Scuba Dream Time

T ROUBLE ON THE SPIEGEL GROVE June 28, 2007 was quite day; it was one of those very challenging days. Our afternoon trip was to the Spiegel Grove, a wreck at about 130 ft of water. All local diver operators canceled the morning trips because the current was RIPPING, but we went in the afternoon. I was mating so I stayed on the boat. We had 4 divers come up and I had to swim out with a line to rescue them. Then 2 more divers came up ok. Then our last two didn't come up. Stress increased dramatically; we knew we had a problem at hand. I suited up for a search and recovery, meaning recovery of bodies. We checked down current first and no sight of them. Went back and jumped in with a buddy. Private dive boat moored up next to us sent down two tech divers on double tanks to search. Other boats in the area were notified to search. Coast Guard was notified according to proper protocol. Despite ripping current buddy went down with out using the down line so I had to follow. The c...

We finally left the RRDC situation. It appears that the managing owner expects people to work for free for him, or as he so eloquently stated, "if you expect to get paid for what you do you have no business working for this company". WOW, does he live in a fantasy world, but that's not news. Needless to say I just walked away. I have since found work with Jules Undersea Lodge and with Conch Republic Divers. So far both have both proved very rewarding, professional and ethical. It was nice to have confirmation that some dive shops still place an emphasis on professionalism. But enough about work. Sin ce my last posting we have had some fun social events. Anya and Rob were married (happy occasion) and Shannon has left the Keys to run her boat rental business in Indiana (sad occasion - we miss you). Below are some pictures from both events. At Shannon's farewell night at Sharkey's, Brownie and Matt became best drunk buddies. It was very funny.

TWO GREAT DAYS OF DIVING Yesterday was a great day of diving. It was my first experience in bugging (aka "lobster hunting"). I had a blast; I have never laughed so hard while under water. And as a nice bonus we saw an octopus. This morning we had a great drift dive on Molasses Reef. We had 7 large spotted eagle rays swimming in circles around us for a good 100 or so yards. After that we saw a large school of parrot fish, a rather large grouping of scrawled file fish, a school of cobia, and permits. We did see one nurse shark too. That was all in just the first tank of the morning dive. On tonight's dive the best was the seeing a spotted eel feed. The little butterfly fish never had a chance. It was impressive to see a predator feeding. Tomorrow I expect another great day of diving.

Last night we met some friends for drinks at Sharkey's, where else, only to learn that a friend was leaving that night. I can't say that it came as a surprise, but it was still sad to hear. I don't blame him for his decision; had I been in his situation I would likely have done the exact same thing and possibly even sooner. Needless to say that K-Diddy will be missed. Brownie and I started the program with him so he was there throughout all our early experiences with the program. Good luck K-Diddy!!!!!!!!

Some great pics of fun at Sharkey's; it was an impromptu celebration of my definitive end in the intern program. Anyone considering doing the internship program, ... RUN AWAY FAST!!!!! You meet great people as you can tell from the pics, but it is best to just pay for the training.

DISCONTENT AT DIVE SHOP AND EXPERIENCE I finally have my instructor's credentials, but I am still dissatisfied with matters at internship location. There is no management to speak of, the boats break down weekly if not daily, there is a lack concistency in all copmany policy, and since we are "free" labor the abuse is rampant. I see violations, legal and administrative, constantly. I fear I have been made a party to these breaches in law and ethics by threats from dive shop. I am confused because I want to meet my obligation of 6 months, but the value of what I am learning from their so-called brilliant management style is much less than what was promised in addition to being made a party to their breachs in the law and ethical responsibilities. This is only the first time I have really wished I were back in Atlanta. If you know me you grasp the gravity of that statement. I even dare say that I miss RSPH.

PASSED IE!!!! Brownie and I both passed the Instructor's Examination. We are no w simply w aiting for the PADI paperwork to come through so that we will be considered full fledged instructors. It was a grueling through the IDC and then on to the IE. We were well prepared from our Divemaster course for the Physics, Physiology, and Deco Theory and Tables, but the schedule and time to prepare so many presentations every day was exhausting. Below are some pictures from the IE open water portion at Jules in Key Largo. The water was a chilly 68 degrees Farenheit!!! We had a great December 2006 IDC Class - Tom, Cole, Corey, Nick, Josh, Brownie, Britney, and Adriana. Corey and Tom getting ready for their open water pre-dive briefing. Cole hanging out after doing his post-dive briefing. Nick, Britney, and Brownie discussing their pre-dive briefings. Josh working very hard on his presentations. Congratulations, Josh!!!!! For more pictures go to http://www.rainbowreef.us/blog/2006/12/13...

DM Traing Update Training is moving slowly due to the arrival of new interns. So I have had to train them on office and dock procedures since management is stretched thin to non-existent. But I did ace my Physics, Physiology, and Decompression Theory portions of the Divemaster test. The two remaining portions will be tested after DEMA next week. Yesterday, I lead my first divers as a guide out of Islamorada. All went very well. I did not have to go up to do a boat check on either dive. Some credit does go to the captain for selecting two wonderful sites that were very easy to navigate. Starting next week I am suppose to help train the new interns on being first mate and then dive after they hook up to the mooring balls or drop anchor. At least I will get in some dives. I can't wait. I started this internship to dive and it seems I haven't done much diving since I arrived. But I have been getting training. I arrived with OW and I am now on my way to DM only 5 days shy...

Rescue Diver.... Last week I completed my rescue diver training. Yesterday was my first day as official first mate on two trips. The first trip of the morning was perfect. Conditions were ideal. Yet, on another boat there was an unresponsive diver at the surface (diver did survive). The night dive trip was another experience all together. By 6:30 pm conditions had worsened considerably. There were 3-4 foot seas and winds of 15-20 mph. It was more exhilarating than a roller coaster ride (without a safety harness) hanging off the bow of the boat trying to hook onto the mooring ball. The important thing is that I survived. I have a few bruises and scrapes to show for it too. I was also thrilled that I did not have to jump in and rescue anyone, it was very possible considering conditions. Tomorrow I start my Divemaster training with a lecture on physics, PADI physics that is. Hope to see some of you out here real soon. By then I may already have my IDC done and will hopefully be able to tr...

It's been a few days shy of a month since we arrived to start our internship at a local dive shop. Of the the 7 interns ony 5 remain. I am in this for the duartion since I love the dive life. I look back now and can't imagine how I survived in an office. The best part of the whole experince is the proximity and interaction with nature. I have had dolphins greet me in the morning in Islamorada, ospreys showing off their hunting techniques, and manatees coming by for a visit too. And these are experiences on land alone. The experinces underwater have been nothing short of spectacular !! Above are some pictures of the views from Largo, Islamorada, and the manatees.