Shipwrecks/2010 Symposium

Below is a press release for our 16th Annual Shipwrecks Symposium. Please note that it is being held on Saturday March 13th this years as with Easter falling on our normal weekend we decided to shift to the closest date which did not conflict with other shows.

We have an excellant line up this year and I'm sure you'll recognize most of the names on the list. We are still looking for several short (5 minutes or less) shipwreck related programs to be as fillers throughout the day. We are also looking for door prizes and our beg letters have just been sent out. Even if you don't get one, please feel free to donate.

Please spread the word about the show and if you would like to donate a door prize let me know. Look forward to seeing you there. Ian

SHIPWRECKS/2010

WELLAND, ONTARIO—(45 Minutes from Buffalo, 75 Minutes from Toronto)

The Niagara Divers’ Association will present its 16th Annual Shipwrecks Symposium on Saturday March 13, 2010. This one-day symposium on shipwrecks will feature multimedia presentations with internationally renowned speakers from both the United States and Canada. $38 CDN / US up to February 14, 2010, $43 CDN / US after / lunch included.

This year, we are very excited to have nine primary multimedia presentations including:

Tom Wilson: Master of Ceremonies

Tony Gramer: Thirty-six Hours Adrift- Loss of the Schooner Corsair

Jill Heinerth: Rebreather Technology & Cave Diving

Kevin Magee: "The Schooner "Riverside”

Dave Mekker: The Alvin Clark-a Tribute to Joyce Hayward

Ric Mixter: The Wheelsmen

NDA: Welland Scuba Park

Jim & Pat Stayer: Deadly Mistake...The Sinking of the U352

David Trotter: The Mighty Hercules

Georgann & Mike Wachter: The Steamer Sun & Seven New Lake Erie Discoveries

Again for 2010, there will be several 5-minute shorts between the primary presentations introducing new speakers, and featuring several new discoveries.

On-line registration now available.

Pre-registration required: for more information contact
<infoshipwrecks@yahoogroups.com>, or view our web site at
http://www.vaxxine.com/nda

Just a short note to update you on this year’s event. This update contains information not found on our flyer or web site.

I’d like to remind everyone that you can still get the early registration discount if you register on-line or postmarked by February 14, 2010.

By now, all previous attendees should have received our flyer in the mail. If you haven’t, it means you have either moved, or we do not have a complete address for you. You may update your mailing address at:

http://www.vaxxine.com/nda/shipwrecks/addmail.html

As you know, our display area is very limited. As in the past, several speakers will have tables set up in the main cafeteria for book, video sales, etc. We have once again offered space to a number of nonprofit diving related groups in the halls at no charge. To date, we have confirmations from: Save Ontario Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Historical Society / Maritime Archeological Survey Team, Ontario Underwater Council, Cleveland Underwater Explorers, Ontariodiving.com, Welland Scuba Park and we expect to add a couple more to the list.

As of today, we have a total of 81 door prizes (over $5000.00 value) including items such as clothing, dive charters, hats, magazines, regulators, dive lights, bags and more. The list is growing every day. Each attendee will receive one door prize ticket when they sign in. No tickets are sold and no monies made on door prizes.

The Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit has once again applied for a lottery license to run a 50/50 draw at this year’s event. 50% to the Lake Erie (Eastern Basin) Mooring Project, 25% first prize, 15% second prize and 10% third prize. Last year, the breakdown was $1100 to the project and $550, $330 and $220 in prizes. Tickets will sell for 3/$5.00 CDN.

As in the past, attendees will be given a goodie bag as they check in. It will contain flyers and information from nonprofit groups and dive charters. If you have an upcoming event or a charter that you would like to promote, please feel to contact us. We require 500 copies by March 5th. There is a $20 charge for this service. To keep the show as non -commercial as possible, there are restrictions as to what can go in the package. Please check out the following link for more information

http://www.vaxxine.com/nda/shipwrecks/goodie.html

Crossing the Border


The new regulations are now in effect and Americans require the proper identification for coming into Canada and returning home. The information listed below was taken from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site. http://www.cbp.gov

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below. Many of these documents are already available, and obtaining one now will ensure that you are ready on June 1, 2009, when they will be required.

U.S. Passport– This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card– This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk

US/Canadian exchange rates

Due to the extreme fluctuations between the CDN & US Dollar, we have found it difficult to fix a fair & firm US price. We strongly suggest Americans check with a currency exchange as it may be beneficial for you to pay in Canadian Dollars either by mail or by using our on-line registration. Our on-line registration uses an exchange rate normally within 1% of the current bank rate and ensures the fairest price possible

Our 16th annual event looks like one of our best ever. Hope to see you there.

Shipwrecks/2010 Committee

http://www.vaxxine.com/nda