Captain Howard's
Helpful Hints

Gray areas are not one of my favorite places to be. As a matter of fact, there is no place for gray areas in my life so I’ve totally eliminated them. Aboard the Eagle’s Nest there are no gray areas either, that’s why I’m going to take this opportunity to explain Captain Howard’s facts of life to everyone in black and white terms.

All dive trips aboard the Eagle’s Nest are for the purpose of independent shipwreck exploration. What does that mean? In plain English it means that each individual diver is free to independently explore the shipwreck they are transported to. I want to make it very clear that the word “independently” means without a guide, nursemaid, babysitter, instructor, divemaster, or anyone else interfering in your ability to explore the wreck. That is what you are paying for! Every diver is responsible for their own individual safety once they step off the vessel. All divers are free to do photography, chase lobsters, collect artifacts, sightsee, document, survey, etc. The captain and crew play absolutely no part in your diving once you enter the water. Of course, if you are having a problem on the surface, that we are aware of, we will render you every assistance within our power to help you out.

As a diver, you are responsible to be properly equipped, trained, physically fit and qualified to explore the wreck you have signed up to explore. I will personally screen all those signing up as individuals in order to determine whether they meet my experience standards for diving on a specific wreck. For those of you diving as part of a group, it will be the group leader’s responsibility to make sure you meet my standards for diving a specific wreck and I reserve the right to refuse diving privileges to anyone in the group I deem not qualified after I have gone through their diving credentials.

All too often group leaders will attempt to fill spots with unqualified divers in order not to lose money on a charter they have failed to fill with qualified individuals. Money is never a consideration when it comes to safety aboard the Eagle’s Nest. I would much rather lose a charter then have someone lose their life. Anyone placing money before safety is morally bankrupt and doesn’t belong here.

As captain of the Eagle’s Nest it is my responsibility to keep you safe while you are physically aboard the vessel and I will do everything in my power to do just that. I keep more safety and first aid equipment aboard the Eagle’s Nest then the Coast Guard requires. In order to benefit from this equipment you need to communicate that you have a first aid problem. One of the things that defy all powers of logic is a diver who goes into denial when he/ she feels symptoms of DCS. I always keep an adequate amount of medical grade oxygen aboard and the means to administer it. It’s insane not to take advantage of that first aid treatment just as a precaution. I will administer oxygen to anyone who requests it, or anyone suspected of being bent. Your willingness to communicate is the key to my ability to keep you out of harm’s way aboard the vessel.

Instructors bringing students aboard for the purpose of training are responsible for those in their charge. The captain and crew of the Eagle’s Nest will render every assistance possible in preparing the students with the donning of their gear in preparation to enter the water. We will also assist the instructor in organizing the student’s entry into the water, but once a student enters the water that student is the instructor’s sole responsibility. Once again, if trouble arises on the surface we will render all assistance possible.

Well, that’s about as black and white as things get. The facts of life aboard the Eagle’s Nest are facts that are written in stone and non-negotiable. If you believe wreck diving aboard the Eagle’s Nest is anything other then what I have just explained to you, you will need to go elsewhere to fulfill your beliefs. That’s just another fact of life.

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*This editorial is aimed at divers just entering the realm of wreck diving.

For those of you first timers, who have ventured aboard a diveboat for the purpose of wreck diving, please don't be intimidated by all the gear you see the more seasoned divers wearing. Wreck diving is not a sport where you outfit yourself in the beginning with every piece of equipment under the sun and then jump in the ocean. As with everything else, it pays to start slowly and work your way up to speed a little at a time. Also, be aware that in this particular sport, one size or one configuration does not fit all. "Keeping up with the Jones's" does not work here.

Be smart about what gear you buy and how you configure yourself. The first thing I was taught about scuba gear was that "fit and comfort" were the #1 consideration. Don't start out with a rig you can't handle just because you saw someone else wearing it and it looked really cool. Chances are it took that person more then fifty dives to configure their gear for their type of diving. Start with the basics and build from there. Here are some pointers for those of you just starting out in Northeast wreck diving:

1. Start out utilizing a single tank rig and dive no deeper then 80 feet. This gives you a chance to test your air consumption, buoyancy, and general comfort level underwater without a heavy cumbersome rig on your back. Keep things simple. If you are purchasing your tanks in lieu of renting them, buy two identical tanks (same size, volume, and material). In the event you want to convert to doubles later on, you will only have to purchase a manifold for the conversion.
      
