Should I go below 60'

[92630Diver]

Having just recently obtained my PADI OW certification I am aware that 60 feet is the established depth limit. I have just logged my 8th dive and am looking forward to the next. In the near future I have an opportunity to join a dive charter destined for some offshore wrecks (Wreck Alley off of San Diego... diving the Yukon and Ruby E).

My question is, with my limited experience should I pass on the dive since I know that the first wreck is at a depth of 102 feet and the second is at 90 feet? If I'm with an experienced diver will going to this depth under guidance and supervision be acceptable?

I have been beyond 110 feet, prior to becoming certified (it was during a boat dive in Cabo San Lucas), so I'm not concerned about my ability to do so again. I merely wondered what the opinion of other, experienced, divers would be. I now know the risks that were involved for a dive to that depth, but at the time I was unaware - I merely followed the lead of the resort's dive instructor.

If the consensus is that I should get more experience before venturing below 60', I'm prefectly content to stick to beach dives and the occasional boat dive.

 

[TexasMike]

If this was for today, I would say it would be a tough call.

But since you indicated that the chance to dive "Wreck Alley" was off in the future, why not sign up and take Advanced Open Water (AOW) class. This class usually includes information on diving to the 130 foot level as well as other "advanced" topics. And if it were me doing AOW all over again (here's some of that 20-20 hindsight kicking in), I would persue getting carded in the different "specialties" that were covered instead of just taking the one dive that we did to meet the training standard. PADI AOW does not require you to be carded in the specialties. I just think I would have gotten more out of it if I had persued the cards.

We have had some good discussions on AOW certification so I encourage you to search back for them.

And remember, on going training in SCUBA is a good thing!

 

[Stone]

92630Diver,

The Yukon is on her starboard side in 100 fsw. The ship is about 40 ft wide. You can do your whole dive between 60 and 80 fsw (if you want to) and see basically the same stuff that is between 80 and 100 fsw (and you'll get a longer bottom time as well).

(Can we say bilaterally symetrical?)

 

[Lost Yooper]

How you choose to progress has more to do with you comfort level underwater. I was at home underwater since I first submerged my head with a reg and was in and out of wrecks from the get go. The biggest problem with the 100' mark is air consumption, and new divers run into real problems on single 80's at 100'+. You have to be anal about reading your guage and don't run it down to 700psi then decide to come up -- that's not enough air for a new diver, IMO. Have a strict plan and stick to it.

If you're going to go that deep, maintain close buddy contact and watch your guages continuously. If you have an ascent line, be at the ascent line with 1000psi left and just dink around the ascent line for a little bit. This will ensure you'll be there with plenty of air and not have to make a free ascent.

Just some tips.

Mike

 

[trymixdiver]

I agree, its really dependant on how comfortable you are under water. Dont feel pressured by a buddy to do it if your concerned about it. Those wrecks will still be there this summer, whats the hurry. You could log a fair amount of dives by the summer which will increase your confidence and improve your air consumption. you could even put AOW under your belt too. I have dove the ruby and also plan on doing the Yukon this summer. In fact my buddy and i were talking about it over dinner tonight. I didnt know its depth til i read this post.


Andy

 

[Ontario Diver]

Man o man - I want to dive the Yukon. One of my best friends served on her, when I showed him the magazine that had an article on her (and the scuttling), he started to cry.

The gentlefolk above are correct - you have to be comfortable and don't rush into it.

Anyhow, IF we follow the PADI standards.... OW gets you to 60', AOW gets you to 100', Deep spec gets you to 130 (140 in an emergency). If you have the time/money, the deep spec was one of the better courses that I have taken and it made life more comfortable.

The major issues with deep diving is the higher air consumption (4X's that on the surface, but it usually is a little more due to the cold and more effort to move through the denser water) and you have to be very aware of your BT. On air, DSAT tables give you 19 min with a required 3min saftey stop. Oh and lets not forget Nitrogen Narcosis.

I'd suggest taking the deep course and getting deeper than 100, before you hit the Yukon. That way, the depth is no problem and you can concentrate on enjoying the wreck and not worying about the depth.

BTW, I find diving at 90 & 100 more comfortable that diving at 30 - maybe that is weird

Let me know how you enjoy the dive.

 

[Blargh]

Originally posted by Ontario Diver
BTW, I find diving at 90 & 100 more comfortable that diving at 30 - maybe that is weird

Nah, just narked.

:hiding:

 

[Ontario Diver]

Originally posted by Blargh


Nah, just narked.

:hiding:

Nah, the mermaid told me I wasn't and the fish agreed (they argued abit but decided I wasn't) ....

 

[daylight]

92360diver,

Your question is interesting. Since you didn't give much info such as: Number of boat dives, equipment configuration, skills profiency, etc. Any advice is going to assume the worst case until told differently.

In other words, my $.02 is Nope. Wait a while. There are issues in play other than just depth. Likely current, chop, visibility to name a few. It could be a very easy dive or it could be a challenge beyond your capabilities. It's impossible to predict until you're there. I know its a temptation and very difficult to turn down such an opportunity, but there are probably some experience and development you should do before doing the Yukon.

I always ask myself if I would want me as a buddy. How reliant would I be on others to complete this dive?

Long winded answer to a simple question.

DSDO,

Larry

 

[DivingGal]

TexasMike said earlier

...the chance to dive "Wreck Alley" was off in the future, why not sign up and take Advanced Open Water (AOW) class. This class usually includes information on diving to the 130 foot level as well as other "advanced" topics. ... And remember, on going training in SCUBA is a good thing!

Sure as some of the others have said... with due caution, care and planning you and your buddy should be ok. But why not take the AOW (and deep if you can) before you go to Wreck Alley? Training is a good thing.

TM - I did persue the extra certs, and don't regret it for a moment. I believe the extra training and knowledge has helped me (besides I got to go diving more)