Adam Olejnik

Adam Olejnik is an independent researcher who has worked in the field of underwater technology for many years. His main research interests include the design and operation of hyperbaric facilities and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). He is also interested in the theory and history of the development of underwater technology, which is the focus of his presentation at this year's conference.

Title: What did Cornelius Jacobszoon Drebbel build?

In the 17th century, news spread across Europe of a remarkable achievement described by the German scholar Johann Faber. Faber reported on the extraordinary feat of the Dutch inventor Cornelius Drebbel, who in 1620 took Londoners on an underwater journey along the River Thames.

In the first half of the 20th century, Dr Henri Naber published a series of polemical articles and initiated the construction of a replica of Drebbel's boat. This was a response to an unfavourable book about Cornelius Drebbel written by Prof. Frans Jaeger. In the second half of the 20th century, the BBC commissioned another replica of Drebbel's boat and broadcast a special programme dedicated to the invention. However, the replica did not work as expected.

To this day, several doctoral dissertations have examined the case of Drebbel, and in 2023 Hubert van Onna even announced the birth of "Drebbology". Meanwhile, since 1853, the archives of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences have held a document offering a cool and sceptical assessment of Cornelius Drebbel. According to the academics, Drebbel took credit for the achievements of others simply to gain recognition.

So what is the real story, and why does Cornelius Jacobszoon Drebbel continue to provoke so much debate today? What did he actually build?

The author hopes to shed some light on this mystery.

Discussion Panel: Diving Bells, Chambers, Engineers and Divers

Moderator: Adam Olejnik

Panelists: Karina Kowalska and Stanisław Skrzyński

A discussion about the development of underwater technology in Poland, with a particular focus on 50 years of activity of the Department of Underwater Technology at the Polish Naval Academy.

On 29 November 1976, an experimental underwater engineering research team was established at what was then the Polish Naval Academy. Its first head was Commander Medard Przylipiak. The team continues its work to this day.

The starting point for the discussion will be a book dedicated to the history of the Department, prepared to mark its 50th anniversary. Karina Kowalska, the book's author, and Stanisław Skrzyński, its co-author and long-time head of the Department, will discuss the people, research, engineering projects, achievements and challenges that have shaped the past half-century.

The discussion will be moderated by Adam Olejnik, who also served for many years as Head of the Department.