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charlie
15-01-07, 01:21
http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/images/homepage/non_flash_panel.jpg

There are a few spare places on a diving night at Deep Sea World (N. Queensferry) that I'm arranging starting at 5:45pm on Saturday 24 February.

If any of you are interested in taking advantage of the group discount that we'll get, please let me know. If we get 10 divers, the price is £42 (vs. the normal £65). This is a great (hopefully safe! :eek:) opportunity to dive with sand tiger sharks, tope & angel sharks.

Their requirements:
You have to be a qualified diver & fulfil these criteria:
- ScotSAC Sport Diver or BSAC Ocean Diver or PADI Advanced Open Water (or above)
- Have at least 20 logged dives
- Have dived within the last 6 months
- Complete PADI medical form (http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/downloads/medical_form.pdf)

Full details can be found here (http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/dive_nights/dive_nights.asp?css=1) or give me a shout with any queries.

Would be great to see some congeralley.com members there! :)

craigdiver
15-01-07, 13:30
I'm diving with the sharks on Friday night (19th Jan). Will let you know how good it is... (presuming I don't get eaten!!!:eek: )

CraigDiver

Claire
15-01-07, 13:57
Hi Charlie

GG and I would be interested. I tried to arrange this for my club but couldn't get enough interest. Are you allowed to take a camera into the pool?

craigdiver
15-01-07, 14:03
Hi Charlie

GG and I would be interested. I tried to arrange this for my club but couldn't get enough interest. Are you allowed to take a camera into the pool?

Taken from website...
Underwater cameras are charged at an additional cost of £20 per stills camera or £30 per underwater video camera

CraigDiver

tomy2tums
15-01-07, 14:07
Ah crap, I'm off to Russia Ice Diving then otherwise I would have went.

I was meant to dive this last year with Aberdeen Watersports but not enough people booked so it was cancelled, and I bought other stuff instead.

charlie
15-01-07, 14:25
I'm diving with the sharks on Friday night (19th Jan). Will let you know how good it is... (presuming I don't get eaten!!!:eek: )

CraigDiverWill look forward to your blog & photos, craig. :)



Hi Charlie

GG and I would be interested. I tried to arrange this for my club but couldn't get enough interest. Are you allowed to take a camera into the pool?

Cheers, Claire.

I've added you to the list.

It's slightly annoying that they charge for using cameras: seems mildly exploitative as it doesn't cost them anything. I'll probably take mine (if it's fixed by then). :eek:

Claire
15-01-07, 14:51
£30 for a video camera? Ouch...better remember not to accidentally switch off the display then :o

Still want to go though

Gas Guzzler
15-01-07, 16:38
£30 for a video camera? Ouch...better remember not to accidentally switch off the display then :o

Still want to go though

Or forget to turn the dispaly round!

GG

Claire
15-01-07, 17:12
Or forget to turn the dispaly round!

GG

Don't forget to screw down your torch....

craigdiver
15-01-07, 17:54
Don't forget to screw down your torch....

Or zip your drysuit up:p - Sorry Fran

CraigDiver

stew
15-01-07, 20:24
ok guys, stop bickering, do you know the price of a divorce?:p

i dived here last May, i also took my video camera in, others took in their still cameras.
not one of us paid to take them in, we did ask but the guys were really laid back & more concerned we didnt tread on the angel sharks.

some facts...

when you arrive, you get a short induction, fill in the medical
(take your ssac one, it counts & saves you filling in forms) & they photocopy it.
your entitled to take 2 guests who can watch from the tube.
you dont wear fins, just extra lead & walk/hop around, rather like being on the moon.
the tank stinks, very much like a dirty tropical fish tank, wash your kit afterwards.
from the carpark, there is a dummy waiter style lift, use this for your kit, up & down as there is a few flights of stairs.
inside next to the dummy waiter lift, tucked in the corner out of site, is a compressor to 200 bar.
your price includes a fill, but they wont mention it unless you do.
before you leave, get a top up, think they have 4 whips.
they have extra lead if your light, remember not to leave yours!
you have to jump over the viewing tubes inside the tank whilst avoiding the patroling sharks, this is fun!
even more so if you land on their very expensive viewing tubes & scratch them.
your in groups of 4 with 2 guides, one front, one back.
45 minute dive time, max depth 3 meters.
remember to take your log book & get it stamped by them.

they tell you the sharks will not come within arms reach.....they tell lies!

