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Diving Bonaire: WindJammer?
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2002-11-26 to 2003-04-30: WindJammer?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 8:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi all! My buddy and I are heading to Bonaire feb 28th, and we are seasoned East coast (NJ) wreck divers. I'm interested in getting to the windjammer. Is it illegal to dive, or do you need a guide, and where is it? Any directions or GPS coords. would be great! Thanks!
Dave

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JeffW (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #16) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 1:59 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Search this site for 'windjammer' you'll get several useful hits. I think that the general location of the jammer dive site is contained in one of the old posts. The windjammer is not illegal to dive. It is an unmarked site and the depth is well beyond recreational limits. Walt at Captain Don's can guide you on a dive there I believe. Walt runs Rec Tek Scuba.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JeffW (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 2:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I did a bit of searching for you and didn't see a post that had directions to the site in it. You might also want to search for posts with 'deep dive'.

Here's one you might find useful...

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/30/12562.html

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #137) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 10:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

(-: Oh no Jeff!!! Not that thread again.

Serious now. David, I would advise to sign up for a guided shore dive to the Windjammer. Several dive ops offer them. The wreck is very easy to find, once you've been there. So one guided tour is probably enough.

We did it on our own with instructions only and missed it by a couple of degrees. At that depth you don't have time for an extended search (180 ft), so get a guide who's been there and you'll have an excellent and hopefully save dive. Typical guided tours are around 20$/30$.

Stick to a conservative profile (tables). Don't rely on your computers. Ours (Mares Guardian, Aladin pro) only showed a couple of minutes of deco, wich is very strange for a dive to 180 ft. We used a table instead, and off gassed for about 50 minutes swimming back along a very nice reef. Ask the dive op for a deco schedule. I assumed you will be using air/nitrox. If you want to use different mixtures you better talk to Walt III (see Jeff's post). He can provide equipment and training for technical diving.

Oh yeah, take spair tanks with you if you're diving air. One might not be enoug. And don't leave it at the mast like some people suggest. Take it with you. You never know when you'll need it. If you want to use twins, you're options are very limited in Bonaire. I believe besides Walt, only the Plaza has them.

Have a safe dive.








 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #138) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 10:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

David,

just ignore the "technical" part of my message. I checked your profile, and I guess that you probably know what you're doing.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 11:45 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks guys - I think I might see if I can get a guide, hopefully that will work, I also found an older post from 2001 about directions using the fence, etc. As far as the technical part, no problem Peter, I've been to bonaire before and 200' in that nice warm, clear water is about the equiv. of a 50 foot dive in Jersey (although we usually do dives in Jersey in the 100-180' range - with 10 foot vis and 40 degree F water.... So balmy! :-) But Thanks anyway - It's nice to see divers that are caring of other divers! Keep up the good work!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #139) on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 12:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

David,

there are two methods to go to the Windjammer. One is to go up to the fence and swim straight out. Getting to the fence is quite difficult, but it is the shortest way. The other (my preferred way) is to get in at the old jetty, then a surface swim untill you are lined up with the fence. Then swim until you find the dropoff. There you'll see one of the masts. Do not follow the direction of the mast, because that will take you in front of the Jammer. The mast is at an angle with the shore. If you do, you'll see some huge ankers at 210 ft. If you happen to see them, go to the right.

You cannot miss the Windjammer if you go straight out from the mast at the dropoff.

You can either descend at the dropoff and gradually increase your depth till you reach 120 feet. After maximum two minutes you should see the wreck. The other approach is to swim out at the surface away from the dropoff for another 200 a 250 ft and to go straight down. This will shorten the time to reach the Windjammer and increase your time on the wreck.

