In the last article we talked about the law and wreck diving, and removing items from a wreck. As a diver you have a great responsibility, not only to the wreck, but to other divers in general. Although a lot of the wrecks have no diving restrictions, many do. I would apply the same rules on those that do have restrictions. What you find there you should leave there.  Remember that there are many other divers that will come along behind you and they too would love to see the same wreck that you saw. So please be a responsible wreck diver and leave it as you found it.

 As was mentioned in the previous article, wreck diving is a dangerous activity, but it is rewarding. However you must always be alert to the dangers that await you on any wreck. A wreck that has been down for a long time may have more hidden dangers than one that has been down for only a few years. A lot of the east coast passage ships have some real dangers because they have been down so long, not to mention that they are real deep. Some in Canada have been placed on the bottom and have a lot of the dangerous passages and sharp objects, and entanglements. The lines and nets have been all removed or welded closed. However you must always be alert for them. Fishing line is a good one, hard to see, and it can wrap you up very fast. Make sure that when you dive a wreck that you have at least two cutting instruments, both of which must be able to cut fishing line. On wrecks there is lot of sea life after they have been down for awhile. So remember that the guys and gal’s who love to fish will be trying their luck on the same wreck.

 During your training you will be instructed on the kind of equipment that will be required for the class. Always get the better stuff since it lasts longer and may save your life. A reel with a good line and a lift bag are must haves if you plan on any penetration at all.  Again your instructor will include in your class what is required. My instructor wanted me to have a scooter. Not really, I just want one. It would be so much easier to explore more of the wreck and save on the air with a scooter. And at my age it would be a real plus. Maybe I could get one of those handicap stickers as well. Just joking.

Now back to diving. Weather and currents have a lot to do with wreck diving. Too much current can blow you off the ship into open water. You need a signal sausage with you so that you can be located. The vision on the wreck is very important. I like a lot of vision. There is no enjoyment crawling along the deck blind as a bat. You can loose your direction and get lost and there goes that air. Not a good dive at all when that happens. A storm can mess up a really good dive in no time flat. In cold water there is lot more to think about. Being prepared for the cold water and having the equipment are the two essentials. Cold water in a wet suit at 130 feet of water is just no place to be.

I remember such a dive with two divers who came unprepared and had to borrow equipment to do the dive. They soon found out after the first dive it was no fun and the cold water sucked the heat right out of the body. If you have ever been real cold you know what I am talking about. Cold is bad and warm is good while wreck diving. Remember go through the training before you do the dive.

© 05-08-2005 G. McK.