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  1. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Dive Sint Maarten - St. Maarten

    Jon, Thanks...Divi is actually first on my "short list". Maybe a ferry trip to Saba or Statia. Good to hear your input.
  2. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Dive Sint Maarten - St. Maarten

    I know I'm missing out with Cozumel but I just can't get by with Mexico's corrupt government. Many examples of Custom Agents charging "import tax" on your camera equipment etc. I wonder if they realize how wealthy they could be if they had a safe, stable government. I know others have had...
  3. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Dive Sint Maarten - St. Maarten

    Thanks for the report. I'm looking at St. Martin just because I haven't been there. It looks like there's a ferry from St Martin to St Eustatius...maybe 4 days on each. Anyone stay at Divi Little Bay on St Martin? I've been to Bonaire (x#3), Curacao, Belize, Grand Cayman and Roatan and...
  4. jmcgilroy

    Grand Cayman for unimpressed newbies?

    I enjoyed Grand Cayman...stayed at Sunset Divers. I'm 65 years old now and I'm past carrying gear back to the room. The resort must have gear lockers at the dock for me. Several of these on Bonaire or Belize, Curacao has Lions Dive. (Bonaire has the win for short walk, easy entry shore...
  5. jmcgilroy

    Grounded after Middle Ear Barotrauma?

    Are you a member of DAN? They're not going to offer you specific advice but great with general medical information that can help you make a decision. BTW...I've flown after an ear barotrauma and I had no issues (your results may vary)
  6. jmcgilroy

    Do you own your own tank just for home use? Cleaning and testing your gear?

    You could easily find a used AL80 on craigslist for about $100. Make them post photos of the DOT numbers and hydro dates. The DOT numbers should start with "3AL" for aluminum or "3AA" for a steel tank. I'd stay away from anything that starts with "E" or "SP" or anything that was re-stamped...
  7. jmcgilroy

    Solo trip to Belize in November - any shop recommendations?

    I was there recently and stayed at Ramon's Village so I went out with them. Very happy with the dive operations. I did the Blue Hole which is just kind of a bucket list dive due to its short duration. However, they had two other dives on this trip on the way back. Half Moon Caye (lunch on...
  8. jmcgilroy

    Please be careful with pharmacy drugs in Cozumel

    Reason # 1778 that I no longer want to spend my money in the corrupt and unsanitary country of Mexico.
  9. jmcgilroy

    Quick release on second stage

    I agree with everything you said. The shut off will only help with a problem (ice, mostly) in the second stage. Frankly, the only time I've experienced icing is in my BCD inflator valve. A 22degree (F) February day in Lake Tahoe. My own fault for using the inflator above the surface...
  10. jmcgilroy

    Quick release on second stage

    Earlier, I mentioned that I use an in-line shut off that attached at the inlet of the second stage (i.e. XS-scuba or Promate) for use in extreme cold water diving. Does anyone else use these? Good idea or bad? O.P. - Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread a little.
  11. jmcgilroy

    Quick release on second stage

    I'm assuming that you were using a rental reg from the dive shop doing your certification. A lot of these have seen some use/abuse. A well-tuned and maintained reg should be the first answer. I have an extreme cold water reg that uses a shut-off at the inlet of the second stage should I get a...
  12. jmcgilroy

    Kona, HI; where to dive (and surface stuff)?

    Mile marker #4 on Ali'i Drive. Lave tube and swim thru...Plenty of youtube vid's
  13. jmcgilroy

    Lake Tahoe - Lodging with boat parking?

    Parking is limited at most motels. Does anyone know of lodging (preferably North Shore) that has space for a truck and trailer (18ft boat) ? I know some of the casinos on South Shore have large lots for RV's but I'm planning dives on the north side of the lake...better launch ramps there also.
  14. jmcgilroy

    NorCal Freshwater Dive Sites

    Still looking. I've read the NTSB report but it only references "Lake Tahoe, CA". No help there. I've also reached out to the publisher of the youtube video but no reply as of yet. Nothing but dead-ends.
  15. jmcgilroy

    NorCal Freshwater Dive Sites

    I just viewed a video of a submerged seaplane in Lake Tahoe. It was taken by an ROV and the telemetry shows it at 30 meters. On the fringe of an altitude/rec dive but doable. I'll be doing some research to find some coordinates but maybe someone can assist? Has anyone made this dive?
  16. jmcgilroy

    Having My own air compressor

    The thread kind of took a turn...but back to the OP's question about those Chinese $400 compressors. My opinion is "NO WAY". I recently did a visual inspection on a tank that was being filled by one of these (gold prospector, who used it in rivers at no more than 3-4 ft depth) The tank...
  17. jmcgilroy

    Do you own an emergency oxygen unit?

    I have one and usually bring it when I'm diving with a group or working as a divemaster. I think you'll find it's sometimes difficult to get it filled as there is reluctance by O2 suppliers, saying that you need a medical prescription. Not true according to CGA as long as it's marked "For...
  18. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Sunset House

    Masks in the airport for sure but I didn't see them anywhere else. The resort has a nurse come in to handle the exit test. ($50 U.S.) the night before departure. There were 30 people testing on my day and she knocked it out in less than an hour. Others were talking about that monitored test...
  19. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Sunset House

    I thought the 2 shore dives I did were fairly good. The night dive out to the bronze mermaid statue revealed a stingray and, of course, the tarpon were present as soon as the lights went on. I also think it was a good refresher for your navigation skills...find the mermaid and then return to...
  20. jmcgilroy

    Trip Report Sunset House

    Grand Cayman - Sunset House - Sunset Divers The arrival on the island went smoothly with the required travel permit, uploaded COVID vaccination and 24 hrs negative COVID test. A taxi from the airport to the resort was $17.50 and was paid by the hotel as a part of my package. Check-in was a...
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