During the attempt for a new world record, Ivan maintained constant depth of 7-8 meters using a specially built underwater platform. The entire attempt was recorded on camera.

Credit:   Supplied

The record is dedicated to the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The previous record was set by Will Goodman from the UK, who managed 48 hours, 9 minutes and 17 seconds.

The attempt for setting a new world record began on August 27, 2010, at 1:46 pm, when Ivan Zhelezarov was submerged to a depth of 8m in the sea near Kiten. During the first 24 hours under water, Zhelezarov was accompanied by a support diver at all times, while later on, he was provided support by two divers and a doctor. Despite the difficulties, especially during the two nights when the conditions were the hardest, the enthusiast managed to hold on till today. Ivan returned to the surface at 3:48 pm today after spending 50 hours and 2 minutes under water. He is in good health and after taking a necessary break he will be back in shape and ready for new achievements.

Ivan had no physical contact with the surface at anytime during his time underwater, while his support crew replenished his air supply when necessary. The support team for the dive included 9 divers. By taking turns, each diver spent time under water with Ivan and supplied him with new air bottles at intervals of 90 minutes. Ivan’s physical condition was constantly monitored by a team of physicians.

The support crew included:
• Rumen Zhelezarov, NAUI CD #36909
• Anita Dotseva-Mancheva, NAUI Instructor # 50347
• Hristo Hristov, NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
• Alexander Karlin, NAUI Master Scuba Diver
• Ivaylo Iliev, NAUI Instructor #52157
• Orlin Tsanev, NAUI Divemaster #50674
• Krasen Stefanov, NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
• Ranko Georgiev, NAUI Master Scuba Diver
• Dimitar Makedonski

Ivan was equipped with a drysuit and nutrition was provided to him in liquid form. The dive was made using an open circuit scuba. During the attempt for a new world record, Ivan maintained constant depth of 7-8 meters using a specially built underwater platform. The entire attempt was recorded on camera.

Ivan Zhelezarov is an instructor with Marina Diving Center, which was established in 2005. The main goal of the center is to show everybody a new world, which is available for everyone, and a nice safe sport, which can be practiced throughout the whole year. Currently, Marina Diving Center has four professional instructors with long experience and with an active status. The center uses reliable and inspected diving equipment from world-popular brands, which is up to the highest requirements for safety set in NAUI’s policy. From its very establishment, Marina Diving Center has been working along with the Underwater Archaeology Center in Sozopol. Over the past few years, the center has been developing and supporting activities of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The center is based in Kiten, on the peninsula of Urdoviza. From May to October, the center organizes dives along the entire South Black Sea area. From November to April, it organizes diving lessons in a pool in Sofia and Plovdiv; while, when the weather conditions are favorable, the center organizes dives in Greece, in the region of Kavala and Thessaloniki. During the winter, Marina Diving Center organizes diving vacations in popular diving destinations in Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Thailand, Curacao, etc.