Outer Banks Diving - Proteus

[bronk]

Last week (7/15 , 7/18) I was diving on the Proteus with Outer Banks Diving . What a great couple of trips!
First day, the seas was a special treat with calm (nearly dead flat ) seas and no current. Lots of sharks (>30) down on the wreck.
Second day was a little lumpy but still not too rough with a pretty good current. This was different with lots of sharks (>30 again) as well, but they were hanging just above the thermocline at about 80'. You could do a "shark dive" and not have to leave the anchor line!
The boat crew was exceptionally helpful and got me hooked up with some dive buddies (I was alone as my wife' hand is messed up at the moment).
Photos are posted on: Mark Bronkalla's Photos - Outer Banks Diving 7/15/08 - Proteus | Facebook

We can't wait to go again next year. After seeing the shark photos my wife is now going to get her Deep certification. This sure counters her previous stance of "nothing to see down deep".

 

[RAD Diver]

Glad you had a good time, we were there the weekend before on the Proteus & had 2 fantastic dives on her. Lots of Sharks.
We have been on the Fish many times & is 1 comfortable boat. Johnny, Amy & their crew makes you feel right at home.
Your pictures look great, I really need to get mine up loaded.
I just wished I saw more divers at that depth with some redundancy, other than that 1 diver in doubles.

 

[RAD Diver]

I did get a few uploaded here.
NCDivers.com • View topic - Weekend in Cape Hatteras UNDER PRESSURE

 

[highlandfarmwv]

Thanks for the post. I'm going next weekend and I can't wait!

 

[highlandfarmwv]

Mark, What was the water temp? Thanks.

 

[bronk]

Water temp was 82 at the surface. 72-73 below the thermocline which was at 80'.

The note on Johnnie and Amy's website about pony bottles encouraged is right. with this depth redundancy is highly recommended. We had 6 divers with doubles and a number of others (including myself) with 40 cu ft pony bottles. With the depth and potential currents it just makes sense.
This was my first trip after "Intro to Tech" and first real dives the pony (other than practicing in local lakes. For me it also provided some comfort as Iwas diving with new buddies each trip.