Go deep, stay long

The Silver Comet

With all the rain and storms in March, we were not able to get out on the water.   A few of us broke down and headed to Dutch Springs for opening day.  It was great to see everyone, and finally get wet.  I expected the water to be around 38 degrees, but instead it was more like 43.  Not bad for early April.

Vis was good, and like everyone else, I was checking out some gear modifications.   There was a new reel, patches on the drysuit (I finally found all the holes), and a new dome port for the camera.   Shooting a bag worked well, and I was able to get a few shots in before the camera started complaining about a leak.   Better fresh water than salt water.

Given the events of this week, I decided to add a new skill to our class. Sherwood, John and I practiced the infamous “use a lift bag as backup buoyancy”. The plan was to find a platform at the end of our dive then dump our BCs and inflate a lift bag to execute a controlled ascent (with simulated deco).

The plan started to fall apart when someone moved the platform. Either that or my navigation on the east side of the lake leaves a lot to be desired. After an hour of dragging the guys around to places and attractions we will never find again, we just picked a spot in about 70ft of water and tried the drill. Let’s just say, it takes some practice, and we have no idea who silted up the bottom.

Had we started from a platform kneeling, it may have been much simpler. Sherwood probably had the best idea of dumping the air from the wing into the bag (there by remaining neutral). While a great idea, he later admitted the execution needs a little practice.

My attempt was nearly thwarted by the anemic performance of my second stage purge. While the reg delivers copious amounts of air on demand, the purge only generates a trickle. After dumping my BC, I had to lay on the purge waiting for enough lift to stop my downward plummet. Fortunately this occurred just feet from the bottom. I was just a few feet from the indignity of a full face plant in the silt. Clearly I could have added air back into my BC, but for some reason, that thought never entered my mind.

After a few moments we gained control of our buoyancy, and began our ascent. We were able to execute our simulated deco, and surface with surprising control over ascent rates. We did all this in a free ascent with no visual reference.

Many of us discuss this skill as an option in the event of BC failure, but how many times do we actually practice it. The next time you’re at Dutch I suggest giving it a try, and add another skill to your tool kit. I just wanted to add some thoughts to keep in mind. A 100 lb lift bag is not designed for the minute buoyancy adjustment we make with our BC. Be very careful with the dump. It can release a lot of gas quickly, and you’ll be headed back down again. When practicing, do NOT attach the bag to yourself. Just hold it. If you lose control of the ascent, you can let go of the bag, and add air back into your BC.

Kudos to John and Sherwood for pulling off this impromptu skill.

Even though NOAA’s offshore forecast was marginal, the Independence II headed out to the Bidevind for an overnight charter.  The ship was a Norwegian freighter on her way from Cape Town with a load of manganese ore. She was sunk by U-752 in 1942. Now the wreck lies in 190′ of water west of the Texas Tower. Given the distance from shore, and the proximity to the popular Texas Tower, this wreck is not hit frequently. We reaped the benefits of that neglect.

On the way out to the wreck we found the NOAA’s 5 foot rollers which unexpectedly died down a bit as we got further out. We arrived at the site around 8:00 am. Bill and Terry quickly had us tied in. The surface vis looked good with a medium current pushing the equipment lines at the surface. The divers started gearing up and rolling in.

I was diving with two Trimix students on their first mix dive. We reviewed our plan, and discussed some signals, discussed the decompression, then geared up for the dive. With the entire day before us, there is no rushing to get into the water. We dropped in and did our bubble checks on the line, then descended down to the wreck. Below 30 ft the current dropped off completely, and we just dropped down past other divers on their ascent.

When we arrived at the end of the line, the students found out why people dive these deep wrecks! The visibility was 70ft with enough light to see clearly. The plan was to tie off a reel and head out over the wreck, but with the clear water and light, we could easily navigate, and the strobe on the line could be clearly seen from either side of the wreck. We were tied in at a high point of 160′, and there was a mild current. We dropped down a few feet in the lee and started off on a sight seeing tour.

Below the line were the remains of two small boilers. Since speed is not as important to a freighter as it was to passenger vessels, these may have been the ships main boilers, but I could not make out an engine. We followed the prop shaft back toward the stern. We moved slowly along, looking here and there at the debris below us. Observing the lobster, eel pouts, and schools of ling cod. It was a shame that our planned depth was only 170, as it was tempting to drop down lower. It was soon time to turn around and head back. In the clear water, we soon saw the strobe on the line and started our ascent. The current picked up again at 30 ft, and it was a bit stronger now. Captain Dan headed down past us as we were finishing up our deco.

