First Wreck dive...

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A

Arete

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Location
Sydney, Australia
# of dives
100 - 199
This weekend I will be doing my first bond fide wreck dive on the Currajong in Sydney harbour. http://www.michaelmcfadyenscuba.info/viewpage.php?page_id=57.

The store I am currently doing my SSI AOW through has invited me along and looking at the list of 8 people going it seems I am by far the least experienced person (38 dives, PADI OW, SSI AOW - Nav, Limited Vis, Stress and Rescue, Nitrox and Deep (Deep is incomplete).

As the wreck lies in a shipping route used by ferries every 10 minutes during the day, our descent time is planned just before the 2.15am high tide. Max depth is expected to be 26m (85ft). Vis on the wreck is known to be pretty bad most of the time.

Obviously, I'm planning to stay within the NDL's and definitely no penetration planned, however I know at least one other buddy pair is planning both. I'm taking my hp100 steel tank, my Zeagle brigade and Aeris sport rec reg setup.

I am cautiously looking forward to it, as I know I like the idea of going to deep, dark places like wrecks, but in anything liking the idea and liking the actuality are very different things and it's my first baby step away from pootling around the reef... sounds like if I catch the bug I'm looking in a very exciting but wallet damaging direction...
 
2:15 in the morning! Ouch.
 
Arete,
I just read the story of Currajong at the link you posted. You've picked a pretty challenging dive as your wreck debut. I'm glad to see you have a sense of caution to balance your curiosity, to my view there is no more important safety skill than good judgement.

Since the wreck lies in a shipping lane and you've got a fair swim to and from it, you and your buddy should give a lot of thought and discussion to gas planning and contingency plans. You mentioned that you are by far the least experienced - how well do you know your buddy? If you thumb the dive will he abort without question or hesitation? If your buddy has a problem are you confident that can provide the support needed? Do everything you can in advance to mentally prepare for this dive.

Hopefully the incoming tide will bring good viz with it. I hope you have a great dive but don't hesitate to pass if that's what your instinct tells you to do.
 
Thumbs up for TomP great advice. Arete you might as well get as much overtime they'll give you, " cause you'll be hooked ". Wreck diving is a favorite of mine. It never gets old. The wrecks they are laying down in the Keys and Fl are cool but I get off on true wrecks that burned and crashed. The Great Lakes is a wonderful place. If after you get certified and get all your equipment which is extensive find a few good friends head up to Munising to start.
 
Okay Arete, i'm guessing its tomorrow already in Australia, so how did it go?
 
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