Handling down current

[cricfanSD]

I will be diving in Taveuni, Fiji next month and I have heard the mention of down current in Somosomo strait few times. I dive in Monterey for most of the year(around 100 dives) and have some warm water diving experience when I have traveled to Asia and Australia(30 dives). I don't like strong current since it is quite difficult to manage with camera and strobes.

a) So the question is when do you encounter down current ? I believe the effect of down current should be limited to 20-30ft horizontally from the edge of a wall.
b) How do you detect you are in down current ? Is it fast change in depth without any reason ?
c) What precaution do you take when diving Nitrox where the MOD is around 105ft ? I really don't want to test my limit of O2 toxicity in these waters
d) What is the effective way to handle this situation along with a buddy ?

 

[Cave Diver]

A couple of previous threads that may be of help:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...65-san-juan-not-just-another-downwelling.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...ive-unexpected-current-what-you-would-do.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba.../48956-what-proper-procedure-downcurrent.html

 

[cricfanSD]

Oops the word is "downcurrent" not "down current" in the search string it seems. Thanks.

 

[Cave Diver]

Oops the word is "downcurrent" not "down current" in the search string it seems. Thanks.

No worries, glad to help. Some are listed under downwelling as well and there are a couple of other threads on the topic that I couldn't find. That should at least get you started. Feel free to come back with any questions!

 

[Doc]

Also look under "downwellings" or "down welling"

c) What precaution do you take when diving Nitrox where the MOD is around 105ft ? I really don't want to test my limit of O2 toxicity in these waters

Seriously reconsider if nitrox is a proper application in your series of dives. It is the single most over-used tool in most dive bags.

 

[cricfanSD]

I use Nitrox only on Multi-day trips multiple dives all around 65-70 mins. I am sure I can dive air with my profile but gives one additional level of security when the chamber is typically 12 hrs away.