When we got back on the boat for the debrief, my first question was “did you notice any narcosis?” None. Clear water and a clear head. It does not get much better. We all discussed what a great dive it was, and wondered why no one comes to this wreck. With the dearth of divers, the wreck was covered with lobster. After tying in, Bill and Terry had put the remaining part of their dive to good use, and were now banding their catch. Captain Dan found a port hole, but said it was to difficult to get to. (My guess is that after you have a few, you think twice about the effort before perusing another.) Dan and I discussed the boilers. He also thought them to be small for the main engine.

Many of the passengers were now catching some sleep before heading in for the second dive. The wind had picked up and the forecast was for a front to come through at night. The decision was made to do one more dive, then head in. We geared up for the second dive and dropped in. The current on the surface had picked up, so we pulled hand over hand until we dropped below it. Bubble checks again, and we dropped down to the wreck.

With the sun lower in the sky it was noticeably darker on the wreck. The vis was still good, and the strobe was even more prominent. I stopped briefly to grab a lobster just forward of the line, then we headed out toward the bow. The current on the bottom was gone, so we made good time swimming over the wreck. Below the hatch covers for the cargo holds were clear, and the bow loomed up before us. Again schools of ling were hiding here and there with huge eel pouts everywhere. Of course, no NJ wreck would be complete without the omnipresent cunners. We stopped at the bow briefly then turned back to the line. The ascent and deco were uneventful save for the current above 30ft. On the surface Capt Dan was grilling up scallops, lobster, and assorted stakes and sausage. A hot meal was just the ticket for cold divers.

Bill and I had planned to splash together and pull the hook, but my second dive was delayed and I would not have enough surface interval. Bill went in with a request for a few minutes of hunting prior to the pull. He would get in a nice twilight dive and grabbed a few more lobsters as we prepared the boat for the trip back. Overhead the sky was showing signs of change in weather ahead. It was time to get going.

The sun was setting and the strobes we put on the ball were now clearly visible. On occasional we could see Bills light panning around as he hung on the line. While these lights are to attract our attention, they also attracted a pair of curious dolphins. We saw them checking out the strobes on the surface, and could only imagine Bill’s reaction if they stopped by to check him out. When Bill got back on board he confirmed our suspicions, they scared the hell out of him. That is until he figured out they were dolphins.

On the ride back we were treated to a following sea which made for a comfortable ride. Most of the group got in a few hours of sleep. A nice end the a great day.

After a few false starts, and scheduling conflicts, I finally hooked up with Alan Studley for some training out in Monterey California.   This time my wonderful wife was able to join me for the trip.   I booked what I hoped was a nice room for the week.  We packed our bags along with my rebreather and drysuit, and headed out west.  The trip out was long, but uneventful.  When we left NJ, the weather was warm and sunny.  Upon arrival, we were met by the typical So Cal ocean breeze.  The temp had dropped 20 degrees, and I was digging my jacket out of the luggage.   Although it was 10pm, we were in a desperate search of food.  The airlines have now gone to a “pay as you go” meal program, and there was no food for half of the plane.   Fortunately the restaurant at the hotel was open.  We got a light bite to eat, then headed to bed.

The next morning was a wonderful surprise.   We woke to find a few rays of light sneaking between the curtains.  The first order of business was to acquire necessary caffeinated beverages.   Coffee, hot, and lots of it!  Room service!!!!

While we sipped the life giving liquid, we opened up those curtains to check out the view.   As it turns out, our room overlooked Monterey Bay.  Below us was a kelp bed, to the right was the marina.  While the coffee infused new life into our tired frames, we looked out over the bay.  We both commented that it was a shame that we did not bring our binoculars.   While pouring another cup, I noticed a pair of binoculars sitting on the table.  Nice touch!   Armed with binoculars and my wife’s digital camera, we sipped our coffee, and watched the wild life.

Off in the distance we could hear the calls of sea lions.  The marina is protected by a stone breakwater that they have now claimed as home. I would guess that there are over a hundred at a time on this structure alone.

