NMSC news August 2012.pub - New Mexico Scuba Center

New Mexico Scuba
Center Newsletter
August 2012
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
As a full service dive center we measure our success through your
con�nued safe and enjoyable diving. We provide professional
instruc�on , quality equipment, and world wide dive adventures
The Florida Keys 2
Deep Diving 6
Tips from the scuba chick 9
Nav Log 10
New Divers 11
Upcoming 12
About us 13

2 New Mexico Scuba Center
It had nearly become an obsession: Dive the Vandenberg!
Numerous photos and write ups in trade magazines
a�racted my interest. Then cha�ng with those
who had dived this new “wreck” pre�y much convinced
me. When NMSC posted their “Florida Wreck
Trip,” I was hooked. And this July I fulfilled one more
item in my bucket list.
I was off to the sunshine state, and arrived a day earlier
than my buddies. Bright and early on Sunday morning
we went for our first dive off Pompano Beach. It
and the second dive were dri� dives along a northsouth
reef. While the depths were not excep�onal (75
feet maximum, average 55 feet), they were basically a
“square” profile. We did 2 days of diving here.
Heads-up! For those used to the Caribbean, gradual
ascents are the norm. But on this and on subsequent
dives, it became very important to monitor bo�om
�mes and observe safety stops. Diving Nitrox helps,
but a�en�on is always the key.
We headed south to Tavenier Inlet (near Key Largo),
and began our wreck dives including the Bibb, Duane,
and Eagle. But the golden dive was Spiegel Grove an
ex-LST. Around 860 feet long and res�ng up right on a
sand bo�om (130 feet), she was the star of the show.
We always descended and ascended on the mooring
line. The upper decks were around 80 to 90 feet precluding
early visual contact, and currents were always
a factor. We were fortunate since both the visibility
was decent and the currents minimal.
David Olson
At the Duane, we dropped nearly to the sand
(around 100 feet) then swam up to meet some very
large goliath groupers. Did I men�on the big green
moray? Kevin, our trip photographer worked to
the perfect shot. Of course, said groupers were
photo shy and quickly swam into the recesses of
the wreck avoiding their two seconds of fame.
The Spiegel Grove was incredible. However, on my
head down descent one of my weight pockets
freed itself and I became buoyant. Unaware, I
couldn’t figure it out at first as I worked to stay
neutral at 100 feet. Nonetheless, we explored the
mid decks and the very large cargo hold. The ship
has been made safe to dive, and some penetra�ons
were possible. I elected to be conserva�ve and
stay out since my buoyancy was not a pre�y thing.
Not all dives around Key Largo are wrecks, and the
John Pennekamp State Park hosts some excellent
shallow coral reefs good for snorkelers and diver’s
alike. We ended up at Molasses Reef (around 25
feet maximum) and spent an hour in truly beau�ful
corals and interes�ng marine life. Having said this,
Florida does not have the walls, reefs, and corals
found in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and South Pacific.
A�er three days of some very good wrecks, we
remounted our trusty steed (a Ford Crown Victoria)
and headed off to Margaretville—Key West. It was
just over two hours crossing several inlets and long
bridges un�l we arrived at the southern most �p of
the United States. Kevin and I had already began
our side odyssey of Key Lime Pine, and now we had

August 2012
arrived at the epicenter of Key Lime Pie on a s�ck. Rod
watched in bemusement as we consumed our first Key
Lime on-a-s�ck. “YUMMY”
The siren call of the Vandenberg had drawn us south,
and Friday morning we joined others for our double
dip on the Vandenberg. It was a thirty to forty minute
ride. Again we �ed off to buoy, and followed a granny
line to the descent line and down we went.
The Vandenberg is a rela�vely new wreck and marine
growth such as corals have not formed as of yet. It is
an interes�ng wreck, and there are several swim
throughs for divers. The main deck is around 90 feet
and we typically had maximum depths around 100
feet. Diving EAN 32 is a good idea, and the 111 foot
MOD is sufficient.
As one may gather, Advanced Diver cer�fica�on with
Nitrox cer�fica�on was essen�al. We did (roughly half
your maximum depth for two minutes) and five minute
safety stops. Our conclusion was we gained a
li�le more bo�om �me on repe��ve dives and never
entered decompression. I men�on the la�er since one
diver who joined on us the second day did not do deep
stops. On the second dive following a forty minute
surface interval, he found himself on the ascent line
comple�ng a mandatory decompression stop.
Diving is always the featured event on these trips.
What Florida may lack in walls and the reefs like Cozumel
and the Caymans, it makes up for in some great
wrecks and topside a�rac�ons such as Key West with
its history, restaurants and so on. Highly recommended
if you haven't done it and if you have, encore!
Key West is a charming old city of restored
homes, sunsets and great places to eat along
the waterfront.
It is eerily beautiful as one descends onto a
deep hull and magically the bow appears
before your eyes.
Old Glory still flies on the ex USS Spiegel
Grove.
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Rod discovers there are Barracuda in the
waters...actually a lot of them!
Antenna on ex USS Vandenberg
One of a couple of Nurse Sharks we encountered
on the shallow reef.
French Angel Fish at Molasses Reef. We were at
20 feet, which proves again some of the really good
stuff is shallow.
Ok, here is the trick question: what side of
the Duane is in the sand?
New Mexico Scuba Center

