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Wreck Diving Maui Carthaginian II

2013-03-25T19:15:54Z

Docknepal60:

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian II], previously used as a whaling museum, is a reproduction of a 19th century brig similar to the ships which first introduced trade to the Hawaiian Islands. The vessel was a cement carrier built in Germany in 1920 and renamed the Carthaginian II. It sailed to Lahaina in 1973 where it took seven years for the historically correct 18th century whaling ship rigging to be assembled. The ship functioned as a reminder of Lahaina's maritime heritage and was docked for many years at Lahaina Harbor. The ship was owned by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation that operated the museum on board that displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days. On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures sank the Carthaginian off Lahaina, Maui, creating an artificial reef that will have lasting marine life benefits. The reefing took place off Puamana which is just outside the Lahaina harbor. The 97-foot, steel-hulled vessel, sank in 95 feet of water where it will serve as an artificial reef. Although it had no true historical worth, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most recognizable points of interest, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor pictures for in excess of 30 years. The vessel belonged to the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation, that was spending $50,000 per year to keep the rusting hulk. When marine engineers advised against more repairs on account of the mounting costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the ship and use it as an artificial reef that should in turn improve the existing [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000QolAIWmBtLg Atlantis submarine] excursions in Lahaina.The first Carthaginian was a replica of a whaling supply ship used for the 1966 film "Hawaii",; based on the James Michener novel. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation bought the wooden boat, but it sank in 1972 on its way to O'ahu for dry dock. The German vessel was acquired and was rechristened the Carthaginian II and after extensive work served the city as a floating museum for many years. A fleet of around twenty boats watched the Carthaginian II as it arrived at Puamana along with many spectators lining the beach. A blessing was offered in Hawaiian and a 3 ton anchor was secured to the bow and seawater started to be pumped into the hull. Twenty seven minutes later the ship sank to the bottom amidst applause from the spectators and the blasts of 3 small brass cannons. Examination of the Dive The ship was sunk roughly 7 years past and at this time supports a wide variety of marine life. Once you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will generally be able to see the outline of the wreck relatively easily. The visibility on this dive site is typically 80+ feet and much of the time in excess of 100+ feet. The shipwreck is located in approximately ninety feet of water off the shoreline of Lahina and is a excellent site for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ underwater photography]. There may be some current on the site so some scuba divers may want to descend using the mooring line. As you descend you should begin to become aware of more particulars regarding the ship and the impacts of being on the reef for approximately 7 years. The main mast collapsed in mid-summer 2011 and can currently be viewed sitting on the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have begun to decay to a certain level and there are numerous holes into the hold. The entrance to the hold itself is quite large and readily manageable. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by means of a gate but you will still get a good variety of photos around this area. The rear section of the cargo hold is absolutely clear and at the present time will contain a variety of fish species or crustaceans as they happen to be moving about the ship. There happen to be a number of frogfish on the wreck. I was able to photograph 5 different frogfish on my most recent dive. These fish are extremely well positioned for macro photographs and can use up a lot of bottom time, but it is well worth the effort. Two frogfish were on the main deck to the rear of the main cabin and 3 were on the starboard side about the midships area. This wreck dive is best while there are fewer than ten divers in the water given that the shipwreck itself is not very large. While scuba diving on the wreck, you will also find a large assortment of fish including, Pacific Trumpetfish, Sergeant Majors, Dascyllus, Orangespine Unicornfish, Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse, and many more. It is a worthwhile dive and is highly recommended for your next visit to Maui.
As in all dives I recommend going slowly and take time to appreciate the site. Read other dive site reviews on my [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com blog] and see other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.photoshelter.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photographs] on my [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ website] and follow me on Twitter @ [https://twitter.com/images2inspire images2inspire]. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ The pool is open]�

Wreck Diving Maui Carthaginian II

2013-03-25T19:15:42Z

Docknepal60:

Grand Cayman wreck diving - USS Kittiwake

2013-01-31T22:40:46Z

Docknepal60:

This is the top shipwreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the top ten in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake which was sunk a less than two years ago and the site is aging well. The shipwreck has five decks, is a little over76 meters in length amd 12 meters in beam and approximately 50 feet high. The ship was designated for performing submarine rescues and was launched on July 10, 1945 and was sunk in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

The following is a description of the dive, a little history about the ship and information on the subject of the shipwreck and an guide of what you can find on the wreck. You can see the entire [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the web site and see the internet blogsite entry for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for additional information on the wreck along with a history about the ship.

The Dive:

The ship was reefed January 5, 2011 off the west side of the island at the end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are 5 decks on the 47 foot tall [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The upper decks accommodate the 2 bridges along with the radio and navigation room. The has also been removed from the ship. The Captain and XO's quarters are located on the upper decks

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find the mess hall, toolshop, recompression chambers and rec room. You will note the large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that rescue divers, as well as the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean and then be placed in the chambers for decompression.

Below the main deck, 2 decks exist that include the crews quarter, medic/hospital station, engine and propulsion rooms,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, in addition to the steering gear, shaft, gyro, ammunition lockers, cold storage and barber shop to name a few areas. While the USS Kittiwake has been opened up with big[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, every space on the vessel was used while in service.

