The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will present a talk on The Deepwater Diving Monument: How Santa Barbara Became the Birthplace of Deepwater Diving Technology, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15.
The event, which is the next installment of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, features Theodore K. Roche IV, senior advisor and former CEO of Aqueos Corporation.
Admission is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members, $10 for other members, and $20 for the general public. For tickets, visit sbmm.org or call 805-456-8750. A pre-lecture members-only reception will be held 6:15-6:45 p.m.
Roche will address Santa Barbara’s pivotal role in the evolution of commercial diving, detailing how local innovation and leadership helped transform the city into a global center for deepwater diving technology, SBMM said.
Roche will also discuss the creation and recent unveiling of Santa Barbara’s newest public art installation, the Deepwater Diving Monument, an 8-foot bronze sculpture at the entrance to the harbor.
The monument honors the courageous pioneers of commercial diving, and celebrates the groundbreaking advancements developed right here on the Central Coast.
“The Deepwater Diving Monument is more than just a sculpture; it’s a symbol of courage, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of exploration,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director.
“Santa Barbara’s diving community has had a profound impact on underwater technology, and this presentation will bring that incredible history to life,” he said.
Roche has some 40 years of experience in the marine construction and commercial diving industry. He is the founder and former CEO of Aqueos Corporation (formerly Divecon Services), a subsea contractor originally established in Santa Barbara.
Under his leadership, Aqueos grew into a leading provider of commercial diving, ROV, and vessel contracting services.
He holds a degree in marine diving technology, and currently serves as chairman of the Advisory Board for SBCC’s Marine Diving Technology Program.
“Santa Barbara’s impact on deepwater diving extends far beyond our harbor; this city’s innovations have influenced commercial diving and ocean exploration worldwide,” said Leslie Leaney, SBMM’s maritime historian and co-founder of the Historical Diving Society USA.
“This event will be an incredible opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the industry’s most respected leaders about the legacy and future of deepwater diving,” she said.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more, visit sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404.
The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe.