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For most of the readers (323 so far), I would like to add a comment lest you never dare flop in where there is a current.
•1/4 mile an hour current, you can not swim against. 3 mph and you are tumbling along
•On a dive, go along with the current, but always learn by experimentation with its velocity and flow near the reef, behind rocks, etc- it works like winds over a mountain- just like sailpane pilots utilize. Laminar flow it is called.
•In unknown areas, stay close to your locally experienced DM. I like the ops where the pick-up boat is following his towed marker. Most of these guys can see your bubbles from their level no matter what, but why screw around? If you get separated, from him, stay with a cluster, your bubbles are more easily seen.
•"Downwellings" are truly scary things- but only if you notice them late. Be aware of your surroundings and again- play your distances from the reef walls. A few feet can make a huge difference. If you are really on top of things, I do not believe there is a downwelling that can overwhelm a diver (or at least in a place where those not superbly trained were likely to venture). I have not seen such a thing.
•If you do get separated, use your own best judgement as to when to abort. You had better be absolutely certain as to how to deploy your sausage/SMB from depth, allowing 25' of line to safely pay out- while you remain at depth. You will hang there, then at 15fsw, calmly, while the pick up boat locates you. It would be real smart if your driver had seen your SMB and its particular marks- that way he will know it's you and not some other boat's problem child.
Mastery of surface signaling is essential, and this doesn't mean that you do this at the surface. Learn the skills, ask questions, practice, advance.
•1/4 mile an hour current, you can not swim against. 3 mph and you are tumbling along
•On a dive, go along with the current, but always learn by experimentation with its velocity and flow near the reef, behind rocks, etc- it works like winds over a mountain- just like sailpane pilots utilize. Laminar flow it is called.
•In unknown areas, stay close to your locally experienced DM. I like the ops where the pick-up boat is following his towed marker. Most of these guys can see your bubbles from their level no matter what, but why screw around? If you get separated, from him, stay with a cluster, your bubbles are more easily seen.
•"Downwellings" are truly scary things- but only if you notice them late. Be aware of your surroundings and again- play your distances from the reef walls. A few feet can make a huge difference. If you are really on top of things, I do not believe there is a downwelling that can overwhelm a diver (or at least in a place where those not superbly trained were likely to venture). I have not seen such a thing.
•If you do get separated, use your own best judgement as to when to abort. You had better be absolutely certain as to how to deploy your sausage/SMB from depth, allowing 25' of line to safely pay out- while you remain at depth. You will hang there, then at 15fsw, calmly, while the pick up boat locates you. It would be real smart if your driver had seen your SMB and its particular marks- that way he will know it's you and not some other boat's problem child.
Mastery of surface signaling is essential, and this doesn't mean that you do this at the surface. Learn the skills, ask questions, practice, advance.