2. Purchase a BCD that is comfortable, has lots of lift, plenty of well placed "D" rings for equipment clip-ons, and make sure that it keeps you vertical on the surface when inflated. Esthetics is not important here; functionality is.
      
3. Stay streamlined! Don't wear more gear then you really need. Basic gear for the beginner should be as follows:

1. Bare minimum - mask, fins, weight belt, thermal protection (wetsuit, gloves, booties, hood, etc.), tank, regulator, depth gauge, dive knife, and bottom timing device.
2. Good to have additions - underwater light, and alternate air source (pony bottle). More gear then this becomes confusing until you reach a comfort level with the basics.

4. Stick with the shallow (not over 80 foot) dives until you feel comfortable with your gear. Get at least five or six shallow dives in before you start going out on the deeper dives. Increase your depth experience in no more then 20 foot increments until you are comfortable with the depth you've just achieved. Remember, you have to crawl before you can walk.
       
5. Ask questions! Don't be intimidated into believing that someone will think you're a dummy because you asked a question. The true dummies are the ones who don't ask questions. If you see a rig that someone is utilizing and you don't understand the setup, ask the diver about it. More then likely that person will be happy to explain it to you and the reason it works for them. It is possible it might work for you as well. It is also possible that it won't. You'll never know unless you ask.
       
6. Buy smart! After you have become comfortable and familiar with your basic gear, start purchasing gear that can perform dual purposes. Wreck reels and lift bags are prime examples. A wreck reel can be used for underwater navigation as well as an emergency ascent line in conjunction with the lift bag. The lift bag, in turn, can be used as an emergency buoyancy control device as well as a diver ascent location marker. Dual purpose equipment helps to keep you streamlined and saves you from buying other unnecessary equipment.
       
7. Practice, practice, practice! Be proficient in the use of what you have purchased. There is no sense in carrying something you can't use. All good divers practice their emergency procedures; i.e. lift bag and reel ascents, valve shutdowns, regulator changeovers, etc. If you jump in the water with it be proficient in its use. Make sure you initially learn to use your equipment correctly. A good instructor (one who actually dives in the ocean regularly) can help you with proper emergency procedures and equipment.

So, what have we learned? Wreck diving is an equipment intensive sport. There is no reason to be intimidated by the equipment you first see. You are only going to deal with the equipment necessary for your type of diving. As you advance in the sport you will purchase only the additional equipment you require for your next level of advancement. Be proficient with every piece of equipment you take in the water. Learn emergency procedures from instructors who actually dive in the ocean from diveboats on a regular basis.

Eventually you will be adding redundancy to your gear, and if you get hooked on the sport, you'll own more gear then you know what to do with. Just remember, "Crawl first; walk next, run later!"

For many years I have kept a list known as "The Boat Is Full List." The list consists of individuals who are found to be unacceptable aboard the Eagle's Nest for various reasons. Virtually every diveboat maintains such a list so I'm going to give you a lesson on how to stay off of mine.

As most of you are aware, there are no two diveboats that operate exactly the same. Vessels differ in size, configuration, passenger capacity, crew requirements, experience requirements, etc. Needless to say, each diveboat has different policies. Prior to booking a trip aboard a vessel it pays for you to do a little homework and find out exactly what you are dealing with. It is most important to familiarize yourself with the boat policies of the vessel you are going out on. The following are a few basics that apply to most diveboats:

1. Arrive on time! Captains, crews, and passengers do not want to be delayed by individuals who can't get their act together in the morning. Most dive operators want you to have your gear physically aboard the vessel 30 minutes prior to departure time. This gives the operator a chance to get a head count, brief the passengers, make sure all gear is properly secured, and make all pre-departure equipment checks. If you are new to the boat you should arrive an hour before departure time in order to become fully acclimated to the new environment and do any paperwork, such as release forms, that may be required of you. It is also important to remember that getting off the dock on time means beating the fishing boats to the scheduled wreck site. No one wants to make a two hour boat trip and get shut out of a wreck by a fishing boat. I don't mind another diveboat beating me to a wreck site. Most dive operators can coexist on a common wreck, but fishing boats are another story.
    