scuba-bhoy
15-01-07, 20:39
a group of us from clydebank sac did this in march 2006 in aid of cystic fybrosis a great time was had by all cameras we were told were ok and did not cost extra NOT TO BE MISSED:D

dive granny
15-01-07, 22:09
I would like to go if there is still space. I had my name on Claires trip but as she said it didn't materialise. My Grandkids would love to see me in with the sharks.

stew
15-01-07, 23:26
My Grandkids would love to see me in with the sharks.
along with many others im sure DG :D

Claire,
you will need a green water filter as the water is very green & the overhead orange halogen lights burn everything white or bright on the film.

charlie
16-01-07, 01:01
Great info: many thanks, peeps! :)

DG: you're on the list. :eek:

tomy2tums
16-01-07, 10:50
I'm diving with the sharks on Friday night (19th Jan). Will let you know how good it is... (presuming I don't get eaten!!!:eek: )

CraigDiver

I think I might join you.

craigdiver
16-01-07, 13:54
I think I might join you.

How will I recognise you:cool: ?

CraigDiver

Claire
16-01-07, 14:10
along with many others im sure DG :D

Claire,
you will need a green water filter as the water is very green & the overhead orange halogen lights burn everything white or bright on the film.

Thanks Stewart

I bought one a couple of weeks ago so will make sure it's in place.

Does anyone know if the vis in the tank is good?

craigdiver
16-01-07, 17:06
Thanks Stewart

I bought one a couple of weeks ago so will make sure it's in place.

Does anyone know if the vis in the tank is good?

I was there with the kids not that long ago and from inside the tunnel the water looks very clear,

CraigDiver

Scuba-Doh!
16-01-07, 17:30
I'd love to give this a go, there was mention of a similar expedition being arranged by some of the Splashsport members, perhaps I should just go twice. Still got a space?

tomy2tums
16-01-07, 19:35
How will I recognise you:cool: ?

CraigDiver

I'll be the one in the black neoprene Body Glove drysuit and a brand new set XTX's, with the wife and kids in tow.

I also have a dodgy goaty beard thing.....and generally answer to the name Andrew

:rolleyes:

charlie
16-01-07, 20:32
Have fun, guys: look forward to hearing all about it! :)

How do you like the XTX 2nd stage? I'm thinking about getting one: any noticeable difference in the breathe from other Apeks?

stew
16-01-07, 20:59
Thanks Stewart

I bought one a couple of weeks ago so will make sure it's in place.

Does anyone know if the vis in the tank is good?
just checked my log book, where it says visibility i generally write in the meterage.
this time i wrote YES.
you can pretty much see from one end on the tank to the other,
very different from the outside looking in, its darker.
looking into the tank, everything is about 1/3 less in size, people will laugh at you.
incidentally, the sharks are 1/3 bigger once your in, then add another 25%!
one thing amused me when i was there, most divers spent their time looking into the tunnel,
almost like a human aquarium!

now remember the best way to get some good video is to plan ahead.
rub GG's suit down well with raw fish the night before.;)
that should do the trick & keep your audience (us) amused for hours.

MADMAJOR
16-01-07, 21:11
Whats the numbers like now. I might be able to get some members from our club. We tried to organise one last year but couldnt get the numbers.
Major

tomy2tums
16-01-07, 22:46
How do you like the XTX 2nd stage? I'm thinking about getting one: any noticeable difference in the breathe from other Apeks?

I dont know yet, they arrived last week, and are still in their boxes. I dont get home off the platform til Thursday afternoon, so hopefully I will test them Thursday night in Conger Alley............if everything goes to plan...

dive granny
16-01-07, 23:18
[QUOTE=stewart;5066]along with many others im sure D.G.
Is that a yes then for me. Don't want to tell thre kids till I know if I am going.
Cheers D.G.:)

charlie
17-01-07, 13:17
Whats the numbers like now. I might be able to get some members from our club. We tried to organise one last year but couldnt get the numbers.
Major Cheers, Major. :D

12 divers have signed up so far, although I suspect that a couple of our club guys may not finally commit. I want the group to be either 10 or 16, to minimise the cost, so if you've got a few folk interested that could be perfect. The cost comes down below £40 if we get 16 signed up.

