How to get over zero viz?

[alan_lee]

I live in Singapore and there's a good reason why we endure 6hour journeys to the nearest dive site in neighbouring Malaysia: the poor viz. There's so much offshore work happening, coupled with high shipping traffic, that plenty of silt is thrown up. There was one local dive that I did, it was after a storm, and the tide was low, so viz dropped to about 1.6 feet. I didn't see the bottom till the very last minute, so a slow descent was warranted. Your trim has gotta be good, cos not only do you need to be close to the bottom to see anything, you also gotta modify your kicks so that you don't silt up the already bad condition. I'd suggest keeping your buddy close, preferably your side, and checking on each other frequently.

Low viz can be terrifying because we are so used to using sight to help us reference the environment, but if you become used to this sort of environment, it'll open you up to whole lot of other opportunities.

Cheers!

 

[Ice9]

In low viz, especially if you are in mid-water where there are no visual references, all you need to know is:

1. How much air you have (Got SPG?)
2. What depth you are at (Got Depth Gage?)
3. Which way is up (look at your bubbles)
4. Which direction is shore (got compass?)

As long as you have that, you are fine. The rest is just an exercise in controlling your thoughts and silencing your fears.

 

[Txfirefighter4305]

I cheated, I have several years of firefighting under my belt. I guess I am a person of extremes...900 degrees one day, 40 the next! Little or no viz on either.

Like everyone says, one step at a time and you will get it. Try blacking your mask out with a black garbage bag and doing drills in the pool. You know, take off and put back on your fins, mask, BC, etc. Do zero vis descents in the deep end. Work your way around the bottom of the pool by feel. <--I suggest you have a spotter lest you molest some innocent swimmer in trying to figure out where you are. Besides, gotta have a buddy anyway.

 

[The Pea]

I just try not to think much about that hideous monster just inches behind me.

When did you go diving with me then? (Titter...)

 

[Pseudocyber]

.....I suggest you have a spotter lest you molest some innocent swimmer in trying to figure out where you are. Besides, gotta have a buddy anyway.

LOL

So, when you guys have been in the murk, any of your monsters actually materialize? Scare the @#$$ out of you?

Reading Shadow Divers - there's a line in there that seems like it would hold true - "as long as you can breathe, you're OK".

 

[ReefGuy]

LOL

So, when you guys have been in the murk, any of your monsters actually materialize? Scare the @#$$ out of you?

Reading Shadow Divers - there's a line in there that seems like it would hold true - "as long as you can breathe, you're OK".

All the time. That's why I close my eyes in low/no vis. Clumps of debris can startle you when they hit your mask .

 

[jscott099]

Hideous Monster in Bahamas? - Night dive solo video work. Felt something bump my fins a couple of times. Thought it was another diver, annoyed I turn around only to find a huge sea turtle right there in my face. I nearly pooped the wet suit. Well anyway, I got some good video of him since he was so friendly.

 

[Prostar]

Learn to love your compass.

Oh, and if the log moves, it's a gator.

 

[Blackfish]

In true zero vis, the most useful tip I've heard is to close your eyes (per Reefguy). Once your eyes are closed you'll stop trying to see what can't be seen and think your way through the rest of the dive.

 

[Scotty28t]

I started diving a wreck that has 1-5 foot vis at ~70 feet, depending on the day. I feel that you need a really good dive buddy to dive low-vis. My buddy is always within an arms reach. We've gotten so comfortable that we've done a couple of night dives under these conditions on the same wreck. We did loose sight of the wreck on one dive, and had to surface, but we always maintained buddy contact.
Find a good buddy, you'll get comfortable quick!