Boat diving tips & tricks?

[fish-n-fins]

Hi Deeperblue,
Though an experienced boater- We just recent started to dive off of our 23'CC and am looking for tips/tricks relating to line arrangements, hang-tanks, what 'works' on boats this size, how to locate a wreck in 60' fsw with GPS coordinates and a fish finder... best way to anchor etc- any 'pearls' of wisdom to make a more seamless event- thanks! fnf

[cr295]

Sounds like you are already doing it? Good job! There is a small learning curve and each trip will allow you to figure out what works or doesn't on your particular boat.

Do you deploy a weighted granny line and a tag line? What are you using to hold your tanks? Roll control is hard to beat even in the heaviest of seas. Get the tanks as far forward as possible. Nothing worse than running an ass-heavy boat or the weight of the gear and people in the back suiting up putting your scuppers under while anchored.

We personally don't use hang tanks but most of us carry pony's for the >100' stuff. In 60' do you really need a hang tank-I guess it couldn't hurt?

You shouldn't have any problem locating the wreck as long as your numbers are good and there is any relief at all. None of the wrecks should be any secret but many charts are notoriously inaccurate...get #'s from other divers, a local dive boat or a local fishing boat. Make a few circles finding the best structure then stop and monitor the direction of your drift. Run back past the wreck a few hundred feet, deploy the wreck anchor and drift back over it. Once hooked good, deploy your granny and tag line. Make sure you tie the anchor in securely to a suitable piece of the wreck. Have at least 20' of chain above your anchor and try to "tie-in" to a high portion of the wreck where you wont get abrasion on your anchor rode. Wire-tie or simply wire the pins on your clevis or anchor shackle to prevent unscrewing. Secure the rode on deck to two cleats at the bow...if one fails unexpectedly you wont drift off.

Are you diving in teams? Are you leaving the boat unattended? Are you spearfishing? What safety gear do you bring? EPIRB? Do you have oxygen? If something happens to you, are any of the other members capable of running your boat or the gps, finding the way back to the wreck, navigating to the inlet or calling the coast guard and giving a position?

Try to think over and discuss a few "what if" scenarios with the crew, so in the event of something going down there are less mistakes.

Bring a small jug of water or solar shower to rinse off with after diving...it makes a big difference.

[fish-n-fins]

Great response- Thank you. We have DSC(?) VHF linked to the GPS, but will review having others get back to the inlet with the GPS & Compass. Tanks are secured to the T-Top frame with a PVC rack- hang-tank is for familiarization of the new divers. We have O2 but could definitely used some 'what-if' discussions. Sounds like there is definitely an art to finding underwater structure- Good diving- fnf

[cr295]

Sounds like you are pretty much rigged up. Have you made any dives or still having problems finding the wreck?

Do you have a color fish finder? If not and you are looking for reefs, ledges, live bottom or very low profile structure, then that may be an issue?

There is no mistaking the tankers/freighters we dive on. These will literally jump off the screen at you.

We dive out of Hatteras and for the most part you see nothing on the fish finder but barren bottom for miles, then as you approach the wreck you start seeing scattered fish, then increasingly more and more as you get closer and closer. As you get on top of it you'll definitely know; usually the returns are at least 20'-30' off the bottom.

I don't dive out of your area but I know a few that do. Let me know if you need a few #'s.