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The Dive Lectures were a series of public lectures that were hosted at theRoyal Geographical Society in London from 2002 to 2018[1] with theLondon Diving Chamber[2] to promote exploration and adventure sports. Featuring keynote presentations by well-known figures in diving, television, exploration, photography and environmentalism, the lectures developed into a well-attended social and professional forum for the British scuba industry as well as a popular fund-raising occasion for diving-related charities.
The first Dive Lecture was inaugurated in March 2002 under the auspices of the London Diving Chamber which providesNHS-funded recompression to divers with Decompression Sickness (DCS) together with other Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatments from its recompression chamber atThe Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth inSt. John's Wood, London.
Sometimes held annually, sometimes biannually, the lectures are free to attend but also act as fund-raising occasions for diving-related charities such as The Scuba Trust,[3] an organisation helping divers with disabilities.
In 2005, the lectures took up their now regular venue at the RGS. Initially, they were held in the Map Room of Lowther Lodge, subsequent events have been held in the 500-seat auditorium, The Ondaatje Theatre.[4]
From its inception in 2002, the London Diving Chamber Annual Dive Lectures attracted well-known figures from the diving world and celebrities interested in diving to speak to its audience. In its earliest years, the event was introduced byLoyd Grossman andMariella Frostrup, and speakers included Paul Toomer, Phil Docking andBob Cole. Since 2007 speakers have included:
| Year | Introduction | Speaker 1 | Speaker 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Didier Noirot (confirmed) | Ahmed Gabr (confirmed) | |
| 2017 | Dawn Kernagis | Paul Rose (TV presenter) | |
| 2016 | John Prescott | Pat Spain | Graham Hancock |
| 2015 | Dr Alex Mustard | Monty Halls | |
| 2014 | Andy Torbet | Doug Allan | |
| 2013 | Paul Rose (TV presenter) | Mike Pitts | |
| 2012 | Rick Stanton | Monty Halls | |
| 2011 | John Boyle | Dr Jon Copley | |
| 2010 | Danny Crates | Trevor Norton | Monty Halls |
| 2009 | Mike Valentine | Tim Ecott | |
| 2008 | Monty Halls | Mike Pitts | |
| 2007 | Terence Stamp | Rick Stanton | Monty Halls |
