Is 130 ft too deep?

[ChrisA]

I just wanted to say thank you for all these great replies. I still haven't made up my mind yet, but all this info and opinions help. I wish I had the time off/ability to do some diving in the next 3 months, but just not likely.

I see you live in Nevada, not quite as good in terms of diving as where I am in So. Cal. but still there is water within a reasonable drive. So may I suggest some training? Three months is plenty of time. If you can only dive weekends there are 12 weekends with 6 dives per weekend you can get in 36 more dives. To much? then cut it in half, do 18 and train yourself and/or work with an instructor. You can gain the experiace you need in the time available.

 

[dweeb]

If you only have ow cert you should really stay within your training and your limits of 60' or less. AOW depth limit is 130'.

Actually, the recommended limit for AOW is 100'. PADI recommenda additional specialized training for 130', such as a deep specialty.

At deeper depths you will be victim to narcosis, which isn't really fun. There is no reason you can't do this dive and stay at 60'.

Definitely

You will learn that 2 important things in diving is to never go beyond your training and your comfort level. I think you even bring up this question here means that you are not 100% comfortable,

And are looking for 'permission' to break your self described promise, all to avoid the "lost opportunity cost." Regardless of the diving considerations, looking for loopholes in one's promises because of rare opportunities is a bad road to start down in life. Now that you've made it, stick with it.

 

[Dan Gibson]

I think you picked up on exactly what I was implying. I wasn't required to do a deep specialty to get the DM rating.

The funny thing is my Cave 2 limit is 100 ft. That is a narcotic depth of 100 ft. Not actual depth. Obviously I can go to 120 ft on 30/30. We did use this gas in the class. No mention of 21/35 being permitted was discussed. I have only used that gas in OW.

Good question. Though it might have been meant as sarcastic I'm not sure every one knows the answer.

The limits given are the max depths allowed on training dives at those levels and the recommended max depths at those levels until further experience or training is gained.

In the case of a DM, you are qualified to assist in training to 130 even if you've may never been there since a deep specialty is not a requirement to be a DM. Of course the same is true for instructor.

As far as what depth your cave 2 training qualifies you for...I think you are only qualified to go deeper if it's in a cave

 

[pediatron]

Interesting. I'm not really trying to decide whether or not to do a dive beyond my ability. I am really trying to decide if I have the ability to do the dive. I have done several (but probably less than 10) dives greater than 100 feet with absolutely no problem. I am not worried about going past 130 ft accidentally and really am not worried about running out of air (I am a lightweight good breather and usually end up being the second air source for someone else if needed.) I think either way I'll try to do the Blue Hole, but I might not go all the way to see the stalagtites at 130. All opinions/advice are still very much appreciated.

 

[dweeb]

Thanks for all the advice. We did get AOW certified (but it was on our first dives after certification.) My husband had about 30 more dives than I do and is VERY comfortable with diving. I know he wants to go to 130 ft

Though guilty of it myself at times, even I can smell a little testosterone in that desire.

and I don't want either of us to dive without a buddy if I feel comfortable with less depth.

Then perhaps you should make this dive with different buddies. Despite his confidence, he should probably be with a buddy more experienced than he is, and you should be with someone willing to stay within your comfort zone. Worst case scenario, there's still one of you left to raise the kids.

In all seriousness, the two of you should try to get in a few dives with other buddies on a somewhat regular basis - to make sure there are no dependency habits.

I don't have any problem controlling my depth and I usually have more air at the end than most. I've had a few other dives over 100 ft and didn't have any problems. I will admit though that I have no idea how to tell if I have enough air to get to 130 ft.

Then you don't belong at that depth. That's prerequisite knowledge. Plan your dive, dive your plan - if you can't plan the dive, you're not ready to do the dive.

 

[dweeb]

As for diving to 130 feet in the Blue Hole, one must remember its like diving a wall where there is no bottom to stop your descent. It would be very easy to slip down to 140-150 for unexperienced divers.

I would suggest buddying up with the most experienced diver on the trip to watch over you.

In other words, it's OK if you do it as a "Trust me" dive?

Every diver is responsible for him/herself.

 

[Hank49]

In other words, it's OK if you do it as a "Trust me" dive?

Every diver is responsible for him/herself.

I think he means get with the experienced diver, plan the dive together and execute the plan. Agree that if you feel uncomfortable, signal and stop the decent or whatever. Makes sense to me.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Cozumel is very popular for "Trust Me" DM's and dives........the world goes round.

 

[pasley]

Fact: I have never dove outside of California.

Opinion: Several that have been there have reported it is more marketing than great diving and that other sites were better.

Opinion: If you ask the question, you already know the answer. No, with your experience you should not be diving the blue hole. I have 146 dives in the past 3 years (48 this year) and I would not do this dive.

Opinion: Better to miss the dive and hug the kids again than not.

As for the husband, well that depends upon two facts:
1. How well insured is he?
2. How found of him are you?
If the answer to the above is "well" and "not too", then he should go for it. If the answer to Number 2 is very, or number one is "not very" (still time to rectify that) then perhaps he should join you in another pursuit during that dive and not do it.
JMHO

 

[sea nmf]

Many, many years ago I did this dive with about 20 dives after the fast track PADI through Rescue. It was not even led by a DM. The guy dropped us off and said go to 130', then come up. This was on a 80 Alum air. I was also buddied with a stranger who kept going (to 140') because he lost track. I caught his fin and we ascended. Obviously I made it back alright. I didn't know what I didn't know back then.

My take is that you can do it safely but I don't think that dive is a very good dive. I enjoy critters and there really weren't any to see - you are simply diving to see the geology. Not my cup of tea.

But, you don't have to go into the Blue Hole. There is reef up above that you can enjoy. I don't know that I would dive this deep if I had been dry for 3 months, even if it is scheduled mid-week.