August 2012
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Deep diving for many seems to
range from never go deep to
how deep can I go. As a newly
certified diver, sixty feet is
the recommended limit. As
one gains experience and training,
one can expand the recommended
recreational diving envelope
to 100 feet.
Deeper dives entail increased
risks such as the narcotic effects
of higher nitrogen partial
pressures (60 feet and
deeper), the longer ascent
times, and the increased potential
of decompression sickness
(nitrogen loading in our
tissues).
So, one may ask, how deep can
a diver go? More importantly,
how may I dive deeper and
safely?
David Olson
New Mexico Scuba Center
The ascent lines can get crowded and a
good reason to plan your entry and return.
The lower diver is on a deep stop.

August 2012
Let me preface this ar�cle by emphasizing deep diving
requires training and below 130 feet specialized equipment
such as stage tanks and, poten�ally, different gas
mixtures such as Heliox. Clearly this exceeds the scope
of the recrea�onal diver. However, the lessons
learned apply to us all.
The science of deep diving has evolved from the mid
nineteenth century and up to today. A chief pioneer in
the current science of deep diving is the Navy Experimental
Diving Unit (NEDU) who begin their work in
1912. Taking the early work of Dr. John Haldane, the
NEDU developed diving tables, staged decompression
diving, and Navy diving equipment. The Navy divers
envelope expanded from 60 to 300 feet. In fact, with
satura�on diving the Navy has achieved depths of
1000 feet!
Nice to know but I don’t do decompression dives. Surprise,
all dives are decompression dives. We can
thank Henry’s Law since as one compresses (going
deeper), nitrogen deposits at greater quan��es in in
our �ssues. As we ascend, it releases. The underlying
issue is how much nitrogen dissolved in our �ssues
and at what rate it safely releases.
Following the SSI “No Decompression Limit” (NDL)
�me limits quan�ty and coupled with a 30 foot per
minute ascent rate allows for safe off gassing. This NDL
decompression plan allows for a con�nuous ascent
(“no stops”). If we exceed the NDL �me limit, then
one must do a staged ascent. Same ascent rate, but
now the diver must allow excess nitrogen to off gas at
intermediate stage stops before going higher. In other
words, there are mandatory stops at specified depths
and �me.
Since this ar�cle aims at us, the recrea�onal diver, lets
stay with the con�nuous ascent. As we learned in our
training the dive tables and computer algorithms are
sta�s�cal. Hence, in some instances a diver could s�ll
get bent due to a host of risk factors such as several
days of repe��ve diving (binge diving on a vaca�on),
general physical condi�on, increased workloads, drinking,
age, and other voluntary and non voluntary risk
The article derives information from “Diving Pioneers”
by Don Vaughn appearing in Military Officers of America
Association (MOAA), July 2012. The article in its
entirety is at www.moaa.org/moaarchive (see page 55).
This also draws from several recent online articles from
Scuba Diving International (SDI)/Technical Diving International
(TDI) at www.tdisdi.com
factors.
We can manage the inherent sta�s�cal risk through
controlled ascents, NEVER HOLDING OUR BREATH
(over expansion injuries), and safety stops (15 feet for
3-5 minutes) One should also consider the op�onal
deep stop. A deep stop, like the safety stop or mandatory
stage stop, allows �ssue bound nitrogen to off
gas to a lower concentra�on. Following this prac�cal
procedure reduces the likelihood we will arrive at the
surface with nitrogen bubbles.
On the surface, we shouldn’t underes�mate the importance
of our surface interval (SI). Before we dive
again, we s�ll need �me to let the excess �ssue
bound nitrogen to bleed off. As an anecdote to this,
