Gulf of Mexico Maps?

[outback]

Adjusting your weight is one thing, but there are many other differences in the ocean. I guess you've never dived in a current? But then, I'm a long way from the Gulf, so I'm not sure - does the Gulf have currents within 50 miles from shore, aside from rips currents which I believe are tidal?

The Gulf can get pretty choppy as well as have some strong currents, most trips get blown out if the wave height is beyond about 4 feet. If you dive on one of the rigs, best idea is to dive inside the rig legs - these help to break up the current and provide a relatively sheltered environment, along with an easy reference point - you do NOT want to get blown off the rig in the Gulf.

If these are your first ocean dives, you may be task loading a little - I'd recommend trying it out first by diving with one of the charters that can provide both a boat and a DM - they run about $190 for a day out. Any of the dive shops in Houston can help with this. Once you're comfortable with both dive and boat procedures and locations,
you can go play.

 

[DandyDon]

Two pieces of gear I'd suggest for each diver - Sausage and Dive Alert.

 

[TravisT]

I'm taking all these suggestions into very serious consideration. Keep them coming if you have any more.

 

[Rick Murchison]

made to withstand relatively calm Gulf waters

That perception alone tells me you need to be extra careful. The Gulf has in general a much shorter wave period than the Pacific (because the Gulf has a much shorter fetch), and especially for a boat that size, four foot waves will beat you slap to death, where a four foot swell on the West coast would be a gentle rise & fall.
Because of the juxtaposition of land and water, and the prevailing adiabat (usually "conditionally unstable"), the weather in the Gulf can go from flat calm to raging killer in about half a heartbeat; a keen weather eye is essential. Do not challenge the Thunder god. I remember one day on the Empire Mica when we were anchored in mirror calm water, watching three waterspouts and 20 foot waves under the T-storm five miles distant.
For comparison the San Francisco area has extremely stable air - usually an inversion layer. Gives you lots of fog but no major "pop-up" killer storms.
I lived on the west coast from '72 - '85 - there is nothing there like the Gulf of Mexico for sneaky treachery in weather and water. Trust me on this.
Rick

 

[MichaelBaranows]

I made my first rig dive on 7/23 and then again on 7/29. I have only dove 3 rigs but have been fishing off shore for many years. I only have 40 dives and felt very comfortable diving the rigs. I would also suggest diving rigs over doing a wreck dive in the Gulf cause near the bottom it can be very murky. Don't let these people scare you out of doing it. That boat is plenty big and the weather forecast is looking great for this weekend. I am trying to get a few guys together to make a few rig dives and a little spearfishing Saturday. As for as where to dive there are many rigs out there. Personally I would say head out twenty miles(good water) and then look for a rig. Just make sure you have the Jetties in your GPS so you can get back. Tie up to a rig that no other boats are on and make a dive. I also agree on the rig hook (Dad built me a new one last night, safety sauage and make sure someone is always on the boat. Cause it would suck to surface and the boat be 200 yds up current. If I can't get a crew I would even be willing to go with you. I am not much more experienced but I am always ready to go diving.

Michael
Sweeny, TX

PS. if you have any question feel free to PM me and I will try to give you and answer.

 

[paulwall]

I'm talking all these suggestions into very serious consideration. Keep them coming if you have any more.

Surface currents can often run counter to wind direction. i.e the boat will be pushed off the rig by the wind, but the current will pull you into it once you're in the water, or across it.

I'd suggest two lines one from the bow of the boat to the rig to hold the boat 60' or more off the rig, and one from the rig at water level or below to the stern to a 30' or more tag line, in case the current prevents you from swimming to/from the rig.

Swim to/from the rig on the surface, keep someone on the boat, preferably someone familiar with the area. Drop down when you get to the rig. Stay together. Make sure the boat is easy and safe to get into in swells. Pick a perfect forecast day and prepare for the worst. File a plan with someone at home, so they know where to look for you if you become overdue. Fly a dive flag from the boat.

Climbing on the rig is trespassing, and looked upon unfavorably. Pay attention to the workers as you approach the rig. Obey them if the "wave you off", as they may be working overhead, or expecting a supply boat shortly, or just don't want you there.

I've only been on charters to the La. rigs, and it is quite a "ballet" to tie up and get divers in and out of the water.

 

[BMETdiver]

Some of the things I would think that you will want on the boat are radio, GPS, compass, map, water about 2 gallons a person, you will be in the sun and will need a liter an hour for every hour out plus a little buffer, small snacks in case you have problems food is always good. Spare fuel learned that on a river once with the current you can go a long way with out thinking about it and then not nearly as far on the return. File a trip plan with some one not going remember to add a cushion so you have time to do what you want but won't have the coast guard looking at night, flashlights to signal and in case you are out later than planned, I have a 1million CP light on the boat and it is great at dusk when running a dim lake or river. These are all I can think but remember the gulf can be a lot of fun but is rather unforgiving when you don't prepare for it.

 

[beachbum70635]

After 12 years of fishing the western Gulf, I have to agree with Rick here. The waters can go from flat calm to 8 ft seas pretty quick. Most important would be to learn how the sea conditions can affect the boat and how to operate it in rough conditions. It might not be a bad idea to hire a local captain to run the boat for the first couple of trips. He should be able to give you some good info on running these types of sea conditions. As far as current goes. if the currents are too heavy at one rig, move a few miles in any direction and look for lighter currents. I have been fishing in spots where 4 ounces of weight wouldn't keep bait down, moved 3 miles and had no current at all.

 

[DandyDon]

Do let us know how your weekend goes...??

Hope it goes well. :14:

 

[TravisT]

Well, we got down there Thursday about 2:00AM, got up Friday late and it took us nearly all day to figure out where the ramp was, get bait (we wanted to fish as well), ect ect. However, Saturday we got out there and did our scuba diving like we wanted. We went out of Freeport to a rig about 15 miles offshore. We only had 1 tank so we just did 1 dive but it was an amazing experience. There was little or no current. Visibility was about 40ft. It was a lot of fun. We really wanted to ensure we played it safe. The weather was great (Hot though). The sea's were 2-3ft as predicted. Thanks guys for all the tips.