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Wreck Diving Maui Carthaginian II

2013-03-24T20:24:31Z

Hueyflag49:

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian II], once utilized as a whaling museum, is a reproduction of a 19th century brig similar to the ships that originally brought commerce to the Hawaiian Islands. The vessel was a cement carrier constructed in Germany in the 1920's and rechristened 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. Atlantis spent around $350,000 on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian shipwreck project], counting preparation of environmental studies. American Marine Services was employed to handle the sinking operation. Before the Carthaginian II was towed from Lahaina Harbor, entertainers from the Old Lahaina Lu'au performed "Aloha" ; and members of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation placed lei on the ship and held signs bidding it aloha. To arrange for the reefing, 10 tons of concrete had been loaded on board, adding to the 35 tons of material the vessel already was carrying. Atlantis' small tugboat Roxie pulled the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com Carthaginian II] out of the harbor before transferring the operation to the bigger American Islander tugboat. A flotilla of about 20 boats was waiting when the Carthaginian II arrived at [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000VsMtIqSk0zY Puamana], while spectators lined the shore or pulled over on the Honoapi'ilani Highway to view the show. Kahu Charles Kaupu provided a Hawaiian blessing, and after a 3-ton anchor was secured to the bow and the ship was in position, patches were detached from two sets of openings that had been cut into the hull about 18 inches above the water line. Seawater was pumped into the ship, and twenty seven minutes later the Carthaginian was headed toward the sandy bottom and a new wreck was born. Observers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the ship quietly slipped beneath the surface. Aboard the Atlantis shuttle boat 3 air-shattering blasts were fired from small brass cannon to mark the occasion. Dive Overview The shipwreck rests in approximately ninety feet of water off the coast of Lahina and is a excellent place for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photography]. It is roughly a 10 to 15 minute excursion from the harbor to the scuba diving site. The vessel was sunk approximately seven years ago and at this time provides a home for a wide mix of marine life. Once you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will normally be able to see the outline of the shipwreck quite easily. The visibility at this dive site is more often than not 80+ feet and much of the time over 100+ feet. The main mast fell in mid-summer 2011 and may currently be viewed sitting on the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have deteriorated to some degree and there are copious holes into the cargo hold. The entrance to the hold itself is very expansive and readily accessible. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by a gate but you can still get a respectable assortment of photographs in this section. There are a number of frogfish upon the wreck. Smeltzer was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are extremely well placed for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I00009H42w7U0w70 macro underwater] pictures and may consume a lot of bottom time, nevertheless it is well worth the effort. While scuba diving on the wreck, you can also come across a ample mix of fish such as, Pacific Trumpetfish, Sergeant Majors, Dascyllus, Orangespine Unicornfish, Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse, and many more. This shipwreck dive is best when there are less than 10 divers in the water because the shipwreck itself is not very big. It makes a very interesting dive and I highly recommend
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]…

Best Travel BCDs

2013-02-06T05:12:51Z

Hueyflag49:

Assessment of five great travel BCDs that are lightweight and supply good features and value to a range of divers from the amateur to advanced divers.

I am a professional underwater photographer and my equipment is extremely important to me and takes plenty of wear and tear. I need gear that is resilient over hundreds if not thousands of dives and as "travel" worthy as possible. There have been a number of great new lightweight or travel [http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving BCDs] which have come out in the last 3 years and I have highlighted some of my choice ones below.

The objective of any BCD should be function first and then comfort. The Lightweight BCDs reviewed here supply a practical degree of function and along with good fit. The trade off on[http://www.squidoo.com/workshop/best-travel-bcd-for-scuba-diving travel BCDs] is usually restrictions in storage pockets, lift (which is extremely important if you carry a lot of weight when you dive), security of your tank while you are scuba diving, D-rings for optional equipment 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 additional features. Examine the capabilities of all and ascertain that best meets your requirements. I believe most divers should be pleased with any of these BCDs and I would love to get your opinion 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]....

Wreck diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwak

2013-01-29T09:39:00Z

Hueyflag49:

This is the top wreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the best in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake which was sunk a about 18 months ago and the dive site is maturing very well. The ship has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and approximately 50 feet high. The ship was built specifically for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and was sunk in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

This article provides an overview of the dive, a little history and other data on the subject of the ship and an guide of what one can find on the shipwreck. Plese see the complete [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the web site and see the internet blogsite article 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 plus a history of the ship.

What you will find on the Dive:

The vessel was reefed January 5, 2011 off the north end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. Externally, the crow's nest, mast and large stern a-frame have been cut down and remounted to make her height suitable for Cayman waters. The upper decks accommodate the 2 bridges along with the navigation and radio rooms. The has also been removed. The Captain and XO's quarters are located on the upper decks

On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find a number of different rooms or work areas including the recompresson chambers, the rec room and toolshop. You will also see a large [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 that was used to bring back 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 there are now a number of large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, all of the space on the ship was used when the boat was in service.

It is important to plan your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern before entry into the ship to take photos near the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the stern and in addition get pictures by the propeller. For Divers that plan on penetrating the shipwreck, after you leave the stern make your way to the top of the ship and enter via the funnel that is located on the Bridge Deck. If you do not intend on entering the shipwreck you may start your exploration on the deck just above the Screw..

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel can be a great location for underwater photography] . try silhouetting your dive partner in the shaft diving down into the wreck. You can then exit the shaft on the first platform or in the cargo hold. The hold does not have any exterior exits and should only be entered by advanced divers. When you exit to the first platform you will see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section. This section can be accessed easily and makes for a incredibly good underwater photo close to the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment can be substantial at this point so you must move gradually to prevent clouding up the water. For experienced divers you may also look at shaft alley and the front hold areas of the ship. For others you can explore a variety of compartments on the first platform and after that start going up deck by deck and then finally coming to the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do your safety stop.

Check out images 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 other shipwrecks.

Scuba Diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwake

2013-01-25T09:42:27Z

Hueyflag49:

This is the top wreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the best in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake which was sunk a about 18 months ago and the site is aging very well. The ship has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and around 50 feet high. The vessel was built for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and she was reefed in Grand Cayman in January 2011.

This article provides a description of the dive, a little history about the ship and information on the subject of the vessel and an overview of what you can find on the wreck. Plese 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 supplementary data on the shipwreck and a history about the ship.

What you will find on the Dive:

The vessel was sunk In january 2011 off the north end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. A portion of the upper part of the ship was removed to meet cayman requirements The upper decks accommodate the 2 bridges along with the radio and navigation room. The sonar was also removed. The Captain and executive officer's quarters are also on the upper decks.

The main deck contains the rec room, mess hall, ironing room, small tool workshop and recompression chambers.. You will also see a large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that supported submarines and hard hat divers, along with the diving bell which was used to bring back 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, as well as ammunition lockers, cold storage, barber shop and other areas. While the USS Kittiwake has been opened up with large[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] both vertically and horizontally, every space on the vessel was utilized when the boat was in service.

Make it a point to chart your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern prior to entering into the shipwreck to get photographs 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 pictures by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Divers that intend on penetrating the shipwreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship and enter via the funnel that is on on the Top Deck. Should you not intend on penetrating the wreck you should 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] . try silhouetting your dive partner in the shaft 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 cargo hold should only be entered by experienced advanced divers. On 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 the subject of a extremely interesting underwater photograph near the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment can be heavy in this location so you should move gradually to avoid stirring up the sediment. For advanced wreck divers you can also check out shaft alley and the front hold regions of the ship. For others you can check out the assorted areas on the first platform and after that start making your way 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.

Check out photographs 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.