Chapter 8- Wreck Diving
Wreck Diving
85
problems, and artifacts include just about anything you
might pick up from a wreck. Every country in the world
has laws concerning the salvage of wrecks. You should
always consult local, state, or federal authorities prior to
any salvage attempts, no matter how small or seemingly
inconsequential.
The taking of objects from wrecks is discouraged,
not only because of the legalities involved, but because
you are also removing part of the reason for the attraction
of a wreck site. There are many wrecks that were
once magnificent dive experiences that have lost their
attraction because individuals have irresponsibly removed
all items of interest. A stripped wreck is a disappointment.
Controlling the desire to collect objects will keep you
out of legal difficulties, but even more importantly, will
demonstrate your responsibility to the community of divers
who also enjoy visiting wrecks. Especially wrecks that
have all of their intrinsic worth preserved. The best things
to take from a wreck are photographs.
OVERVIEW OF A TYPICAL
INTRODUCTORY DIVE
Your instructor is likely to assist you with the planning
of the dive by providing a diagram of the wreck to
be visited and, perhaps, by showing pictures of the wreck
itself and the life which lives in and around it. The better
your orientation to the wreck in advance of the dive, the
safer and more enjoyable your dive will be.
The briefing for your dive will be rather thorough.
Organization and coordination is important, and your
cooperation will be required. Pay attention and ask
questions if any clarification of plans or procedures is
required.
You will probably descend as a group by buddy
teams on the anchor line and be guided about the wreck
by your instructor. During your tour, use your dive light
to study colors at close range and to look inside the hull
(from the outside of course). Look around and observe
the marine life. You may want to locate as many types
of aquatic animals as possible and record them on your
slate. Also keep a lookout for hazards. Your instructor will
probably point them out in advance, but be sure to call
them to the attention of your buddy so he or she will also
recognize them and thereby avoid them.
You may observe and point out other possible
hazards to the instructor. You may be tested on your
awareness of your position relative to the anchor line.
Sometimes the instructor will ask various divers to indicate
the direction of the anchor line. This is a good way
to help develop concentration on orientation. Another
question may be for you to indicate how much air you
have left when signaled by the instructor. You might be
expected to indicate this before looking at your gauge.
To have the correct response, you will have to monitor
your gauge frequently. Similar questions can be asked for
depth or elapsed dive time.
Regrouping at the anchor line and ascending on the
line will probably complete the dive. A simulated decompression
or a safety stop will be included.
The debriefing following an introductory wreck dive
is usually quite enthusiastic. Everyone seems to want to
comment and ask questions. This is fine, since a great
deal is learned by discussing everyone’s experiences.
Each dive team will be encouraged to share what took
place and what was seen on the dive. Be sure to log the
experience and to mark it as your first wreck dive. You
will know firsthand why wreck diving is one of the most
popular of all diving activities.