Book Launch: Deep, Dark and Dangerous

The Story of British Columbia’s World-Class Undersea Tech Industry

It all started in the 1960s when a few trailblazers in the 1960s started projects that created a generation of experts in undersea tech. Author and historian Vickie Jensen explores this history in detail in her new book,  Deep, Dark and Dangerous: The Story of British Columbia’s World-Class Undersea Tech Industry. On October 28 at 6:30 pm, we’re celebrating Deep, Dark and Dangerous with a book launch that will include a presentation by Vickie Jensen about B.C’.s subsea pioneers, past and present.

Jensen will discuss the changes in commercial diving. In the 1950s diving depts were less than 100 feet. By the late 1960s, diving depths were 500 to 600 feet. And by 1980, commercial divers would reach an amazing dept of 2,000 feet. B.C. diving legends Al Trice and Phil Nuytten were driving forces in that astounding revolution. 

Phil Nuytten is known as a Renaissance man in the world of diving. He’s an inventor, tech manufacturer, underwater explorer, author, owner of Diver magazine, songwriter, collector and a Indigenous carver. His first invention attempt was underwater goggles made foam and pieces of an old convertible. It was a failure, but he could see underwater for a brief second. That kept him going. Today, Nuytten is best known for his atmospheric diving suits and a series of submersibles for scientific research.

Jensen will talk about many more of the 40 trailblazers she interviewed in the book. She’ll also look at changes in the oil and gas industry that created a market for underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles). And she’ll talk about a Vancouver company that owns and operates submarines in many countries. She’ll also discuss B.C.’s role in the development sonar.

An award-winning author of over 50 books, Vickie Jensen is passionate about documenting the work that people do. She loves to discover how things are created, meet the people who do that work and share the exciting details with others. In Deep, Dark and Dangerous she shines a light on the untold story of undersea excellence in B.C. This event promises to an evening to remember. Limited spots are available. Book now to secure your spot.

Tickets

In Person:

• $13.50 adults | $11 seniors | free for members
• Free ticket with purchase of book ($36.95)
• Promo code for book builders and their guests

To buy the book and get in free

Use the GET TICKETS button below. The ticketing system defaults to 1 adult. Select the 1-adult option, and you’ll see other tickets. One of them is called “Buy the book and get in free” Select that and remember to change the adult ticket to “0.” Your copy of the book will be ready for you on the day of the event.

If you are a book builder, please proceed as if buying tickets and enter the promo code Vickie sent  you.

UPDATE: FREE VIRTUAL OPTION NOW AVAILABLE

We are now offering this as a virtual event in addition to the in-person option. Tickets for the virtual event are free. 

All attendees aged 12 and older are required to show proof of vaccination. Masks are mandatory for this event. 

For more information on how to obtain and show proof of vaccination status, please visit the Government of BC website.

If you have any questions or have difficulty booking this event, please email education@vanmaritime.com.

UPDATE: FREE VIRTUAL OPTION NOW AVAILABLE

We are now offering this as a virtual event in addition to the in-person option. Tickets for the virtual event are free.