Lessons to be learned-Death in Palau

[Palauman]

Don't know if someone already mentioned it but part of the edge of the top of Blue Corner (like some other reefs in Palau) doesn't have, never had (not even before El Nino) and will never have corals because of the currents. Of course you can't use the reefhook on every reef but if you know on which reefs how to use it properly then you won't be damaging any corals. I wish all Asian divers would start using reefhooks, that would really save some corals. Good reply from KevinK.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Good point Jag.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I didn't know that Palauman. Thanks for the info. So what is your view on reef hook damage compared to not using a reef hook and just grabbing the reef?

 

[Ilikeair]

Yes, part of the edge does not have corals but what is happening is that divers hook into the actual coral that is there. Or they grab on like in the photo provided by Dennis. On the Aggressor that is actually part of the reef hook briefing. "Look for dead coral." I am sure some divers like you are able to avoid living coral just by looking at it, maneuvering in current to a dead spot and hooking in, but many are not. There are other hook in dive sites in Palau where I worked very, very hard to find something I thought was not alive to hook into.

Dennis your question above is amusing like someone is a proponent of "grabbing the reef." What a ridiculous question. Hmmm. Do you think grabbing the reef or a reef hook is better? Good question.

Once again, if we cannot dive these sites without damaging them in one way or another, we shouldn't be diving them. And, it is not just the reef hook. Any site that requires divers to continually come in contact with them in strong current and surge, will eventually be destroyed. By hands, hooks, fins, bodies, fin wash etc.

 

[Diver Dennis]

So I guess you have quit diving since no reef will remain pristine when there are divers on it. I see you have not filled out your profile yet. Interesting.

<moderator edit>

This is quite amusing since a lot of my friends are Philippine divers and I'm going back for my third trip this year in September.

How old are you? A lot of your posts, all in Palau threads and all critical, seem to me to be written by a youngster with little dive experience. I guess we will never know.

 

[SassyScubaGal]

OK boys... Let's dispense with the pissing contest & play nice... Don't make petite little Sassy come over there & kick your hineys...

 

[Diver Dennis]

Don't worry Sassy. I'm just curious who he is. As you can see, he is quite good at making unfounded allegations.

 

[Code Monkey]

When my family and I dove Pelileu at Christmas, we brought-along a PLB (personal locator beacon) in a dive canister (sp?). There was a lot of interest from many of the divers and, interestingly enough, from the DM!

 

[cdiver2]

When my family and I dove Pelileu at Christmas, we brought-along a PLB (personal locator beacon) in a dive canister (sp?). There was a lot of interest from many of the divers and, interestingly enough, from the DM!

I took mine in November and no one asked what it was.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I'm thinking of getting one too. What brand do you guys use?