Bonne Terre Mine, MO

[crpntr133]

I think you will find that most, if not all, of the divers that "didn't make it out" were the ones at the begining. From what I have seen and heard they use to let you go on your own. Jump in, get wet and hope you came back idea. Well, they started loosing people so they decided to change that idea. Most of the area that you dive now has no overhead so you simply come to the surface.

 

[diverbob]

I was there yesterday, and in the predive briefing, they made sure to mention if and when we was going to be going through an over head environment. And also, if anyone was uncomfortable with that, let them know, and one of the safety divers could escort them a different route.

 

[bigblue63304]

Did any of the dive guides (tail guide) leave you beind, when you started into the overhead areas? That's what happend with us. Make no mistakes, I enjoy cave diving! But this place does not have a good saftey reputation, and to give people options of "wimping" out is not really a good solution for handleing overhead structures. I only use the term wimping out meaning that regardless of all the training, people will still want to try and be the big man and do what all of the others are doing regardless if they are having reservations in their own mind about this (i.e. stress and such don't mix with diving). The best and most logical thing for them to do, is not allow anyone into any overheads unless they are certified in an intro cave dive, and have the equipment for this activity!! If Doug was running a responsible dive operation, he would insist on this. But, in my oppinon he is more into the money than they concern, saftey, and education of diving. So for that I have to give him four out of five skull and cross bones.

 

[Steve P]

Wow, lots of negative comments here. Other than James Goddard's not too many mine-friendly posts. I was thinking of making my first trip there next month as a refresher dive before Bay Islands Trip in May. Quite a few of the Chicago-area dive shops have trips planned there. I suppose there's not many local choices this time of year but if its that poorly operated why is it so popular? I'd like to at least try it once for the experience but after reading these posts I'm not so sure.

Steve

 

[Quarrior]

Wow, lots of negative comments here. Other than James Goddard's not too many mine-friendly posts. I was thinking of making my first trip there next month as a refresher dive before Bay Islands Trip in May. Quite a few of the Chicago-area dive shops have trips planned there. I suppose there's not many local choices this time of year but if its that poorly operated why is it so popular? I'd like to at least try it once for the experience but after reading these posts I'm not so sure.

Steve

Save yourself a ton of money and effort, go to Mermet Springs. Superb diving facility, excellent staff as well. www.mermetsprings.com

 

[crpntr133]

I don't regret doing it but it could have been better for the money. Would I do it again? yes, only because I want to see the train. Then I will go from there as to if I do it again.

 

[bigblue63304]

If i was you steve, I would do a check out dive when I was in the Bay Islands! The mines are really cool if you havent been anywhere before. The best thing about this place is that you are actually diving in drinking water. It also gives you the feeling of exploring. The Abyss was filmed there and maybe a couple of other things. Your not missing anything if you don't go there. I live in Tampa now, but if you want to hook up on some cave and cavern diving in Missouri, go talk to Chris Ellis at Mid-West SCUBA. Hes a really cool dude, and they know what they are doing, and how to keep everyone safe! Plus, you can get six or so dives anywhere else for the same price that you would spend at the mines. If you make it down to the tampa area and want to do some cave and cavern diving check out EZ-SCUBA. They are really good people also. As far as I know, neither EZ-SCUBA in Tampa and Mid-West SCUBA in St.Charles has had an accident in there cave and cavern diving!

 

[MgicTwnger]

Save yourself a ton of money and effort, go to Mermet Springs. Superb diving facility, excellent staff as well. www.mermetsprings.com

Absolutely correct! However, you are probably much closer to Haigh, which ain't bad either. http://www.haighquarry.com/

 

[Steve P]

As far as I know, neither EZ-SCUBA in Tampa and Mid-West SCUBA in St.Charles has had an accident in there cave and cavern diving! That's a lot more than I can for Doug and his pit of death.

First the Abyss and now "The Pit of Death", starring A. Newbie Diver. I didn't realize the Abyss (movie) was made there. I thought I read somewhere they made it a huge manmade tank. Coincidentally, I just purchased a Mares Abyss reg and was planning to try it out for the first time at Bonne Terre. Now, I think maybe the check out dive in Utila is the way to go.

Good suggetions on alternate dives in the midwest. Once, many years ago, I did some cold water diving in the midwest. Then I got a job, was able to afford tropical dive trips and became spoiled. Problem is now I have kids, they take most of my money and I don't dive enough. So I'm looking for good (ok fair) diving in the midwest again. I do like adventures and Bonne Terre seemed to be a logical choice for something new. Since joining the SB and checking out the forums I've found great deals on places to stay & dive for our upcomming trip to Utila & Roatan, saved a ton of money on gear by purcahsing through Scubatoys (had never heard of them) and now getting good input on midwest dive options - where and where not to dive.

bigblue, I have family in Orlando and will look up EZ-Scuba next time in FLA. Thanks for the tips.

Steve

 

[HammerNoMore]

Other than James Goddard's not too many mine-friendly posts.

Hmm, I've never been particularly "mine-friendly". I do think it's worth doing at least once, and I will probably go again after I get a dry suit. But I will defend them against the false claims being made by somone with an agenda.

James