Wreck diving and the USS Oriskany

[amaze]

It all depends on goals and personal air consumption.

First, there's nothing really to see below 110. You can easily see the flight deck from there. Even if you do a touch and go, you're only there for two or three seconds. When I lead a dive, we see most everything there is and have a bottom time of 30 minutes. It all depends on how you do it.

I must beg to differ, there is a lot to see below 110...i did a complete scooter (ss uv26) ride arround the oriskany at 140-160 fsw below the flight deck and there are entry points, ladders, catwalks, and hatches everywhere (including the hangar bay which is simply an enormous, stadium sized room). The fantail at 140 is beautiful with a lot of swim through rooms with ambient light, of course this area is a tech dive. Yes the island is a great dive and there's a lot to see above the flight deck but it is just the tip of the iceberg... Bill

 

[Oriskany Divemaster]

I must beg to differ, there is a lot to see below 110...i did a complete scooter (ss uv26) ride arround the oriskany at 140-160 fsw below the flight deck and there are entry points, ladders, catwalks, and hatches everywhere (including the hangar bay which is simply an enormous, stadium sized room). The fantail at 140 is beautiful with a lot of swim through rooms with ambient light, of course this area is a tech dive. Yes the island is a great dive and there's a lot to see above the flight deck but it is just the tip of the iceberg... Bill

You answered your own objection when you pointed out you're a tech diver. I am like all my clients, a recreational diver. And therefore have their best interests in mind....Eric

 

[amaze]

You answered your own objection when you pointed out you're a tech diver. I am like all my clients, a recreational diver. And therefore have their best interests in mind....Eric

Hey Eric i understand that you were just trying to let people know that the Oriskany is not just a tech dive and that there's plenty to see staying within the rec limits and that is so true. But isn't this the technical diving specialties section? I was just pointing out that there is a lot of wreck below the flight deck...it might well encourage recreational divers to seek further training in the tech areas. Do you also tell your recreational clients that there is nothing worth seeing past the cavern zone in a cave (actually there isn't ? I think a better strategy for a recreational diver would be to emphasize that there is much to see and then stress the need for training and skill development to get to see it. Even if the diver stays within the "recreational" limits after training they will be better divers. I must come clean and admit that I was once a recreational diver as well and still make recreational dives every now and then. The oriskany is a great dive and i could dive the island a 100 times above 110 and still look forward to dive number 101. Bill

 

[audission]

I'd love to dive the Oriskany. Think I'd need to know first though:

a) if BSAC certification is recognised in the US
b) where.. uhm.. Pensacola is (think it's in Florida? Excuse my ignorance)



[edit: was being lazy, did a Wiki, now geographically educated]

 

[PerroneFord]

yes BSAC is recognized here. We don't hate the Brits that much!

 

[chickdiver]

Hey Eric i understand that you were just trying to let people know that the Oriskany is not just a tech dive and that there's plenty to see staying within the rec limits and that is so true. But isn't this the technical diving specialties section? I was just pointing out that there is a lot of wreck below the flight deck...it might well encourage recreational divers to seek further training in the tech areas. Do you also tell your recreational clients that there is nothing worth seeing past the cavern zone in a cave (actually there isn't ? I think a better strategy for a recreational diver would be to emphasize that there is much to see and then stress the need for training and skill development to get to see it. Even if the diver stays within the "recreational" limits after training they will be better divers. I must come clean and admit that I was once a recreational diver as well and still make recreational dives every now and then. The oriskany is a great dive and i could dive the island a 100 times above 110 and still look forward to dive number 101. Bill

Bill-

I have to weigh in in favor of Eric's comments. Eric clearly states that he is a recreational diver, as are his clients (as well as the gentleman whose question he is answering). Why should we encourage all divers to seek technical training? There are lots and lots of divers out there who are perfectly happy doing recreational dives- and there is certainly plenty of room on the O for rec and tech folks. If recreational divers are interested in going farther/ deeper, then certainly they should seek out that training- it's been my experience that those who are interested will do so.

Just another opinion...

 

[amaze]

Bill-

I have to weigh in in favor of Eric's comments. Eric clearly states that he is a recreational diver, as are his clients (as well as the gentleman whose question he is answering). Why should we encourage all divers to seek technical training? There are lots and lots of divers out there who are perfectly happy doing recreational dives- and there is certainly plenty of room on the O for rec and tech folks. If recreational divers are interested in going farther/ deeper, then certainly they should seek out that training- it's been my experience that those who are interested will do so.

Just another opinion...

Hi Heather, not a problem...my main thought was that there's a lot to see below 110 and that training in any form is a good thing. When i say technical training and i could certainly be wrong in my starting point, i think advanced nitrox and deco procedures or a course in wreck diving. You are most correct: there's room for everyone on the oriskany. Bill