2. Do not bring more gear than the boat can support! Divers have a tendency to carry everything but the kitchen sink with them on a dive trip. Make sure what you are taking with you is really necessary, especially coolers. Coolers take up a lot of space. I've seen some brought aboard that I could fit an outboard motor in. Use a little common sense! Tool boxes are another space eater. You do not have to carry a spare parts kit big enough to outfit the 1st Armored Division. The Eagle's Nest generally has more then enough tools aboard to make most common dive gear repairs so leave the oversized tool box home. Assorted "O" rings and a few spare straps are generally all you will need.
    
3. Don't spread Boat Cancer! Divers are notorious for an affliction known as Boat Cancer. Boat Cancer is the practice of dumping dive gear in every empty space on a boat. All divers suffer from it. On the Eagle's Nest I am Boat Chemotherapy. If I find your gear in a place that causes a tripping hazard, or it is in the way of other divers trying to gear up I will move it. I will only move it once! If it has to be moved a second time you will see it on your next dive; at depth. No one likes having to tip toe around a bunch of equipment strewn about haphazardly. It is dangerous for the crew and passengers alike. Everyone is carrying heavy gear on a surface that constantly moves with the sea. It is very easy to fall, or throw your back out while trying to maneuver around someone else's mess. There is proper and ample storage space for everything aboard the Eagle's Nest; use it! Keep the decks uncluttered.
    
4. Leave other people's gear and personal belongings alone! Nobody likes having their belongings tampered with. If something doesn't belong to you please keep your hands off of it. Do not under any circumstances fiddle with someone else's dive gear. If you are curious about someone's rig ask them to show it to you. Don't take it upon yourself to start playing with it.
    
5. Respect the vessel! Most dive operators have spent a lot of time and money keeping their boats in shape to give you a decent platform to dive from. The last thing they want to see is a diver slamming his tanks around, dropping weight belts on the decks, bringing wet gear in a dry cabin, leaving open soda cans standing around so they spill when the boat rocks, etc. You wouldn't be that careless and inconsiderate in someone's home so don't do it on someone's boat!
    
6. Listen to the crew! Diveboat crews are there to help you. What they tell you is for your own good and safety. If a crewmember asks you to do something please listen to them and do it. Crewmembers are familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the vessel and are trying to give you the benefit of their experience and knowledge. Use their experience to your advantage. It makes life easier for everyone.
    
7. Don't be in the way! The Captain and Crew have duties to perform. These duties involve the operation of the vessel and the safety of the passengers. There are times that you need to stay out of the way for your own safety and the safety of others. When the hook is being set or pulled on a wreck the Captain and Crew are handling a diver in the water. They must have constant uninterrupted communication between them to insure the safety of the diver. When the boat is being docked do not get involved with the docking procedure. Don't try to assist by grabbing lines or pushing off poles. That is a good way to get hurt or break an arm. Let the Captain and Crew do their job. Also, in the event of a medical emergency do not try to render assistance unless asked to do so. Most Crews have been trained to handle these emergencies and your interference only slows them down thus putting the victim further in harms way.
    
8. Stay out of other people's bunks! Bunks are claimed on a first come first serve basis. If someone has his gear on a bunk, thus claiming it, don't move the gear and crawl into the bunk.
    
9. Sleeping aboard the night before to a dive. Sleeping aboard a diveboat the night prior to the dive is not part of your trip nor is it your God given right; it is a courtesy that might be extended to you by the Captain! I am very particular about who I allow to sleep aboard the Eagle's Nest. There are certain parameters that must be met prior to that courtesy being extended:
        a) You must arrive and have your gear aboard prior to 2100 hours (9 PM).
        b) People coming to dive from out of state have first preference.
        c) You must make prior arrangements with the Captain in order to sleep aboard.
        d) Those sleeping aboard are a guest in my home and must behave accordingly.
    
