pursuit of longer underwater stays has spurred innovations in diving technology, including:

• Advanced rebreather systems that recycle exhaled breath, extending dive times
• Improved wetsuit materials that provide better insulation for long-duration immersion
• Enhanced underwater communication systems for constant contact with surface teams
• Specialized nutrition delivery methods adapted for underwater use

These technological advancements have applications beyond record attempts, benefiting scientific diving, underwater archaeology, and marine biology research.

Future Prospects

As diving technology continues to evolve, it's likely that future attempts at the World's Longest Scuba Dive will push the boundaries even further. Some areas of potential development include:

• Integration of artificial intelligence for real-time health monitoring
• Development of more efficient life support systems
• Exploration of alternative breathing gas mixtures to reduce physiological stress

The challenge may also evolve to incorporate additional elements, such as performing scientific research or underwater tasks during the extended stay, further increasing the practical applications of such endeavors.

 

The World's Longest Scuba Dive represents a unique intersection of human endurance, technological innovation, and aquatic exploration. While primarily a pursuit of record-breaking, these attempts have contributed to our understanding of human physiology, advanced diving technology, and raised awareness about marine environments. As diving techniques and equipment continue to improve, we can expect to see further attempts to extend human presence underwater. However, it's crucial that these efforts balance the quest for records with a commitment to safety, scientific value, and environmental stewardship. The allure of the underwater world remains as strong as ever, and the World's Longest Scuba Dive serves as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the depths of our planet's oceans. Whether viewed as a feat of personal endurance or a platform for scientific discovery, these record-breaking dives continue to inspire and educate, reminding us of the vast frontiers that still exist beneath the waves.