Farallones Diving Procedures
Chuck Tribolet, with input from Kawika Chetron, Dave
Chamberlin, and Clinton Bauder
Diving the Farallones is not to be done lightly. Perhaps
more important than the possibility of large sharks is
that help is a couple of hours away, so we dive
conservatively to avoid problems, and are prepared to
handle problems ourselves.
No diving after the Fourth of July weekend until after New
Years in order to avoid Landlord encounters (the PacStar's
one Landlord encounter was in very late July).
The go/nogo decision is based on the Pt. Arena to Pigeon
Pt. out 20 nm forecast, with a minority opinion from the
out 60 nm forecast. Decision to meet based on the 3 p.m.
forecast the day before. We don't meet or go unless all of
the following are true: Winds 15 knots max, wind waves 3' max,
swell 5' max (MAYBE 6' if it's long), no rain, no fog.
Two boats are required for back up purposes.
Two divers per boat. Launch in Sausalito early
(meet at 6:45 a.m.) at Clipper Yacht Harbor. Exit 101 at
the main Sausalito exit and head south on the main drag
(Bridgeway). Turn left at Harbor (about the fourth light),
and go straight down Harbor into Clipper Yacht Harbor.
http://www.clipperyacht.com/
Anchor one boat, the second boat
plays chase boat and maintains contact with the divers'
bubbles. Two divers dive, then switch. Two dives each.
Obviously there must be at least one qualified captain in
each dive team. One member of each dive team should be on
each boat to allow space to get both divers geared up
and then enter the water simultaneously.
Plenty of O2 (three hours) on at least one of the boats is
required.
Extra fuel on both boats in case a long search for a missing
diver is required.
Each boat will have a 30' drop line so the divers can
maintain a position under the boat without continually
looking up.
All divers must carry a substantial sausage, whistle,
pyrotechnic flares, and a light.
A planned run time and a "call the Coasties" time will be
set for each dive, and written down on the chase boat.
Strict buddy teams. Buddy teams should hit the water at
the same time and descend promptly. Generally, the two
buddy team members will be on different boats so as to
avoid tripping over each other while gearing up.
Descend and ascend in the shadow of the boat, modulo
keeping track of the anchor line. Stay off the surface.
Adhere to recreational limits, 130' max, no deco.
Boat to diver signals are done by reving the engine in
neutral:
- Single engine revs (VROOOM, pause, VROOOM pause, repeat) mean
make a safe ascent on the anchor line.
- Double engine revs (VROOOM VROOOM, pause, VROOOM VROOOM
pause, repeat) mean make a safe ascent where you are.
- Triple engine revs (VROOOM VROOOM VROOOM, pause, VROOOM
VROOOM VROOOM pause, repeat) mean "Landlord Alert!, Use your
judgment.". This may be followed by single or double
engine revs if Whitey seems to have disappeared.
Procedures will be reviewed at the launch ramp, and a paper
copy on each boat.
No hunting.
When in doubt, don't dive.
