Public Safety Workshop

Tim Andro, Kyle Lynch, David Thistle, Tony Pietrantonio, Rick Simon

Workshops

9:00AM-4:00PM

Newburyport Room 2nd Floor

Before the Ocean Takes It: Preserving History through Historical Marine Salvage

Jennifer Sellitti

Daytime

TBA

Gimbel

Is shipwreck salvage exploitation or essential historical preservation? In the unforgiving North Atlantic, shipwrecks and their artifacts face relentless destruction from environmental forces, commercial fishing, and structural collapse. Drawing on a decade of exploration and recovery aboard D/V *Tenacious*, Jennifer Sellitti challenges the argument that shipwrecks should be left untouched. Through compelling examples from the *Andrea Doria*, *Lusitania*, *Britannic* and other historic wrecks, she explores the legal, ethical, and practical case for responsible salvage and demonstrates how recovering, restoring, and sharing artifacts preserves not just maritime history, but the human stories behind it.

Jennifer N. Sellitti is the Managing Member of Atlantic Wreck Salvage and captain of D/V *Tenacious*, leading expeditions to discover, explore, and preserve historic shipwrecks. Her team’s discoveries include SS *Le Lyonnais*, ST *Seiner*, SS *West Point*, and the bow of MV *Stockholm*. A USCG-licensed captain, author of *The Adriatic Affair*, board member of the Steamship Historical Society, and trustee of the New Jersey Maritime Museum, Jennifer advocates for responsible salvage, historical preservation, and public education. Through exploration, research, and artifact recovery, she works to preserve maritime history and share the human stories behind these remarkable shipwrecks.

Seashells Around the World

Boston Malacological Club

Art Exhibit

9:00AM-5:00PM

Gloucester Room

FREE ALL WEEKEND SEASHELL EXHIBIT
-second floor Mezzanine-Gloucester Room-

Saturday 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Drop by and see educational exhibits of seashells from the world over and learn about their habitats, biodiversity and ecology and their use in food, science, medicine, on stamps, and in art and crafts.

Bring your own seashells and learn how to identify it with the help of experts on mollusks who will be available to assist you and teach you how to use some of the best seashell identification books.

Choose your own seashells from one of the world’s beaches at our 'seashell adoption table' provided by our members.

When you visit the exhibit be sure to sign up for an opportunity to take home the special Door Prize — a collection of unique seashells and a book about mollusks

Sponsored by the Boston Malacological Club
Founded in 1910

Join one of the world's oldest active seashell groups for fun and educational monthly meetings in Cambridge, Mass.  For information contact:
George Buckley – gbuckley@fas.harvard.edu

Please note the contact information below is for informational purposes only – No registration is required!

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Dive Computers, But Were Afraid To Ask

Monty Fitzpatrick

Workshops

9:00AM-12:00PM

Manchester Room 2nd Floor

Registration Fee: $35

Dive Computers – nearly all divers carry one, but does everyone really understand how they work and how to properly use them?  In this workshop, Dive Pro Monty Fitzpatrick will walk you through a brief history of the dive computer, and give an overview about how they "know" how much dive time you have left, and what your nitrogen loading is throughout your dive.  We won't dive too deep into the algorithms behind most dive computers, as that's more technical than this workshop intends to go.  But we will cover some of the basics:

• Why to use a computer vs. old-school dive tables
• How to decide which computer is best for the diving you plan to do
• Key features to look for in your computer
• Console-integrated units vs. wrist-mount options
• Air integration – its benefits and limitations
• Popular models that are available at most dive shops
• Understanding the important features and data shown on your computer
• Maintenance and care for your computer

Whether you're a brand new diver or have been salty for years, there's something to be learned about these little devices we've become so accustomed to wearing to dive.  Whether it's understanding how to simply use your computer, or interesting functions you didn't realize your unit included, you'll benefit from attending this workshop.  We will have an extensive Q&A session; feel free to bring your computer.  We may not be able to answer every question about every computer, but we'll do our best to make sure you're more confident and comfortable with yours before you leave.

Aquatic Theme-based Origami Exhibit

Michael LaFosse and Richard Alexander

Art Exhibit

9:00AM-4:00PM

Oak Room 1st Floor

Aquatic Theme-based Origami Exhibit – an interactive exhibit with instructions on creating aquatic origami figures. –  

The Art Exhibits are Free and open to the public

OTS Guardian Technician Course

Joe Toth

Workshops

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Newburyport Room, 2nd Floor

OTS offers online courses to help you learn how to service our equipment properly. Courses include servicing instructions on: breaking down the Full Face Mask, breaking down the 2nd Stage Regulator, reinstalling components of the Full Face Mask, reinstalling the components of the 2nd Stage Regulator and proper adjustments of the 2nd Stage Regulator.  Guardian Technician certification is good for three years. Recertification requires retaking the class and can be done online. 

WHAT DO I NEED FOR THE CLASS?

