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Unlike many other websites which are static and dead, this website is constantly growing and changing. What you won't find here is a lot of superficial formatting changes, like you will find at many other websites. When I work on this site, it is to add new content, not merely to rearrange what is already there. As much for my own record as anything, here is a history of the changes:
This covers the aft end of the wreck, from the propeller up to the boilers. I was going to go up to the bow as well, but the current was tough, and then I got a blackfish with my knife, and ended up hand-carrying it back to the boat. I'd always heard stories like that, but I never believed them, until now.
Added new Chat Room & Blog. Message Board is now fully integrated as well - that always irked me. Added two new forums to Message Board:
Started working up a Video Gallery of all the videos on the site, since there are now more than a few, and some of them are quite good.
Registered nyscuba.net; can't believe it was not taken ! Unfortunately, squatters seem to have occupied nyscuba.com. That's just how the splinternet is nowadays.
Added a neat slideshow to home page:
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Another major behind-the-scenes overhaul. Html is now based on a "dynamic web template" using MS Expression Web. What this means to me is that the overall look and feel of the site is now 100% consistent and easy to manage. What this means to you is ... nothing really.
Wrote most tables out of the html.
Some unfinished videos:
Added some notes on underwater video to the photography page.
One day I was all geared-up on the boat and just putting on my mask when the strap broke. Reaching down into my box, I pulled out the first thing that looked like it might do the job - a piece of surgical tubing. I threaded it through the buckles, and tied some quick knots, and within minutes I was in the water. Almost immediately, I realized that this actually works better than a standard flat strap - the round tubing is much easier to put on, and once you get the length right, there is no need to adjust it, ever. At home, I fiddled with the length a little, and made the assembly permanent with some wire ties.
Realizing there was room for a second loop, I added that as well, resulting in redundant mask straps! I have seen acres of debate about what to do when your mask strap breaks - wear it inside your hood, carry a second mask ... this solves all those problems. When you consider just how critical your mask is, and how we all like to have redundant everything, it is a wonder that no one has come up with this before ( hello, DIR people ? ) Of course, the buckle could still break, but I have never seen that happen, and I'm sure with a little thought I could come up with something that couldn't break, like a piece of stainless steel wire in place of the plastic buckle pin.
And when you finally do break one of these straps, it can be repaired instantly on the spot if you simply carry a length of surgical tubing and some wire ties in your tool kit, as every diver should anyway. In fact, with the same materials, you could make quick repairs to fin straps, knife straps, wrist straps, pole spears, gauge holders, regulators, and anything else that requires a bit of stretchy stuff. Since, as far as I know, I seem to have invented this, I will call it a "Jersey Mask Strap."
Passed 3 million hits. In addition, NJScuba is now the top Google search result for "New Jersey Scuba" and also #1 at Yahoo and MSN.
After six years, it was time to try a new web host. The downtime overnight during the switch was so short that I don't think anyone even noticed. In less than a day, I had everything back up and running with just a little help from tech support. Site administration is faster and much easier at the new host. Page loads are snappier, and the bulletin board is much faster. Overall, I am very pleased with the new host, which is actually even a little cheaper than the old one.
If you click on the link above and sign up, I get a referral that goes towards defraying the cost of maintaining the website. If anyone would like to contribute directly, I think I will start accepting small donations as well ( without actually selling advertising. ) You can email me for details.
The Artifact Hunter"The Artifact Hunter†is a new book by diving author, Tom Gormley. It has just been released by Safe Scuba Publishing as a 116 page report with laminated color soft color and 8 1/2 by 11 black and white pages.
Topics included in the book: What is an artifact? The serious artifact diver's method. Becoming an artifact diver. The tools of an artifact diver. The tools of an artifact restorer and conserver. Artifact destruction. Electrolytic reduction. Preventive sealing. Iron spike restoration. Brass artifact recovery and restoration. Copper spike and wood restoration. Copper bucket restoration. Glass artifact conservation. Artifact digging. Wood artifact and pulley conservation. Fragile artifact restorations. Leather artifacts. Bones and teeth. Large artifacts. Underwater photo documentation. Artifact show and tell. Diving where taking is restricted. Artifact pedigree and value. Indirect artifact visualization techniques. Project economics. Artifact presentation techniques. Resources, definitions, references, photos, illustrations, and lots more.
Added random image script:
Better depiction of shipping lanes on charts.
Shadow Divers movie update !!!
Reorganized and expanded Artificial Reefs section. Updated the Long Island reefs listings. Added one of Delaware's artificial reefs, with 619 Redbirds. Added Reef Rescue logos to reef charts. These link to an important message about taking back our artificial reefs from a few commercial lobstermen and fishermen who would monopolize them for their own gain.
Added screen scrapers for local data buoys to Weather.
Added photos from the Garden State North reef:
Redbird car
Updated the material on underwater optics & photography, including my new underwater rig
I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.
Copyright © 1996-2008 Rich Galiano
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