CCV Orientation/Checkout Dive ?

[Fab]

You can lose part of a finger from one of those guys!

 

[Tjack]

Not to go off topic, but what is the technique for using a magnifying glass underwater? I tried one of the large rectangular ones and was unable to focus it through the mask.

 

[Doc]

Not to go off topic, but what is the technique for using a magnifying glass underwater? I tried one of the large rectangular ones and was unable to focus it through the mask.

Ok, but this is kind of complicated to explain with a typewriter.

First, picking one out. It has to be GLASS. I'll let a physics nerd:doctor:explain why, but trust me on this, it has to be glass.

It also has to be a single element, that is: one single lens. Otherwise, water gets in between the lenses and that is bad bongos.

Magnifiers, for whatever reason, lose a lot of magnifying power when underwater. The ones I pick are labeled as 10x. They appear (on land/air) to have such horrible edge abberation (blurring around all but the center), that they appear to be practically useless~ that's why they sell for $2 at most flea markets, craft shows, gun expos. When you take them underwater, they have maybe a 2.5x magnification- but they are pretty clear, edge to edge.

I'll bet the magnifier you describe above was deficient in one of those categories- remember- the right one is very cheap. I smile when I see those $79.95 SCUBA Magnifiers. I mean- they're nice, but really! The rectangular ones I imagine that you describe are usually 2.5x... many are plastic. I do the "tooth tap" test. Glass is hard, plastic is noticeably softer.

When we use them in air, we usually hold a magnifier like so:
# 4" ()... 12" ...(>
The distances between object #, lens () and eyeball (> are pretty small

Underwater, it will work more like:
<*))>< ...14" ....()....... 20" ......(>
Your arm is outstretched.

The photo below is a magnifier, but not in real use. Attached also is a map of the Front Yard shore dive with associated aerial image.

 

[Fab]

Hmm...Ok,..I understand most of it, except for this:

<*))>< ...14" ....()....... 20" ......(>

I get that you hold (underwater) the lens 20 inches from
your eye, but, do you also mean that the lens is 14 inches
from the subject?

Can I buy this magnifier online,..(is this it: 2 inch 10x Folding Pocket Magnifier: Widget Supply)
or should I just grab one at a hobby shop...? If I can find a hobby shop.

 

[Doc]

Hmm...Ok,..I understand most of it, except for this:
I get that you hold (underwater) the lens 20 inches from
your eye, but, do you also mean that the lens is 14 inches
from the subject?

Yes, approximately. As you will quickly see- this distance is too great above water (in air) use.

Can I buy this magnifier online,..(is this it: 2 inch 10x Folding Pocket Magnifier: Widget Supply)
or should I just grab one at a hobby shop...? If I can find a hobby shop.

Nice find! That's the one. I've been trying to find it on-line at a low price for a long time.

At the hinge point for the un-needed cover, the models I get are secured with a plastic rivet. You can Dremel grind them off or just clip them with a good pair of sidecutters. Then slide the rivet out and use this hole for a lanyard. Same for a metal rivet, but you could just slide the string right through the grommet- if it's as shown in the photo.

A lot of the micro photos I have shot I made just with this clapped onto the dome port and set for macro. On others, I have cobbled together a track (extended in front) secured to the tripod screw (1/4x20) hole and positioned out a few inches from the lens (on telephoto macro).

Works like a champ. Again- nice find. Thanks!

 

[Fab]

I can't take credit for the find,..it was HenrikBP, he posted it earlier in this thread! So, maybe it's best that I just order it online instead of looking all around the city for one. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Tjack]

Thanks for the info Doc, I'm pretty sure the magnifying glass I tried was plastic. I will try again with a glass one. I will be diving Roatan as of May 3rd. snooping around for macro stuff.

 

[robint]

back to the checkout dive -
if we arrive on Saturday afternoon 3-4pm, we probably won't get the orientation dive until Sunday am. Right? So that means we miss the Sunday am dive boat. Just trying to figure it all out.

we still haven't decided for sure when we are going, but it looks like Cocoview is at the top of our list.

robin

 

[parrotheaddiver]

back to the checkout dive -
if we arrive on Saturday afternoon 3-4pm, we probably won't get the orientation dive until Sunday am. Right? So that means we miss the Sunday am dive boat. Just trying to figure it all out.

we still haven't decided for sure when we are going, but it looks like Cocoview is at the top of our list.

robin

you are correct....but don't worry...if it is your first time....they give you a tour of the front yard....so you will be diving after orientation but it will be a shore dive.....if you have been there before you can skip the orientation and catch that Sunday morning dive boat....no worries....you will get plenty of diving in while you are there....

I know somewhere in this thread this link was posted but I am too lazy to look for it....CoCo Chat
we coconuts will lead you through

 

[Doc]

back to the checkout dive -
if we arrive on Saturday afternoon 3-4pm, we probably won't get the orientation dive until Sunday am. Right? So that means we miss the Sunday am dive boat.

Yes, Yes, but not likely. It was pretty well discussed earlier in this thread. BTW- If you liked the Nekton, you're going to love CCV. Nekton is CCV, only without the sand flies. CCV's benefit over the Nekton? Warm breezes playing over your pillow, lulling you to sleep. That and the pie.

All together now- it is not a "checkout dive". It is an orientation dive.

There is a real difference. On the orientation dive they will explain how the dive deck, tanks and wet rooms work. They will explain the shore dive tag system. They will explain and then show you all of the man-made landmarks that will easily orient you underwater. How the anchor chain will guide you through the maze of coral heads and where it connects to the ship. How to find your way to and from the walls~ how to locate that chain for the way back in. The DC-3 aircraft fuselage and where it lies.

There is also a "checkout" component, yes. It is for you to check out your buoyancy and weighting. These DM's have been watching divers for quite a while. If you look shaky, they will likely work with you through some skills. With a glance- if they know in their minds that you're okay, you'll be off on your own after the Front Yard Tour.

On Sundays, quite often a boat is sent out a bit later in the morning, after the standard 0830 departure. This second boat is there for a one-tank boat dive after your shore dive Orientation.

Many people come to CCV and just shore dive. There is nothing I haven't seen out on the open walls that I haven't also seen on a Shore Dive from CCV. I once logged 17 shore dives (in and out) in a week. I have seen Whale Sharks from a Shore Dive accessible spot. Although many decry the fact that the second of each two daily boat dives (#2 & #4) result in a drop-off over "the same old place", that being a return to the resort via the Shore Dive- most of us regulars prefer it.

Most will jump off the boat for that swim in over one of two walls, Newmans or CCV. I wait and as the dive boat is motoring in, I have them drop me off right on top of the Prince Albert. I did this with my dive buddy (Herself) for 20 dives. She became so well versed upon the terrain of the Prance Albert and the Front Yard that she now does solo night dives there. Familiarity.

Doing this, we can easily spend 1.5+ hrs BT at depths starting at 65fsw, but mostly at 35fsw, with a great amount of the dive spent in less than 15fsw. It takes better buoyancy with an ever lightening tank, but with learned & acquired observational skills, she has observed the holy grails- Sailfin Blennies fighting, Jawfish aerating their eggs in their mouths, brilliantly colorful juveniles of every species, 18" Nurse Sharks... all in 4 or 5 feet of water.

You will have the opportunity to do easily 27 dives in the week. Don't fret or get overwrought in regards to the jumble of the first few hours, sorting out weights, release forms and such.

You'll get a belly full.