There are some other wrecks at the east side. If you're interested you could talk to Bas (Phototours ??) or to Bart or Roeland from Wannadive.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #712) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 2:29 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

ouch...this looks expensive :-(

what are exactly the minimum training requirements for a guided windjammer dive? i saw the "special" package on the habitat site - do you need some introductory course before taking that? ...guess you rent the equipment? doubles? stage tank? extra regulator? man...

can you do it in a week?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #140) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 5:34 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bob,

what exactly do you find expensive? If you go on a guided dive, the divemaster will probably take care of the extra bottle and you don't need to rent extra equipment.

Minimum training requirements if you want to follow the rules ... probably "extended range diver".

In most cases the divemaster will (and should) check your "deep dive" experience, but I guess there is no formal "minimum certification level".

Multiple dive ops offer the Windjammer, so you should check with them if they have special requirements.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #714) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 9:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

thanks peter,

an "extended range diver" course seems reasonable but i was afraid there might be a series of courses - nitrox, advanced nitrox, decompression, tri-mix, whatever...those courses would be over $1000 dollars...

really, i do just want to see the windjammer - not so much interested in being a tech diver - you suppose i can just get away with the one class?

i'll send out a couple emails - see if i can get some info and maybe get that dive scheduled - the world needs a few more pics :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Reilly (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 11:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

David S:
I am also an experienced N.J. wreck diver looking forward to locating and finding the Windjammer. It seems to me that if you drive a truck down the road that leads to the beach make sure the tailgate is secured in the locked position! It is a bumpy ride...you wouldn't want your gear to spill out of the truck! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #59) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 7:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The Windjammer at 180 ft should be done with trimix only. Extended range diving with air/nitrox deco is only good for 165ft. I doubt if you find any diveshop operator that would willingly take you down that deep on air. The risks are too great at that depth on air and who would want to dive that deep and be narced to see the Windjammer. Isn't diving the Windjammer the chance to search the wreck with a clear head. My guess is that WaltIII wouldn't refuse to take you down after becoming trimix certified. :>) I, myself, won't even think about diving that wreck on air...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #60) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 8:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

To become a Technical Extended Range Diver you need to be certified as:

Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver or equivalent
Deep Diver or equivalent
Medic First Aid Course
CPR Course
Enriched Air Diver or equivalent
Logged a min. of 100 dives; at least 20 dives on Nitrox; 25 dives deeper than 60ft; 15 dives deeper than 100ft.
Advanced Nitrox or equivalent
Trained in Techniques and Procedures
Trained in Emergency Procedures
Trained in Decompression Stops
Trained in Stage Cylinder Handling
Trained in the Basic Technical Diving Rigs
Trained in Gas Planning
Trained in Mission Planning
Trained in Gas Switching
Trained in Extended No Stop Diving
Trained in Logistics
Trained in Thermals
Trained in Inert Gas Narcosis
Trained in Pure Oxygen Uses

And mostly COMMON SENSE...

jimini

WaltIII did I miss any thing???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 8:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Missed a few of the pre- reqs there Jim. Check out the TDI page at http://www.tdisdi.com/tdi/sandp/doc/Diver%20Standards/DSExtended.pdf

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #61) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 10:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

David, can't get the web page to open, sure you have the correct address? No doubt I missed some items but then again I certified thru Padi and although the material is probably the same tech stuff it may be addressed differently. Anyway, wanted other divers to see what it takes to become technical certified. Alot of time and money goes into training even if its just for one dive to the Windjammer...

jimini

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 10:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Try http://www.tdisdi.com/tdi/tdihome.html

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #722) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 1:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

ouch...we are back to expensive :-)

for lack of a better term, is there a "resort course" for diving the windjammer? i guess that is what i am looking to do...if not, no big deal - we can always dive the 'hooker ;)





 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 1:30 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

This thread is like a bad deja-vue.

Bob, there are numerous dive ops that offer the Windjammer. Most of them will take you there on air. But it will be a "touch and go" dive. You get a maximum of 12 minutes from the reef to the windjammer and back. Just check the web or give them a call. Last them we went to the Windjammer there were 4 groups of divers. None of them where using Trimix.

