It has come around again-that time of the year when we as a diving community need to band together for the benefit of our Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. That's right-Chamber Day 2011 is upon us. The date this year is Wednesday, May 4. In case you're not familiar with it, Chamber Day is a fund-raiser for our Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, and it is the largest single-day scuba charity event in the United States.

As you may or may not know, the Catalina Chamber is dedicated solely to the treatment of diving accidents, on a 24/7/365 basis. Although we all hope we'll never need it, having the Chamber available provides all divers with a vital safety net in the event something does go wrong with our dive. And while the Chamber receives a grant from L.A. County and gets income from various outside activities, Chamber Day provides a significant portion-close to 50%-of the Chamber's annual budget

What's so great about this event is that all the money raised goes to the Chamber. No administrative fees are deducted from the proceeds, the local SoCal dive boats donate their time and services, the manufacturers donate gear for raffle prizes, the Aquarium of the Pacific donates their facility for the evening event, hundreds of volunteers donate their time, and you (hopefully) donate your money. Last year we raised nearly $120,000, and we know-especially as the economy continues to struggle-that this number is going to be tough to match. On a positive note: For the third year in a row, prices for the events have not increased, with both Chamber Day and Chamber Evening once again having a base price of $90.

Here's what's happening: · The main event is Chamber Day, which includes a full day of diving (two dives) at Catalina, plus a walking tour of the Chamber at the Isthmus. Cost is $90 (plus $30 for food and airfills, which goes to the boat). This gets you the diving, the tour, a T-shirt, and five daytime raffle tickets. · For those who can't take the day off but would still like to participate, we again have the Flying Dutchman-a mythical boat, yes, but a big part of Chamber Day and the perfect option for those who can't attend in person. "Diving" the Dutchman will get you five daytime raffle tickets and a special limited-edition T-shirt (exclusively for those who sign up for the Dutchman). · There's also the Chamber Challenge, which "challenges" the diving community to raise extra funds for our Chamber through specific donations (usually $100, but also $500 and $1,000). You donate, and then-we hope-you challenge your friends to match your generosity. · Raffle tickets, anyone? Whether you're going on a boat or just looking for a chance to win some fabulous prizes, daytime raffle tickets are the way to go-because you don't need to be present to win! Tickets are $1 each, with discounts when you buy in bulk.

For more information about these can't-miss events, visit there web site at www.chamberday.org. You can sign up with us at 310.578.9391. No matter how you get involved, we really hope you'll be a part of Chamber Day and Chamber Evening this year.

We realize that not everyone can take a Wednesday off-which is why we have Chamber Evening. What makes this event unique is that we secure the entire Aquarium of the Pacific...just for us.

The Aquarium and the Chamber Day Committee invite you for an evening of food, fish, and fun on Wednesday, May 4, from 7-10:30 p.m. Because the Aquarium realizes the vital role our Chamber plays in the overall safety of the SoCal dive community, and because they realize what a valuable contribution the roughly 170 volunteer divers make to the smooth running of the Aquarium, they waive their normal facility fee for this event and host it for us at no charge. (We still pay for the catering, but that's outside of the Aquarium's control.)

Cost of the evening is, again this year, $90 per person. If you do both the daytime and evening events, you will receive an extra $20 in raffle tickets as a bonus! Last year, for the fourth year in a row, the event sold out. The limit is 500 people for Chamber Evening, don't miss out because you waited til the last minute, reserve your seat or table today!

Each table seats 10 people, and dinner is a sit-down, served affair. Most of the tables are sponsored by area dive shops, clubs and organizations, but there will be a couple of "open" tables again this year. You can sign up either directly with a table sponsor, through our web site (www.chamberday.org-it also has a complete list of table sponsors), or by calling us at 310-652-4990. Just be sure you let us know which table you prefer to be seated, so we can make sure you're with your friends and dive buddies.

The doors will open at 7p.m. and dinner will be served around 8:15. This gives you over an hour to explore the Aquarium exhibits, check out the prizes and mingle. Then we've got some remarks to make, raffle prizes to award, and a check to present. The evening should wrap up shortly after 10 p.m., and you'll have until about 10:30 to wander around the Aquarium and take in any sights you missed earlier. It's always a very special evening, and an event for divers and nondivers alike. Bring along your nondiving Significant Other and he/she can share the excitement of our sport.

With your ticket you'll receive five evening raffle tickets, good for the special prizes we'll have on hand for the evening event. Plus there will be an opportunity (we'll provide plenty of encouragement and arm-twisting) to buy more raffle tickets when you get there. Total value of the evening raffle will be roughly $10,000, and prizes will include regulators, BCs, computers, and even a complete gear set. (Check out our web site-www.chamberday.org-for a complete listing of all prizes and donors.) We'll also have a Blind Auction where you can bid on certain prizes, while not knowing what others have bid (hopefully encouraging you to bid high so yours will be the winning bid). During the entire evening, we'll have full access to the Aquarium and its 12,000+ critters, comprising over 550 species and representing three major regions of the Pacific. In case you didn't know, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the only aquarium that focuses solely on the Pacific Ocean. Ocean adventures has two tables so far, call us to reserve your seat.

We put a lot of time and effort into Chamber Day because we believe it's really important to have our Chamber available to us 24/7/365. When a dive accident occurs, getting an injured diver to our Chamber alive means that he/she has an excellent chance of survival and recovery. Knowing this while you're performing first aid, administering oxygen, or doing whatever it takes is a reassuring thought. Our Chamber is an invaluable safety net that we simply don't want to lose. Your participation in any or all of the facets of Chamber Day will help to ensure our Chamber's future.

Can't afford a vacation this year? Take a mini cruise aboard an Ocean Adventures charter to one of the many islands off our coast! Your cruise includes a bed, meals, air fills and diving at some of the most beautiful sites in the Pacific. People come here from all over the world to dive California's islands and you need only drive to Ventura or Long Beach Harbor! Staycations need not be landlocked, get on a boat and get cruising on your mini dive vacation soon!

Haven't been diving for a while? The refresher course is free! And you will receive FREE Gear Rental worth $60 if you sign up for any of the following boat trips! Catalina Island, Saturday April 2nd or Anacapa Island an Sunday April 16th. Call OADC today, 310.578.9391.