Frank,
The phrase staging is your friend.
From prior experience moving the gear is the hardest part.
I carried in my gear and when we were done I carried out my gear and Heathers gear- yikes that was a choir.
If I did it again I would be tempted to- stage all my gear at the lower level. So tanks, weight, lights would be marched down. I found the surface although cooler was much easier than staying at the lower room. So I would be tempted to change at the surface and stroll down. Then turn on my tank and rock and roll.
Hint and tips-
You can wear down your tank on your BC. Top stairs are nice and big- lower stairs are a lot tighter.
Debra sells DUI- so I would highly recommend the weight and trim system- easy way to move your weight around.
Saying hello to the water is recommended (splashing your face with water.)
Make sure everything is attached- if you drop something the next stop is the bottom.
This is an instrumentation dive. Once you are below say 30ft you have concrete around you and a light glow above and not much below. Please feel comfortable for the drop from 30 to 110ft in 56 degree water.
Tank markers (light sticks) can be a nice touch.
The floor is not a smooth surface but a debris pile- so please stop before impaling yourself. Almost did that. :11:
When changing depths- check your gauges, watch your speed. Walls are smooth, with little or no markings.
HID have limited use- they tend to reflect off the concrete walls. I went to my SL4 and was much happier.
The cold, depth and me being in a rental wetsuit (not my own) resulted in a little narcosis. I really noticed that I had to concentrate. I was in between suits at the time.
Good luck and bring good walking shoes.
Andrew