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Story: Diving and snorkelling

An early diver

An early diver

This diver was photographed working on the construction of Princes Wharf, Auckland Harbour, in 1921. Divers began assisting with tasks such as salvage of vessels and harbour works in the 19th century. But before the advent of scuba diving, they wore cumbersome equipment that prevented them from moving far underwater. Air was supplied from the surface to the heavy helmet, through a hose.

About this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PAColl-8630

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick. 'Diving and snorkelling', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 2-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diving-and-snorkelling/1/2