What to do in this case (read on...)

[Phanault]

Hi,

Yesterday, my wife and I went diving in a Quarry. We're both OW certified and wnt to 60 feet to take pictures near a small submarine. While taking pictures, we both didn't notice we were going up and when we realized that, we were at 25 feet.

The question is, in this situation, should we :

a) Go down to the same depth we were (about 55 feet) then ascent slowly and do a safety stop at about 20 feet for 2-3 minutes;

b) Stay at 25 feet and do a safe stop for 2-3 minutes;

c) None of the above

Thanks

 

[The Kraken]

Some more information needs to be supplied.

How long were you at 60'?

the K

 

[johnny_bravo]

Well like the Kraken said time spent at 60' is an important factor...if you were close to your NDL already just do a nice safety stop. If you were only a few minutes at 60' I would go back down, finish the dive normally, then safety stop.

In general you want to avoid zig-zag profiles were you go up and down more than 20-30 feet.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[TheRedHead]

I think it would depend on how much NDL time you had left and if you wanted to ascend and end the dive.

 

[Phanault]

You're right, some info are missing :

We started our dive at about 25 feet for 10 minutes, then went down at 35 feet for about 8 minutes. We went at 60 feet for about 3 minutes, just to take a few pictures and then the thing happened. We completed our dive at 25 feet for about 12 minutes, made a safety stop at 20 for 3 minutes and went up.

I hope I didn't foget any details this time.

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[johnny_bravo]

You did well...and now you know:

1) How easy it is to lose track of important details like your current depth.

2) Why buoyancy control is important at all times...you need to be constantly adjusting during a dive.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[TheRedHead]

Going up to 20 feet for 3 minutes really didn't do much of anything. If it were me, I would have finished my dive.

You're right, some info are missing :

We started our dive at about 25 feet for 10 minutes, then went down at 35 feet for about 8 minutes. We went at 60 feet for about 3 minutes, just to take a few pictures and then the thing happened. We completed our dive at 25 feet for about 12 minutes, made a safety stop at 20 for 3 minutes and went up.

I hope I didn't foget any details this time.

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[Phanault]

Thanks for all your advices. The next time we go diving, we'll try to control our buoyancy. With only 16 dives in my log, I know I still have a lot to learn.

Kindest regards.

 

[CUunderH2O]

You did fine, just be more aware next time. Perhaps you could try leaving the camera at home until your buoyancy control improves. It's very easy for new divers to get absorbed in photography and lose track of where they are in the water column. The sub will still be there for another dive. Was this at Morrison's Quarry? There is a noticeable change in water temperature as you ascend from the sub, that should help you figure out that you have ascended.

 

[Phanault]

Yep, you're right... we probably should have concentrate on our dive instead of trying to take the best picture possible :no

Right on target ! We were at Morrison's Quarry. We did notice the temperature change, that's why we stopped and decided to go back at 55 feet.

The next time we go diving, we'll leave the camera at home and practice our buoyancy control... it's more important than a few underwater pictures... and yes, the sub will still be there the next time !