10. Wait your turn! After completing your dive there are usually other divers who surfaced before you. These people are waiting on the tag line for their turn to use the boarding ladder. Don't cut in front of them by trying to jump the line. Go to the end of the tag line and wait your turn. If you are having a problem, or are in distress, the crew will get you to the front of the line immediately.

The above ten items are the basics of diveboat etiquette. The next items are the ones that will definitely put you on my "Boat Is Full List":

A. Booking a dive, failing to show up, and not paying for the dive: I don't chase people for money. Once you show me you are without honor you are off the boat for life!

B. Unsafe diving practices: If your diving practices are found to be hazardous to yourself and others you will be asked not to return or you will find the boat is full every time you call. Two divers who were banned from Eagle's Nest for this reason died in diving accidents on other boats within a year of being asked not to return to the Eagle's Nest. Reckless divers have no place here.

C. Rude, lewd, or indecent behavior: I will not tolerate people who are offensive to my passengers. No one wants to spend a day on a boat with a social incompetent. I will make sure the passengers aboard the Eagle's Nest are spared the ordeal of their company.

D. Drunks and drug abusers: Those caught with alcoholic beverages aboard the Eagle's Nest will be dealt with severely. Those caught with illegal substances will be secured and turned over to local law enforcement. Alcohol, drugs and diving do not mix!

E. Willful failure to abide by the policies of the boat: If you are unable or unwilling to abide by the policies set forth by the Captain you will be asked not to return. Boat policy is made for the comfort and safety of all; there are no exceptions!

Well, there you have it. It is simple, straight forward, and to the point. If you can live by the standards of civilized society you are more than welcome to enjoy diving aboard the best diveboat on the entire East Coast; the Eagle's Nest.

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Some people wonder why I don't rent tanks or other dive gear to my customers. My answer to them is simple; I prefer not to be in competition with those who produce the certified divers that keep me in business. That entity is the local dive shop!

As a diver it is in your best interest to support the local dive shops in your area. It is important that you buy your dive gear there, get your additional training with their instructors, join their dive club (if they sponsor one), and maybe even book a dive vacation through them.

Why should you do these things through a dive shop when you might find them cheaper on the Internet? You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to figure out the answer to that question. Let's explore the reasons together:

1. When you buy a piece of dive gear over the Internet and it comes to your home defective ask yourself how much of a hassle is it going to be to return it. When you add up the lost time, shipping costs, phone calls, etc., how much did you really save? You can't try on a piece of equipment over the Internet, nor can you test it to see if it works properly. At your local dive shop you can wear it, test it, and walk out of the store with it in your hand. Also, after using it and finding it needs some fine tuning, your local dive shop can accommodate you where the Internet can't. The bottom line on Internet sales is: if the equipment is defective you're on your own. No dive store is going to honor the warranty of an online equipment purchase. It really amounts to short term thinking with no real savings.
    
2. Joining a dive club sponsored by a dive shop has some advantages too, especially for new divers. It gives the diver an opportunity to meet people with a common interest. Divers can learn from and socialize with one another in friendly surroundings. Many clubs hold meetings with guest speakers who educate the audience on topics related to diving such as; artifact restoration, shipwrecks, travel destinations, new technology, etc. A dive club is a great place to hang out with friends and learn.
    
3. Utilizing your local dive shop to organize a dive vacation isn't a bad idea either, as long as you know your diving limitations. I wouldn't advise a new diver to book a trip to Truk Lagoon before doing some Caribbean diving first. If you're a new diver your local dive shop usually runs shop trips to destinations like the Cayman Islands, Bonaire, or Cozumel. The water is warm, visibility excellent, and the marine life abundant. Shop representatives usually go on the trip and they are there to take care of any vacation problems you may encounter. Remember, you are on vacation to get away and relax. A vacation you book through your local dive shop will give you just that. Once you build up your diving experience you can use your dive shop to book your more exotic destinations. Scapaflow, Palau, Guam, and Truk Lagoon are all great places to dive. In the event your dive shop doesn't handle individual dive travel they will certainly be glad to point you in the right direction for your best deals.

