Would you dive the Farallones?

and why?

I think I would... I would have to be very picky on who my buddy will be... and the time of year. I think it would be great for a charter to go out there... it'll be a shorter commute from but a longer boat ride.

There's a few local guys who make runs out there every now and then (they'll comment later on I'm sure)

I HAVE dived the Farallones, most recently on Saturday.

It is definitely advanced diving. Big currents, big fish, WAAAY offshore. Only a few
weather windows for a small boat. The list of folks I'll take there is VERY short,
about a dozen.

Here's our procedures:

Farallones Diving Procedures

Chuck Tribolet, with input from Kawika Chetron, Dave
Chamberlin, and Clinton Bauder

Diving the Farallones is not to be done lightly. Perhaps
more important than the possibility of large sharks is that
help is a couple of hours away, so we dive conservatively
to avoid problems, and are prepared to handle problems
ourselves. No diving after the Fourth of July weekend
until after New Years in order to avoid Landlord encounters
(the PacStar's one Landlord encounter was in very late
July).

The go/nogo decision is based on the Pt. Arena to Pigeon
Pt. out 20 nm forecast, with a minority opinion from the
out 60 nm forecast. Decision to meet based on the 3 p.m.
forecast the day before. We don't meet or go unless all of
the following are true: Winds 15 knots max, wind waves 3'
max, swell 5' max (MAYBE 6' if it's long), no rain, no fog.

Two boats are required for back up purposes. Two divers per
boat. Launch at Pillar Point Harbor in in Half Moon Bay.
Meet at 6:30 a.m. To get to the ramp, take Hwy 92 west to
Half Moon Bay, drive north on Hwy 1 to Capistrano Rd. Make
a left on Capistrano and then an immediate left to get to
the ramp and parking area.

Anchor one boat, the second boat plays chase boat and
maintains contact with the divers' bubbles. Two divers
dive, then switch. Two dives each. Obviously there must be
at least one qualified captain in each dive team. One
member of each dive team should be on each boat to allow
space to get both divers geared up and then enter the water
simultaneously.

Plenty of O2 (three hours) on at least one of the boats is
required.

Extra fuel on both boats in case a long search for a
missing diver is required.

Each boat will have a 30' drop line so the divers can
maintain a position under the boat without continually
looking up.

All divers must carry a substantial sausage, whistle,
pyrotechnic flares, and a light. A planned run time and a
"call the Coasties" time will be set for each dive, and
written down on the chase boat.

Strict buddy teams. Buddy teams should hit the water at the
same time and descend promptly. Generally, the two buddy
team members will be on different boats so as to avoid
tripping over each other while gearing up.h

Descend and ascend in the shadow of the boat, modulo
keeping track of the anchor line. Stay off the surface.

Adhere to recreational limits, 130' max, no deco.

Boat to diver signals are done by reving the engine in
neutral:

- Single engine revs (VROOOM, pause, VROOOM pause, repeat)
mean make a safe ascent on the anchor line.

- Double engine revs (VROOOM VROOOM, pause, VROOOM VROOOM
pause, repeat) mean make a safe ascent where you are.

- Triple engine revs (VROOOM VROOOM VROOOM, pause, VROOOM
VROOOM VROOOM pause, repeat) mean "Landlord Alert!, Use
your judgment.". This may be followed by single or double
engine revs if Whitey seems to have disappeared.

Procedures will be reviewed at the launch ramp, and a paper
copy on each boat.

No hunting.

When in doubt, don't dive.

Thanks for the info Chuck... It was your last report that got me thinking... If someone were to ask me would I?

a cage dive would be cool, but they are pretty pricey

I voted 'yes', but that would be contingent on a lot of "ifs". First and foremost would be a good reason to dive there... there are much safer spots for casual sightseeing. As much as I might enjoy white sharks and elephant seals, I don't want to run into either unless doing so is part of the plan.

Impressive and well thought out procedure, I can understand why you would be strict on who you take out. So due to all the extra precautions and difficulties, what makes the Farallones worth diving to you?

Voted No, not ready yet. Want to have complete peak buoyancy and confident. If I was to dive there, I would dive either with someone like Chuck who has the experience to show me the area. One day I will, but not today nor tomorrow and not yesterday either. .

I'll echo Roy here. From a skills perspective, a dive there is still very far off for me. Now, sometime in the future when I have more experience under my belt, sure. I don't mind going out and playing bait for sharks.

I would soooo dive there... In a heartbeat!

I will follow part of Chuck's advice... about being very very careful about the time of year!

I saw some dive show where divers did dive there and it looked totally beautiful! I yearn to dive where few have gone before :blinking:

All right, as a landlocked Midwesterner I can ask the stupid question... what's a Landlord encounter in this context?