Solo dive question, max depth 25'

[AfterDark]

Wow lots of jumping to conclusions here! Perhaps the best action would be to ask before assuming. That way people can ensure they are interpreting the posts as intended.

While some of the exchanges here have been rather entertaining I fear they can also be a bit off-putting for new posters in the Basic Forum. :doh:

There is indeed some good information presented here. I commend the OP for seeking information on Scubaboard after all that is what we are here for Rather than assume that Quaglinoman is not posting a bona fide question perhaps we should post in a manner that would encourage Quaglinoman to feel comfortable participating in his own thread?

Ain't it grand!?

 

[Kharon]

Wow lots of jumping to conclusions here! Perhaps the best action would be to ask before assuming. That way people can ensure they are interpreting the posts as intended.

While some of the exchanges here have been rather entertaining I fear they can also be a bit off-putting for new posters in the Basic Forum. :doh:

There is indeed some good information presented here. I commend the OP for seeking information on Scubaboard after all that is what we are here for Rather than assume that Quaglinoman is not posting a bona fide question perhaps we should post in a manner that would encourage Quaglinoman to feel comfortable participating in his own thread?

Well said!!! Too bad things degenerate the way they did. I for one confess I used to get caught up in having to "be right" and having the "winning" opinion (especially on some issues). I'm sincerely trying not to post anything anymore unless I can offer something constructive (thought it still po's me when people sound off when they obviously haven't read the post). Don't always succeed but I try. It is a hoot to watch someone (or two - no names but their initials are ...) get in over their head and grasp at straw trying to recover but it certainly doesn't contribute to the thread. I do understand as well, the people who respond trying to explain ... oh well. And the beat goes on.

 

[AfterDark]

Well said!!! Too bad things degenerate the way they did. I for one confess I used to get caught up in having to "be right" and having the "winning" opinion (especially on some issues). I'm sincerely trying not to post anything anymore unless I can offer something constructive (thought it still po's me when people sound off when they obviously haven't read the post). Don't always succeed but I try. It is a hoot to watch someone (or two - no names but their initials are ...) get in over their head and grasp at straw trying to recover but it certainly doesn't contribute to the thread. I do understand as well, the people who respond trying to explain ... oh well. And the beat goes on.

You love it!

 

[djtimmy77]

Well.........not taking sides, but there is that little Youtube video of that rogue sailboat barreling through the bridge pilings, out of the main channel, at B.H.B. going right over all of the divers. Guess you always have to be aware of whats above or around you. Snorkeling or scuba diving.

I have had a boat go between me and shore when I was in 4 feet of water. I could see their running gear. Not cool and I did give them a piece of my mind.

Often times people drive their boats up to the non-motorized boat launch area of the beach to pick up/drop off friends because they are too lazy to drive around to the docks on the other side of the park. This shallow area is in my opinion the most dangerous area to dive, even though there are usually interesting things to see. Generally one can assume alcohol is involved in their boating activities. Similar boat beachings occur just east of the guarded area, where people will run across the street to use the restroom.

Often times people in small boats drive in the same area divers are. On Friday we heard people positioning their boats and dropping anchor very near to where we were diving. When we got out there were two small boats anchored in the general vicinity we had just been diving, with their passengers snorkeling.

A few years ago, one of the folks that used to post a lot on the BHB thread actually got hit by the FWC boat in shallow water off the beach. Fortunately was not injured and of course FWC tried to brush it off and place the blame on him.

I have photographed a jet ski next to a dive flag just prior to crossing under the fishing pier, while I was on the fishing pier scouting conditions.

Boats routinely cut the corner of the channel south of the west span.

The boat traffic is a true hazard in the area, and my biggest concern when I am diving the BHB. While most people diving are oblivious to this, it is prudent to take it into account when planning where to go, and what to do when under the water.

 

[drbill]

Heck, even INSIDE our roped off dive park at Casino Point I've had boats enter and pass overhead in shallow water. Two rent-a-boats went right over my head in 10 ft of water and on one night dive a fairly large sailboat motored right through the dive park. Then outside the park there are the bozos (weekend warriors) who think the dive flag is an invitation to come in close.

 

[DiverAmy]

Just a note to those who have mentioned a SMB, divers are required to carry flag at this site.

