DennisS
Contributor
Survey it with the Hummingbird 997 side imaging sonar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP0YwweZVOs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP0YwweZVOs&feature=related
How do you survey a new dive site?
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Even with "virgin" or "unknown" sites, most conditions can usually be adequately predicted and managed, except for the more variable current and entanglement hazards.
My approach is to gather info from charts and other divers and then dive the site more conservatively, perhaps opting for a buddy instead of solo the first time.
It's wise to plan contingencies for miscalculations, of course....
Dave C
My approach is to gather info from charts and other divers and then dive the site more conservatively, perhaps opting for a buddy instead of solo the first time.
It's wise to plan contingencies for miscalculations, of course....
Dave C
irishsquid
Contributor
In parts of the Caribbean, you can get a GENERAL idea of some of the tpography from Google Earth. The coral heads show up as quite a bit darker than the sand, for example. Not exactly a road map but, hey, why remove all of the fun of an "unknown" site?
It depends on what the down side is. If it's likely to be a dangerous dive if all aspects aren't known ahead of time I wouldn't do it. Since that's not the case for most of the dive sites I'm likely to do I would dive it more or less like I would dive the sites I do have experience with.
Figure out the entry and exit if a shore dive, figure out the likely current situation and any hazards that the area is known for and plan the dive just like any other.
Figure out the entry and exit if a shore dive, figure out the likely current situation and any hazards that the area is known for and plan the dive just like any other.
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drain it, map it, then fill it back up.
Lacking that....use whatever nav charts you can find. No charts? Do an underwater map yourself.
Other good answers to take into account tides, current, etc.
Don't forget the dive flag. Not too cool to map a site in a boat lane w/o proper signals.
Lacking that....use whatever nav charts you can find. No charts? Do an underwater map yourself.
Other good answers to take into account tides, current, etc.
Don't forget the dive flag. Not too cool to map a site in a boat lane w/o proper signals.
RonFrank
Contributor
Hmm, I guess I would just dive it!
Seriously, how can one know NOTHING about a site! If that is your starting point, you need to do some recon. Fisherman are about the best source!
Gen San Chris
Contributor
We do a lot of diving on new sites here as there are not many divers! We usually see if we can locate features on the charts ang get GPS data on them, then we ask the local fishermen about the reef! we then dive it and see what is there,we have found some really good sites this way! If all els fails then we dive it anyway!
Necklinsberg
Contributor
Find out if someone has gone before through an lds
Let's just recap suggestions up to now:
good suggestions. anything more?
R..
- just dive it
- avoid it
- use a fish finder/depth finder/charts (digital an paper)/side-scan sonar/google earth to determine depth and topography before making (short) exploratory dives
- interview locals (including LDS) and fishermen
- take scooters to pad against the unknown
- use a Secchi disc/current line to check viz and current
- hire a guide
- dive with a buddy; make contingency plans; use a dive flag
good suggestions. anything more?
R..
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