The Guardian has a tool kit in a double-zippered bag with specialized tools for the mask and regulator, the Technician’s Manual, and a workbench mat with an exploded view.  You will need to bring it along with a Guardian mask and second-stage regulator to work on in class.  Bringing the workbench mat is optional.  If you’re using an older tool kit (pre-April 2024), you’ll need a 1/4 inch drive adapter for the Inner Clamp Ring Socket to the Screw Driver.  You may already have one in your toolbox, if not, they’re available at most hardware stores or on Amazon.  As an option to the adapter, you can bring a 6″ ratchet wrench with a 3 inch 1/4″ extension, but the adapter seems to work better and limits any over torquing you may get with the extra leverage of the wrench.  It’s also a good idea to bring a 6″ adjustable wrench.  Don’t forget an ink pen.  

UPDATE:  A 1/4 inch drive adapter is included with the tool kit now,  If you’re getting a new kit (post April 2024), no need to acquire one.  

Registration Form

Try Scuba

Dive On It Scuba

Workshops

10:00AM-2:00PM

Hotel Pool

Ever want to try scuba!  Discover what it's like to going beneath the waves

Dive On It Scuba will be hosting the annual Try Scuba event at Boston Sea Rovers again this year.   

Space for these events is limited and is first-come, first-served.

Registration at https://diveonit.square.site/tryscubasearovers 

Shark Research in New England: 40 Incredible Years

Greg Skomal

Daytime

TBA

TBA

n 1987, the Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP) was established to study the biology, ecology, and physiology of sharks in New England. In this presentation, I review the 40-year history of the program and highlight the concurrent evolution of new technologies to study these species. Ultimately, I show how the efforts of the MSRP have enhanced the sustainability and conservation of multiple shark species on a global scale.

Dr. Greg Skomal is an accomplished marine biologist, photographer, and author. He heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, which studies the life history, ecology, and physiology of sharks. He has written dozens of research papers, and his work has been highlighted in several film and television documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and PBS. His most recent books are the Great White Shark Handbook and Chasing Shadows, which debunk the mysteries of the great white shark. Greg is a member of the Explorers Club and the Boston Sea Rovers, and he is the 2016 Diver of the Year.

BSR Sponsored

Rebreather Workshop – $50

Workshops

08:00AM-12:00PM

Hotel Pool

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dive with no bubbles?  To be as quiet as the fish and sea life all around you?  Closed-Circuit Rebreathers (CCRs) let you do exactly that.  Unlike open circuit SCUBA, which we all are familiar with (breathe in from the regulator and exhale, watching your bubbles stream towards the surface), CCRs “recirculate” your breath, scrubbing out the CO2 you generate, while adding Oxygen to keep your breathing gas mix steady.  No more bubbles!  CCRs are a great tool for getting closer to the sea life we all love to see – you’re quieter, so the fish are less cautious and don’t swim off when you approach.  CCRs are ideal for photographers trying to capture elusive and skittish subjects.  

CCRs have come a LONG way from the early days, with better controls and electronics, more safety and redundancy built in, and more flexible form-factors to suit your needs and diving preference.  However, CCRs are still a more complex means of diving, requiring specialized training.  This workshop is an excellent way to get a brief introduction into how CCRs function, how to use them, how you could apply them to your diving plans, and most importantly, a chance to hop in the pool and try out a few different units.  You’ll be amazed at how quiet you can be underwater.

Due to the nature of this course, we have very limited-space.  As such, you must fill out and submit the required paperwork and forms at least a week before the day of the workshop so the instructors have all the information they need.  We will not be able to allow you to participate without the completed paperwork.  Below is a list of the rebreather units we’ll have available during the workshop:

Diving In New England – How to Plan and Prep to Dive Local

Steve Bigelow

Workshops

9:00AM-12:00PM

Essex Room

Registration Fee:- $35

Steve Bigelow ran the MetroWest Saturday Shore Dive Program for over 10 years and will offer some tips on how he plans and decides where to dive and all that.

• Resources
• Safety – Overview
• Site Selection Options – where to dive
• Site Decision Criteria – which one to choose on a given day
• Tools 
• Day Of Evaluation – picking a site, but playing it by ear once you arrive there; making the "Cape Ann Loop" to find good conditions
• Gear – a brief overview of what's needed / required and "good to have" for diving New England
• Site Etiquette – Respect the Locals! Obey Parking Regulations. Keep Gear Organized and Out Of The Way; Share The Beach
• Calling The Dive – monitoring conditions to ensure safety; know YOUR limits. There's no shame in driving all the way to a dive site, only to bail out if it's a mess and go dive into breakfast somewhere…
• Other
  • Sharing Your Dive – take and post pictures
  • Blogging – doing write-ups for dive club newsletters or social media

Seashells Around the World

Boston Malacological Club

Family Day

9:00AM-3:00PM

Gloucester Room

FREE ALL WEEKEND SEASHELL EXHIBIT
-second floor Mezzanine-Gloucester Room-

Saturday 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Drop by and see educational exhibits of seashells from the world over and learn about their habitats, biodiversity and ecology and their use in food, science, medicine, on stamps, and in art and crafts.

Bring your own seashells and learn how to identify it with the help of experts on mollusks who will be available to assist you and teach you how to use some of the best seashell identification books.

