SPEAKERS

Jeff Maynard

Jeff Maynard is an author and documentary-maker who enjoys recording little known aspects of Australia's history. He commenced diving in 1987 and shortly after began researching the history of diving. He commenced writing a column for Scuba Diver Magazine, titled 'Diving into the Past' and for the next twelve years contributed articles on diving history to this, and magazines around the world.

In 1992 he became interested in the story of the recovery of eight tons of gold from the 'RMS Niagara' during World War Two. He tracked down the surviving members of the crew and located the lost film that was taken during the salvage. Jeff's resulting documentary was screened to international acclaim. His book on the subject, 'Niagara's Gold' became an Australian bestseller.

Jeff continued to research other subjects related to the history of diving including little known inventions, unusual diving helmets and the many fascinating people who have contributed to the world of diving as we know it today. His book 'Divers in Time: Australia's Untold History' was published in 2002.

Jeff is President of the Historical Diving Society - South East Asia, Pacific and edits the Society's quarterly magazine, 'Classic Diver'. Along with other members of the Society, he's always ready for a dive in an old Aqualung or to strap on the lead boots and have a helmet dive.

Jeff regularly appears on TV and radio speaking about diving history, or any of his other historical subjects. For anyone who thinks history is all about the things that happened a long time ago, Jeff is ready convince them otherwise. "History", he claims. "is about the future".

Jeff's talks on historical diving are always fun, fascinating and filled with insights into why we venture underwater.

Jeff's Presentation will be on:

Film Stars, Frogmen and Flippers. Oz Diving History goes to the Movies.

Gasp as pearl divers sink to the depths of a Sydney swimming pool. Thrill to Bud Tingwell swimming to save Chips Rafferty. Watch our fearless frogmen attack the might of the German Navy. And answer the question that has plagued diving equipment suppliers for decades: 'How can we design an Aqualung harness and still show a film starlet's cleavage?'

It's time for serious fun as Jeff Maynard plunges to the depths of Australia's diving history and brings some pearls of the cinema to the surface. From the silent film era to the TV shows of the 60s. From lead boots and helmets to the modern scuba system - grab your popcorn and prepare to be educated, entertained and see diving as you've never seen it before.