The MMO does not require you to have a licence for using any hand tools underwater. However, you will need pay for a licence and wait three months if you want to use a power tool. Stupid bureaucracy and red tape or what?

100 years ago

Robert Davis of Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd took out one of his many patents (No 108,588) in 1916. This was for the fitting of an electric light into the front chest weight of the standard diving dress. A special battery pack was an option to replace the back weight or the power could be supplied via a cable from the surface.

150 years ago

Whitstable divers working from the diving cutter Sinope were successful in raising the wreck of the brig Indian of Newcastle which sank along with its cargo of coal near Blythe Sand in the Thames Estuary in January 1866. Several smacks from Leigh assisted and the ship was towed into London. The Indian had sunk after being run into by a screw steamer.