MADMAJOR
18-01-07, 21:56
E mailed our club members to night so will update you with any response.
Major

charlie
19-01-07, 01:31
sounds good. :)

Ding
19-01-07, 19:03
Will ask the guys at eastwood tonight ;)

MADMAJOR
19-01-07, 21:41
I have 5 divers from DSAC203 who would like to join in the shark dive.
And i dont get to be one of them, i will proberly be guesting / Child minding in the tube, for one of our married couples Kids on the night.
Our Club can open its club house and bar if required after the dive, Club house is in Dalgety Bay not far away from Queens ferry.
Major

tomy2tums
20-01-07, 10:24
I met Craig last night and we had good fun with the fishies, got some good pictures and video, (the wife also got a Mermaids purse!)

I'll get the picturs up later today once I come back from Edinburgh.

charlie
29-01-07, 17:39
OK, shark divers :rolleyes:

Just to keep you updated on the plan:



It looks as if we'll hopefully hit the 16 mark with attendees meaning that the price will be minimised. :)
Could those of you who haven't already confirmed that you're still able to come please let me know ASAP? Could you also please give me contact details in case I need to get in touch directly at short notice (an email address or mobile no. etc would be fine)
We need to meet at DSW @ 17:45 on Sat 24 Feb
Please bring your completed medical form with you (http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/downloads/medical_form.pdf)
We're allowed 2 free spectators each + additional adults @ £7.05 each & children (3-15) & £5.80: I need to know in advance please if you'll be bringing any
I'll get you all to send me cheques payable to "Deep Sea World" & once I've received them all, I'll send them on to DSW (I'll give you details once the final number is confirmed)
Please make sure that you've read the terms & conditions on DSW's web site: http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/misc/terms.asp
If you have any queries please let me know



Mad major, I'll let you know shortly how many members from your squad that we can accommodate: I think it'll be 4-6. I'm in the process of chasing up the indecisive ones in our club now (students ;))...




I'm sure that this is going to be a fantastic event!





Extract of DSW's rules (please check their web site for full details: http://www.sharkdives.deepseaworld.com/default.asp?css=1

No fins can be worn within our exhibit
Hoods must be worn
No knives are to be taken in the tank
Single cylinders only are to be used
Only SCUBA equipment may be used, no re-breathers are permitted
Underwater cameras are charged at an additional cost of £20 per stills camera or £30 per underwater video camera (stewart et al. have reported that this charge may well be waived)
Additional equipment may be hired at cost from us
Each diver has responsibility for their own equipment
It is mandatory to complete a PADI medical disclaimer prior to the dive. This is a basic health questionnaire. If the diver answers ‘yes’ to any of the questions on the form, please contact us as the diver will require an additional form to be signed by their GP prior to commencing the dive. Please note – doctors may charge fees for this.
Deep Sea World Dive instructors reserve the right to refuse the medical note, if they feel that the diver is unsuitable to participate and could possibly jeopardise the Health and Safety of themselves and other participants.
Spectators and (if required) kit hire, must be booked and paid for at least seven days prior to the event.
Qualified divers must bring all diver certifications, current and up to date log books or proof of dives within the last six months etc. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your dive and no refunds will be given.
PADI Open Water, BSAC Ocean Diver, CMASI Star (sic) [I presume this should read "1 Star" ;)] or recognised equivalent (e.g. ScotSAC Sport Diver) or above. Have logged at least 20 dives.
Qualified divers must have a minimum of one logged dive within the six months prior to the event
Qualified divers under the age of 18 must have a parent of legal guardian present on the day of the event

MADMAJOR
31-01-07, 19:10
Hi Charlie, I know just how bad Stirling Students are, My Son was one until June Last year. Was not able to Join the Dive Club due to an medical condition that manfested it self 3 months after retuning from a weeks diving togeather in the Red Sea.
Major

charlie
31-01-07, 19:37
Shame about your son, MM. :(

We could always do with more experienced keen divers in our uni club: seems as if the students all want to go out & get pis*ed every weekend rather than being fit for diving (have to confess that I was no better as an undergrad myself)! :eek:

charlie
31-01-07, 20:29
i will probably be guesting / Child minding in the tube, for one of our married couples Kids on the night.
You'll most likely be tripping over our 3 weans then; apologies in advance! :eek:

Our Club can open its club house and bar if required after the dive, Club house is in Dalgety Bay not far away from Queens ferry.
That sounds like a really great idea: would be civilised to have a social drink after the dive & compare notes about our close encounters! :cool:

Really looking forward to this: for the diving & the get together also.

charlie
13-02-07, 13:01
Just to let all of the shark divers know that everything is going to plan. The cheques were all safely collected and have been sent to DSW. I'll post nearer the time to finalise the details. Get in touch if you have any queries.

