im gonna do my first offshore 100ft+ dive this weekend

[Davidl]

Alltime dive #11

[ShakaZulu]

Hope you are diving with some experienced divers............ How long are you going to stay at 100ft???

[Davidl]

Not too long, and I plan on taking it slow. Im going with my dad who is pretty experienced.

[medic13]

well take it easy and enjoy the dive , biggest thing is to relax and enjoy it , be safe and if you have a computer use it also before the dive look at your dive tables so you have backup with depth time limit ect .

[Wendy]

please be safe and don't go beyond your training level even if you are going with a more experienced diver, 'trust me' dives are dangerous even if the other diver is a family member.

[Davidl]

Yeah I use a computer, and will definitely keep my eye on it. I will keep in mind the dive tables, good idea about that. Only thing I am nervous about it "nitrogen narcosis", I dont know if that will be any factor or not.

[ShakaZulu]

Yeah I use a computer, and will definitely keep my eye on it. I will keep in mind the dive tables, good idea about that. Only thing I am nervous about it "nitrogen narcosis", I dont know if that will be any factor or not.

Sometimes it's difficult to detect. You may find yourself doing strange things that feels perfectly normal to you. That's why your buddy should be very aware of your actions. Eg. I like to blow bubbles, cause it sounds soooo nice. When you think you are getting narced, count backwards from 10-0. It will bring your mind back a little.

[herman]

Have fun David, don't know if you get seasick but if you have any doubt, you might want to consider some form of meds. Seasickness is about the fastest way I know to mess up an otherwise great trip. Last boat I was on about 1/2 of it was puking over the side. Bet they will not forget their cert dives.

[GrierHPharmD]

Hi David,

I don't know about the SSI recommendations concerning deep diving, but PADI recommends that you have Advanced Open Water certification before you do dives deeper than 60 ft.

A deep dive has several important safety considerations. You need to be rigid about maintaining good buddy contact - there's no running to the surface for air at that depth. You also need to be very aware that ascents from 100 ft take a little bit of time, so be sure to go slowly. Narcosis, of course, is another issue, and can slow your reaction times. Exposure protection is important, as it is frequently a bit colder at depth. Likewise, the advice to back up your computer readings with tables is a good idea. You also will want to review how to read decompression displays on your computer, just in case something goes wrong and you go into deco.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope you and your dad will take a little extra time to plan this and subsequent deep dives. If deep diving is something that both of you like, you might consider an AOW course followed by a deep diver specialty. I have done both, and consider myself a novice at those sorts of depths after quite a few deep dives. Deep diving's a lot of fun, but it needs to be given a lot of respect. With only 11 dives under your belt, you really need to consider whether you're ready for it.

Good luck! Please post a dive report and let us know how it goes.

-Grier

[NOVIZWHIZ]

I remember my first offshore we went down to about 90' - years of experience, just not that deep and where I could see. They make some dam big eels off West Palm...Let my partner talk me into ditching some weight - said I didn't need it- needed it - boat had to drop me a five pounder to get down...seas were pretty rough and I'm notorious about chumming...power aid and wrist bands helped. Reef was beautiful, small shark and a great big barracuda......but I will NEVER forget that eel...
OOPS! almost forgot - On the NN, try writing your name on the slate at the surface, write it again at say 50', 75' then 100' - compare it to the original - if you're getting drunk, you'll know it from your handwriting.