AOW - DutchSprings, 7/13

[DanBo]

Well guys/gals, I still may not have a drysuit but found a 7mm farmer john loaner from a friend. I'll brave the cold water to get my first 2 of 5 dives this Sunday at DutchSprings towards my advanced open cert. I'm doing a deep and navigation (100 feet max) on nitrox. I've been asking around Indian River about their dives and they're all advance dives. I've booked myself on a charter to go visit the wrecks "Washingtonian" and "Cherokee" off Indian River. I figured both dives are in no more than 90 feet of water. I would've earned my advanced cert by the time of the charter.

Question is, during my advanced cert dives this Sunday, how long does one have to stay underwater. Do I just show my ability to perform tasks and can I call the dive if and when I get cold?

Thanks for any input.

Dan
Dive always but dive safe

 

[SueMermaid]

DanBo, you oughta discuss this with your instructor, but I think you will find that you'll be ok with a 7 mil suit. The deeper parts of DS are very cold though, (last time I did a deep dive there in July, the water was 38 degrees down there), so prepare yourself for some serious brain freeze.

Wait. I just reread your post. Do I understand correctly that you have a Farmer John ONLY? No shorty to go over it? Hood? Gloves? Tell me I am misunderstanding.
That would be suicide. You need to get yourself an adequate exposure suit. Diving without one would be unsafe.

 

[DanBo]

Hi SueMermaid,

Sorry, yes I'll have gloves and hoods on. Brain freeze scares the heck out of me. Thanks for the heads up. I'll drive by the LDS tonight to check out the wetsuit. So far all my dives have been in warm water of the Keys.

Gotta buy me a drysuit or move to Florida

Dan
Dive Always but Dive Safe

 

[washow88]

I agree with sueMermaid, you need to discuss that with your instructor.
You do not have to go deep to 90’ or 100’, but any depth below 60’ would be sufficient.
When you are called, you need to be out of the water, whether you finish the task or not, keep in mind your safety not the AWO certificate.
The water should be warm enough to stay at 60’ without shivering.