Hardhat diving; Mark V kit in Key Largo

[DangerousDan64]

I was at the history of diving museum a year ago in Key Largo on my way out of town and I picked up a card for some guys who own a Mark V suit there and who will let people try it out for a fee. I found two reviews on Trip Advisor from last year but no other information. I get VM when I call the number (left one) but I thought I would reach out and ask if anyone knows if these guys are still doing this.

My Brother and I going there the last week of September and I REALLY want to do this. (see my avatar)

 

[BillP]

It doesn't really help you, but nearly 20 years ago Dick Rutkowsi at Hyperbarics International in Key Largo let me do a dive in his Mark V suit. It was just in the canal with little to see, but it was still great fun. It was one of those "do it so I can say I did" experiences. I'm sure that you'd enjoy it if you can arrange a similar experience.

 

[scubadada]

In 2005, I was able to dive the Mark V at the end of the hyperbaric course put on by Dick Rutkowski in Key Largo. It was a great experience, I will not forget it.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Construction workers wear Hard Hats
Divers wear helmets...

SDM

 

[abnfrog]

we have one here a Korean copy of a mark V (TOA) a lot of my students want to try it (its on a stand in the cottage at our facility )...I was thinking of getting it rebuilt and dive ready to dive ....but I only have 1 suit (Korean) so I would have to buy another one , and might be pricey , what could I charge to offset the cost and what would the interest be .Right now we just take pictures in it .....

 

[Sam Miller III]

My son and I both own Mark Vs-- Now used only as décor

In SoCal we had a very active origination called the Classic Equipment Divers- I was member number 18 .

We met once a month in SoCal and took turn dressing out members and in turn diving various member's helmets.

It was fun while it lasted -- but insurance costs became prohibitive and the origination was disbanded

There is a beginning and middle and an end to every thing good or bad

Sam Miller, III

 

[iamrushman]

very cool....i also did it at the hyperbarics international with Dick Rutkowski's class in Key Largo....an extreme experience.

 

[abnfrog]

doesn't historic diving society still have try dives with a helmet?

 

[GJC]

Northeast Diving Equipment Group allows divers to try out MK5 dress and do a dive every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends at Dutch Springs.

 

[deepseamurse]

Divers institute of Technology used to have a standard dress dive, but I don't think they do anymore. Plus, you would have to pay the 50,000 tuition just to attend lol