MadMajor is going to open their club house for us afterwards: so we're all welcome to come along there to compare stories, scars etc! :eek:

Looking forward to the 24th: it's not too long now! :D

Scuba-Doh!
13-02-07, 14:17
Looking forward to the 24th: it's not too long now! :D

Me too, can't wait... though I need some time to get my kit back in working order. :)

stew
20-02-07, 20:37
looks like you guys better be carefull when your in the 'shark infested tank'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1969573.stm
even the sharks dont like him...

i cringed when i read the quotes, but this one was my favourite...

'The aquarium spokeswoman said Mr Prescott had been "brave and fearless", since many people had second thoughts before entering the shark-infested tank.'
i have never met anyone who has not entered the tank, i can only assume the spokeswoman was suggesting people were scared to enter the tank when J.P. was in there.:D

dive granny
20-02-07, 23:00
Help required! Is thre anyone going on the 24th from Glasgow who could give me a lift. (I would share costs) My Hubby was going to take me but has started a new job and will be working on Saturday! My son-in-law said he would pick me up but he stays in east Calder so would be a long detour for him. I would be most grateful. I stay in Muirend, South side. Cheers D.G.:)

Claire
21-02-07, 09:53
looks like you guys better be carefull when your in the 'shark infested tank'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1969573.stm
even the sharks dont like him...

i cringed when i read the quotes, but this one was my favourite...

'The aquarium spokeswoman said Mr Prescott had been "brave and fearless", since many people had second thoughts before entering the shark-infested tank.'
i have never met anyone who has not entered the tank, i can only assume the spokeswoman was suggesting people were scared to enter the tank when J.P. was in there.:D

Ha ha ha

According to the news report John Prescot said "I have never seen such big animals so close before". Doesn't he ever look in a mirror?

I especially love the picture of him with his mask on the top of his head.

charlie
22-02-07, 11:51
Yeah, I hope that the aquarium is a flow-through and not recirculation system: don't like to think of any remnants of big John still being there on Sat! :eek:

Anyway, things are all sorted for Sat, apart from the inevitable last minute hitches:

dive granny is looking for a lift from Glasgow; if any of you weegies could help her out that would be great
my wife Sarah has unfortunately been taken unwell & been hospitalised so she can't do the dive. :mad: MadMajor: I've PMed you to see if your reserve diver is still up for it


Otherwise, I'll see you all at DSW @ 17:45 on Saturday... can't wait! :)

Scuba-Doh!
23-02-07, 13:30
Charlie, what's the plan with spectators? I've got a fourth interested (my fiancée). Have you arranged in advance how many spectators are going or do we just pay on arrival?

charlie
23-02-07, 13:34
Charlie, what's the plan with spectators? I've got a fourth interested (my fiancée). Have you arranged in advance how many spectators are going or do we just pay on arrival?
I don't think that there should be a problem as we are under our quota of spectators anyway. Just bring her along & we'll sort things out at reception if necessary.

cheers

Scuba-Doh!
23-02-07, 14:09
I don't think that there should be a problem as we are under our quota of spectators anyway. Just bring her along & we'll sort things out at reception if necessary.

cheers

Perfect, then I should be able to offer Dive Granny a lift as we'll be taking two cars.

charlie
23-02-07, 16:10
Perfect, then I should be able to offer Dive Granny a lift as we'll be taking two cars.
That's very helpful; cheers!

I just phoned to check that they're OK about the spectator numbers having changed a bit & it's all fine. Also checked if we need torches: they said that it's well-lit in there (as you'd expect)! :cool:

MADMAJOR
23-02-07, 16:24
I assume any extra spectators can be used to feed the sharks?

MADMAJOR
23-02-07, 16:33
btw Our Club House is situated on the Hillend Industrial Esates Dalgety Bay.
What time do you think we will all be away from Deep Sea world.
I will leave early to open the club house up.
Major

charlie
23-02-07, 19:02
btw Our Club House is situated on the Hillend Industrial Esates Dalgety Bay.
What time do you think we will all be away from Deep Sea world.
I will leave early to open the club house up.
MajorI'd imagine that it'll be quite late. We've got 4 waves of divers, each lasting approx 40 minutes. I don't know how quick their turnover time is but I'd have thought it would be at least 10pm before we're finished. :eek:

tomy2tums
23-02-07, 21:19
you folks enjoy yourself.

