Wreck Diver (Part 3) Basic Diving Techniques 2

In the last Blog on Wreck Diving (Part 1), I covered navigation and evaluation, deep wrecks, and mapping techniques. This blog will cover wreck penetration, and special situations.


WRECK PENETRATION

1. Have all necessary equipment
Have at least 2 dive lights per diver--to make sure no one will be without a light inside the wreck. Have a wreck reel and line to provide penetration line marking your way in and out. A slate comes in handy to make interior map as you navigate around. A pony is needed in case of an out of air situation.

2. Observe the limits established for diving in overhead environments
Stay within the natural light zone -- you always have a guide to the outside should the light fails. Limit your penetration to the linear distance of 100 feet. Follow the "Rule of Thirds". Use no more than 1/3 of your air entering. 1/3 for exiting, and 1/3 for reserve. (See www.diverjamesten.com for show on diving to you limits)

3. Before entering the wreck, attach the end of the line to a sturdy piece of the wreck
Put the line through a hole and tie using a secure knot. Consider creating a loop in the line and pass the entire reel through it.

4. After entering, secure the line to another point just inside the wreck
Check the entry for possible hazards. Look to the ceiling and see if your air bubbles are causing too much silt to rain down. If this happens, abort the penetration.

5. Move slowly through the wreck while maintaining neutral buoyancy
Keep light tension on the line as you move through the wreck. Wrap the line around non-sharp objects. Use gentle sculling kicks to avoid silting up the bottom. When pracical, pull yourself along the wreck - do not pull on the penetration line.

6. Use the penetration line as a guide
Swim along with the line just below your chest level, and to one side. Stay close to line to reach out and grasp if at any time. Gently make and "O" around the line with your thumb and fingers.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS

1. Stress
If problem occurs - Stop, Breathe, Think, and Act (see Stress Underwater at www.diverjamesten.com)

2. Silt Out
Stop all activity, and wait a few minutes to see if it calms some. If continues, immediately make loose contact with penetration line. If it does not settle, signal "up" and abort the dive and turn to exit. DO NOT LET GO if the penetration line. Leave the reel in place as you exit- you can retrieve it later, unless you know all divers have exited the wreck.

3. Lost or cut penetration line
If you can not find the line, or cut, stop and look for the natural light from the exit. If necessary, cover your light to help you see (DO NOT TURN IT OFF), and let your eyes adjust. Follow natural light to exit, using the map as a guide.

4. Light failure
Go to your backup light. If this is your only back up, you should abort the dive and exit the wreck. Do not dive with only one working light.

5. Air supply loss
If air is low, switch to your pony bottle, and exit the wreck immediately. If you have no pony, secure your buddy's alternate air source and exit the wreck with the donor leading.

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Wreck Diver (Part 2) Basic Diving Techniques I

As a wreck diver there are many different techniques that you must consider. An attempt will be made here to bring out what would be consider basic techniques. They could be divided in the following sections. Keep in mind that what is written here is just the basics and a highlight of these techniques.

NAVIGATION AND EVALUATION

1. Follow the wreck's layout
Use natural lines to navigate, ie swim along the hull or along one side. Go up one side and back the other. If the wreck is fragmented, pick some prominent points and swim in a relative track. On occasion, look back to see what the return trip will look like.

A FANTASTIC underwater
photo of the
HILMA HOOKER.
A must see.


2. Establish a baseline for widely scattered wrecks
Use a compass heading and swim in that direction, being carefull to note that some compasses may not work if close to the metal hull of the ship. In low visibily or current, use you wreck reel tied off to a point as a return line to your starting point.


3. Evaluate the wreck for possible hazzards and stability
How is the wreck sitting ? Does it look stabile ? Look for sharp objects and entaglements. Check to see if walls and structure appear stong and intact. If considering to penetrate this wreck, check for possible entry ways that are free from hazards.

Click on the photos for more pictures about the Hilma Hooker.

DEEP WRECKS

1. Be a trained PADI Deep Diver.

2. Have proper deep diving equipment available
Hang a tank at 15 feet to assure ample air for a saftey stop. Set a reference line for orientation for descents and ascents. Have a first aid kit available.

3. Take the effect of nitrogen narcosis into account
Plan the dive to keep objectives at or below 100 feet. Avoid changing your dive plan on deep wreck dives. Stay close to your ascent point so if you need to come up you know where it is.

MAPPING

1. Use a large slate to draw more accurate details.
Note distances, angle, directions, depths, points fo interest. Try to make true to scale. The more accurate the better.

The Emerald

This is a sample of a wreck map. This is The Emerald wreck. See article here by the New Jersey Scuba Diver for more maps and history of this wreck.

2. Compass use
Use compass and navigational aids to determine angles between prominent points of the wreck.

3. Distance determination
Use kick cycles and arm spans to estimate size and distance. For more accurate measuraments, use a marked rope or measuring tape. (See the above link for a map grid of this wreck...this is a good site to study wrecks, esp on the east coast.)