The next trip lead me in Dominican Republic were i meet up again with Jeff Hester the 2013 Rolex Our World Underwater cholar. We had been invited to work with Indiana University’s Underwater Science Program in underwater archaeology and shipwreck park development by Charles Beeker the director of the program which turns historic shipwreck sites into underwater museums to preserve the vessels, the environment and to attract tourists. These “underwater museums” are a way to protect historical relics against treasure hunters. Charlie and his team has been investigating Dominican Republic waters for 20 years identifying areas off the coast believed to be the resting ground for several historically significant ship. In December 2007, they identified a shipwreck as the vessel belonging to the infamous captain William Kidd.

Jeff and I were diving on historical sites to complete assessments and to install permanent buoys. We used the OTS full face mask and its integrated communication system. Using full face masks was not only fun to use but also really useful. It was handy to communicate by talking as we were using our hands to work.  I had expected full face mask to be uncomfortable but it is actually the opposite. You breathe naturally through your nose and it feels warm. 

 As I could not leave Dominic Republic without a cave dive I went to Golden Arrow dive shop and had a dive with them . It was very nice: lots of formations, no flow,  warm and crystal clear visibility.