looking to lose my arabia virginity

[neutrallybuoyant]

I've been diving at tobermory for a few years now, but haven't done the arabia yet. It's been on my list, but knowing that its one of the more dangerous wrecks in the area i wanted to build up some experience first. This summer i'm thinking of taking the plunge but i have a few questions. What tanks do divers typically use on this wreck? I won't be using doubles, so what size singles do you guys think are adequate? Are aluminum 80's out of the question? or do people manage with em?

I'm expecting the frigid temperatures so you don't need to warn me about that, and I'm planning on using 30% nitrox . thanks for any help that you can provide.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Because of the drop in the water levels,the last couple of times I dove the Arabia, it was 106' to the mud. A lot of people use aluminum 80's. It depends on your SAC rate, you could have a very short dive. Not to scare you but this is a cold dark wreck with low vis a lot of the time. A lot of divers have died on this wreck, so make sure you are well prepared and experienced enough before you dive this wreck. It will be there for a long time.

 

[bleeb]

Since you've already been to Tobermory, I'm guessing you're at least somewhat aware of this, but in case you weren't (and for others who may stumble upon this thread), since this is inside the National Park, the park has special recommendations for this wreck.- AOW or better
- Recent (<90 days) deep (below 80') cold water experience, or buddied with a DM or Instructor who has the same experience.
- Appropriate gear
I've taken the latter to include good quality cold water regs. You said you were expecting the cold, but just to clarify, lets put some numbers to that. Even towards the end of a hot summer, bottom temps may be below 40F (sometimes two thermoclines!) and free flows are not uncommon (relatively speaking). Because of this, a significant number of divers do not consider a single tank adequate, especially if its only 80 cu ft, although as Ontwreckdiver said, lots of people have successfully done this dive using AL80s.

 

[CDNScubaMoose]

First off - congrats on taking your time to build up the experience to dive this wreck. Many of the dives that have ended poorly had lack of experience in the conditions as a contributing factor.

As far as gas supply - my suggestion would be to have some sort of redundant gas supply. This doesn't mean you need doubles, perhaps a decent sized pony bottle or an H-valve on your tank so you can have independent first stages (if this is the case then practice manipulating the valves - although judging by your cautionary approach I suspect you would do this anyways). Personally I think an AL 80 is on the absolute minimum side but depending on your SAC rate perhaps an exception could be made.

To answer your question on what others dive - I dive doubles on this wreck but I have buddied up with lots of people on an alum 80 for their first dive on this wreck (I never do the insta-buddy thing on this wreck, I make sure I am comfortable with my buddy before hand). With lots of gas on my back and a dive plan that keeps the dive short in these cases I am comfortable with the amount of gas that we have for both of us.

But I have experienced two second stage freeflows on this wreck and have witnessed a first stage freeflow that resulted in the diver having to make a free ascent from the wreck.

 

[neutrallybuoyant]

Because of the drop in the water levels,the last couple of times I dove the Arabia, it was 106' to the mud. A lot of people use aluminum 80's. It depends on your SAC rate, you could have a very short dive. Not to scare you but this is a cold dark wreck with low vis a lot of the time. A lot of divers have died on this wreck, so make sure you are well prepared and experienced enough before you dive this wreck. It will be there for a long time.

how recently was it 106 to the bottom?

 

[Graeme Tolton]

I know a guy who used to dive Arabia with a single steel 60CF and no BCD. That was the 1970's though. I have done it on an AL80. A redundant air source is strongly recomended.

 

[shoredivr]

I dove there in Sept 08 and it was 106 to the bottom then. I dive it with an h valve LP 108, or with doubles.

I've dived the Arabia on a day where you could see the bowsprit from 20 ft (exceptional viz); on another day there was a moving green bottom at 60 ft which turned out to be algae snot floating along from that depth to the bottom. I don't really think of the amount of ambient light available as being really a dark dive (YMMV), but it is cold and it is deep.

If you bottomed out on the King or the Niagara II, you'd wind up at 90 ft in somewhat similar conditions re cold and light IMO.

 

[neutrallybuoyant]

I have been in the hold of the Niagara and have done the perimeter of the King and was quite comfortable. I'm feeling pretty good about the Arabia and will look into a larger tank and/or pony bottle. thanks guys

 

[WannaLaguna]

I have been in the hold of the Niagara and have done the perimeter of the King and was quite comfortable. I'm feeling pretty good about the Arabia and will look into a larger tank and/or pony bottle. thanks guys

You'll really like this dive. Just take your time and enjoy it. The wreck itself is quite beautiful. Checkout the anchors....

I usually use steel tanks usually over 100cf. My regs are Apex ATX 200's. I have never had a problem with free flows on this wreck or any other for that matter. I think the biggest thing to remember is to have your gear serviced regularly. You'll want your regs in tip top shape at all times but especially during dives like the Arabia. I think the biggest challenge with this wreck is its reputation...you need to be mentally prepared for it. I like to visualize each dive before I do it and anticipate and challenges I may have. Once you do the wreck you will be completely jazzed. I had about as many dives as you currently have the first time I did the Arabia.

IMHO, I prefer the Niagara II over the Arabia.

I currently live in Southern California but will be returning to Ontario (born and breed) this summer to dive and video some of these beautiful wrecks for an upcoming project.

Have fun and dive safe,

Jeff

 

[Graeme Tolton]

You'll really like this dive. Just take your time and enjoy it. The wreck itself is quite beautiful. Checkout the anchors....

I usually use steel tanks usually over 100cf. My regs are Apex ATX 200's. I have never had a problem with free flows on this wreck or any other for that matter. I think the biggest thing to remember is to have your gear serviced regularly. You'll want your regs in tip top shape at all times but especially during dives like the Arabia. I think the biggest challenge with this wreck is its reputation...you need to be mentally prepared for it. I like to visualize each dive before I do it and anticipate and challenges I may have. Once you do the wreck you will be completely jazzed. I had about as many dives as you currently have the first time I did the Arabia.

IMHO, I prefer the Niagara II over the Arabia.

I currently live in Southern California but will be returning to Ontario (born and breed) this summer to dive and video some of these beautiful wrecks for an upcoming project.

Have fun and dive safe,

Jeff

Nothing wrong with Niagara II, in fact, it is one of my favorite dives.... However, Nothing beats the nostalgia of Arabia. Seeing the Chains still hanging from the bow as they were the day that she sank is what I really like to see!!

http://www.wrecksandreefs.com/images/Huron/Arabia/2006/bow_dvrs.jpg