Unless you are well funded (and own your own compressor), technically proficient, have direct access to dive equipment manufacturers, a large assortment of various equipment parts, and plenty of storage space, you are going to need a dive shop; especially if you intend to stay in this sport. If your local dive shop doesn't survive where are you going to get air fills, annual regulator overhauls, general equipment repairs, fitted drysuits, equipment parts, etc. Your computer is not going to furnish all these items over the Internet. "Playing it cheap" always hurts you in the long run. You need your local dive shop and that dive shop needs you. If you support it, it will be there to support you. That is a win, win scenario!

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DEALING WITH

Most people have had the unpleasant experience of suffering through a bout of seasickness at least once in their lifetime. Those of you who have had this experience are quite aware that death becomes an acceptable option. Although there is no sure cure (other than death) there are a few things a person can do to help prevent the onset of this rather uncomfortable condition.

Seasickness, or motion sickness, is a form of vertigo (spacial disorientation). Pilots can get it when flying in the clouds when they have no visual reference with the horizon. Their inner ear and eyesight are in conflict with one another which causes their stomach to pay the price. The same thing happens to you on a boat. There are many over the counter medications sold that may solve your problem. Triptone, Bonine, Dramamine, etc. are common motion sickness medications. The secret to using these medications is knowing when to take them. Usually, you should take the recommended dosage just prior to going to bed the night before venturing out to sea, and again when leaving the house in the morning. Don't take motion sickness medication just before boarding a vessel or when you are already out to sea. By that time it is already too late for the medication to work. Chances are you will throw it up before it does you any good.

Over the counter medications don't work for everybody. Some people require prescription medication. For this you will need to see a doctor that is well versed in the subject of motion sickness. Ear nose and throat physicians are usually the best to see for this type of advice. Make sure you tell them you are a scuba diver. This way you don't wind up with a medication that will have an adverse effect at depth. Most divers requiring prescription medication use the Scopalimine Patch which is worn behind the ear. It seems to be compatible with diving, and works well for most people.

There are a few things on the market that are not medications which you might want to try. A few of our divers swear by Accupressure Bands. These are worn on the wrist like a bracelet with a button that presses against a pressure point on the wrist. Ginger tablets have been used successfully to remedy that queezy stomach feeling. Some people find that eating pretzels works for them in absorbing stomach acid that can lead to seasickness. Every diver has a different body chemistry. What works for one might not work for another.

One thing is certain for everyone prone to that uncomfortale shade of green; make sure you get a good night's sleep before a dive trip, and don't have any alcoholic beverages at least twenty-four hours before sailing. Eat a good breakfast. Stay away from greasy foods and acidic beverages. Bacon, eggs, and coffee are not a smart beginning to a day at sea if you are prone to seasickness. Whole grain cereals, breads, bagels, and bran muffins are fine. Water, milk, club soda, and herbal teas are generally acceptable beverages. It is always better to start out with a full stomach than an empty one. Just make sure it is full of the right foods.

Once you are aboard the diveboat there are a few things you might do to keep from getting sick:
1. Keep away from the aft end of the boat when the engines are started. This will keep you from getting that morning shot of exhaust fumes that will start your stomach on the road to ruin.
2. Stay out of lower berthing areas where you have no reference to the horizon.
3. If the vessel you are on is filthy, and has a diesel fuel smell in the bilge, try to stay outside on the main deck if it is at all humanly possible. (Next time choose a cleaner boat)
4. If you feel seasick, after the boat is anchored, take a swim. Sometimes getting off the boat for a little while will tend to make you feel better.
5. After you complete your dive, get out of your wetsuit or drysuit ASAP. Restrictions on your body, especially your neck, will bring on seasickness if you are prone to it.
6. Keep yourself hydrated. If you have been throwing up, and still plan to dive, you are more prone to DCS due to dehydration. Drink plenty of water!

Seasickness is not a pleasant feeling. Most people develop sea-legs over time. The more you go out on boats the quicker your sea-legs will develop. Hopefully, this article will help get you out of the green and into the pink while your sea-legs are developing.

CHOOSING YOUR

There are a lot of factors to be considered in choosing a vessel to dive from. Before making your choice ask yourself the following questions:

1. What type of diving do I want to get involved in (shallow, recreational range, technical)?
2. How much surface support do I require?
3. How comfortable do I want to be?
4. What kind of people do I want on my dive trip (the social norm, daredevils, party animals, etc.)?
5. What are the facts about the safety record of the vessel and crew?

