45,000+ new COVID cases just today (in L.A.). When will this end . . . ???
LIVEABOARD COVID OUTBREAK UPDATE - The good news is that it seemed to resolve without any overly serious sickness. But in the end, it seems that 33 of the 35 people onboard (passengers + crew) were infected. Our diver who was onboard has made it home after finally testing negative. But he described the overall experience as some of the scariest days in his life because he didn't know if it was going to take a turn for the worse. It also serves as a good reminder to us all that in the context of a liveaboard and even a day boat, that we are dealing in close quarters and it's hard to do social distancing. So wearing a mask when you can - a good one like a KN95, not just a piece of cloth - and making sure that you've been vaxxed and tested beforehand, all can go a long way towards prevention. And if you do get infected, the vax will hopefully keep your symptoms mild and also keep you out of the hospital. Here's hoping the latest surge is peaking.
ZOOM SEEKERS THIS TUESDAY - We'll be starting the year off with the guy who had the biggest attendance last year when he spoke (also in January) so we'll see if he can top those numbers. Our guest speaker this Tuesday will be Dan Orr, former president of the Divers Alert Network and a member of a number of diving industry halls of fame. His topic this time is "Safety Issues for Divers as We Grow Older." (And whether or not we like to admit it, no one's getting any younger.) As usual, we'll open the floodgates to the Zoom room at 7:30PM and there will be a Q&A following Dan's words of wisdom. Hope to see you Tuesday evening at 7:30PM for Zoom Seekers. Here's the link:
USCG ISSUES UPDATED RULES IN THE WAKE OF THE CONCEPTION FIRE - The Coast Guard has finally - two and a third years later - issued a series of new regulations for any passenger commercial vessel with sleeping quarters for the passengers. (It's not well-stated as written but commercial fishing boats like squid or shrimp boat that don't carry passengers are exempt, as are ferries.) But these regs will apply to both commercial recreational diving and fishing vessels. Among the requirements:
• Two exits to different parts of the vessel
• Exits can't be over passengers berths/bunks
• Additional crew training
• Passenger escape drills
• Install interconnected fire detection systems
• Install a monitoring system to insure night watch person stays awake
You can read more about this is this article from NPR:
NEW BOAT SAFETY REGS.
WHAT BIG TEETH YOU HAVE - This IS a shark bite story but it's about a shark getting bitten by another shark. Basically, some guys were diving off of Mexico - I assume Guadalupe but they're not specific - when they came across a large shark with a huuuuge bite mark on him. When you see it, I guarantee you your jaw will drop. You can see the pix and read the story here:
ENORMOUS SHARK BITE-RADIUS.
SEARCHING FOR SQUID - We've got a squid dive on the books for Thursday evening at Vets Park. There have now been a few squid egg clusters spotted there - and even more over at Catalina - so we may have a shot. Conditions have been OK lately but it looks like we may pick up some swell and waves Wednesday and into Thursday. So we shall see. If you're interested, either e-mail us here or call 310/652-4990.
And that'll do it for now. Have a great week and let's go diving soon!!!
- Ken
