News Archive
William Leiter Hockett Obituary
"William Leiter Hockett was born on April 16, 1913. He was raised in Seattle's Madrona district near the shores of Lake Washington. In his early years he formed a genuine interest in the boats and ships moored in Lake Union, Lake Washington, and the salt waterfront led to his privileged boardings and learning maritime ways and terminology. He worked at various trades, became an apprentice shipwright, and owned and worked with many vessels. Around 1940, he was introduced to underwater work at the first Lake Washington floating bridge, which led to him becoming an underwater construction contractor. For that purpose he acquired other vessels, the largest being the MV-41, (a Navy LCI-L remodeled into a self propelled crane barge). An International truck was transformed into a crane truck for lifting skiffs and gear off docks. From these beginnings, Leiter developed a remarkable maritime career spanning 64 years."
Additionally, Leiter is credited as being the first Northwest diver to modify diving helmets with some of the innovations that later became associated with the unique Northwest Modified style diving helmets, by mounting the air control valve and communications connection on the front of the breastplate. He was also a partner with John Manlove and one of the original owners of Divers Institute of Technology (DIT), which still operates on the Lake Union ship canal.
Leiter died from injuries received in an automobile accident on November 1, 2006. Active to the end, Leiter self-published his autobiography, Water Work, in 2005.
Leiter was honored at the Historical Diving Society's conference in Seattle, this past September for his contributions to Northwest Diving and Commercial Diving in general.
We Need the Help of ADCI Members
On Behalf of Santa Barbara City College/Marine Technology Training, the Association of Diving Contractors International would like everyone who can help with contributions for Bradley Ebner to click on to the link below. Brad Ebner is the son of MDT alumni and Advisory Board member Chuck Ebner. Chuck has been a long time supporter of SBCC, and a fixture in their local diving community for decades. ~~ Phil Newsum
Can you help me spread the word about this to ADCI members?
http://www.sbcc.edu/marinediving/website/alumni/bradd.htm
Many ADCI members know Chuck Ebner from the last 25 years. (Ex Oceaneering, UTS and now Divecon)
He on the West Coast Chapter for many years. Chuck was a West Coast Chapter Chair years back.
Maybe some member companies can step up big for Chuck and his family. It is going to be a tough road ahead for them.
Carl Maxie Brashear
The Association of Diving Contractors International would like to inform its membership of the passing of Carl Maxie Brashear. Carl Brashear was the Navy's first black deep sea diver. He went on to become the first black master diver in the U.S. Navy, and the first amputee to be restored to full active duty as a diver.
Carl Brashear, whose story was, chronicled in the 2000 film "Men of Honor", died of respiratory and heart failure Tuesday at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. He was 75 years of age. He will be missed by the diving community as a whole.
Our condolences go out to his family, and wish them the best during their time of loss.
New IMCA Safety Notice 21 Feb, 2006
New IMCA Safety Notice 16 Feb, 2006
Chubasco Marine Services Feb 14, 2006
Chubasco Marine Services is currently accepting resumes for experienced commercial
divers and tenders for Corpus Christi, Port Arthur and Houston areas. Topside and
underwater welding, propeller repair and polishing, ships husbandry, general marine
services & marine construction.
Part time or Full time position with health/dental insurance. Paid holidays & vacation.
If you qualify, please fax resume to 361-884-1179 or by email to sheila@internationaldiversco.com.
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