Destin 7/20-28

[sladerer]

For those that have been out to the Oriskany - is this worth the trip for a no-deco dive? Do the
dive ops serving her rent larger tanks to support "simple" deco diving? Will they "teach" me what I need
for this?

I am certified for deep and wreck and have done several 100-125' dives and a few wrecks, but I've
never done a deco dive. Since I don't think my wife will want to dive this and my son is not nearly
experienced enough, I'd be on my own so looking to pair up with another diver or DM if I did this. I'd really like to dive her, but I want to do it safely - suggestions?

 

[Nemrod]

For those that have been out to the Oriskany - is this worth the trip for a no-deco dive? Do the
dive ops serving her rent larger tanks to support "simple" deco diving? Will they "teach" me what I need
for this?

I am certified for deep and wreck and have done several 100-125' dives and a few wrecks, but I've
never done a deco dive. Since I don't think my wife will want to dive this and my son is not nearly
experienced enough, I'd be on my own so looking to pair up with another diver or DM if I did this. I'd really like to dive her, but I want to do it safely - suggestions?

You can rent 100cf steels from MBT w/nitrox. No, they do not allow deco unless it is a "tech" dive. Actually, the O is a must do, been there three times now. On the other hand, it is so deep, why bother. I just completed my two plus week Flariduh Dive Festivus via Jeep, the three biggest reefs in the world in one trip, the O, the Spiegal and the Vandenbug. I like the Spiegal and Duane and the Vandenburg much better because they were placed at diveable depths. The O flight deck is around 140 feet, the tower is interesting for about 20 minutes which is about what you have. Next time they sink a wreck they might want to consider making it a little closer and a little more shallow.

Yeah, it is there, do it if you can.

N

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Its a carrier... you can't sink it in shallow water without the top of it being at the surface.

The tower makes for several GREAT non-deco dives. You're not gonna see it all in one trip. The flight deck is flat, its as interesting as a 1000' barge. Want to see more? Get the tech training and gear

 

[Nemrod]

Of the three times I have been there, two, two tank dives aboard boats chartered from MBT and a thrid time on a private boat where we went quite beyond 140 feet I have to tell you, do not dive this wreck with an aluminum 80, it has current every time I have been there, the conning tower is around 80 feet at the top, it is a long swim down the anchor/buoy line, by the time you get down there the average diver is already too deep and low on air. The conning tower offers interesting swim throughs and lies between 80 and 140 feet. What is far more interesting is the hanger deck but you will not be going there. If they had cut the tower off then they would have had a great wreck dive, and set it in a little less water a little closer in.

Dive it and see for yourself, it is a great dive and you will be able to check off your list the largest artificial reef in the world even though you only saw the conning tower.

N

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Cutting key features off the wreck wouldn't have been the best idea, IMO. Instead, just dive the Oriskany as skill sets allow. If you decide to get into technical diving, then more on the wreck is opened up to you.

The wreck was sunk primarily as a fishing reef, which it is. The idea that all artificial reefs should be placed in waters shallow enough for OW recreational divers is a little silly.

 

[Nemrod]

I provided links, info, expected conditions and depth, currents, where to rent tanks, who to get a charter from, maps, GPS numbers, practical warnings (don't go with an 80 or you are under gunned to the O). You are free to read them or skip over them. Just being "silly" as always and have no intention of being non-silly.

There are two basic catagories of Mighty O divers:

A) Holy cow!!!!!!!!!! that thing is amazing and "I", (insert your name here) just dove the largest artificial reef in the world!!!!!!!!! How cool is that?!!!!!!?

or

B) That s---s, "I", (insert your name here), paid twice the going rate to take a horrid boat ride for five hours and puked my guts out over and over and all I got to see was a stupid conning tower.

I have seen both types on the same dive. When people say, yeah, it is 70 feet for the dive in most places that would be your max depth, here, at 70 feet you might be able to reach and touch the tip top of the tower, the dive is actually a 140 footer so be prepared for that in terms of equipment, air capacity vs your SAC, need for a pony (or not) etc. I suggest Jet Fins and a big tank.

N

 

[mike_s]

The Oriskany was sunk at the depth it was not only because of the height of the wreck (the island/tower), but also the width/beam of the flight deck.

if the ship went down on it's side, or flipped over due to storm, then the flight deck width protruding upward had to clear the required depth for the Corp or Engineers permit for sinking it so it wouldn't be a hazard to navigation.

even if they had cut the tower/island off, they would have still had to sunk it deep.

most ships sunk as reefs don't have this width issue.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I provided links, info, expected conditions and depth, currents, where to rent tanks, who to get a charter from, maps, GPS numbers, practical warnings (don't go with an 80 or you are under gunned to the O). You are free to read them or skip over them. Just being "silly" as always and have no intention of being non-silly. N

Keep your panties on, the "silly" comment of your post is based on your opinion that the wreck should be cut up and sunk shallower. I don't think that was unclear in my reply. You are allowed your opinions, and I'm allowed to voice mine, even if they disagree with your own.

No problems with your links, GPS #s, maps, charter recommendations, etc.

 

[Nemrod]

Hazard to navigation, phummmmph, that would just be more reason, anything run into it would just make more stuff to dive! You guys don't think right. N

 

[flaski]

Best shop in Destin is by far Scubatech, check with them on locations daily. Alot has to do with the skill level of the divers, tide conditions, gulf flow as to vis. Jetties and the bridge are great walk in dives (they must be timed with tides or currents can be ripping). The tanks are a great dive when vis is good, I have found 5 already. Depending on time you are down, Morrisons springs and Vortex springs are nearby, cool caverns and safe caves. I am headind to them on Wendsday, you are welcome to join us.
Best dive opperator in PC is Dive Locker, they have the best boats and crew you will find out. there.
Oriskany is a pretty lame dive, but it is one to put on the list, its to deep, vis is often poor, currents are treturous at times, cost is high. only had 1 good dive on it a couple years ago. The charter opperators all lie about conditions to get the passengers on their boats. I had a friend go yesterday and vis was 30 ft at best, with a 12-15 mph current he said he hand over handed the whole dive. I have not gone since it sank another 14-15 feet. If you do go use a 26% mix, dont pass 130' and you will get the most out of the dive, if you try to touch the deck for even a second you will need to sart your ascent insantly or most computers will lock you out for 24-48 hours.
Keep in touch and maybe we can meet up for a dive off my boat.
Destin sites are Janet, Liberty Ship, Butler Barge, AF Barge, Bridge ruble, Ms Louise, Hopper barge, tanks, timber holes, white hills, tri ledge, and all of these are regular dives for ScubaTech and captain Nancy.
PC alot of stuff there, but favorites are Hovercraft, bridge spans, the Tarpon and the Chipppewa.