alexmaclennan
02-12-06, 01:19
Two dives with Charlie McGurk.
5 Wrecks. Undid security fence and over tipped rubble onto shore. Tide almost to access track (2 hours to HW). I lead the dive. Finned straight out (aiming for two green lights mounted above each other to the left of Faslane base) in diabolical viz and found first wreck straight off in 10 to 12m. Bumped my head on hull before seeing it. Swam round it twice. I couldn't find block or rope leading to second wreck. Aimlessly swam round and bumped into first wreck again. Did a buoyant feet ascent and had to spin out - and lost the wreck. Swam aimlessly about again finding an upturned rowing boat. Fortunately, then found first wreck again. Swam round twice again then headed for shore. Exiting on the shore was with a searchlight from a MOD RIB. Then the Coulport Police turn up and take our details - cops were OK, one a spearfishing freediver from the east and the other an ex Northern Diving Group navy diver who reckoned that Oman was the best diving he had seen. Max 13m for 46 mins. Viz 1m. Temp 11 degrees tho' colder on surface.
A Frames. Again tide was up to the stone ramp (at HW). Charlie lead the dive. Lots of looking at his compass but brought us straight to the concrete blocks at 20m and then back to the A Frame at 18m which we spend 10 mins on. Usual Finnart sea life and sights throughout. Viz marginally better. My faith in compass navigation was restored by his bringing us back close to the Finnart pier (OK 20m from the exit under the phone box!). Max 20m for 45 mins. Viz 2m. Temp 11 degrees tho' much colder in surface 10m.
Anchor Inn, Garelochead for a pint.
alex
5 Wrecks. Undid security fence and over tipped rubble onto shore. Tide almost to access track (2 hours to HW). I lead the dive. Finned straight out (aiming for two green lights mounted above each other to the left of Faslane base) in diabolical viz and found first wreck straight off in 10 to 12m. Bumped my head on hull before seeing it. Swam round it twice. I couldn't find block or rope leading to second wreck. Aimlessly swam round and bumped into first wreck again. Did a buoyant feet ascent and had to spin out - and lost the wreck. Swam aimlessly about again finding an upturned rowing boat. Fortunately, then found first wreck again. Swam round twice again then headed for shore. Exiting on the shore was with a searchlight from a MOD RIB. Then the Coulport Police turn up and take our details - cops were OK, one a spearfishing freediver from the east and the other an ex Northern Diving Group navy diver who reckoned that Oman was the best diving he had seen. Max 13m for 46 mins. Viz 1m. Temp 11 degrees tho' colder on surface.
A Frames. Again tide was up to the stone ramp (at HW). Charlie lead the dive. Lots of looking at his compass but brought us straight to the concrete blocks at 20m and then back to the A Frame at 18m which we spend 10 mins on. Usual Finnart sea life and sights throughout. Viz marginally better. My faith in compass navigation was restored by his bringing us back close to the Finnart pier (OK 20m from the exit under the phone box!). Max 20m for 45 mins. Viz 2m. Temp 11 degrees tho' much colder in surface 10m.
Anchor Inn, Garelochead for a pint.
alex