It is important to lay out your dive adequately. I would recommend heading to the stern prior to entry into the vessel to get photos near the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the the backof the ship and also get photographs by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Scuba Divers that plan on entering the wreck, after you leave the stern make your way to the top of the ship then enter via the funnel that is located on the Bridge Deck. If you do not intend on entering the shipwreck you may begin your investigation of the ship on the deck just above the Screw..

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM funnel entry makes an excellent underwater photograph] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel. I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies diving down into the shipwreck. You can exit into the ship on several of the decks including the first platform or in the cargo hold. The hold does not have any exterior exits and should only be entered by advanced divers. On the first platform you will be able to see the Engineering logo in the Motor Room section. This section can be accessed easily and can be the subject of a especially interesting underwater photograph close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The silt may be substantial here so you must move gradually to avoid stirring up the sediment. For advanced wreck divers you can also look at shaft alley as well as the front hold sections of the shipwreck. For other divers you can explore the various areas on the first platform and after that start going up deck by deck until finally arriving at the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do you safety stop as it is at about 5 to 6 meters or 15 to 18 feet.

Check out photos of additional [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for critiques of other wrecks.

Lightweight Scuba Diving BCDs

2013-01-28T01:28:35Z

Docknepal60: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „Examination of five terrific travel BCDs that are lightweight and provide good features and value to a variety of scuba divers from the novice to advanced divers.…“

Examination of five terrific travel BCDs that are lightweight and provide good features and value to a variety of scuba divers from the novice to advanced divers.

I am a professional underwater photographer and my equipment is very significant to me and gets plenty of wear and tear. I require equipment that is resilient over hundreds if not thousands of dives and as "travel" worthy as possible. There have been a quantity of terrific new travel [http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving BCDs] which have come out in the previous 3 years and I have highlighted some of my choice ones below.

The purpose of any BCD ought to be function first and then comfort. The Lightweight BCDs reviewed at this time supply a reasonable degree of function and along with excellent fit. The trade off on[http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving travel BCDs] is more often than not limitations in storage pockets, lift (which is very critical if you take a lot of weight when you dive), security of your tank while you are scuba diving, D-rings for additional gear and ride when you are on the surface of the water.

The BCDs listed below provide good form and function and a varying degree of optional features. Examine the features of all and ascertain that best meets your requirements. I believe the majority of divers should be content with any of these BCDs and I would love to get your response as well. <strong>Great Travel BCDs</strong>

Mares F-Light Buoyancy Compensator
Cressi Travelight BCD
Oceanic Bio Lite BCD
Tusa - X-Pert Lightweight BCD
Scubapro GO BCD

[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com The Pool is Open]....

Diving on the USS Kittiwake

2013-01-27T04:31:38Z

Docknepal60:

This is a great wreck dive in grand cayman and one of the best in the caribbean The USS Kittiwake has been on the reef for a about 18 months ago and the shipwreck site is maturing well. The ship has five decks, is a little over76 meters in length amd 12 meters in beam and around 50 feet high. The vessel was built specifically for performing submarine rescues and was launched on July 10, 1945 and was sunk in Grand Cayman on January 5, 2011.

The following is an overview of what to expect on the dive a little history and other data about the vessel and an synopsis of what one can find on the shipwreck. You can see the whole [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the website and see the blog article for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for more information on the wreck and a history of the ship.

The Dive site:

The ship was reefed January 5, 2011 off the west side of the island at the end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are 5 decks on the 47 foot tall [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The are two bridges on the upper decks (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the navigation and radio rooms. The sonar was also removed. The Captain and XO's quarters are also on the upper decks.

The main deck contains the mess hall, toolshop, recompression chambers and rec room. You will see an [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that rescue divers, along with the diving bell which was used to retun divers to the ship and then to the recompression chambers

The crews quarters, the engine room and medical facilities are located below the main deck along with ,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, in addition to the steering gear, shaft, gyro, ammunition lockers, cold storage and barber shop to name a few areas. While the USS Kittiwake has been opened up with big[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, every space on the ship was used when the boat was in service.

Be sure to plan your dive well. One approach would be to begin at the stern before entering into the shipwreck to get pictures around the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the stern and also get photos by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Divers that plan on penetrating the wreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship then go into the main funnel that is on on the Top Deck. Should you not plan on entering the shipwreck you may start your exploration on the main deck just above the Screw..

The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM funnel entry makes an excellent underwater photograph] and I would suggest taking the photo looking up from the bottom of the funnel to the top of the funnel. I would suggest silhouetting one of your dive buddies diving down into the shipwreck. You can exit into the ship on several of the decks including the first platform or in the hold. Note the hold deck does not have any exterior exit points and is not recommended for divers that do not have an advanced certification and prior wreck experience. When you exit to the first platform you will be able to see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section. This area is easily accessible and can be a good location for a especially interesting underwater photograph close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment can be substantial in this location so you must move slowly to avoid stirring up the sediment. For advanced divers you should also look at shaft alley and the front hold regions of the ship. For others you can explore the various areas on the first platform and then begin going up deck by deck until finally coming to the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do you safety stop as it is at about 5 to 6 meters or 15 to 18 feet.

Review photos of other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for critiques of specific wrecks.