Blackbeard's - August 18, 2007

[dartref]

Dartref
How is the divemaster program going?
I just started as well.

Just saw this on here so thought I'd post an update. Hope we're on the same boat together next week so I can give you details. Just got the application mailed in today. A little mix up over a previous course certification number, it helps if the instructor sends in the paperwork when you finish class! LDS and PADI were VERY good about fixing the problem within 48 hours. If we're on the same boat together, you can help me throw the instructor overboard since he'll be with us! Just kidding, he is a great guy and I wouldn't be an almost DM today if it weren't for him (as well as a few others). Hopefully by the time we get back from the trip, my card will be in the mail and I'll officially be a DM. Seems like a reason to do a lot celebrating on the trip!!!

 

[John_B]

Dave, I really enjoyed reading your trip report on another board (ZD iirc, google is my friend )! I'm really looking forward to a possible BB trip this winter.

Curious to how much room you had in your bunk onboard. Is it just your bunk or do you have space below it as well? Thanks in advance!

John

 

[pickens_46929]

Dave, I really enjoyed reading your trip report on another board (ZD iirc, google is my friend )! I'm really looking forward to a possible BB trip this winter.

Curious to how much room you had in your bunk onboard. Is it just your bunk or do you have space below it as well? Thanks in advance!

John

LOL, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. It's still not quite finished though. I need to add the last 2 days of the trip to the post.

I was in *the* smallest bunk on the boat. There was no under bunk storage, just an 8 inch deep by 2 foot long shelf. Keep in mind this was just for clothes and toilet kit stuff. Dive gear stays topside and there's plenty of storage under the benchs up top.

Most of the bunks have some under bunk storage or a slightly longer shelf.

If I had been smart(er), I would have packed one of the small compression bags that are maybe 14" long and 8" around or so, stuffed it with t-shirts and used it as a pillow the first part of the week. Then 1/2 way through pulled out the clean, put in the dirty ones for the rest of the trip.

Most people had enough room to bring a small gym bag or duffle on board. I didn't quite get that much space unless I wanted to store it in the bunk all the time (including when I slept).

BTW, My bunk was in the forward cabin, right by the head and stairs. I think I was in #4 lower on this diagram...

http://www.blackbeard-cruises.com/liveaboard-diving.html

 

[pickens_46929]

Bring the heavy duty mini clamps

I would also invest in a waterproof bag as well - like a sealline or comparable.

Bring at least 3 or 4 swim suits and a bunch of t-shirts to rotate.

Bring a softsided duffle bag if possible.

Bring a pillow case or a pillow protector to put over their pillows

Yep... what he said!

Definitely bring some clamps... 4 at a minimum... 2 for the towel, 1 for the bathing suit and 1 for the t-shirt that you end up diving in

Good idea on the dry bag. Doesn't need to be a big sealine bag... even some like the 5 liter one is good.

Pillow-case is good idea too... wish I had thought of that.

 

[yitbos1987]

I asssume they provide sheets and a blanket of some sort? What do the beds sleep like? Would you take a couple of beach towels?



Dartref, I would like to chat with you regarding the divemaster program. I just finished all of the exams yesterday.

 

[dartref]

Dartref, I would like to chat with you regarding the divemaster program. I just finished all of the exams yesterday.

I'm leaving for Cozumel right now, will get back Friday night, hope to see you Saturday in Freeport! If we're on different boats, we'll catch up on the DM stuff when we all get back.

Everyone have a good week, I know I will!

 

[scratchmyback]

I asssume they provide sheets and a blanket of some sort? What do the beds sleep like? Would you take a couple of beach towels?



Dartref, I would like to chat with you regarding the divemaster program. I just finished all of the exams yesterday.

I was there in May this year - on the Sea Explorer. I am sooo envious of all of you who are heading there shortly! You'll have such a good time.

There are sheets and a blanket, and pillow/case. Someone mentioned the a/c has two positions, freeze and thaw. On the one night when it was freezing in our cabin, it was REALLY cold. Tip: do not stuff clothing in the vent to stop the a/c....it screws it up and the next night it wasn't working at all. We had a cabin with 2 bunks (2 couples).

Our bed was OK - I never really got a good sleep any night except the last one. This was because we were travelling alot at night (we ended up outrunning a storm the first few days so we didn't spend much time near Bimini although we did stay there one night, but it wasn't the regular night. Still had the obligatory hangover the next morning though ) Some people slept through every night and others didn't. It's hard to predict.

Definitely take a couple of beach towels and alternate them so one is always dry. We bought the clamps at the dollar store before we left home - you definitely need these to hang your stuff on the side to dry.

Nobody's mentioned being sick yet - if you are prone to it do take along something for it - either patches or something orally. I am not prone to it and I was fine, even when the boat was pitching during the night and we were below trying to sleep. Others had a problem and spent a couple of nights up on deck being sick. I always pack Gravol just in case, and more to offer someone else if they need it.

 

[yitbos1987]

Thanks for the advice.

I have the clips for the towels. i will carry my own pillow. With that, I can sleep about anywhere. After a day of diving, I am usually a very sound sleeper. I even slept through a couple of hurricanes over the years. Usually. I was in San Carlos, Mexico a couple of weeks ago and the 14 year old drinking, pot smoking kids kept me up all night.

I hope we don't have that problem aboard.

 

[scratchmyback]

Thanks for the advice.

I have the clips for the towels. i will carry my own pillow. With that, I can sleep about anywhere. After a day of diving, I am usually a very sound sleeper. I even slept through a couple of hurricanes over the years. Usually. I was in San Carlos, Mexico a couple of weeks ago and the 14 year old drinking, pot smoking kids kept me up all night.

I hope we don't have that problem aboard.

They do not tolerate drugs on board so you won't have that problem.

 

[pickens_46929]

Our bed was OK - I never really got a good sleep any night except the last one. This was because we were travelling alot at night (we ended up outrunning a storm the first few days... {snip} Some people slept through every night and others didn't. It's hard to predict.

Take some melatonin or benydryl to take before you go to bed... works wonders. The Rum punch helped too. I actually had a harder time getting to sleep when we were docked or there wasn't a little motion in the ocean... go figure.

My daughter had one day (initial 24 hours) of sea sickness but the crew was decent enough to *make* her get in the water... helped alot.