I've dived with them a few times and they are good operation, IMO. I enjoy the Vandy a lot, it's a great site. I have friends diving them tomorrow on a private charter and very much looking forward to it. Sad that I can't join.
A few observations about your dive commentary, however, that are surprising to me. First, I'm surprised that people were not diving nitrox. It doesn't matter what the differential is between the top deck and the sand. As with most of the big wrecks in the keys (Spiegel, Duane, etc.), you will rarely ever hit the sand. However, the average depth of that site is still substantial and there are still great benefits in diving nitrox from the perspectives of safety and reduced top time between dives (My last two dives on that wreck show averages of 79 and 83 feet). Also, if some people were diving with nitrox and others without, then the guide is dealing with all the stuff that comes along with managing a mixed gas group. Thus most of the charters diving those wrecks, in my experience, require nitrox. (not criticizing you at all, btw, just making an observation).
Second, I do not remember their guides carrying ponies or them dropping cylinders at 15 feet. It's great to know that they are doing that now. Given the huge influx of tourist divers, you never know what you're going to get on those wrecks.
The approach that the guide took regarding penetration is common for those types of wrecks in the Keys: Verbally confirm everyone's comfort level prior to the dive, evaluate everyone's skills for the first part of the dive, trial some simple penetration on the first dive, then perhaps do a little bit more on the second dive. I applaud the guide for making what was probably the right call to turn back...they should always exercise caution with those types of groups. Unfortunately, it might not have been the most exciting situation for you, however :/
Thanks for the review.
A few observations about your dive commentary, however, that are surprising to me. First, I'm surprised that people were not diving nitrox. It doesn't matter what the differential is between the top deck and the sand. As with most of the big wrecks in the keys (Spiegel, Duane, etc.), you will rarely ever hit the sand. However, the average depth of that site is still substantial and there are still great benefits in diving nitrox from the perspectives of safety and reduced top time between dives (My last two dives on that wreck show averages of 79 and 83 feet). Also, if some people were diving with nitrox and others without, then the guide is dealing with all the stuff that comes along with managing a mixed gas group. Thus most of the charters diving those wrecks, in my experience, require nitrox. (not criticizing you at all, btw, just making an observation).
Second, I do not remember their guides carrying ponies or them dropping cylinders at 15 feet. It's great to know that they are doing that now. Given the huge influx of tourist divers, you never know what you're going to get on those wrecks.
The approach that the guide took regarding penetration is common for those types of wrecks in the Keys: Verbally confirm everyone's comfort level prior to the dive, evaluate everyone's skills for the first part of the dive, trial some simple penetration on the first dive, then perhaps do a little bit more on the second dive. I applaud the guide for making what was probably the right call to turn back...they should always exercise caution with those types of groups. Unfortunately, it might not have been the most exciting situation for you, however :/
Thanks for the review.
