Last year I managed to get a trip out to Florida to do some diving, Being quite an experienced PADI Diver I decided to go and have a look at the Oriskany reef. The Oriskany Reef is an artificial reef made from and old air craft carrier – it’s quite a huge “wreck.” I use the term loosely as it was deliberately sunk to produce a new reef environment.
The Oriskany reef lies off the coast of Florida and is not recommended for novice divers as by US Marine Law it has to be a minimum of 55 feet navigational clearance from the surface to allow shipping to pass comfortably over it.
Having said that it is that far down you do not have to go down very far to get a good view of it. The massive air craft carrier is very awe inspiring site under water and although it had only been there for a short time in relative terms a lot of fish and reef organisms have made it there home.
Although I’m an experienced Wreck Diver I did not plan to go into this wreck merely to observe from the safest outside distance was enough for me. This was a really strange feeling to just above the top of the island of the flight deck.
These artificial reefs are going to transform the diving industry and also do a lot for the oceans ECO system, we need to see more developments in this field as more and more of the reefs that are current around the world do get damaged by inconsiderate divers.
By replenishing and conservation of existing reefs we may enjoy the spectacular array of life that manages to exist within the depths. I must admit I would quite like to do a wreck dive and penetrate the vessel just to see the varieties of fish that have made it there home. Not a deep penetration as this is highly not recommended but more of just inside to see a hanger deck.
This would require technical diving skills and a lot of good experts to get advice from before tackling this proposition I hope to be able to come back to this wreck within the next two years as a to have a more intense experience with this wreck.
The Oriskany when it was reefed landed in the upright position as this is an air craft carrier and the top of the ship is broader than the base it was not known if it was going to do this. It’s good that it did because it’s more familiar shape that seeing a wreck on its side.
I have dive many wrecks some of the best ones can be found at Scapa Flow in Shetland Islands. After the war a lot of German ships were scuttled there and remain as wrecks they are very popular with divers but it’s a hell of a long way to go to get there. You sometimes think about flying but that cuts down the amount of diving you can do, as most of the Scapa Flow ships are deep dives too.
I hope to find some more artificial reefs to explore and take more photos and keep a good record to see how these artificial grow in diving popularity.
By: Andy Bolton
Posts Tagged ‘Oceans’
Diving Artificial Reefs
April 18th, 2010Passions of Scuba Diving – Free Diving
April 11th, 2010
The Passion Of Diving
For many people that have been diving for a number of years I feel have lost touch with the peace and incredible beauty that is held within the holds of our magnificent oceans. Due to the nature of my business I speak with many divers, Scuba Divers, Free Divers along with hunters and spear fishermen. Generally hunters and gatherers look upon our oceans as being a means of providing food or the enjoyment of catching Crayfish along with the sport of hunting. But for the videographer, photographers, conversational divers as well as new divers I feel they see the ocean in a whole different light.
I have only been diving a few years now clocking up over 800 dives yet I still marvel at the glorious creations that are held within this watery world that I feel so at peace in. Even the sharks that cruise the depths all have a unique role to play in the everlasting life cycle as long as man does not break and kill this life source of our planet. I am a hunter and gatherer only taking what I need for any one day ignoring what I am allowed to take as taking that much in my eyes would be plundering an already endangered eco-system.
Some divers have expressed a feeling of sadness when departing from the ocean for surface intervals or time back in the routine of life and this is another aspect that I relate to overwhelmingly so. As being in the sea exploring the creatures that gaze upon us as if we are the ones on display gives me great satisfaction and inner peace. Others have described deeper emotional feelings of being more loving and willing of expressing their feelings after diving towards a partner or companion. Is this because of other desires, pressures or are these people just more in tune with our nature and our planet. I like to think that it is because we are passionate and caring for the life force of our oceans and land.
Free divers seem more in tune with our aquatic realm than scuba divers as they are at one with the oceans free of any instrumental devices to keep them there. They are and seem to be more accepted by all aquatic life in this capacity.
Ask yourself, what do I really feel when I go diving, what do I take from the sea and then think about the ways and things you do to look after her and protect her. I think many people will discover that we take our oceans for granted and we give back very little, so I ask you all to take more care, support groups that clean her look after her and bring you knowledge of the importance of all creatures within her bounds.
By: Paul Harold Morris
Naked Scuba Diving – A New Adventure
March 15th, 2010
Ask anyone that has ever been scuba diving and they will tell you that it is nothing like in the world. The ocean is full of excitement, adventure and surprises. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and only a few fortunate people take time to see the beauty that it has to offer. Scuba diving has always been a sport that many people dream of taking part in but today, there is a new way to scuba dive. Come join the ones who have discovered the world of nude scuba diving. They say it is the only way to feel free and as one with the ocean.
For an adventure that you will not soon forget there are several clubs available that have made the option of nude scuba diving available to you. Just imagine how it would be to feel the oceans water caressing your body as you are diving. It is something that you would have to experience for yourself to know the feeling of freedom that it can provide. If you have a relationship that has become a little predictable, nude scuba diving could definitely add some excitement that may help you get things back on tract. At the very least it will be an adventure that you would always remember.
Other advantages exist outside of the pleasure that you can experience when it comes to nude scuba diving. Due to the fact that you will want to protect your body as much as possible you will be watching everything around you. This in turn will make you a better diver. It will teach you to be aware of everything going on and to always pay attention. There are a lot of small creatures found in the ocean and some of them even like to hitch a ride on your clothing. Even though you don’t have to worry about these attaching to your skin, they could still become a nuisance. Therefore, you should also follow proper procedures before you take you nude diving adventure.
Before you decide to venture out and go nude scuba diving there are a few important facts that you need to know and consider. This is why it is always best to use a qualified company with experienced instructors that can help prepare you for this adventure. It is imperative that you know the waters that you are diving in. Some locations are filled with very aggressive fish that would make for a very unpleasant dive. You can use the internet to help you find clubs that offer nude scuba diving, but be sure and check out their reputation before scheduling a dive. You need to make sure they are a legitimate organization.
By: James Kronefield