Jim, David,

Trimix is the better and safer way. But a PPO of 1.6 doesn't kill you, especially not for very short intervals.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #142) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 4:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

correction. make that a PPO of 1.47.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #723) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 6:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

peter,

thanks again - not always safe to stick one's neck out around here :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #62) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 6:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Why don't you guys be honest with yourselves? You don't want to dive the Windjammer to explore the wreck with only eight minutes bottom time, you want the bragging rights to say you did a 180ft bounce dive in Bonaire to see a wreck...Isn't that what this is all about? Sounds like it to me...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 10:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

8 minutes??? Who said 8 Minutes??? I was planning on more of a 20-25 min. bottom time. For example...

_________________________________________________________________________________
Gap Report: Untitled 1 [Template = Default.tpl]
_________________________________________________________________________________
Dive information
Surface interval:None

Model: ZH-L16B Units: Feet, Ata, CuFt Apparatus: Scuba

Deco steps Conservatism Altitude
Stop steps: 10 ft -Depth Conservatism: Off Start:3 ft
Last stop: 10 ft -Gradient Conservatism: On 1.000 ata
Low Grad Factor: 0.20 End:3 ft
High Grad Factor: 0.70 1.000 ata
O2 narcotic: Yes


_________________________________________________________________________________
Profile Information
_________________________________________________________________________________
Depth Time Run time%O2 %He PPO2 CNS OTU END Volume M-Val% GF % Model
0.0 0.0 0.0 21 0 0.21 0.0 0.0 0 0.0
180.0 1.4 1.4 21 0 1.36 0.3 0.9 180 2.6 ZH-L16B
180.0 18.6 20.0 21 0 1.36 11.4 29.1 180 72.1 ZH-L16B
170.0 0.3 20.3 21 0 1.29 0.2 0.5 170 0.2 20.0 ZH-L16B
160.0 0.3 20.6 21 0 1.23 0.2 0.4 160 0.2 40.9 20.0 ZH-L16B
150.0 0.3 20.9 21 0 1.16 0.1 0.4 150 0.2 42.9 20.0 ZH-L16B
140.0 0.3 21.2 21 0 1.10 0.1 0.4 140 0.2 45.0 20.0 ZH-L16B
130.0 0.3 21.5 21 0 1.04 0.1 0.3 130 0.2 47.3 20.0 ZH-L16B
120.0 0.3 21.8 21 0 0.97 0.1 0.3 120 0.2 49.8 20.0 ZH-L16B
110.0 0.3 22.1 21 0 0.91 0.1 0.3 110 0.2 52.5 20.0 ZH-L16B
100.0 0.3 22.4 21 0 0.85 0.1 0.2 100 0.2 55.4 20.0 ZH-L16B
100.0 1.0 23.0 21 0 0.85 0.2 0.7 100 2.0 58.7 25.0 ZH-L16B
90.0 0.3 23.3 21 0 0.78 0.1 0.2 90 0.2 58.7 25.0 ZH-L16B
90.0 1.0 24.0 21 0 0.78 0.2 0.6 90 1.9 61.5 30.0 ZH-L16B
80.0 0.3 24.3 21 0 0.72 0.1 0.2 80 0.2 61.5 30.0 ZH-L16B
80.0 1.0 25.0 21 0 0.72 0.2 0.5 80 1.7 64.4 35.0 ZH-L16B
70.0 0.3 25.3 21 0 0.66 0.1 0.1 70 0.2 64.4 35.0 ZH-L16B
70.0 1.7 27.0 21 0 0.66 0.3 0.6 70 2.6 68.1 40.0 ZH-L16B
60.0 0.3 27.3 21 0 0.59 0.0 0.1 60 0.2 68.1 40.0 ZH-L16B
60.0 1.7 29.0 21 0 0.59 0.2 0.4 60 2.4 71.6 45.0 ZH-L16B
50.0 0.3 29.3 21 0 0.53 0.0 0.1 50 0.2 71.6 45.0 ZH-L16B
50.0 3.7 33.0 21 0 0.53 0.4 0.3 50 4.6 75.5 50.0 ZH-L16B
40.0 0.3 33.3 21 0 0.46 0.0 0.0 40 0.2 75.5 50.0 ZH-L16B
40.0 5.7 39.0 21 0 0.46 0.0 0.0 40 6.3 78.1 55.0 ZH-L16B
30.0 0.3 39.3 21 0 0.40 0.0 0.0 30 0.2 78.1 55.0 ZH-L16B
30.0 3.7 43.0 80 0 1.53 3.7 6.7 30 3.5 80.7 60.0 ZH-L16B
20.0 0.3 43.3 80 0 1.28 0.2 0.5 20 0.2 80.7 60.0 ZH-L16B
20.0 5.7 49.0 80 0 1.28 3.1 8.3 20 4.6 82.0 65.0 ZH-L16B
10.0 1.0 50.0 80 0 1.04 0.5 1.3 10 0.6 82.0 65.0 ZH-L16B
10.0 11.0 61.0 80 0 1.04 4.0 11.8 10 7.2 84.7 70.0 ZH-L16B
0.0 1.0 62.0 80 0 0.80 0.3 0.9 0 0.6 84.7 70.0 ZH-L16B
_________________________________________________________________________________
Deco stops: Untitled 1 [Template = Default.tpl]
_________________________________________________________________________________
Depth Time Run time%O2 %He
100.0 1.0 23 21 0
90.0 1.0 24 21 0
80.0 1.0 25 21 0
70.0 2.0 27 21 0
60.0 2.0 29 21 0
50.0 4.0 33 21 0
40.0 6.0 39 21 0
30.0 4.0 43 80 0
20.0 6.0 49 80 0
10.0 11.0 61 80 0
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Gas consumption: Untitled 1 [Template = Default.tpl]
_________________________________________________________________________________
Mix Name Volume
Air 99.2
EAN80 16.6
________________________________________________________________________________

