I have alot of time on my hands when I'm am not out on the Conch Pearl. I like to remain busy and feel my time valuable so I like to put it to good use. So I get to work, nap, work, nap and feel productive.
Right now my big project is servicing dive equipment, primarially scuba regulators. We use Aqualung Calypso regulators with ABS alternate air source regulators here at FSB; very durable and reliable regulators. We rebuild them annually to assure safe and reliable use.
I've attended a service class that was given here at FSB a few years ago and I have the service instructions in powerpoint format on my computer so with a little help from Laura I am able to service the regulators. She's been really helpful, checking my work. I've finished a pile of pieces so I'm hoping to take them over to the pool today to test them. I feel that in addition to the recommended tests a final 'real use' test seals the deal.
I'm hoping to finish three regulator sets for use on the Conch Pearl and a few for staff use.
It's alot like my old employment, which involved working on alot of sophisticated life support equipment.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Preparing for SLS033112A
My last crew for the season will be arriving on Saturday. They are from Puerto Rico, which could make things interesting. I know no spanish so I'm hoping they speak passable english. The kids should. I have spoken with the leader and his english was ok with a heavy accent. I sent him an email asking if he had any questions and for him to call us when they are leaving the airport. His answer was "We are almost there". Interesting.
Monday, March 12, 2012
SLS031012A - off to the boat
The crew was up and in 'Class A's' for flags by 07:45, right on time even though we all lost an hour of sleep due to daylights savings time. They had done all of their packing the night before so they were just about ready to go. After flags and a little Sea Base 'excercise' we had breakfast then had our picture taken. With that out of the way it was time to get down to business. The crew went back to the dorm and changed into their bathing suits for the swim review. Right after we started our swim review a large group of snorkelers came into the swim area to use the ladder, screwing everythign up; but like all good divers we adapted and completed our task. Everyone completed the review, although a few of them could have listened to instructions a little better. Next it was off to the scuba pools for the gear and skills review.
On the way to the pools I had to see Steve Willis about a paperwork problem. We were doing something very special and unusual, we had one diver that had to complete his open water dives for certification. We usually don't accomadate such a special request but I think the 'Texas thing' helped. It sure is saving him alot of money. Some of his paperwork was wrong but after a bit of twisting and turning we were able to take care of the problem...a little forethought to get a power of attorney for the boy did the trick.
In the scuba area the crew assembled their gear and got into the 10' pool for a 'scuba review'. For fairly new divers, including the student, they did very well setting up their gear. In the pool we put them through a set of skills to see what we are dealing with. Divemaster Mike and I agreed that there were a few divers that were a little weak but all we able to dive without direct supervision.
With all of that done it was now go time. The food, scuba gear and personal gear was packed into the trailer, we hopped into the vans, and it was off to Stock Island. Stock Island is the island next to the Island of Key West. It is the home to the Conch Pearl and is about a 1/1/2 hour drive from Florida Sea base...that is unless it's Spring Break, and there isn't a Seafood Festival in Maraton and an accident at MM12.
We arrived at Stock Island to be greeted by howling winds. The crew unpacked the vans, transported everything to the boat, and load the boat in record time. This is a highly motivated group! Captains Denny and Holley gave the group the second of their detailed orientations and then it was finally lunch.
We cleaned up lunch and headed out to the ocean. Since the ocean was really 'sporty' due to the winds the captain opted to sail rather than risk a first dive in rough conditions. We put up the sails and headed to the mooring field on the other side of Key West. We sailed past Mallory Square where everyone was taking pics and waving. As we nearing the mooring ball we spotted the Jolly II Rover...arrrrgh...ready the cannon. Denny fired on them as we passed but they failed to return fire until they were well passed. Another engagement won by the Conch Pearl.
We tied up to our mooring ball and the crew, led by Divemaster Mike, went about fishing for Pinfish with Cuban Yo-Yos. They caught quite a few; one was going to be used for a shark line later that night. Dinner was prepared, brats and beans, and soon we were sitting down, stuffing our faces. It wasn't long after dinner was cleaned up that some of us went to bed. It had been a long day, daylight savings time, rushing to get to the boat, a late lunch and dinner in the dark.
