Introduction to the

HISTORICAL DIVING SOCIETY - U.S.A.



THE HISTORICAL DIVING SOCIETY-USA is an International organization of well over 800 members from all across the country who share an interest in the history of the technology of diving — that is, the study of the equipment and people involved in the development of diving as an industry and a sport, as compared to archaeologists and treasure hunters who use diving to pursue history.



HDS-USA co-founder Leslie Leaney of Santa Barbara, California.
In the top photo, Al "Scrap" Lundy's MkV rig was demonstrated
by Terry Overland diving from a stage on the Santa Barbara pier
at a joint HDS-USA / ADC gathering in November 1994.


The HDS-USA was formed in California in 1992 by antique helmet collector Leslie Leaney and Skip Dunham (then head of Diving Systems International) as an offshoot of the Historical Diving Society in England, which had been established in 1990. To make possible its present tax-exempt status under U.S. laws, the HDS-USA was incorporated as a separate entity in America, although close ties remain with the English and other international HDS groups. HDS-USA publishes a handsomely illustrated news magazine, Historical Diver Quarterly, four times a year and augments it with a newsletter which is published as needed. While its membership is spread all across the U.S. and Canada, the HDS-USA is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, where it has the active support of that city’s well established diving and dive equipment manufacturing industry. In the Society’s own words, its aim is “to provide a forum for individuals and organizations with an interest in the history of diving . . . including all aspects of commercial, naval, military, experimental, scientific and sport diving.”



The primary function of the organization is to provide a means of communication and “network” for people interested in diving history, research and hardware collecting and preservation. The annual membership roster is an effective way of connecting people of common interests. The Society displays at scuba shows and industry events like the annual DEMA (Diving Equipment Manufacturers) show and meetings of the Association of Diving Contractors (ADC). The HDS-USA holds an annual convention at Santa Barbara with activities and educational and entertaining programs from enthusiasts and industry leaders.


In recent years independent "Working Equipment Groups" have developed to actively dive historic and surface-supplied equipment. Although these groups are not associated with or sanctioned by the HDS-USA for insurance and liability reasons, they provide a focus for members who want to participate in diving activities and an exchange of information.


Individual membership in the HDS-USA is $30 annually, and other membership options are available. Members receive the Historical Diver Quarterly and a membership roster. Contact HDS-USA at 2022 Cliff Drive #119, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Phone 805/692-0072; FAX 805/962-3810, or VISIT THE HOMEPAGE of the Historical Diving Society - U.S.A.




AT THE JOINT HDS-USA / ADC convention in Santa Barbara in November 1994, Northeast Working Equipment Group coordinator Jim Folk (above left at left) met with the respected veteran hardhat diver E.R. Cross, and NEWEG coordinator Jim Boyd (above right) posed with the world's very first diving helmet, made by Augustus Siebe in 1829 for the Deane brothers. The Siebe/Deane helmet was brought to the U,S. through the courtesy of Siebe-Gorman Ltd. of England.

CLICK HERE for information on the Northeast Working Equipment Group

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