Out Now: Classic Diver #118

The latest issue of our quarterly colour magazine is now printed and has been sent to members. Included are some great articles, including part #1 of the Will Zambo guide to Asian diving helmets. There’s also articles on restoring a Healthways regulator, the Siebe Gorman Mistral regulator, new twill diving dresses being made in the traditional manner, dive day reports, news, coming events and more.

Classic Diver Centrespread

The latest Clssic Diver features a centrespread from the recent Robison Bros. dive day held in Sydney Harbour,

Every issue of Classic Diver will now include a collectible, traditional style postcard.

Historical Diving Society on ABC News

Recently the Historical Diving Society: Australia-Pacific was asked to help with an article and news report for ABC News. Committee member Steve Simmons of Adelaide dress in his US Navy Mark V helmet and suit (assisted by other members) and posed for photographs. We also supplied above and below water shots for the news crew. Read the article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-13/historical-diving-society-australia-vintage-technology-suit-sa/103162156

MATOS Diving Gear Maintenance Days

Historical Diving Society: Australia-Pacific Members regularly meet to share information, swap parts and help one another maintain their equipment with regular servicing and inspections. In New South Wales, members call it MATOS Toolbox Days and welcome all financial members of HDS: Australia Pacific.

The latest MATOS Day saw members meet to do some maintenance on an Italian Galeazzi helmet.

Robison Bros. Dive Day May 2026

During World War II, when Australia could not get British diving equipment to salvage ships in the Pacific, the Melbourne company of Robison Bros. made diving helmets for the Commonwealth Salvage Board. On 5 May 2026, a dive day was held at Clifton Gardens, Sydney Harbour, where two restored Robison Bros. diving helmets were put in the water.
 

A diver goes below in an Australian-made Robison Bros. diving helmet from the jetty at Clifton Gardens, Sydney Harbour.

A beautiful photograph from Lisa Delpeoples, as the diver goes down the ladder. Regular dive days are held using traditional helmet diving gear, as well as early scuba equipment. Membership in the Historical Diving Society: Australia Pacific ensures you get our quarterly magazine Classic Diver, as well as our monthly email bulletin informing you of dive days, equipment for sale, social events and much more.