The Eagle's Nest caters to all experience levels of diving (novice, average, advanced, technical). The wrecks we visit range from as shallow as 30 feet to as deep as 270 feet. You are never prodded into diving a wreck that is beyond your proficiency level. It is important to us that you are comfortable diving the site you have chosen.

The crew of the Eagle's Nest is there to give you whatever surface support you require. Our back deck crewmembers will assist you in donning your gear if requested. They will also log you in and out of the water. The Captain and crew maintain a bow watch and back deck lookout for any unforeseen problems you may have on the surface. In the event you surface away from the boat there are contingency plans, and crewmembers ready, to get you back to the vessel in the most expeditious manner possible if you are unable to make the swim yourself. All the surface support you require is at your disposal.

Comfort is a commodity that we specialize in. The Eagle's Nest is unquestionably the most comfortable diveboat on the East Coast. It has been specifically designed to make your trip to and from the dive site as enjoyable as possible. The vessel's interior is equivalent to that of a well-maintained yacht. The back deck has been laid out to make gearing up as easy as possible. Storage facilities for tanks, dive gear, and personal effects keep the vessel uncluttered. It also minimizes tripping hazards and gives each passenger a maximum amount of personal space.

As Captain of the Eagle's Nest I screen all individual divers prior to allowing them to book a trip. I want to make sure that each diver is qualified to dive the wreck they have chosen. I'm more interested in a diver's actual experience than I am in the certification card they hold. The most important thing that makes a truly competent diver is the regularity of their diving and the environmental conditions of their dives. The screening process also allows me to filter out the power drinkers, practitioners of recreational chemistry, and the individuals whose macho is larger then their "IQ." Our divers come out to have a great time and I will do my best to make that happen by keeping the unacceptable off the boat.

I am proud of the safety record of the Eagle's Nest and its' crew. We have never had a diver injured by any action of the Captain or crew aboard the vessel. We have never left a dive site without accounting for all of our divers. No Eagle's Nest diver has ever surfaced after a dive and found the boat gone. We carry a full compliment of first aid and oxygen administration equipment in the event of medical emergencies, including DCS. Our crew is trained in both CPR, and oxygen administration. The Eagle's Nest carries more safety, lifesaving, and survival equipment then is required by Coast Guard regulations. The Eagle's Nest will never leave the dock if weather conditions are such that I feel diving conditions are marginal or unsafe. Money is not a factor in making decisions involving passenger safety.

A few tips in choosing your diveboat. Take a drive and physically check out some of the diveboats in the local area. Take a close look at how the vessels are maintained. If a vessel looks like the "Wreck of the Hesparis" sitting at the dock you can bet that the dive operation takes the same care of its' divers as it does its' diveboat. If you find a well maintained, well laid out vessel you can generally be assured that the dive operation takes pride in providing a "first class" diving experience to its' customers. Do take the time to check out the boats for yourself. What you find may be the difference between a great day at sea or "Gilligan's Island."

Diving is supposed to be a fun sport. No one likes getting their brains beat out diving on a day where the seas are rough, gear is flying all over the boat, and most of the divers are seasick. To say weather plays a significant factor in the comfort of a dive trip would be an understatement. It would also be an understatement to say that NOAA Marine Weather Forecasts are wrong as often as they are right. Many of you listen to these forecasts without properly interpreting them; DON'T!

To understand marine weather you must have a good grasp of the physics that cause things to happen on the water. Wind is probably the most important factor you need to deal with. The velocity of wind on the water's surface is what creates waves. Notice I said "the velocity of wind on the water's surface." Just because a weather forecast calls for 20 - 25 knot winds does not mean the wind velocity will be 20 - 25 knots on the water's surface at a particular location. The direction of the wind and the proximity of your destination to land will determine the sea condition at that location. Let's look at an example:

The landmass of Long Island, NY runs east and west. A north wind of 25 knots on Long Island's South Shore will create a sea of only three feet within 3 miles of land. Why? Because that landmass is cutting off the full force of the wind reaching the water's surface. Depending on the elevation of the landmass and building structures located on land in the wind's path, the velocity of the wind force might only be 15 knots at the water's surface. Usually a north wind is very favorable to inshore wreck diving on Long Island's South Shore. The same thing holds true for a west wind on New Jersey inshore wrecks. Since New Jersey runs north and south it's landmass provides a sheltered leeward side in a west wind. Once you start moving out beyond three miles of shore you start losing that leeward shelter. When you get beyond six miles of shore the leeward land effect is totally gone.

