NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
84 Wreck Diving
divers and can make your return to the anchor more
difficult.
If you should become entangled in fishing line, simply
pulling on the line is not an effective means of getting
free. Monofilament line can be extremely strong and will
stretch quite a bit before it snaps. You may also pull a
fishhook into yourself. Get your buddy’s attention and
have him or her untangle you or cut the line. You can
also try reversing direction in order to maneuver the line
in front of you and cut it yourself. Avoid turning as this
usually makes matters worse. The same principles apply
to entanglement in fishnets, although you may need to
remove your scuba unit to free the net. It is easy to see the
need for proficiency in basic skills such as removing and
replacing equipment when wreck diving.
Entering the wreck is definitely inappropriate at
the introductory level. Even partially entering the wreck
to better view the interior can be dangerous because of
potential entrapment. Avoid trying to wedge through narrow
openings. Some intentionally sunk wrecks have been
prepared for recreational divers by having large openings
cut in them to create swim-throughs and open spaces.
Your instructor or the boat captain will discuss these with
you, but do not let their openness lure you into exploring
the interior of the wreck. If you are so intrigued with the
wreck that you want to explore it internally and in greater
detail, first complete Penetration Wreck Diver Technical
training. Then you return to the wreck and examine it
more thoroughly with additional training and proper
equipment (figure 8-5).
Check your instruments and the position of your
buddy more frequently than you would on the average
dive. Time and air go by unnoticed when you are interested
in something, and wrecks can be extremely interesting.
Your dive planning should include discussion and
agreement on who will lead which portion of the dive and
at what point in time or air pressure you will turn around
and make your way back to the anchor line.
Upon returning to the anchor line at the end of the
dive, it is wise to again check the anchor to make sure it
can be freed when raised. Your instructor will take care
of this for your introductory dive. Ascending in contact
with the anchor line is recommended so you will surface
at the boat and not have to swim to it. This is especially
important if there is a current; you do not want to surface
down current from the vessel. Monitor bottom time and
remember to include a precautionary decompression stop
at the end of your dive just as you would on any other
dive.
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
OF WRECK DIVING
People are usually interested in taking objects from
wrecks, but this may not be appropriate for a couple of
reasons. In many areas, such as Tobermory in Ontario,
Canada and Truk Lagoon in Micronesia, taking objects
is strictly forbidden because these areas have been
established as sanctuaries to protect the sites. Viewing
completely intact wrecks such as these is an exhilarating
experience that can be appreciated by all who visit them.
Wrecks in other areas seem to be fair game for
salvage, and the temptation to take a porthole or other
artifact may be difficult to resist. However, the taking
of artifacts from wrecks can result in complicated legal
FIGURE 8-5. Venturing into areas where you need a dive light, into
internal passageways or areas with only one opening must be avoided
until properly trained.