Probable tech buddy for Wreck?

[sharko108]

Hi guys ! I'm from France

I know this is far away from now but i'm planning a solo 3 weeks Florida trip next March and i will stop to key Largo for diving (Wreck of spiegel grove) , probably with Horizon
They are doing double dips dive but as i will be Advanced nitrox/extended range diver i thought it would be better to do a single decompression dive instead.
But, as i will be alone i'll have to pay $99 for tech guide which is too much for me..

My question is , do you know if its' common to have tech divers coming to dive that Wreck (probably only discover it the D day..) or of course maybe i could ask for buddies here, few days before to organize it

Thx

 

[SmashMonkey]

You should definitely dive with Horizon Divers. They are the only tech dive shop in the Keys so if you are certified for accelerated deco diving, it's the place to be. There's lots of tech divers that dive on Horizon's charters, both rebreather and open circuit, so it's possible that they could try to match you up with a buddy. The best thing to do is contact them a few weeks in advance and ask they if they know of any tech divers that are looking for a buddy. I do not recommend just showing up on the day of and trying to find an insta buddy last minute. Are you solo certified? If yes, ask Horizon about solo certified recreational diving with the proper paperwork and waivers.

 

[sharko108]

Hi! Thanks for your answer. Yes in any cases i will go with Horizon
I will try to contact them maybe 2 to 1 week before to know if they have already scheduled tech guy . If there is nobody, i guess i will do normal double dips

 

[vspeeds]

Hi! Thanks for your answer. Yes in any cases i will go with Horizon
I will try to contact them maybe 2 to 1 week before to know if they have already scheduled tech guy . If there is nobody, i guess i will do normal double dips

Hey, in case it is useful, Horizon has a rec and a separate tech set, of very detailed maps of the Spiegel Grove in the dive shop. I don't think they are available electronically, so it may be worthwhile to get the tech set shipped to you for planning.

 

[SmashMonkey]

There's 3 different sets of plastic guides of the Spiegel Grove. I have all of them.

1) Reef Smart set available on Amazon. 3D drawings of the exterior and interior of the superstructure. Good for an overview, expecially the exteior landmarks of the wreck and where each mooring ball is located. First timers often get confused which mooring line is attached to their dive boat. Good overview for all divers of all levels who want to dive the Spiegel Grove.

2) Horizon Divers rec map. Only sold by HD AFAIK and created by Jared, one of their dive guides. 2D floorplan of the recreational swim through areas of the wreck, mainly in the superstructure and well deck. Rec or tech divers don't need wreck certification or run guidelines to dive here if you stay within your depth limits and the light zone. A dive light is a good idea.

3) Horizon Divers tech map. Also by Jared. 2D floorplan of the technical penetrations deeper inside the no light zone of the wreck. This is not for rec divers or even tech divers without advanced wreck or equivalent training/experience. Places like the traverse, pump room, engine room, etc. where specialized skills and equipment is required to dive safely.

I like the Horizon maps for planning dives and penetrations. They also sell a set of rec and tech plans for the Duane which were also created by Jared. Reef Smart also sells a set for the Duane and her sister ship the Bibb.