Swells are another sea condition that takes some understanding. A swell is what remains of a big sea after the wind dies. It is the ultimate example of Newton's Law of Inertia that states in part; "an object in motion will tend to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force." The outside force that eventually lays the sea down is gravity, but it takes awhile. The big difference between a wave and a swell, to those traveling on the water, is the interval between the crests. A good rule of thumb when analyzing a sea condition is that if the sea height is less than 5' and the reported interval is more then six seconds you are dealing with a swell. If the sea height is 6' - 10' and the interval is reported to be more than ten seconds, again you are dealing with a swell. Swells tend to cause a bottom surge that destroys visibility. Generally, one foot of swell will affect a 20-foot water column. A 6' swell will wipe out the visibility on the bottom in 120 feet of water. You might be asking why doesn't a swell affect a deeper water column since seawater is a non-compressible liquid. The answer is simple. Since a swell is in lateral motion and there are also lateral currents in the water column; some of the vertical energy of the swell is dissipated laterally. Thus, the reduced vertical force on the water column.

NOAA terminology also needs some interpreting. Advisories and warnings are generally posted using wind velocity as the criteria. Small Craft Advisories are posted for strong winds up to 33 knots, but can be also posted for other things. Large swells breaking over bars at the mouth of inlets can cause the posting of a Small Craft Advisory for seas. This type of advisory has flawed terminology for those who don't understand it's true meaning. It doesn't necessarily mean terrible conditions due to rough seas in the ocean. It is posted to inform the ocean going public that inlets might be hazardous, so have your Beach Boys "Surf City" tape handy when navigating your local inlet. Diving is not out of the question on this type of day. As a matter of fact, there are a few wreck sites that are fairly good visibility dives when a swell is present. Unfortunately, they don't include any low-lying wrecks. Diving is definitely out of the question when Gale, Storm, or Hurricane Warnings are posted. There are no "alternates" to go to when these conditions are present, unless you get on a plane and head for Truk Lagoon.

Sea height is another term that needs some explanation. Sea height is generally defined as the measured distance from mean sea level to the top of a wave or swell. It is not measured from the bottom of a trough to the top of a wave as many people think. NOAA Marine Forecasts are famous for inaccurate sea heights. How many times have you heard NOAA forecasts report 3' - 5' seas in an area where the actual buoy report measured a six-foot sea? It happens every week. This fact makes the case for listening to the entire NOAA Marine Weather Forecast and sifting out the information which is physically accurate from that which is conjecture. Buoy reports are quite accurate most of the time. They give you the three things you really want to know; 1. Wind velocity, 2. Sea height, and 3. Wave interval.

Most Captains are honest enough not to venture out when weather conditions are such that unsafe diving conditions are almost guaranteed. A few will go out in nearly any condition as long as they have enough people on the boat to make the trip profitable. Needless to say, there are a few of the macho, knuckle dragging die-hards who will gladly go with them. You don't have to go along with the crowd! It pays for you to be knowledgeable enough to make your own decision about weather conditions if you don't trust the Captain's judgment or motives. You can always opt not to go on a dive trip in bad weather. Paying for a trip where you stayed at the dock while the boat sailed is better then being physically abused, injured, or worse. Just ask the people that it has happened to. There is nothing you can do about bad sea conditions except to stay out of them by using the knowledge of interpreting a weather forecast. I actually had a Captain show up at my boat bragging how his vessel came back from the Andrea Doria in 30' seas and how "everybody had a good time." No one has a good time in 30' seas! Your best defense against this type of operator is to make your own weather decision.

I hope I've given you the incentive to look a little more closely at the science of weather and the sea. A solid foundation in the subject of weather could save you a world of grief. Remember, after you finish your dive you still have to get back on the boat!