We noticed an object in the kelp bed below us.  On closer inspection it appeared to be the floating remains of an otter.  Given the boat traffic in and out of the marina, I assumed it had been hurt, then drifted over from the channel, and caught in the kelp.   Soon, I was able to pick out what appeared to be a few other otters.  Much to my surprise (and embarrassment) they were all alive.  I was not aware that otters actually slept in the water (a feat I’ve yet to master).   Sea lions and harbor seals climb out of the water to warm themselves, and I assume to sleep.  Apparently otters do not.  Obviously, I need to watch the discovery channel more often.  Once they started moving about it became clear that this was a whole family with several small babies in the group.  I was really starting to regret my decision to leave the video camera at home!

Along with the seals, sea lions, and otters, we also watched the birds diving under the kelp, and bringing up what appeared to be crabs.  They brought them back to their nests in an abandoned building down the shore line a bit.  The event was of particular interest since they did not fly directly from one point to the other.   Instead they took off heading out into the bay, then made a large turn heading back to the shore.   I’m guessing they needed to head into the wind to acquire lift, then they headed home once they had the necessary speed.  (Sea birds are notoriously bad fliers).

As a crescendo to our morning wild life experience, a large pod of dolphins came by just beyond the kelp.  They appeared to be chasing some form of prey towards the shore.  We watched for a few minutes as they churned up the surface in the pursuit.  We’ve only been here for a few hours, and I’m already amazed at the diversity of life.

I placed a call to Alan, and found that the class that was scheduled to start in the evening was moved to the next morning.   That meant that the rest of the day was free, so we spent the time touring the town.   We stopped in the local aquarium, the marina, and selected spots along the water.   I found the store front of Backscatter.com who’s shop was just a few blocks from our hotel.  It was a beautiful day, and we made the best of it.

Wednesday morning, I joined Alan at our classroom which was actually a well appointed garage of one of the students.  Looking around I could see several under water camera rigs, and what appeared to be video equipment.  We set up a sport and classic KISS and prepared for class. Alan and I took turns walking through the operation and setup of each unit.  Alan also showed me some of the upgrades available in the new units. We covered the operational fundamentals of each, and went about preparing them for the next days dives.

In the morning we packed our gear and headed out for the dives.  The offshore winds had picked up a bit.  We tried to head out around Monterey, but the chop was a bit much for our little boats.   Instead we set anchor next to the marina’s breakwater.  After our standard preparation, we splashed and headed down the anchor line.

Once on the bottom, I was again amazed at the diversity of life.  Here were tube anemone standing 6 inches out of the silty bottom. Their tentacles spanned another 6 inches.  Large colorful nudibranch slid along the bottom.  Here and there were huge sun starfish, over 2 feet across. At one point we could hear the sea lions above us so loudly that I was sure they were barking at us.  I was then startled to see one swim right between me and my buddy.  Looking up there was a group of them swimming in concert above us in a ballet of motion.  At first I was surprised at the lack of fish life, but with all those sea lions and seals, they probably don’t have much of a chance.

In the midst of all this, I’m supposed to conduct a class?   Along the way I signaled divers to perform various drills (hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypercapnia …)   Each was performed well, and we continued along the dive.   I must point out at this time that my buddy/student was the owner of all the previously mentioned camera equipment, and I later found out, is an accomplished photographer.   As such he had the unnerving habit of stopping and looking at objects underwater.   While doing this, he stopped and remained completely motionless.  For any of you considering CCR, do not do this during class!  It scares the shit out of your instructor!

During our surface interval we headed into the marina.  Here Alan had previously noticed an adult otter and baby that had taken up home in one of the slips.   We were able to pass a few feet away on our way to the dock.  (Damn, no camera again.)  The second dive went much like the first: a few more skills, and a lot more swimming.

We all survived the day, and headed back to clean out our rigs, and get ready for the next day.  I tried to casually mention the “hang motionless” issue, and got a few chuckles in response.  At least every understood my concern.  Drills had gone well, and it was just a matter of getting everyone comfortable with the units.  We agreed on a plan for the next day, and headed back to the hotel.   My wife had selected a great restaurant for dinner, then we turned in after a long day.