I'll be in Moscow waiting for the 27 hour train journey north...

dive granny
24-02-07, 00:26
Perfect, then I should be able to offer Dive Granny a lift as we'll be taking two cars.

Thank you very much. I've left a reply to my pm. with contact details. As my hubby is not taking me I have a 'spare' spectator place so your guest can be 'mine'. Claire and G.G are having my grandkids as theirs. Cheers and thanks again:)

MADMAJOR
24-02-07, 15:51
Thats a long way round to get To Adelaide
:D

stew
24-02-07, 19:03
well, im guessing about now there will be divers in the fish tank.
just heard on the grape-vine that DSW have ran out of shark food.
looking forward to seeing Claire's blood thirsty soaked video.:D
have a good one guys...

Scuba-Doh!
25-02-07, 00:11
I'd like to thank Charlie for organising this event, I had a fantastic time and was a real pleasure meeting some fellow Conger Alley-ians. Photos to follow and perhaps a video too if I can get it off the camera.

In fact, photos available on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/nand/sets/72157594554466757/
vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWTxCujTiy0

stew
25-02-07, 00:15
nice pics SD, no sharks in the tank tonight or were to too scared to snap them :)

Scuba-Doh!
25-02-07, 00:25
nice pics SD, no sharks in the tank tonight or were to too scared to snap them :)

Too scared of us! My little camera didn't quite capture what I saw, loads of scatter care of the built-in flash so some post-editing required. More to follow too as spectator photos to be added.

charlie
25-02-07, 16:56
Great photos, thanks for posting them! :)

Thanks also to all of the CA members who took part in the event: it was great to all get together and quite a relief that everything went to plan (apart from the lights going off at the start)! :eek:

I think that everyone I spoke to enjoyed the experience: well worth doing in my opinion.

I know that Claire got some video footage, so we can look forward to an opus on YouTube soon I hope. I also took some photos & some vids: so will try to get them uploaded soon. In the meantime: here's one snap:

http://gallery.myff.org/gallery/49957/DSC04872+copy.jpg

dive granny
25-02-07, 20:13
I really enjoyed it too, despite cutting my chin with my nail as I put my hood on and remember hearing that sharks like the smell of blood:eek: Thank you for organising it Charlie.Thank you Mark for the offer of a lift. The photo of me is pretty good. My daughter enjoyed chatting with your folks. Good night, something different. Cheers. D.G.:D

dive granny
25-02-07, 20:16
p.s. Sorry we couldn't take up the invite to Mad Majors Club. Had to get the grandkids back home, then back to 'Weegie' land:) thank you for the invite anyway. Hope the rest of you enjoyed it.:)

Claire
25-02-07, 21:03
I did get some video footage - I shall be editing it in the next couple of days and will hopefully get it onto youtube soon.

Thanks to Charlie for organising the dive - I really enjoyed it.

charlie
26-02-07, 15:06
Thanks for the feedback: I'm really glad that you all enjoyed it! :)

I've uploaded some photos to my web pages (http://www.charlesmcgurk.ndo.co.uk/diving/)... video to follow. :cool:

MADMAJOR
26-02-07, 20:22
glad everyone enjoyed themselves.maybe next time i will get to come and play.
Major

Midton
27-02-07, 01:25
What are Deep Sea World's requirements for shark dives with regard to qualification of the divers? SSAC Sport diver? PADI OW? PADI AOW?

Would like to try it some time, but best to know the qualification level required beforehand.

Cheers,

Al.

charlie
27-02-07, 02:35
What are Deep Sea World's requirements for shark dives with regard to qualification of the divers? SSAC Sport diver? PADI OW? PADI AOW?

Would like to try it some time, but best to know the qualification level required beforehand.

Cheers,

Al.

Check out my earlier posts in this thread (on pages 1 & 4 I think) for full details & their web site.

To summarise though:

PADI AOW; BSAC Ocean Diver; SSAC Sport Diver
20 logged dives
have dived in last 6 months


To be honest though, they didn't scrutinise our log books very thoroughly so we could have quite easily duped them (we also all got our cameras in for free as stew et al. had done before ;))!

I may be organising another trip in a while as a few people from our club + MadMajor + others are interested. I'd recommend it. If I organise another trip, I'll probably go in again myself (just to keep my wife company :cool:).