Steve Taylor Dive Day
On 31 July, the Historical Diving Society: Australia-Pacific celebrated the Steve Taylor American Dive Day at beautiful Clifton Gardens, Mosman, Sydney. Steve Taylor was an American, with an Australian mother and he lived early and later years of his life in Australia. A enthusiastic member of the Hstorical Diving Society, Steve was a mentor, instructor and friend. He helped establish the annual NAUI Standard Diving Dress course in association with Professional Diving Services. He was an instructor at the course each year for twenty years, until failing health meant he was no longer able to attend. Sadly in the use of the standard diving dress. Sadly he passed away on 28 May.
We dedicated this day to the memory of Steve. The US Navy Mark V helmet is among our favourite helmets, so for this day we dove two World War II era Schrader Mark V helmets. Both helmets were made in 1943.
We had clear sky and excellent visibility, which made the day even more special. The NSW Police Diving Unit called over for a look at the vintage diving equipment and we even put a Tasmanian Police diver in the water to sample the gear. Well done to all involved. Afterwards we finished with the traditional BBQ in the park and a birthday cake for Allan Kessler. Our next dive day is the Siebe Gorman Day, using British made Siebe Gorman helmets on the 15th September. All are welcome to attend and observe the divers using the vintage equipment.
