It appears that organisations which suffer from the bureaucracy and alleged lack of competence of the MMO are reluctant to lodge a complaint because of the fear of reprisals. A critic of the MMO was recently advised the MMO was “taking legal advice”. The MMO states, “If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service we encourage you to let us know …” So contact: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation/about/complaints-procedure. Good luck!

100 years ago

In 1915, Dragerwerk in Germany invented a steel mesh cover to be worn over a standard diver’s suit which permitted the suit to be inflated and pressurised above atmospheric pressure. A diver suffering from the bends could then be given his hyperbaric treatment inside his own diving dress.

150 years ago

In 1865, a daring robbery of watches and jewellery took place at Mr Walker’s in Cornhill, London. The thieves were chased and caught, but they threw their booty into the Thames river at Blackfriars Bridge. Fortunately, the Metropolitan Police were able to secure the services of a diver who recovered two gold watches from the bottom of the river.