Best Wreck Diving Certification?

[victorzamora]

What was it like the first time you did a technical dive "for real" that required a deco obligation? Is the first time nerve-wracking or straight forward with good training and a good computer?

The first time I went in to real deco, I was a little nervous. Not sure why, but I was. I had like 6 minutes of backgas deco. I got to the surface, cautiously did what I needed to do (dismantling gear, etc), and waited for the huge DCS hit. It never came. I knew it wouldn't, I was very prepared for it academically....I'm just a worrier. I'm now doing 30-45 minutes of deco on practically every dive and getting SUPER bored. I'm just starting my journey towards big dives, and plan on dealing with a lot more than that.....as long as the rest of the dive is worth it.

Speaking of tech/deco/wreck/cave diving and computers, what dive computers are y'all using?

Petrel. In my opinion, it's the only choice stateside.

 

[Rhone Man]

A computer doesn't provide me with any benefit. I've done dives alongside guys with computers and what it puts out is the same thing we would do based on the tables (which you need anyways) and a 100 dollar bottom timer.

While you're spending a grand on the latest computer, I'll be spending a grand on actual diving.

to each their own

My computer cost me $200. As well as a bottom timer, it has a backup depth gauge built in! Sadly the extra $100 is a bit of a drop in the ocean compared against the overall cost of diving as a hobby.

 

[boulderjohn]

I'm now doing 30-45 minutes of deco on practically every dive and getting SUPER bored. I'm just starting my journey towards big dives, and plan on dealing with a lot more than that.....as long as the rest of the dive is worth it.

About 4 years ago I was doing a dive with about 75 minutes of total deco, with all the deco done drifting in blue water with nothing to look at but each other and the ascent line. My teammate wrote something on a slate and showed it to me. He essentially said this was his limit. It was as far as he was willing to go on a dive. We talked later, and he said that he had realized during that dive that it was going to take something pretty darn interesting down deep to make him willing to do any more deco than that. Add the expense of things like the helium you usually use ona dive like that, and it makes a good case for really needing a compelling reason to do that dive. That teammate had previously been my advanced trimix instructor.

 

[cnherrick]

This is the best thread "evah" and I feel like I sit at the feet of masters. So much to learn, so many minutes to hang on a rope waiting for the nitrogen to purge! Oh my.

My Cochran Gemini just this week turned up DOA at Cochran service and on a generous offer from Cochran, I upgraded to the Cocrhan EMC-20H configured for "all-the-gasses". I hate to say this but I've never known of a "Bottom Timer".

I don't like to dive without redundant computers. I have a Cochran Commander + and a Commander that work but are no longer in Cochran's serviceable window and I'm sure they're not up to tech/deco/TDI-level diving.

Assuming the EMC-20H will do the job, maybe I should consider a Bottom Timer as my redundant unit. What do y'all think?

---------- Post added March 14th, 2015 at 11:10 AM ----------

You could just take a ride out to the Oriskany, take a redundant air source and spend a few dives on the superstructure or going up and down the stairwells and vents. That we you'll see if you enjoy it. ...

Precisely my plan for the 1st trip. So many thanks.

 

[Kevrumbo]

About 4 years ago I was doing a dive with about 75 minutes of total deco, with all the deco done drifting in blue water with nothing to look at but each other and the ascent line. My teammate wrote something on a slate and showed it to me. He essentially said this was his limit. It was as far as he was willing to go on a dive. We talked later, and he said that he had realized during that dive that it was going to take something pretty darn interesting down deep to make him willing to do any more deco than that. Add the expense of things like the helium you usually use ona dive like that, and it makes a good case for really needing a compelling reason to do that dive. That teammate had previously been my advanced trimix instructor.

Do the wrecks at Truk Lagoon: they're worth up to 3hr total run times for deco on open circuit:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/te...-deep-stops-increases-dcs-33.html#post7335373