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  1. #1
    BEM
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    "Ripping Current" definitions

    What is your opinion on what is a “ripping current” under the following conditions (please answer in knots):

    50 – 80 feet depth;
    boat dive – anchored;
    little or no wind;
    sunny warm day;
    constant current (no surge);
    river (vis at 50 feet 70 degrees); or
    ocean (vis at 80 feet and 80 degrees).

    1. river – bottom below 80 feet;
    2. river - flat bottom;
    3. river - with rocks and wrecks on bottom;
    4. ocean – bottom below 80 feet;
    5. ocean – flat bottom;
    6. ocean – rocks/coral/wrecks on bottom.

    There are many factors (not cosidered) that could make diving in a current dangerous (boat traffic, downwellings, diver experience and competence, buddied with a stranger, drift or anchored dive, shore or boat dive, your physical condition, …).

    1 knot = 1.15 mph or 101 feet per minute or 20 inches per second.

  2. #2
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    String's Avatar
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    Not quite sure i understand the question.

    We routinely do drift dive in currents >3kts occasionally up to 5 and dont class it as dangerous.

  3. #3
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    I don't think the conditions have much to do with it... a strong current is a strong current.

    It may not be very precise, but I generally consider current on the following subjective scale:

    No current: When I stay still, I stay in the same spot.
    Mild current: I can easily make headway against the current without much extra exertion.
    Moderate current: I can easily remain stationary without much extra exertion, but making headway against it requires some work.
    Strong current: I can remain stationary with exertion.
    Ripping current: I have to be anchored in order to remain stationary.

  4. #4
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    One more to add:

    "I cant stay stationary at all because what i grab comes with me"

  5. #5
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    When I'm holding on to the anchor line and turn my head to the side and the current pushes my mask over my ear.

    Captain

  6. #6
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    "kite in the wind" would be a good visual of a diver on a line in a ripping current..... or when the mate pulls the anchor and 2 minutes later he looks like he's water skiing behind the boat.... thats ripping current
    Butch taught me well
    TDI ADV NITROX & DECO
    LGS Black water rescue, Rapid deployment search & rescue

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    MASS-Diver's Avatar
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    Current

    1 knot is strong

    2 knots is every strong IMO.

  8. #8
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    Why would anyone WANT to hang onto a line like a flag. delayed marker up, drift, relax /

  9. #9
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    My definition of a ripping current is simple. When facing the current, and I turn my head to the side, if my mask flutters like a flag...it is ripping.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by String
    Why would anyone WANT to hang onto a line like a flag. delayed marker up, drift, relax.
    Have done this on the Eagan Lane in Plymouth where my buddy and I had to come up off the line and we were pushed off the wreck by the current, no problems, not such a good idea on a dive like the Thistlegorm however

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