JayJudge:
Wow, thanks again for all the information. As for tech- I think all of us are deco/nitrox certified, no trimix. We are trying to keep a level field and similar profiles. The same week I posted this, one of the others got a copy of a British dive mag that had Scapa 3D. That has gotten a few more on board. What about the availability of doubles, DIN fittings, etc. Also, aside from Cold water, what about current, vis, waves, etc. I don't always believe what magazines claim about vis- we dive North Carolina, New Jersey, and Virginia- average depth 90-130 ftsw, Jersey vis up to 30 feet-though claimed higher. One more thing- any customs of the area we should be aware of? I know the wrecks are look, don't take, but I don't want to start pub fights, either.
Sorry for so many questions, but this is a large undertaking, as it will be our club's first international trip.
Thanks again,
-Jay
The depths of the German fleet mean they are ideal for diving with 30% as a back gas - personally I wouldn't bother with a 50% stage for most of the wrecks. I think all of the operators have on board nitrox now - aim for a new 30% in the afternoon and an air top off for the morning dive with/without a 50%.
The wrecks all start relatively shallow - between 15-25m and go down to between 28m on hte Karlsruhe and 35-40m for the others. All the others, with the possible exception of the Markgraf offer good multi-depth diving, starting deep and working up all are quite different - but all are becoming much more unstable. it is perfectly possible to while away an hour or so on the wreck itself.
The Markgraf is my favorite, but after diving it 30 or so times I still don't know it all, but the most interesting part is down to the seabed and underneath.
Twins would need to be organised in advance, don't just assume the boat will have enough in use at any one time - but most boats will be able to organise them given time.
All the boats work on 2 dives a day, with a reasonable break in the middle - some come ashore at Lyness ( worth doing at least once, and aim to eat at the cafe at eh museum) Most tie up in Stromness overnight, with probably one night elsewhere.
I usually dive with John Thornton on the Karin - the boat isn't luxurious, but it has everything I want - and more importantly is a good stable dive platform, any gas I want and a skipper I trust. The Halton is also fine, as is the jean elaine.
Unlike most US charters all divers go in within 10 minutes or so of each other, longest run times first. On the blockships expect to be in quicker, already having dumped all air and drop fast - or miss the wreck.
Generally the sea in the Flow is ok to dive, only once been blown out in the summer, but more often in the winter - you do get a nasty sharp sea sometimes - but the bigger boats will be fine.
make sure everyone is capable of putting up a dsmb, some skippers want one up per diver - it's sometimes better not to go back to the shotline.