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 6:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, to me it sounds like you assume a bit too much. You don't know anything about me, but you use words like "bragging".

David and Bob, enjoy your dives.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #731) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 6:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

i can get 20 pictures in 8 minutes...

i did read up on diving on air - short dive, long decos but it is apparently safe enough...obviously - they do it all the time...

and i'll probably will "mention" the fact that i was to 180' at cocktail parties :-)

again, thanks peter - i did just need a little no nonsense guidance to get started on this project;)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #144) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 7:32 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bob,

(-: I can get 12.000 pictures in 8 minutes. I'm using a video camera (PAL: 25 fps).

Check out V-planner (http://www.v-planner.com). It will give you an idea about what is possible.

Here are some examples:

*** 15 minutes at 60m - air only

Decompression model: VPM-B

DIVE PLAN
Surface interval = 1 day 0 hr 0 min.
Altitude = 0m
Conservatism = + 1

Dec to 60m (4) on Air, 15m/min descent.
Level 60m 11:00 (15) on Air, 1,46 ppO2, 60m END
Asc to 30m (18) on Air, -9m/min ascent.
Stop at 30m 0:40 (19) on Air, 0,84 ppO2, 30m END
Stop at 27m 1:00 (20) on Air, 0,77 ppO2, 27m END
Stop at 24m 2:00 (22) on Air, 0,71 ppO2, 24m END
Stop at 21m 1:00 (23) on Air, 0,65 ppO2, 21m END
Stop at 18m 3:00 (26) on Air, 0,59 ppO2, 18m END
Stop at 15m 3:00 (29) on Air, 0,52 ppO2, 15m END
Stop at 12m 4:00 (33) on Air, 0,46 ppO2, 12m END
Stop at 9m 6:00 (39) on Air, 0,40 ppO2, 9m END
Stop at 6m 10:00 (49) on Air, 0,34 ppO2, 6m END
Stop at 3m 15:00 (64) on Air, 0,27 ppO2, 3m END
Asc to sfc. (64) on Air, -9m/min ascent.

