First Timers

WRECK DIVING

1 Be prepared! Proper wreck diving needs proper prep – good training kit considerations, a little research, and the right dive operator are all vital.

2 Get a guide The right dive guide will know the site inside out and will be able to ensure you have a safe and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

3 Be aware of the dangers Entanglement, lacerations, and getting lost are all very real risks. Be sure you follow point number 2.

4 Educated entries only! Penetrating a wreck requires intensive, specialised training. If you don’t have the experience or skills required, stay on the outside of the structure and appreciate its beauty from there.

5 Swot up on your history Learning about the wreck you’re diving on will bring the whole experience to life.

6 Equipment rules If you have the training, make sure you have the right kit – your kit list should include a bright light and a backup, a good cutting tool, a spare air, and a reel and line.

7 Get your kit looked at Be sure your standard gear is in excellent working order. Get it serviced if you need to.

8 Check dive Do a check out dive to make sure you are properly weighted and your newly serviced equipment is functioning beautifully.

9 Kick off! Practise a modified kicking style; frog kick techniques can help you avoid kicking up sediment and ending up in a “silt-out” situation. Some experienced divers will even use a “pull and glide” technique, while making sure that they are not damaging the structure.

10 Leave nothing but bubbles Wrecks are underwater museums, and many are grave sites. Be sure you treat the wreck with respect and definitely don’t remove any “souvenirs”.