Hi from Iraq

Caveman · 16th October 2006, 08:55

Hi everyone!

My name is Stephen and I have been diving scince 1984 where I started as a Police Rescue and Emergency Diver. After returning from special forces (SWAPOLCOIN) in Namibia/Angola in 1989, I took an interest in technical diving and joined one of the only available technical groups in South Africa, BOING! BOING! BOING!.
Back then, with all the sanctions against South Africa, literature on technical diving was not readily available and the internet non existent so most of our diving was experimental. As Helium was an expensive gas to use, most of our diving was limited to air, including being stupid enough to dive to 111m on air down a mine shaft(I can explain O2 tox very well!). Most of our dives on air were between 50m and 85m. It was only after I met Don Shirley (Don changed the way technical diving is done in SA-My opinion) that I changed my ways and invested in an Inspiration rebreather (WOW!), this was in 2002. I was lucky to be involved in the Boesmangat Recovery Dive of Deon Dreyer's remains and other exciting expeditions in Africa.
My main interests are cave diving and underwater video and photography.
I am a licensed commercial mixed gas diver/supervisor but don't do any work at the moment.

Currently, I am working in Iraq as a Security Specialist on a Department Of Defence contract for the Coalition Forces. I don't find much time to dive at the moment but will as soon as I am finished here...another two years to go. I do however still take an interest and like to to keep up to date with changes and news. I dive everytime I go home...twice a year.

This looks like a great forum to be involved in.

Stephen

***sadave*** · 16th October 2006, 10:41

Welcome Stephen,

I'm sure you'll find plenty of useful info on here, and I'm sure you have a lot to offer. I'm always interested to hear what others were doing in the "bad old days" when we knew no better

, and to hear from other cavers around the world. I'm sure we all have some scary stories to tell.

I moved your post from our "info thread" to your own thread, hope you don't mind.

Cheers, Dave

***caveseeker7*** · 16th October 2006, 12:52

Welcome to Rebreather World, Stephen.

nmanfield · 16th October 2006, 15:57

Quote: (Originally Posted by Caveman)

Hi everyone!

My name is Stephen and I have been diving scince 1984 where I started as a Police Rescue and Emergency Diver. After returning from special forces (SWAPOLCOIN) in Namibia/Angola in 1989, I took an interest in technical diving and joined one of the only available technical groups in South Africa, BOING! BOING! BOING!.
Back then, with all the sanctions against South Africa, literature on technical diving was not readily available and the internet non existent so most of our diving was experimental. As Helium was an expensive gas to use, most of our diving was limited to air, including being stupid enough to dive to 111m on air down a mine shaft(I can explain O2 tox very well!). Most of our dives on air were between 50m and 85m. It was only after I met Don Shirley (Don changed the way technical diving is done in SA-My opinion) that I changed my ways and invested in an Inspiration rebreather (WOW!), this was in 2002. I was lucky to be involved in the Boesmangat Recovery Dive of Deon Dreyer's remains and other exciting expeditions in Africa.
My main interests are cave diving and underwater video and photography.
I am a licensed commercial mixed gas diver/supervisor but don't do any work at the moment.

Currently, I am working in Iraq as a Security Specialist on a Department Of Defence contract for the Coalition Forces. I don't find much time to dive at the moment but will as soon as I am finished here...another two years to go. I do however still take an interest and like to to keep up to date with changes and news. I dive everytime I go home...twice a year.

This looks like a great forum to be involved in.

Stephen

Hi Mate,

As someone who was doing a similar job to you in Afghanistan last year I know how it feels to be a bit of a cyber diver. keep yer ar$e down and come back safe. i found that Rebreather World kept a bit of salt in my veins.

ATB

Nick

**rigdiver** · 16th October 2006, 16:51

Stephen;
Welcome and THANK YOU.
Bill

teksimple · 17th October 2006, 07:01

Hey Stephen -

I spent a year and a half in Iraq, mostly in Baghdad, pining to dive with my rebreather. Anyway, if I wasn't making $ in Baghdad I surely would not have been able to afford my rebreather.

I am sure that you know to always have enough bailout (ammo!). Don't work more than you have to...that extra convoy might be your last one.

Stay low!

Where U at in Baghdad?

**JPJones** · 17th October 2006, 15:42

Welcome, keep your head down and but covered and have a safe return.

RebreatherNut · 17th October 2006, 15:55

Welcome to Rebreatherworld.com!

Glad to have you with us.

Best,
RBN

Celia_E · 9th November 2006, 20:13

Keep your head down and come back safe.(and give 'em hell!)
Thank you for what you are doing over there.

Dive safe,

Celia

colinj · 15th November 2006, 22:43

Hi Stephen,
Don taught me and was an inspiration way back when..... You have some good grounding! You stay safe in that shit hole!!!!!!!!