Off gassing starts at 38 m

OTU's this dive: 30
CNS Total: 12,8%

3699,9 ltr Air
3699,9 ltr TOTAL

*** 15 minutes at 60m - air/ean32
V-Planner by R. Hemingway, VPM code by Erik C. Baker.

Decompression model: VPM-B

DIVE PLAN
Surface interval = 1 day 0 hr 0 min.
Altitude = 0m
Conservatism = + 1

Dec to 60m (4) on Air, 15m/min descent.
Level 60m 11:00 (15) on Air, 1,46 ppO2, 60m END
Asc to 57m (15) on Air, -9m/min ascent.
Asc to 36m (17) on Air, -9m/min ascent.
Asc to 27m (18) on Nitrox 32,0, -9m/min ascent.
Stop at 24m 1:20 (20) on Nitrox 32,0, 1,08 ppO2, 19m END
Stop at 21m 2:00 (22) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,99 ppO2, 17m END
Stop at 18m 1:00 (23) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,89 ppO2, 14m END
Stop at 15m 3:00 (26) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,80 ppO2, 12m END
Stop at 12m 3:00 (29) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,70 ppO2, 9m END
Stop at 9m 4:00 (33) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,61 ppO2, 6m END
Stop at 6m 7:00 (40) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,51 ppO2, 4m END
Stop at 3m 11:00 (51) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,42 ppO2, 1m END
Asc to sfc. (51) on Nitrox 32,0, -9m/min ascent.

Off gassing starts at 38 m

OTU's this dive: 37
CNS Total: 15,6%

1829,4 ltr Air
1123,7 ltr Nitrox 32,0
2953,1 ltr TOTAL

*** 25 minutes at 60m - air/ean32
DIVE PLAN
Surface interval = 1 day 0 hr 0 min.
Altitude = 0m
Conservatism = + 1

Dec to 60m (4) on Air, 15m/min descent.
Level 60m 21:00 (25) on Air, 1,46 ppO2, 60m END
Asc to 57m (25) on Air, -9m/min ascent.
Asc to 36m (27) on Air, -9m/min ascent.
Asc to 33m (27) on Nitrox 32,0, -9m/min ascent.
Stop at 33m 1:00 (29) on Nitrox 32,0, 1,37 ppO2, 27m END
Stop at 30m 1:00 (30) on Nitrox 32,0, 1,27 ppO2, 24m END
Stop at 27m 1:00 (31) on Nitrox 32,0, 1,18 ppO2, 22m END
Stop at 24m 3:00 (34) on Nitrox 32,0, 1,08 ppO2, 19m END
Stop at 21m 2:00 (36) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,99 ppO2, 17m END
Stop at 18m 3:00 (39) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,89 ppO2, 14m END
Stop at 15m 5:00 (44) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,80 ppO2, 12m END
Stop at 12m 6:00 (50) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,70 ppO2, 9m END
Stop at 9m 8:00 (58) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,61 ppO2, 6m END
Stop at 6m 12:00 (70) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,51 ppO2, 4m END
Stop at 3m 21:00 (91) on Nitrox 32,0, 0,42 ppO2, 1m END
Asc to sfc. (91) on Nitrox 32,0, -9m/min ascent.

Off gassing starts at 43,1 m

OTU's this dive: 65
CNS Total: 27,6%

3206,3 ltr Air
2159,5 ltr Nitrox 32,0
5365,7 ltr TOTAL

********* WARNING & DISCLAIMER *********
This V-Planner generated dive schedule could indirectly kill you.
The author does not warrant that it accurately reflects the Varying
Permeability Model algorithms, that it won't get you bent or dead, or that it
will produce safe, reliable results. This dive schedule is experimental
and you use it at your own risk. Diving in general is fraught with
risk, and decompression diving adds significantly more risk.
Deep diving utilizing multiple gasses, including Helium, is about
as risky as it gets.

