On Friday we did dive #2 for our PADI Deep Diver Specialty, and we completed the last two dives of the PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course. The first dive that day was to go down to 90 to 100 feet, note the change in couloirs at that depth, watch for symptoms of gas narcosis, and perform some basic skills to see if our thought processes are affected by gas narcosis. Gas narcosis ("getting narked") generally occurs at depths of 100 feet. The air you are breathing is entering your body at such a high pressure that it causes a feeling of euphoria or intoxication. As you can imagine, impaired judgement at that depth can be dangerous if something goes wrong and you need to think your way through the problem. This dive was intended for us to observe these symptoms under close supervisor of our instructor. Me, I felt no symptoms; neither did Dona.
The second dive Friday were to search for and locate the wreck on a 30-foot boat that lies in 34 to 52 feet of water on the house reef here at Buddy Dive. I was navigating, Tim monitored our depth, Dona sketched a map of the wreck site, and Jody noted the depth of the stern of the boat. It was upside down and pointing roughly toward shore.
The second dive was to go back to the wreck and have a closer look at it. The goal being to determine what type of boat it is (was). Our best guess is it was a fishing boat. At the end of the dive we practiced flowing a reel line and rolling up a line. These are critical skills for use when you are penetrating (entering) a wreck. In the event silt gets stirred up to the point where you can't see which was is out. Wrapping your thumb and finger around the line and following it out can save your life. So we are now PADI Wreck Divers! WooHoo!
Here's the view from the dock at Buddy Dive, looking back toward the resort. The large thatched roof structure is the Pool Bar & Lounge:
Friday evenings is the Manager's Rum Punch Party, followed by a pig roast buffet. Here is the guest of honour:
Cheers everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment