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Documentary on the search and diving work for the sunken ship, Holmglen off the South Canterbury coast.
Diving Officer, Lieutenant Trevor Wickman provides instruction on diving procedures onboard the diving tender, Manawanui. Petty Officer Brady is interviewed about his specialist suit, underclothes, helmet and equipment as he dresses in preparation for the descent to the Holmglen.
Wickman explains the difference between standard and deep diving canisters and helmets. Brady describes the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis that can happen between 200-240 feet. Commander J.P. Valant, the Naval Officer in charge of this deep sea diving training operation explains why gaining experience in diving at these critical depths are so important.
Unidentified male interviewer describes the scene prior to Brady’s descent from the side of the Manawanui. Chief Petty Officer [Loany] explains that, “to keep one diver on the bottom it takes ten up top”. The interviewer describes the purpose of the shot-line as Brady takes it up and Wickman describes the job of the air and phone attendants as Brady descends the line.
Brady relays visibility and conditions around the shipwreck before being pulled up in gradual stages to prevent getting the bends. Dr J.D. [Reade] is interviewed about what prompts, and the efffects of, the bends and when the use of a decompression chamber is necessary.
Captain [Aleward] of the fleet auxillary, Tui speaks about the process of positioning the ships over the wreck and the Tui’s Chief Officer John Harrison explains the purpose of the underwater television camera. Brady re-boards the Manawanui and describes the difficulties of poor visibility
and undulating seabed which made for a comparatively short dive.