Texas-based Oceanic Ventures and InnerSpace Systems are hosting a weekend of rebreather events between 29 March and 3 April. The programme will include lectures, pool demos of a new recreational rebreather, the Pathfinder, and a benefit dinner with keynote speaker Leon Scamerhorn, chief executive officer and founder of InnerSpace Systems.
The rebreather demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The benefit dinner will include a raffle, door prizes, and photo program of rebreather diving around the world. All proceeds of the event will benefit Oceanic Ventures Foundation a 501(c)(3) corporation. The focus of the event will be to help the Bonaventure Boys’ Home in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman has been the leading destination for rebreather divers with the first rebreather only event, Zero Gravity in 2000 and Inner Space with Divetech celebrating its ninth year in 2012.
Eric Keibler, managing director and director of education for Oceanic Ventures, said that rebreathers were breathers are the latest trend in diving enabling divers to discover the underwater world in relative silence without disturbing the fish.
“This allows you to get closer to the fish and other creatures. Photographers find them to be a wonderful tool and a enjoyable way to go diving.” According to Ann Keibler, president of Oceanic Ventures, “this is a fun event that will allow divers to experience what it is like to dive silently underwater with no bubbles while helping out children.”
Nonprofit
The Bonaventure Boys’ Home is a not-for-profit government funded foundation that is a part of The CAYS Foundation (Children and Youth Services) in Grand Cayman. The Boy’s Home serves at risks boys and families that need help to achieve their full potential. Jennifer Leach-Tippetts, Bonaventure Boys’ Home facility manager, said, “We appreciate donations to help fund extra programmes and supplies for our resident and we greatly appreciate any donations Oceanic Venture Foundation is able to give to The Bonaventure Boys’ Home.”
The monies raised will be used to purchase recreational equipment, resident outings, summer camp fees, clothing and shoes, rewards for incentive programmes and/or bedroom furniture for parents’ homes in preparation for transition.
Eric and his wife Ann have developed Oceanic Ventures into the premiere dive operation in Texas. As the first full service IANTD Technical Training Facility in Texas, Oceanic Ventures was the first Nitrox training facility, and the first Nitrox and Trimix blending facility in the area. Oceanic Ventures remains the only IANTD Platinum Technical Training Facility in Texas and was awarded a Diamond Facility award from IANTD. It is also an SSI Platinum Instructor Training Facility, a SDI/TDI Professional Development Center, and a PSAI Training Facility. Oceanic Ventures is the only facility in the area with rebreather instructors on staff. The Company’s staff remains the most qualified instructional staff in the industry with most of its instructors and dive coordinators having advanced certifications in Rebreather Diving, Cavern, Cave, Wreck, Technical and Trimix Training.