1.) Does the boat have an option for tanks larger than the typical 80-cf tank? If so, what are most divers using?
Most boats have a majority of 12l Al tanks, and some 15l steel tanks- Best contact the operator in advance to make sure of availability.
2.) It's one thing to briefly dip down to see something special, another to spend substantial time at depth (e.g.: 'square profile' diving - like on the offshore wrecks out of North Carolina). Are you guys spending much time at those depths? What depths do you tend to use the reef hooks?
Most channel dives are square profile at depth of 30-35m hooking on a ledge - you won't see anything special if sticking to shallower depths as it is going to be too far away from the scene of action. When you get close to whatever ndl limits you're comfortable with, unhook and drift into the channel, deploy smb and wait for pickup.
3.) Does having a good SAC rate/gas consumption rate seem especially important for Maldives diving? Is that something that people who aren't good at it might consider grounds to pick another destination?
Nah, even 45 minute dives are great
4.) Is everyone diving nitrox?
I've seen air divers too, but doesn't make sense in an intense diving safari, where many dives are sqaure/deep and long.
5.) Why are they diving that deep (compared to, say, the Cayman Islands, where one could easily do so but doesn't)? Are you looking for something specific to those depth?
Aye, channel ledges are where you see schools of sharks and action
6.) How does the diving depth of a Maldives trip compare to Raja Ampat, Komodo or Palau? Any idea?
A number of Scuba Boarders seems to have gills, but not all of us are like that. The best way to bring a smile to my face at a dive shop is to say 'Why yes, we rent 120-cf steel tanks!'