On the way to the pools I had to see Steve Willis about a paperwork problem. We were doing something very special and unusual, we had one diver that had to complete his open water dives for certification. We usually don't accomadate such a special request but I think the 'Texas thing' helped. It sure is saving him alot of money. Some of his paperwork was wrong but after a bit of twisting and turning we were able to take care of the problem...a little forethought to get a power of attorney for the boy did the trick.
In the scuba area the crew assembled their gear and got into the 10' pool for a 'scuba review'. For fairly new divers, including the student, they did very well setting up their gear. In the pool we put them through a set of skills to see what we are dealing with. Divemaster Mike and I agreed that there were a few divers that were a little weak but all we able to dive without direct supervision.
With all of that done it was now go time. The food, scuba gear and personal gear was packed into the trailer, we hopped into the vans, and it was off to Stock Island. Stock Island is the island next to the Island of Key West. It is the home to the Conch Pearl and is about a 1/1/2 hour drive from Florida Sea base...that is unless it's Spring Break, and there isn't a Seafood Festival in Maraton and an accident at MM12.
We arrived at Stock Island to be greeted by howling winds. The crew unpacked the vans, transported everything to the boat, and load the boat in record time. This is a highly motivated group! Captains Denny and Holley gave the group the second of their detailed orientations and then it was finally lunch.
We cleaned up lunch and headed out to the ocean. Since the ocean was really 'sporty' due to the winds the captain opted to sail rather than risk a first dive in rough conditions. We put up the sails and headed to the mooring field on the other side of Key West. We sailed past Mallory Square where everyone was taking pics and waving. As we nearing the mooring ball we spotted the Jolly II Rover...arrrrgh...ready the cannon. Denny fired on them as we passed but they failed to return fire until they were well passed. Another engagement won by the Conch Pearl.
We tied up to our mooring ball and the crew, led by Divemaster Mike, went about fishing for Pinfish with Cuban Yo-Yos. They caught quite a few; one was going to be used for a shark line later that night. Dinner was prepared, brats and beans, and soon we were sitting down, stuffing our faces. It wasn't long after dinner was cleaned up that some of us went to bed. It had been a long day, daylight savings time, rushing to get to the boat, a late lunch and dinner in the dark.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
SLS031012A - finally here
Normal arrival time for SLA crews is somewhere around 13:00. This crew was not expected to arrive until around 18:00. This throws are whole routine off. They actually arrived around 18:20; not too shabby! The Galley held dinner for us so that issue was handled. After dinner we went into the Chart Room for a 'lightning round' orientation. There were very few questions so it was on to the scuba locker to issue BCDs and regulators. We issued everyone the gear they needed and went over to the scuba center to store the gear overnight. Finally we grabbed all of their personal gear and checked them into the scuba dorm. Tomorrow will be another topsy-turvy day, with everything happening out of order. The goal is to get everything done so that we can get them to the boat in time to do a dive or two. Luckily Mike already inventoried all of the food so all we have to do at the Commisary is load the food and ice. Thanks Mike!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
SLS031012A - pre-arrival
I contact all of my crews prior to their arrival. I like to send them my 'un-official leaders guide' along with my contact information; in case they have any questions or concerns. This crew is no different. I've been in contact with Terry, their leader, and everything is set. They think their arrival will be some where around 18:00 but I'm betting on more like 19:00-20:00. It's spring break time and traffic is horrible this time of year. Divemaster Mike and I are going to prepare everything we can, including an inventory of the food. This way we can hope to get out of here at a reasonable time tomorrow. Today we're just going to lay low and wait for their arrival; although I will probably fill tanks out of boredom.
SLS022512A - Friday...final dive day
Friday is the last dive day for crews. This crew was up and had breakfast put away faster than any other morning. They were certainly a motivated bunch. We headed out for Toppino's Buoy, even though it was a bit sporty due to winds picking up overnight. On the way a few of us saw a big dolphin leap over the fishing lure we were trolling...sort of flipping us off with his flipper. The conditions weren't as bad as we thought they would be and everyone went in. It was a nice dive.
After the dive we headed back to the dock. On the way we instructed everyone to pack up their scuba gear and personal gear because we were going to be unpacking the boat when we got there. We dropped the sails for the last time and docked the boat.
Once we we tied up it was all business. The boat was unloaded and scrubbed. Then it was lunch and the drive back to FSB.
In the evening we had a great Luau dinner then handed out patches. All in all it was a great crew.