16th October 2006, 08:55	#1 (permalink)
Caveman New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Baghdad, Iraq and Johannesburg, South Africa Posts: 2	Re: First post to the board? Hi everyone! My name is Stephen and I have been diving scince 1984 where I started as a Police Rescue and Emergency Diver. After returning from special forces (SWAPOLCOIN) in Namibia/Angola in 1989, I took an interest in technical diving and joined one of the only available technical groups in South Africa, BOING! BOING! BOING!. Back then, with all the sanctions against South Africa, literature on technical diving was not readily available and the internet non existent so most of our diving was experimental. As Helium was an expensive gas to use, most of our diving was limited to air, including being stupid enough to dive to 111m on air down a mine shaft(I can explain O2 tox very well!). Most of our dives on air were between 50m and 85m. It was only after I met Don Shirley (Don changed the way technical diving is done in SA-My opinion) that I changed my ways and invested in an Inspiration rebreather (WOW!), this was in 2002. I was lucky to be involved in the Boesmangat Recovery Dive of Deon Dreyer's remains and other exciting expeditions in Africa. My main interests are cave diving and underwater video and photography. I am a licensed commercial mixed gas diver/supervisor but don't do any work at the moment. Currently, I am working in Iraq as a Security Specialist on a Department Of Defence contract for the Coalition Forces. I don't find much time to dive at the moment but will as soon as I am finished here...another two years to go. I do however still take an interest and like to to keep up to date with changes and news. I dive everytime I go home...twice a year. This looks like a great forum to be involved in. Stephen
(Offline)

16th October 2006, 10:41	#2 (permalink)
*sadave* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brisbane, Queensland Posts: 985	Re: Hi from Iraq Welcome Stephen, I'm sure you'll find plenty of useful info on here, and I'm sure you have a lot to offer. I'm always interested to hear what others were doing in the "bad old days" when we knew no better , and to hear from other cavers around the world. I'm sure we all have some scary stories to tell. I moved your post from our "info thread" to your own thread, hope you don't mind. Cheers, Dave __________________ Wave!
(Online)

16th October 2006, 12:52	#3 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,325	Re: Hi from Iraq Welcome to Rebreather World, Stephen. __________________ Cheers Stefan "It is still a good day if you are on the green side of the grass! Su amigo Roberto!" Sponsor Lou in Race For Life!
(Offline)

16th October 2006, 15:57	#4 (permalink)
nmanfield Megalegalegalegadingdong! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Odessa, Ukraine Posts: 329	Re: First post to the board? Quote: (Originally Posted by Caveman) Hi everyone! My name is Stephen and I have been diving scince 1984 where I started as a Police Rescue and Emergency Diver. After returning from special forces (SWAPOLCOIN) in Namibia/Angola in 1989, I took an interest in technical diving and joined one of the only available technical groups in South Africa, BOING! BOING! BOING!. Back then, with all the sanctions against South Africa, literature on technical diving was not readily available and the internet non existent so most of our diving was experimental. As Helium was an expensive gas to use, most of our diving was limited to air, including being stupid enough to dive to 111m on air down a mine shaft(I can explain O2 tox very well!). Most of our dives on air were between 50m and 85m. It was only after I met Don Shirley (Don changed the way technical diving is done in SA-My opinion) that I changed my ways and invested in an Inspiration rebreather (WOW!), this was in 2002. I was lucky to be involved in the Boesmangat Recovery Dive of Deon Dreyer's remains and other exciting expeditions in Africa. My main interests are cave diving and underwater video and photography. I am a licensed commercial mixed gas diver/supervisor but don't do any work at the moment. Currently, I am working in Iraq as a Security Specialist on a Department Of Defence contract for the Coalition Forces. I don't find much time to dive at the moment but will as soon as I am finished here...another two years to go. I do however still take an interest and like to to keep up to date with changes and news. I dive everytime I go home...twice a year. This looks like a great forum to be involved in. Stephen Hi Mate, As someone who was doing a similar job to you in Afghanistan last year I know how it feels to be a bit of a cyber diver. keep yer ar$e down and come back safe. i found that Rebreather World kept a bit of salt in my veins. ATB Nick __________________ Tub 'O Lard
(Offline)

16th October 2006, 16:51	#5 (permalink)
rigdiver LEARNING CONTINUALLY Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS Posts: 412	Re: Hi from Iraq Stephen; Welcome and THANK YOU. Bill
(Offline)

17th October 2006, 07:01	#6 (permalink)
teksimple Enlightened Alpinist Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back in Hawaii Posts: 480	Re: Hi from Iraq Hey Stephen - I spent a year and a half in Iraq, mostly in Baghdad, pining to dive with my rebreather. Anyway, if I wasn't making $ in Baghdad I surely would not have been able to afford my rebreather. I am sure that you know to always have enough bailout (ammo!). Don't work more than you have to...that extra convoy might be your last one. Stay low! Where U at in Baghdad? Last edited by teksimple : 17th October 2006 at 07:04.
(Offline)

17th October 2006, 15:42	#7 (permalink)
JPJones O2ptima Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Titan Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 367	Re: Hi from Iraq Welcome, keep your head down and but covered and have a safe return. __________________ NSS/CDS Training Chairman www.jpjscuba.com
(Offline)

17th October 2006, 15:55	#8 (permalink)
RebreatherNut Rebreather World Greeter Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Ray Other Rebreather/s: Ray Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 677	Re: Hi from Iraq Welcome to Rebreatherworld.com! Glad to have you with us. Best, RBN __________________ "One minute to go, Luck-meister! Then I'll be down on you like a buzzard on a gut wagon." - ALF
(Offline)

9th November 2006, 20:13	#9 (permalink)
Celia_E New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: packing my meg to go to Guam and Chuuk Posts: 91	Re: Hi from Iraq Keep your head down and come back safe.(and give 'em hell!) Thank you for what you are doing over there. Dive safe, Celia
(Offline)

15th November 2006, 22:43	#10 (permalink)
colinj New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Uttoxeter Posts: 68	Re: Hi from Iraq Hi Stephen, Don taught me and was an inspiration way back when..... You have some good grounding! You stay safe in that shit hole!!!!!!!!
(Offline)

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