a few months ago I pushed the SI following a long
deep dive approaching 100 feet. Our second dive,
nearly two hours later, was to 100 feet. At 85 feet, I
noted I had only three minutes to deco and began a
slow ascent. Even doing this did not prevent my computer
moving in and out of deco. Deep stops and a
nice safety stop cleared the computer.
There is a second point. “OMG, I am in deco.” Don’t
panic, it can happen and one can safely ascend and
dive again. If one dives the tables, follow the notes at
the bo�om (for example, exceeding one minute but
less than five complete a 10 minute stop at 15 feet).
On a computer follow the deco stops as indicated.
Staged decompression diving is an off normal procedure
for us the recrea�onal diver. Planned decompression
dives are safe for the trained and equipped
Extended Range Diver.
Allow gas for the ascent. Diving deep means longer
total ascent �me (TAT in the deco diver’s parlance).
If we just think it only takes us just over three
minutes to ascend from 100 feet (30 feet per minute),
think again. If one does a deep stop at 50 feet
for two minutes and a five minute safety stop (both
recommended!) the TAT is over 10 minutes. Extended
range divers consider this and their surface consump�on
rate (SCR) when they plan their dive. For
us, diving deep we should be on the way up around
1000 psi or higher depending on comfort and SCR.
“Rapture of the deep” or nitrogen narcosis is a real
hazard for deep diving. At 60 feet and below, the
nitrogen par�al pressure increases leading to symptoms
such as disorienta�on, blurred vision, impaired
judgment, reduced cogni�ve ability and so on. For
trained and experienced divers symptoms are more
readily iden�fied and tend to occur at deeper depths.
A very experienced TDI deep dive instructor empha-
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8 New Mexico Scuba Center
sizes the need to monitor your buddy. At depth, he
stated he looks at his buddy every three breaths or
so. He also developed a “finger test” to use if he
suspected nitrogen narcosis. Looking at his buddy,
he would raise one finger. His buddy would follow
with two fingers and so on increasing the number of
digits on each challenge and response.
Using NITROX can help us on deeper dives. As a recrea�onal
diver, we don’t use stage tanks with varied
enriched air nitrox (EAN) combina�ons or trimix
Heliox (oxygen, nitrogen, helium). If cer�fied for
level one NITROX we can use EAN mixtures up to 40
percent. Of course, higher EAN means shallower
dives due the maximum opera�ng depth (MOD).
Two immediate benefits from lower nitrogen concentra�on
(i.e. lower par�al pressure) are lower
�ssue loading (longer bo�om �me or shorted SI)
and decreased narcosis (not eliminated!). For the
record, Nitrox does not increase overall dive �me or
shorten TAT for a NDL diver.
In summary, deeper diving is fun and allows one to
visit the fish that just won’t come up to one’s depth.
However, risks increase with depth and risk management—the
process of lessening or elimina�ng risk—
entails training and adherence to the factors men-
�oned in this ar�cle. These include gas management,
strong buddy procedures, understanding and
knowing the effects of nitrogen narcosis, and remaining
within the NDL �me limits. Equipment needs don’t
change per se, but carrying a dive light on every dive is a
good prac�ce since there is less light at depth. Plan the
dive, dive the plan is always essen�al. And knowing
when to end the dive is fundamental to safety.
Nearly all new dive computers offer a deep stop
feature, which we recommend you use. Our
experience is deep stops add to longer repetitive
dive times or shorter SI.
Uwatec just issued version 1.7 firmware update
for its Galileo dive computers. It requires a PC
and IR transmitter (sold separately). Go to the
website or visit us for the update.