Once we we tied up it was all business. The boat was unloaded and scrubbed. Then it was lunch and the drive back to FSB.
In the evening we had a great Luau dinner then handed out patches. All in all it was a great crew.
Friday, March 2, 2012
SLS022512A - Thursday
We woke up on the hook at Key Lois to a beautiful sunrise. The winds had died down slightly so we were looking for a little better conditions. We had a quick cold breakfast and headed back out to Looe Key. Looe Key is a fairly large reef complex so we can do alot of dives at different mooring balls and see a 'different' reef each time. The visibility was better than the day before, most likely because the wind was down. Both dives were great. The divers saw lots of fish, a few sharks and on the second dive there was a large (4-5ft) Golioth Grouper hanging around under the boat.
After the second dive we headed for Pelican shoals to do some lobstering. The participants can only snorkel to go for lobster so it is a challenge. After a couple of hours they came back with two keepers. They caught quite a few but the rest were all too small. Apparently some other divers had been there earlier. After lobstering we headed back to the dock for our final dinner...steak night!
After the second dive we headed for Pelican shoals to do some lobstering. The participants can only snorkel to go for lobster so it is a challenge. After a couple of hours they came back with two keepers. They caught quite a few but the rest were all too small. Apparently some other divers had been there earlier. After lobstering we headed back to the dock for our final dinner...steak night!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
SLS022512A - Wednesday...fully rested
Yesterday was a lazy, late wake up. Everyone was well rested from a night on the dock without anchor watch. We had a great breakfast of pancakes and sausage, then it was off to the ocean for another day of diving. The winds were still up so we decided to start local at Western Sambo. Conditions were a little sporty but the reef blocked most of the wave action. Everyone dove and things went without incident. This group has been better than most. It's a pleasure to get a crew that has the ability to listen; especially on 'forget everything Wednesday'.
After the dive Denny made the decision to go east, into the wind, to Looe Key. "No guts, no glory". The waves and wind weren't as bad as expected and no one 'blew chunks', unlike yesterday. It was a long ride to Looe Key so we put out the fishing lines and enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately the fish weren't cooperating.
We arrived at Looe Key and there were no other boats there. It was a little rough for some and late in the afternon so we had the place to ourselves. It was a good dive. There was also a purpose to the dive. It is the same place we were doing the night dive. We dive our night dive site during the day that so we get to see where we will be diving at night in the light. Looe Key is a beautiful dive site. Everyone enjoyed it and a few even saw some sharks.
We finished the dive, had dinner then prepared for the night dive. The dive lights were prepared and we did a dive briefing. It was near dark so we geared everyone up and got in. The crew was divided into two teams, one team for Dave one team for Mike. We took our teams out as a led group and turned them loose as soon as we saw that they were comfortable in the dark. It was another nice dive. The visibility was a little off but still good enough for a good dive.
After the dive we stowed our gear and headed to Key Lois to anchor for the night. The ride was beautiful. Once we turned off the lights the stars came out. Even the half moon was so bright it lit up the ocean. When we arrived at Key Lois we dropped the hook, started the first anchor watch and settled in for the night.
After the dive Denny made the decision to go east, into the wind, to Looe Key. "No guts, no glory". The waves and wind weren't as bad as expected and no one 'blew chunks', unlike yesterday. It was a long ride to Looe Key so we put out the fishing lines and enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately the fish weren't cooperating.
We arrived at Looe Key and there were no other boats there. It was a little rough for some and late in the afternon so we had the place to ourselves. It was a good dive. There was also a purpose to the dive. It is the same place we were doing the night dive. We dive our night dive site during the day that so we get to see where we will be diving at night in the light. Looe Key is a beautiful dive site. Everyone enjoyed it and a few even saw some sharks.
We finished the dive, had dinner then prepared for the night dive. The dive lights were prepared and we did a dive briefing. It was near dark so we geared everyone up and got in. The crew was divided into two teams, one team for Dave one team for Mike. We took our teams out as a led group and turned them loose as soon as we saw that they were comfortable in the dark. It was another nice dive. The visibility was a little off but still good enough for a good dive.
After the dive we stowed our gear and headed to Key Lois to anchor for the night. The ride was beautiful. Once we turned off the lights the stars came out. Even the half moon was so bright it lit up the ocean. When we arrived at Key Lois we dropped the hook, started the first anchor watch and settled in for the night.
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