Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 10/06/2011 - 12:13
Forums
Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

Hi Michael

In your September 10th journal when explaining surface supply dives, you said at a few sites you need to be completely sealed from the water. Please explain further - what determines whether you SCUBA or use surface supply?

Also, are you using any of your personal dive gear or is everything supplied on site?

Thanks for the great journals.

Steve A.

Thu, 10/06/2011 - 12:51

Michael League

Steve,Great questions!
The determining factor of the type of diving we use is how close the
dive site is to the impacted underwater region around McMurdo. If we
are diving close to where McMurdo Station used to dump its wastewater
and trash, then we need to be completely sealed and on surface supply.
Basically, everywhere else we use SCUBA. As a point of interest, the
divers seem split. Rob and Steve really like surface supply - it's
warmer and there is less gear you have to personally wear. Several of
us prefer SCUBA (because we have more experience on it).
As for our gear, we are asked to bring our own mask, fins, drysuit,
drysuit underwear, hoods, and dive light. Everything else (tanks,
weight belts, regulators, dive computers) is provided. The Dive Locker
staff know a lot about equipment and servicing all types of gear, so
they can repair/replace anything that goes wrong with our equipment. It
really is a spectacular place to dive.
Thanks for following!
Mike