This schedule is not intended for uneducated users. V-Planner and the
decompression schedules it produces are tools for experienced mixed-gas
decompression divers ONLY. If you have not been properly trained in
mixed-gas decompression diving by an internationally recognized
technical certification agency and/or don't have a firm handle on decompression
planning and mixed-gas diving, then DO NOT USE THIS DIVE SCHEDULE.


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 2:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Seriously Bob, I would definatley get the training and practice before attempting a 180'+ dive - It is inherently dangerous, and you need to have the right equipment to do it safely. I would definatley take classes in deco and ext range and attain a comfort level by gradually increasing depths before this dive.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #145) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 3:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bob,

none of my posts in this thread should be seen as an encouragement to dive beyond your skills. If you are not experienced in deco diving or if you have any trouble with bouyancy, do not attempt this dive. In doubt, ask the dive operation for their opinion.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #734) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 3:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

:-(

well, the thing that bothers me most about the profile is the length of the dive...i don't get the necessary bottom time off a tank even at much shallower depths...doubles seem a little problematic on bonaire so that could be a problem for sure...

intermediate dives sound like a good idea as well - i am not sure that i want to commit my whole diving trip to getting those in however...

i'll still check with the dive shop...

thanks again,




 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 3:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I know doubles are available at capt. don's, and I wouldn't even think of doing the dive without redundancy. Doubles, as far as I'm concerned, along with a high % deco gas, an upline, are just some of the basics that you really must dive with for dives at that depth.... A good gas switching deco computer that you're comfortable with is also a must, due to the nitrogen and O2 loading throughout a week trip in bonaire. Just a few things to think about - which you will learn more about in an ext. range and deco procedures course.

As far as gas consumption, I could almost always dive with a single 80, I have a pretty good SAC, but the redundancy is key. My typical config. for diving here in Jersey are double HP 100's (air or nitrox, depending on depth), and a 40 cu. ft. stage with 90-100% 02 for my 30, 20 and 10 ft deco stops, 1 or 2 lift bags, 3 reels, couple of knives, slate with backup tables on it, 1 HID cannister light and 1 or 2 backup lights, dry suit, 7 mil gloves and hood.... the list goes on and on....For the windjammer, I will dive doubles with a high O2 stage, lift bag and a reel w/ 300' line on it, and my cannister light and a back up light and two gas switiching computers. Just to give you an idea of what I believe is needed for a safe dive, but most important is knowledge - you can have and use all the equipment in the world, but it won't make you a good or safe diver if you don't have the experience. btw: when are you going to be there?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #736) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 4:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

hi dave,

i've been on a dive trip with "techies" before - quite impressive the set of hardware those guys jump in with ;)...i'd go down with them, swim around about 15 minutes, get escourted back to the descent line and let them dive another half hour or so...but this was only 90-110' depths...

anyway, i'll be down mar27th thru apr 3rd...just happens that peter above will be around but it's more likely we will share a beer than share a dive ;)

good luck on your trip - post some windjammer pics!











 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #146) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 5:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Dave,

from March 29 till May 12 (extended video shoot).

Bob,

I'm certainly up for a couple of beers. Bongo's, Karel's, you name the place. And most of our dives are withing recreational limits, so we could go for a dive as well.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #63) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 6:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Peter in Post #141 said 12 minutes from reef to Windjammer and back with a dive operator that would put you about 8 minutes bottom time.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #147) on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 7:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

If I tell somebody that dive operators tend to follow a certain plan while diving the Windjammer, then that doesn't necessarily mean that I follow the same plan.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob neer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #753) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 4:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

ok...so i'm gonna take the nitrox class...they'd like to see me complete the rescue course as well but can waive that if i checkout ok...

if i don't actually make it to the windjammer...oh well...but i will be able to safely double dive the hooker ;) (or the back reef more likely;))




 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schott (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 5:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