Choose your own seashells from one of the world’s beaches at our 'seashell adoption table' provided by our members.

When you visit the exhibit be sure to sign up for an opportunity to take home the special Door Prize — a collection of unique seashells and a book about mollusks

Sponsored by the Boston Malacological Club
Founded in 1910

Join one of the world's oldest active seashell groups for fun and educational monthly meetings in Cambridge, Mass.  For information contact:
George Buckley – gbuckley@fas.harvard.edu

Please note the contact information below is for informational purposes only – No registration is required!

Visual Storytelling

Cristian Dimitrius, Berkley White, Jake Stout

Workshops

9:00AM-12:00PM

Newburyport Room 2nd Floor

Registration Fee: $50

This one morning workshop is designed to change the way you think about images.

The Visual Storytelling Workshop brings together three experienced filmmakers and educators: Cristian Dimitrius, Jake Stout and Berkley White.

The focus is practical, clear and applicable.

We dive into video techniques, tips and tricks that actually work in the field, combined with a strong emphasis on storytelling. How to structure sequences. How to think in shots, not clips. How to apply narrative logic to your videos, whether you shoot wildlife, underwater, travel or personal projects.Through real case studies from professional work, the instructors break down how visual decisions were made, why certain shots matter, and how story, rhythm and intention shape the final result.

This workshop is not about gear. It is about vision.

Participants will improve the way they observe, plan and execute images. Photographers will gain a stronger sense of motion, sequence and narrative. Videographers will sharpen clarity, intention and editing awareness from the moment they press record.

Open to all ages and experience levels, this session is ideal for anyone who wants to elevate their visual language and create images that communicate, connect and last.

Better thinking leads to better images.

Scouts Oceanography Merit Badge

Mark Fregeau

Workshops

9:30AM-12:30PM

Manchester Room 2nd Floor

Scouts Oceanography Merit Badge – $25

Sunday March 14, 2027 9:30 – 12:30 PM

Merit Badge Councilors

Mark Fregeau PhD.

Woody Tinsley

Scouts should bring Blue Cards and printed out copy of Oceanography Merit Badge Workbook

Schedule:

9:30AM – 1PM:   Merit Badge Activities – Manchester Room on 2^ndfloor of Hotel

Questions? Email Mark Fregeau

Register (where you purchase tickets under BSR Sponsored Workshops)

Family Activity- Aquatic Theme-based Origami Exhibit

Michael LaFosse and Richard Alexander

Art Exhibit

9:30AM-3:00PM

Oak Room 1st Floor

Aquatic Theme-based Origami Exhibit – an interactive exhibit with instructions on creating aquatic origami figures. 

The Art Exhibits are Free and open to the public

Kids Room Activities (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Joy Marzolf

Family Day

10:00AM-2:00PM

Marblehead Room 2nd Floor

Sunday Kids Day, March 14, 2027!

Fun ocean related activities and programs during the day from 10am-2pm.

Admission to these special Sunday Family Day programs for children and adults is FREE!* Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities and presentations take place upstairs in the Marblehead Room on the Second Floor (Access by ballroom staircase).

Previous Ocean Related Fun from 2026 includes:

• 10:30am-2pm Traveling Tidepool from the Seacoast Science Center: Get up close and personal!
• 10-10:30am: The Joys of Nature: Helping Endangered Species
  • Learn about endangered species around the world, including sea turtles, and what we can do to help them! Don’t miss meeting some special live animal guests during the program!
• 10:45-11:15am: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivities Event: Shark Myth Busting
  • Sharks-true or false? Learn some of what is really known about sharks and some of the stories that might not be true. Learn what scientists are learning about our local sharks. A great chance to ask your own questions about sharks.
• 11:30am-12pm: Seacoast Science Center: Rescuing Marine Mammals
  • Meet an SSC Marine Mammal Rescue expert and learn about marine mammals, conservation, and how rescued animals are cared for during rehabilitation. Through a mock rescue, discover how rescues work and what to do if you encounter a marine mammal in need.
• 12-12:30pm: Build your Own Fossil Shark Tooth Necklace with New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance
• 12:30-1pm:  The Joys of Nature: Helping Endangered Species
  • Learn about endangered species around the world, including sea turtles, and what we can do to help them! Don’t miss meeting some special live animal guests during the program!
• 1:15-1:45pm: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivities Event: Shark Myth Busting
  • Sharks-true or false? Learn some of what is really known about sharks and some of the stories that might not be true. Learn what scientists are learning about our local sharks. A great chance to ask your own questions about sharks.

*Please note: While Sunday Family Day events are FREE, Tickets are required for the regular Boston Sea Rovers Saturday and Sunday Daytime programs and Saturday Evening Film Festival.

COMS Fair – Career and Educational Opportunities in Marine STEAM

Boston Sea Rovers

Family Day

11:00AM-2:00PM

Ballroom I

Explore career and educational opportunities in marine STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) based programs.  Representatives from various programs will be on hand to provide information on their programs for K – 12,  undergraduate and graduate opportunities. This event is free and open to the public.