Diving the Coolidge - Rules and Regs

[Zeke XA3]

Does anyone know the rules for diving the Coolidge?

IE Is it protected in that only certified guides can dive it, or is it protected so that only registered dive shops can dive it? Or open to anyone?

I am a PADI OWSI travelling with a dive boat captain through the South pacific and we are looking to shore dive the wreck while we are there. To head off the expected replies, i am not looking to remove money from local operators, endanger myself or my captain by entering the wreck. Our usual procedure in the islands is to pay for a dive or two and refill our own tanks and dive under our own steam once or twice after several months travelling the seas we cant afford to pay for every dive and we have the gear and knowledge to dive as if it was my first day in a new job every now and then.

 

[GregT943]

It's been about 2 years since I dove the Coolidge, so I can't be positive but I'm pretty sure you need to be with a guide to dive the site. I suggest you dive with Aqua Marine. I think they are the only operator who shore dives the coolidge, because they own the strip of beach you dive from. Also most dives on the Coolidge are decompression dives. So if they do allow you to dive without a guide, and although you are experienced as a PADI OWSI, without tec training you shouldn't attempt the Coolidge on your own. It is an amazing wreck to dive