Bonne Terre Mine questions!!

[inventor]

Did a story there a couple years ago for Scuba Diving Magazine. Here is a link to some photos.

It's a super cool place to dive. It's dark, pretty cold and a lot of fun.

Those are great pics! Thanks for the link! Now it's triple bucket listed!

I guess that's kind of like the opposite of double secret probation.

 

[aquaregia]

We considered going there but opted not to when we found that divers are not allowed to carry lights. Is that still the case? Only the dive leader has a light?

That was true when I was there July 2009.

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

What provisions do they allow for some safety concerns, such as reading your tank gauge in the dark?

 

[The Chairman]

It very rarely gets that dark, and they do frequent checks as well.

 

[legions]

Does anyone know what the managements reasoning would be for not being allowing you to carry your own light? I have heard that there is underwater lighting down there. Is that true also?

 

[The Chairman]

There is a LOT of light down there. It's like a gazillian watts or something.

Communications between the leader and safety divers is critical especially during counts. Extraneous lights inhibit clear communications and also ruin the ambiance of the chamber. Many of the treks are truly spiritual in nature.

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

"They" check your gas pressure? Really?

 

[The Chairman]

They make sure that YOU check your gas pressure.

It's an amazing place, and people can get easily distracted by the magic of it all.

 

[kjvander]

I will be down there Thanksgiving weekend....If I remember when I get back I'll respond.....

 

[Lee Taylor]

I would dive it. Sounds fun.