We were up and at them early again.  The marine forecast did not improve, so we headed back to the break water.   Alan had the skinny on a secret wreck, a few hundred feet off the breakwater.  That was our destination. We all suited up, and jumped in.  While I was helping everyone get ready, my student/buddy had hit the water a few moments before me.  When I rolled in and looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.  Again the panic of loosing a student runs through my head.  Alan suggest we descend the anchor line, and guess who’s at the bottom?  Damn, he’s going to be the death of me.  Don’t get me wrong, he’s an excellent  diver.  Its just the initial shock factor of not knowing where he was.

This dive Alan brought his camera.  I wish I had mine!  During the surface discussion, I found that the nudibranchs prey on the tube anemones. During this dive we got to see this in action.  It was quite the sight, and again I need more time on the discovery channel.   Alan was able to get pictures, and we watched as the slow mo action played out.

We took bearings and headed out to the secret wreck.  It turned out to be a good swim, and again we did some drills along the way.  The wreck appeared to be an old wooden barge, broken up on the bottom.  Hidden between the planks were small groups of fish.   I guess we were far enough away from the sea lions for the fish to survive.   Alan got some more shots, then we headed back.

The last few drills were the hardest.  I had briefed them in detail on the surface, but the execution takes some thought.  The frustration factor was climbing, but by the time we hit the surface, everyone was done the class with flying colors!  We cleaned our gear and debriefed for the the week.

My wife and I packed our bags and headed home.  I had spent the week diving, and she had spent the week sightseeing, and stopping at various saunas along the California coast.

Kind of sounds like a Jules Verne novel.

After some scheduling conflicts, I was finally able to head down to Florida for NAUI Tech instructor training. The class included me, as instructor in training, and a friend of mine as a Trimix student. Our class was with Chris Laughrey a NAUI Tech Course Director from Pittsburg, PA. He comes highly recommended by fellow divers, and most of my instructors. After completing the course, I would also highly recommend him.

The trip down was long. My friend (also named Chris) and I were going to travel together, but some more last minute schedule issues caused us to go separately. I got on the road Saturday morning around 4:00am and found myself pulling into the driveway around 8:00pm. One more “South of the Boarder” sign, and would have lost it. We talked for a bit to unwind from the road, then turned in.

We were up at six and out the door to 40 Fathoms Grotto. It’s recently been taken over by a commercial diving training agency, and is also a NAUI training facility. There have been a lot of changes including a new Mixing station and classrooms. We unloaded, went over the dive plan, reviewed gear configurations, and then jumped in the water for Laughrey to have a look at our abilities. We demonstrated skills, Laughrey would have me demonstrate them to Chris, then he would do them fo me. (At this point, I have to admit that I’ve been CCR, save for Open Water classes. This was my first time in doubles in two years.) Dive one went off without a hitch. We debriefed, and we were off to the classroom.

Laughrey had the latest rev or the NAUI Tech course material (still under review). It contains details on new studies and the latest research. Great stuff! We went over it for a while during the surface interval, then jumped back in for more skills on Dive 2. This was an all skills dive Valve drills, S-drills, stage drills, line drills … Again after a debrief we packed up and headed back to the room and out for dinner. It had been a long Sunday, and the class was just starting. We had dinner and talked shop for a while. We started the dive plan for the next day, then turned in.

The rest of the class proceeded much the same way. We did progressively deeper dives early then classroom during the surface interval and skills in the afternoon. As the week progressed we transitioned from Laughrey running the dives, to him briefing me, then I worked with Chris to plan and execute the dive. Each morning we would arrive, setup our gear, and analyze our mix. It’s a new mixing station, and they are working out the bugs. Most of the time it was pretty accurate. On occasion it was off. The crew was very helpful in correcting any inaccuracy, and we did teach Chris to always analyze.

Laughrey seemed to know everyone in the area. I know he has been diving and teaching for years. During dinner he would entertain us with stories from the who’s who of diving. On the last day Hal Watts stopped by to join us for the 240ft dive.

By the end of the week Chris was proceeding well. We had worked through some equipment issues, and were honing our skills. Everyone learned a lot. Even Laughrey said he learned a couple of tricks, but then he may have been humoring me. I look forward to getting the production copy of the course materials. A great deal of work has gone into this, and it shows. I also recommend 40 Fathoms Grotto for anyone considering Trimix training. There are constant improvements going on. It’s like a smaller version of Dutch with 240ft of water.

On a final note, we were extra careful not to lose Laughrey’s brand new reel. He did make the mistake of calling it “jam proof”. We took that as a challenge.