Diving Talks – Portugal 2026 International Diving
Cordoaria Nacional, Avenida da Índia, Lisbon, Portugal
October 23–25, 2026
Shipwreck discovery, identification, and exploration rely on extensive research that begins well before diving occurs. Technology has enabled shipwreck searches and identification with greater effectiveness, particularly in challenging environments such as offshore, deep-water settings. While improved access to online archival records and sophisticated technology have been important success factors, collaboration can also be the key to success through combining resources, knowledge, and capabilities. This presentation will share how a successful collaboration between NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and a team of citizen scientist diving explorers led to the eventual discovery and identification of the long-sought-after SS Allentown, lost with all hands in November 1888 off the coast of Massachusetts, USA.
Bio
Heather Knowles is a U.S.-based technical diver and explorer. Heather is a co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, which is dedicated to shipwreck research, discovery, and exploration in New England, as well as conservation of the ocean environment and our shipwrecks. Heather is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, Associate Member of the Boston Sea Rovers, former Chairperson of the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council, a technical diving instructor through NAUI, and co-captain of the dive vessel Gauntlet. In addition to shipwreck discoveries in local waters, Heather has had the privilege of exploring and photographing some of the world’s notable shipwrecks, caves, and mines around the world.
This presentation showcases a hybrid virtual and in-person learning approach in a community-led training model for leadership education that redefines value in a fragmented dive training industry. Through an innovative project conducted as NAUI regional conferences, candidates engage in personalized, competency-driven development, integrating online and in-person skills, non-technical skills, and peer collaboration with access to global expertise as part of their development and training as a dive professional. The result is elevation of leadership training beyond standards and cultivation of a new generation of dive professionals.
Bio
David Caldwell is a veteran dive industry professional, technical diving educator, and maritime leader with nearly four decades of experience in recreational, technical, and exploration diving. He is the co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. (NADE), a company specializing in shipwreck exploration, technical diver training, and expedition leadership, and serves as co-captain of the dive charter vessel Gauntlet.
As the Regional Manager for the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada for NAUI Worldwide, David serves as a Course Director Trainer and Technical Examiner, mentoring dive professionals and advancing diver education throughout the region.
An accomplished explorer, David has conducted cave, mine, and shipwreck dives globally. He has participated in and co-led several shipwreck discovery and identification projects, including the USS Nezinscot and Allentown, and has collaborated with NOAA on exploration and research initiatives within Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
David is a Fellow of The Explorers Club, an Associate Member of Boston Sea Rovers, Assistant Harbormaster for the City of Beverly, Massachusetts, and serves on the Board of Directors of Salem Sound Coastwatch.
