Dangerous
p. 145 · Read in the full issue
Aqualungs Can Be Dangerous
SOME people believe that pearl shell diving operations in the Cook Islands might be aided by the introduction of modern aqualung self-contained diving equipment.
Last year, Captain Hugh Williams purchased a few aqualungs and applied for a license to operate them with native divers at Penrhyn.
However, after due consideration,
the Resident Commissioner of the Cooks refused such permission, at least for the present.
The dangers involved with the use of this equipment are much greater than generally realised — probably a good deal greater than with the standard helmet-and-hose gear.
Thorough instruction of divers, and strict supervision by a trained man is essential. Availability of a decompression chamber for use in case of accidents is also highly de sirable in commercial diving opera tions, and this can only be operated by a fully trained man.
Given these conditions, aqualungs may provide a means of obtaining good shell in deep water which is at present inaccessible to the helmet and-hose men—or the skin divers which do most of the present diving.