Am I being neurotic or should I worry?

[Upwelling]

Now I'm a little confused about what to do....the first time I call the shop that runs the boats (about 2 months ago I think) I was told that I could do shallower dives like the Indra. The next time I called, to actually book the trip, I was told that there was no way they could guarantee that I would get the shallower dives and that the dives would probably be in the 100-10 foot range. However they assured me that many people dive using air on these dives, so I went ahead and booked...So basically I can't be sure how deep the dives will be and how much bottom time I will get.

I'm wondering now if its worth doing this at all if I don't have the Nitrox cert.

Well, you're welcome, but - "Trust Me" Dives are not generally condoned around here, and I wouldn't suggest "Trust My Plans", either. Find yourself a NOAA Dive Manaul and work thru all this yourself, checking my work...!

Yes, "the shop assured me that many people use air for these" as they sell trips, and if you cannot do Nx, then do air. The safety factor is about the same, but Nx lets you have 50% more dive time. I dive 100 cf Nx tanks with Diver Down boat when I go there, so I can get as many minutes down as possible, after all it takes for me to get there.

Any chance you could knock out a Nx course before you go? Not all agencies require dives; some just classroom...

 

[DandyDon]

Now I'm a little confused about what to do....the first time I call the shop that runs the boats (about 2 months ago I think) I was told that I could do shallower dives like the Indra. The next time I called, to actually book the trip, I was told that there was no way they could guarantee that I would get the shallower dives and that the dives would probably be in the 100-10 foot range. However they assured me that many people dive using air on these dives, so I went ahead and booked...So basically I can't be sure how deep the dives will be and how much bottom time I will get.

I'm wondering now if its worth doing this at all if I don't have the Nitrox cert.

Sure, do the dives. Dive on such history - WWII wrecks in U.S. waters, but warmer water than you have up there, I;m sure. There's even 1 WWI wreck, but that's another story. 20 minutes at 100 feet is better than nothing. Get in the water as early as possible, then take as long of a Surface Interval as possible so you can stay as long as possible on the second dive. Your profile doesn't say how many dives you've logged, but you've got your AOW. Now for practice.

Tell the crew about your experience level, and ask them to help pair you off with a buddy. Then you two plan the dive. Now - don't be surprised if you see some divers hanging out on the deco line when you get there, and still there when you've finished your Safety Stop. A lot of divers overdraw their puters, then work it off. I've been known to owe mine a few minutes myself.

The crew should brief you on their preferred entry and exit methods. You know about Deep Stops? If you do 100 feet for 20 minutes, then ascend slowly to 50 feet - stop there for a minute. This helps a lot, before you do your 3-5 minutes at 15 feet.

Who are you going with, and when...?

Did you find out about the elevations you'll be crossing? I'm sure you'll have no worries, but I encouraged you to do your own study earlier as it's a good idea.

 

[alemaozinho]

I'm going to Morehead City in August to do some boat dives that will be in the 100-110 foot range. On the last day there I'm planning to do dives early in the morning and then drive back up to Richmond, VA in the mid/late afternoon. I haven't been in NC in a long time but I remember there are some mountainous regions in the state, although I don't remember if they are in the eastern part of the state. If they are will I be putting myself at DCS risk by driving through them after doing dives? I'm wondering if I should stay an extra day because of this. thanks!

depend on the altitude,but i would stay another day,safety cant be beaten,peace

 

[DEEPLOU]

Guys! Between Morehead City, NC and Richmond Va. I would be more worried about being under water than at altitude.
There is no spot between these two cities (or towns) that comes near the definition of altitude.
Matter of fact, Richmond for all practical porposes is at sea level. (As in Harbor of Richmond).

YOu didn't mention which operator you are using, but I will bet it is Olympus. If it is, they are an excellent operator. With the warm water (I just came back from Hatteras which is slightly north of Morehead) temps hovered abt 79-80 at depth. and the clearity of the water you should have no problem.

If your only using an 80 cuft keep your eye on the pressure guage, you will run out of air before you run out of no stop time.

have a fun safe trip.

 

[DandyDon]

If your only using an 80 cuft keep your eye on the pressure guage, you will run out of air before you run out of no stop time.

You think? At 100 feet, I can hit DeCom with 1,000@ left, especially on the second dive, and I'm not star.

Still, good advice. Watch the air; gotta' have it man...

 

[Upwelling]

Thanks for the info--we did do a deep stop during my AOW. Haven't gotten to checking out the elevations yet...going w/ Olympus in mid-August.

 

[DandyDon]

Ah ha! Got this stupid puter to give me more inforamtion. I used Google to Search "Elevation Richmond VA" and 10 other towns you might pass thru. Richmond has one aiport at 237 feet, and everything else - Dorteches, Havelock, New Bern, Greenville, Taboro, Roanoke Rapids, Emporia, Wilson, Kinston, etc. range from 15 feet to 194. You are going to drive thru a lot of what I'd call swamp land, although I'm sure you'll see some productive farms with "good bottom land."

This has been an interesting exercise for me. I live at 3300 feet, practice at 4600 feet, and talk to Colorado diuvers who have to wait before crossing Raton Pass at 6400 feet. Man, you really have no worries about elevation on your route.

Olympus is the big boy there, of course. I like Capt Bobby's "Diver Down," but you'll be fine on either.