The opening theme of the Immerse - Exploring the Deep exhibition takes us through the history of the different underwater technologies that have been developed in order to harness and utilise the resources found on and below the sea-bed. Western Australia is at the forefront of subsea technological innovation, and this exhibition showcases the progression of diving technology, including the invention of the earliest diving technology, the first wooden diving bell by Guglielmo de Lorena in 1535.

Diver Resurfacing

Image copyright of the Underwater Centre, Fremantle

To further understand the different aspects of deep sea diving, the exhibition also showcases the dangers of and the science behind decompression illness, the principles of working at depth and the different gas laws. In extensive detail is the differing underwater habits and the beginnings of occupational diving, which can be traced to the shipwreck salvage ventures of divers in the United Kingdom. Also on display are the earliest examples of diving dress, first developed in England in the 1820s by brothers John and Charles Deane.

The final component of diving technology is the development of the atmospheric diving suit, first built in 1917. These self-contained, articulated suits maintain an internal pressure of one atmosphere, removing the need for the diver to decompress. Depth limits with the latest model JIM IV now go to about 700 metres.

Other artefacts displayed include 19th century diving helmets, alongside the contemporary diving masks of today.