In the heart of Plymouth, the 2024 Guz.Tech Conference unfolded as a beacon for diving enthusiasts and maritime historians alike. Held at the University of Plymouth’s Roland Levinsky Building, this gathering illuminated the depths of our underwater heritage, bringing together a community united by a passion for exploration and discovery.
Customers and staff of the Mutiny Divers and Renegade Charters boats were in attendance and experienced excellent presentations.
The term ‘Guz’ harks back to naval traditions, referring to Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth. Its origins are debated, with one popular notion linking it to the Hindi word ‘guz,’ a measure of cloth approximating a yard. Sailors from the South West, returning from global voyages, would refer to Devonport as “The Yard,” eventually shortening it to “Guz.”
The conference was a tapestry of narratives from the deep:
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Rich Harpin: Led an expedition in the Moray Firth to identify victims of the First World War German raider SMS Meteor, presenting findings through photos, photogrammetry, and video.
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Mike Paige: Part of the team that discovered the Royal Navy ‘Q’ Ship Lady Olive and German submarine UC18 after a four-year search off the Channel Islands, with their work featured in a BBC documentary aired in October 2024.
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Steve Mortimer: Discussed the history and discovery of HMS Hawke, located 110 meters deep and 70 miles offshore from Fraserburgh.
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Graeme Bruce: Shared his experience of discovering five uncharted wrecks in a month in Scotland.
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James Hadlow and Chris Lowe: Documented the ongoing search for the US Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, which sank with the highest American naval combat casualty loss in World War I.
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Nick Chipchase: Delivered a presentation on his diving adventures and discoveries.
These accounts were not mere retellings but vivid immersions into the challenges and triumphs of underwater exploration. Each speaker, with unwavering dedication, shed light on the mysteries that lie beneath the waves, reminding us of the relentless human spirit that drives us to uncover the unknown.
Beyond the presentations, the conference fostered camaraderie among attendees. The day concluded with a convivial gathering at the Mombay Brasserie near Lockers Quay, where stories were exchanged over a shared meal, strengthening the bonds within this close-knit community.
As the echoes of this year’s conference resonate, anticipation builds for the next gathering, scheduled for 29th November 2025. The Guz.Tech Conference continues to be a testament to the enduring allure of the deep and the explorers who venture into its depths, ever eager to share their tales with those who dare to listen.