That's great Bob....Talking about Hookers...ahhh...forget it! lol

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 6:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I used to do deep air dives @ 210+ too until my last dive that went bad...My vision narrowed to tunnel vision and the deep blue ocean turned bright reddish orange with a pinpoint of blue in the center. And while returning to deco my ears started to WAH -WAH - WAH really loud... That my friends is a major warning not to dive deep on air. The whole dive was a bounce dive which took about 55 minutes to complete with about 5 minutes bottom time. No software was involved and the middle aged boat captain didn't even have a watch let alone a dive computer. He was a native to the island and had done this type of dive a number of times before. The third person was a female dive instructor who just wanted to dive deep again. I was the only one wearing a computer... Scared the hell out of me but at the time of the dive, even with this all going on and I realized that this was going on, I had the strongest urge to venture deeper than 210'... Thought if I wanted to continue to dive deep to get certified through some credible agency or the next time I could finish the dive floating belly up. Addicted to depths, YES I am, but not crazy enough to dive without the proper equipment and training anymore. All my dives over 165' will be trimix only. I go by the book now. No fudging. Just my thoughts, to each their own... Trimix will give more bottom time with less deco time within safer PO2 limits. At my age, which is 54, it is a big factor in safe diving and for me there is no question as to what is safe and what is safer...But I will also say at this time I am not Trimix certified but will be in 2003.

Safe Diving, jimini

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By stephen porter (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 3:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We were at Capt. Don's in Jan. they were offering guided dives to the Windjammer for US$207 but you had to be trimix certified.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Benji Schaub (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 9:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, you sound DIR to me, you sure you are PADI/TDI certified... :-)? Nice job!!

You guys might wanna check out this link, just to see if it is worth going there.

http://www.geocities.com/pipeline/shore/4331/trimix.htm

Cheers,

Benji
GUE Tech Level 2

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Cabus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #168) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 10:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Benji,

Yesterday we were diving with an old dive buddy of yours, Dominique Serafini. We did the wrecks at Spelonk. Certainly an experience. Your name was mentioned when we were talking about "cliff jumping".

Peter

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #78) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Benji~

No I'm totally PADI TecRec certified in Utila, Honduras. Trainned by Utila Dive Centre with Andy as the instructor. Looking to be trimix certified this July by Forest City Scuba out of Rockford Illinios [at least the basic course]. Looking forward to updating my trainning again after a year and half between courses. There are excellent shipwrecks in the Great Lakes that are only a two to three hour drive get to with more deeper wrecks towards the Northern half of Lake Michigan from my home. From what I heard, Lake Superior has the "cream of the crop" as far as shipwrecks in terrific condition but they are deep 200ft+ and will take me seven hours just to drive there. I can't wait to get trimix certified to dive those deeper wrecks!

Safe Diving, jimini

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1398) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 5:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

When will you do the Edmund F.?? ;–)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY (BonaireTalker - Post #80) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 11:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glen~

Planning a technical dive on the Edmund Fitzgerald would be a great undertaking. I have heard that two divers did dive her back in the 90's without any fanfare. Depth of 529ft. They had warm water suits.

I would rate the Edmund Fitzgerald as second on my list to do dives with the Andrea Doria being number #1. Only because of the ease of booking a technical diveboat to the Andrea. There aren't many technical diveboats in the Great Lakes and very few that would be capable of handling a 500+ safely. I would LOVE to dive the Edmund Fitz but first I need many more hours of technical diving and trainning before thinking of doing such a feat. Maybe I could get WaltIII to join me up here in Illinois for that dive someday...

Safe Diving,
jimini

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Walt III (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #179) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 7:36 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Surface Supplied Gas and Warm Water Suits would be the only way to have any time at 500+.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1406) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 8:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

Try http://www.cambrianfoundation.org/set_core.html for one venture to EF. Path is 'Projects', 'Archive', EF. They have done some other interesting tech things as chronicled on their pages. Did a lot on Monitor for John Broadwater. Rather capable people.

 


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