August 2012
Tips from the Scuba Chick
Dear Diver Stacey,
I have been thinking about buying my own Scuba
tank. However, I really don’t know that much about
tanks or even if I should buy one. Since NM has limited
sites, my other concern is taking the tank(s) with
me on a dive trip. Perhaps you could help me sort this
our before I go crazy with indecision.
Tank Crazy
Dear Tank Crazy,
Good ques�on, and we in NMSC clearly would be
happy to sell you tanks. But first, consider your
needs.
Tank materials are either steel or aluminum. They
come in various sizes from 63 cubic feet capacity, the
most common 80 cubic feet, and 100 cubic feet and
greater. Clearly more cubic feet means more air,
AND bigger and heavier. Aluminum tanks (80 cubic
feet) are by far the most popular. However, steel has
certain advantages in terms of poten�ally higher
working pressures, less suscep�bility to damage
while handling, and given its strength smaller tank
size for the same gas volume. The la�er results in
less change in buoyancy as the air decreases. Steel
tanks also have the poten�al of longer service life
since Aluminum over �me may crack at the threaded
top and become uncer�fiable when discovered either
at the annual visual inspec�on or the five year hydro
test. The average life of an aluminum tank is 20+
years
What does this mean? If you are cave diver, for example,
you may opt for the steel due to its higher
resistance to damage such as hi�ng the cave walls.
Higher working pressures, of course, mean longer
dive �mes for the same tank volume. And less buoyancy
means less dive weights. On the flip, steel costs
and weighs more than Aluminum. For the recrea�onal
diver the Aluminum 80 will usually be more than
sufficient for dive �me.
You men�oned travel. Normally divers rent two
things on travel, weights and tanks. Both of these are
included with the charter and most likely bringing
your own tanks and weight will not change the price.
However, special tank configura�ons such as steel
doubles with DIN versus yoke fi�ng may be the argument
for taking your tanks. Apart from the obvious
increased baggage costs, the TSA website states
transpor�ng tanks is permissible so long as the tank
valve has been removed (to ensure no pressuriza-
�on). TSA will not remove seals over the tank orifice.
The decision is yours, and I would be happy to follow
up with you if you should move ahead on buying
tanks.
Dear Diver Stacey,
I am truly frustrated from our last dive. We were in
the Caymans and had been looking for a hawksbill
turtle. My friend spo�ed one coming our way, and
we se�led to the sand to await the turtles arrival.
Suddenly an idiot diver went straight for the turtle,
and the turtle beat a hasty retreat.
Frustrated Turtle watcher
Dear Frustrated Turtle,
One of my best turtle photos came when the turtle
swam toward me. I waited and the turtle filled the
view finder, bingo! On another trip, my buddy with
his photo equipment chased a turtle into the deep
blue and away from the group. We finally got him
back, and the turtle “escaped.” My advice to those
who chase, don’t. Stay quiet, wait and a wonderful
marine world will come to you.
9

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Continued from page 7
Nav Log
Location Newsletter
Bonaire June 2011
Cayman Brac July 2011
San Clemente July 2011
Barbados August 2011
Philippines August 2011
Navajo Lake (NM) November 2011
Philippines trip December 2011
Grand Turk January 2012
Cenotes of Mexico (Yucatan) February 2012
San Salvador, Bahamas April 2012
Truk Lagoon May 2012
Wreck Diving in Bermuda June 2012
Dive Pirates in Cayman Brac July 2012
New Mexico Scuba Center

August 2012
New Divers
Jane OPEN WATER DIVERS
Congratulations and
Happy Diving!
Joseph Gorvetzian, Savanna Garner, Joshua Ortiz, Daniel Nieto, James Healey, Roland Zhang, Jared Zhang,
Ben Bock, Ralston Stanich, Deborah kurz, Ron Beck, Corban Beck, Xuhua Zhang, Adrian Northham, Steven
Peterson, Donnie Gatling, Bradley Bock, Zion Stanich, Wei Xiong
First Aid / CPR/ O2/ AED
Clarissa Eastham, Billy Goolsby , Joni Emswiler
Stress & Rescue
BUBBLES ‘N” BRATS
This month is it Sunday the 19th. If you do not have a buddy it
does not matter there will be one for you there.
Remember the Brats / dogs for after diving, can you think of
anything better to do before you can drive home.
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Hawaii: September 21—28, 2012
Upcoming Dives
British Virgin Islands: November 3—11, 2012
Belize: January 19—26, 2013
Honduras: 2013
Cozumel: 2013
South Pacific: 2013
Omaha Nebraska: September 21-23, 2012
Richman VA: September 28-30, 2012
Albuquerque: November 2012 - TBA
Albuquerque: January 2012—TBA
Classes this month
Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Enriched Air Nitrox
ADAPTIVE CLASSES
Call us for details!
New Mexico Scuba Center

August 2012
7618 Menaul Avenue
Albuquerque, NM 87110
New Mexico Scuba Center
Phone: (505) 271-0633
Fax: (505)278-7601
E-mail: nmscuba@qwestoffice.net
Sales & Management
Si Minton
Stacey Minton
Sean Greene
Janet Clark
Angie Calderon
Service & Repair
Stacey Minton
Dave Olson
Angie Calderon
nmscuba.com
Not just an adventure of a
lifetime, but a lifetime of
adventure!!!!!
Photos from Kevin
Eddy and David Olson
Training
Stacey Minton (Instructor Certifier)
Instructors
Jim Hedges
Harvey Monroe
Kevin Eddy
Alisha Unruh
Jennie Pierce
Dive Control Specialists
Sean Greene
John Siirola
Chris Kenworthy
Dave Olson
Shea Powers
Bernie Sanchez
Nina Popplesdorf
Bobby Jones
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