Waterproof-ed Rubik cubes and video games as divers aim to beat boredom and smash record
Declan Devane and Gary Jennings training underwater this week.
By Richie Mccarthy
Guinness records are made for many reasons - the sheer fun of it, to push your body to the limit, or maybe to have your name etched in record breaking history.
Declan Devane’s story is one of great emotion, in October he wants to set a Guinness World Record for the longest scuba dive in memory of his son, and to raise money for the organisations that helped his family through his son’s last days.
Cillian Devane died of a brain tumour on February 6 aged only two years. He loved swimming in the sea and the lake, and going out in a kayak with his dad. As an avid scuba diver Mr Devane said he always looked forward to the day his son would help him pack up the van to head off together, but sadly it was not to happen.
Cillian died the morning he was due to have major brain surgery in St Raphael’s ward in Beaumont Hospital.
Mr Devane now wants to make his record attempt to keep the memory of his son alive and to help raise funds for the Children’s Ward at Beaumont Hospital where Cillian died, and for local charity CDs Helping Hands, both of whom helped the family greatly.
There have been many world record attempts for the longest time spent underwater. This attempt, however, differs from other underwater records. Mr Devane says, “What primarily sets this dive apart from others is the fact that the attempt will take place in open cold sea. Unlike many tank/aquarium/pool dives, this dive will take place in an uncontrolled natural environment, and will expose us to the elements for a prolonged period. Therefore we are attempting to claim the Guinness World Record for the world's longest open, cold saltwater scuba dive.”
Declan will be accompanied by his brother Paul, and requires a massive crew to run the operation, and to ensure their saftey.
Guinness have informed the pair that the record must be more than 24 hours, and while they only need remain under water for 24.01 hours, they have set a goal of 40 hours. This must be completed without surfacing, and without any breaks.
The pair will remain on a platform for the entirety of the record attempt, constrained by their equipment. A team of more than 40 support divers will deliver tanks of air each hour, and for entertainment they have devised a competition for the support team that entertains them the most.
Waterproofed video games and Rubik cubes are among things that will help prevent boredom throughout the day and night. With hypothermia being a major risk, the pair are using high quality thermal gear including battery powered heaters to keep warm.
They will not be able to eat during the attempt but must remain hydrated. With the benefit of a P-Valve, the pair will be able to have a wee through their dry suits.
As one of the priorities of the record attempt is to raise money for two important charities, Mr Devane is asking for support. Donations can be made through the website www.worldslongestscubadive.com For more information email info@worldslongestscubadive.com, or call 086 733 8003.