A scuba baptism like no other in Saint-Pierre Bay
After two years on a mission in the Caribbean, the call of the new came to me in the form of a baptism offered by Jacques-Yves Imbert, an iconic figure in diving in Saint-Pierre Bay. Surprised, I reminded Jacques-Yves that I already had a State certification, proof of some diving experience. However, his promise of new sensations piqued my curiosity, and I agreed to play along.
An unusual encounter and equipment
On the dock at Saint-Pierre port, Jacques-Yves introduced me to Pierre Passot (see box), a great specialist in diving equipment, already in the midst of preparing rather unusual gear. Despite my title as a trimix instructor, accustomed to handling multiple tanks, this was something else entirely: no air tanks, but instead long hoses, a massive pump, a very heavy diver’s helmet equipped with portholes, two large weights, and strange boots with thick soles. A magnificent diver’s knife sat nearby. To complete the outfit, I was given a thick fabric dry suit before being asked to sit so that they could carefully gear me up.
The dressing ritual
I almost feel royal: everything is ready to dress me like a president! Yet, it’s impossible to gear up alone here: it takes a whole team to help me put on this historic equipment, for a ‘heavy feet’ baptism that is entirely new to me. I admit to enjoying these attentions, so I let myself be guided without protest.
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