Personal experience at BHB: I am a seasoned diver with around 500+ dives, my hubby has close to 200. I have struggled with this dive site in our 5 dives there. The first time we were brought there as part of our rescue cert. training as the first open water dive, and it was NOT during slack tide. I was never so exhausted in my life. Second time I was testing out my new BP/W and we ventured into the zone of the E bridge a few minutes too early and the current was strong so we hit the bottom and waited for the current to slack. Third time was a night dive, and we got turned around under the E bridge span, diving in circles, both getting confused, and ended up coming up on the N side of the E bridge where there was legitimate boat traffic. 4th try both boats and fishermen were inside the swim area, and I was afraid for our safety a couple of times. I actually heard a boater yelling at us through the water, or yelling at some other divers. On Sunday we went over there so hubby could try out his new BP/W set up, we timed it perfectly, probably for the first time, but we were a bit distracted by his gear, and although we were on the trail of artificial reef that leads to the E bridge, several small boats went right overhead, one almost clipping our flag, as well as some snorkelers with spear guns who were not paying attention to the divers below them.

I know the site is shallow, but I can't say that I find it to be easy. I will keep trying though, since I saw my only mantis shrimp and my only jawfish there.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Bit late to the party..

Like I said, the assumption that asking questions means you shouldn't do it is asinine and rude. He’s asking opinions, not permission.

I highly suggest you look up this site. I did three dives there a few weeks ago. Max depth: 12 feet. There are places there where your emergency plan can be as simple as “Stand Up”.

This isn’t a challenging site. It can be dived solo with minimal risk. Look it up; you’ll learn why we’re chuckling at you.

yep. The deepest section is in front of the east bridge in the middle. Most of the west side is under 15', and I've done dives where my avg. depth is 8'.

Well.........not taking sides, but there is that little Youtube video of that rogue sailboat barreling through the bridge pilings, out of the main channel, at B.H.B. going right over all of the divers. Guess you always have to be aware of whats above or around you. Snorkeling or scuba diving.

Yes, every so often there is a boat that comes in there. But it's not common, and they still have to follow the distance rules for your marker buoy.

Yeah, they still have to follow the rules. Doesn't mean that actually happens.

I have had a boat go between me and shore when I was in 4 feet of water. I could see their running gear. Not cool and I did give them a piece of my mind.

Often times people drive their boats up to the non-motorized boat launch area of the beach to pick up/drop off friends because they are too lazy to drive around to the docks on the other side of the park. This shallow area is in my opinion the most dangerous area to dive, even though there are usually interesting things to see. Generally one can assume alcohol is involved in their boating activities. Similar boat beachings occur just east of the guarded area, where people will run across the street to use the restroom.

Often times people in small boats drive in the same area divers are. On Friday we heard people positioning their boats and dropping anchor very near to where we were diving. When we got out there were two small boats anchored in the general vicinity we had just been diving, with their passengers snorkeling.

A few years ago, one of the folks that used to post a lot on the BHB thread actually got hit by the FWC boat in shallow water off the beach. Fortunately was not injured and of course FWC tried to brush it off and place the blame on him.

I have photographed a jet ski next to a dive flag just prior to crossing under the fishing pier, while I was on the fishing pier scouting conditions.

Boats routinely cut the corner of the channel south of the west span.

The boat traffic is a true hazard in the area, and my biggest concern when I am diving the BHB. While most people diving are oblivious to this, it is prudent to take it into account when planning where to go, and what to do when under the water.

My biggest fear at the bridge is boat traffic. Seen them motor into the the swim area more than once. Anchor next to divers. Seen prop wash (glad that flag I tow kept them away :sarcasm: )
That all being said, if you catch it at the right time, it's a relatively safe area for solo diving. Lots of divers, easy access in and out, shallow, generally good vis. I think that if somebody wanted to try solo diving, this would be the best place to try it out. However, if you are uncomfortable losing your buddy for a minute or two, you might not be ready for solo.

 

[Ghetto Diver]

Too many toos

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[boulderjohn]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

All right, this has gone way past far enough. This is supposed to be a green zone, free of all this ridiculous flaming. I am closing this thread until we can figure out what to do next with this mess.

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[MXGratefulDiver]

OK so it's re-opened ... seems to have morphed into a discussion about boater expectations. So I'll toss this one out for comment ...

This past Sunday was the first day of crabbing season for the local tribes (First Nations get preference before the season opens for the rest of us). At our local dive site they were lining their boats up on the beach to load crab pots ... because the boat docks don't go in till Memorial Day week-end. Some of these fishing boats were towing dingies behind them, in order to take out more crab traps than the boat would hold. After our dive, as we're standing in hip deep water clipping off our cameras and removing our fins, I had to fend off a fishing boat that was making for the beach under power ... towing an unpowered dingy. He was coming in slowly enough, but literally came within less than arm's reach of where I was standing. When I told him to be more careful ... there were kids in the water all around us ... he told me he had the right-of-way because he was towing another vessel.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)