Underwater Wreck
If tales of hidden treasure and undiscovered riches get your blood flowing, then there’s a chance you might be a wreck diver. Diving a wreck is kind of like visiting a museum that’s reserved for the select few who are skilled enough to find their way there. Well, them and the plant and marine life that has taken up residence in the space. Ultimately, underwater wrecks are like museums with a pulse. They change, grow and evolve with every passing moment.
But wreck dives can also be dangerous. Take the Andria Doria site, for example. Relative to the size of the ship, there weren’t many casualties at the time of the collision, but they continue to mount as more daredevils attempt to conquer this “Mt. Everest of Wrecks.” Does the element of danger add to the thrill? Maybe so, but that doesn’t mean you should arrived unprepared for a wreck dive.
Here’s a look at some of the scuba gear you’ll need if you want to go wreck diving:
High-Performance Regulator – The standard regulator that you’ve used for every recreational dive probably isn’t going to cut it on a wreck dive simply because most wrecks are found deep in the ocean. Your scuba gear must be able to handle just about anything.
Bail-Out System – As with any deep-sea dive, you’re going to want an emergency backup in the event that you run out of air. This system should include a scuba cylinder, regulator, pressure gauge and a mounting system.
Cutting Instruments – Wrecks can be extremely unpredictable, and it can be easy to find yourself tangled or otherwise stuck. That’s why it’s crucial to carry a dive knife with a sharp blade and some sort of cutting device that can cut wires and cables. It may be boater’s scissors, sidecutters or linemen’s pliers.
Dive Light – Why go through all the trouble of getting to the wreck if you can’t see all the pockets of beautiful marine life? Look for a weighted light with long burn time and a weight to prevent it from floating away if you need to set it down.
Wreck Reel – This piece of scuba gear acts as a navigational guide when you’re exploring inside a wreck or when visibility is poor.
And there’s one more thing you should have before you go exploring any wreck site, but it’s not scuba gear. If you’re going to go wreck diving, you should first take the Wreck Diver and Deep Diver courses, so you know you’re prepared for the experience.
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