Deep Horizon Blog

TAKING OUR CAVE DIVING FURTHER

 By Peter W. Knudsen  Back in 2006 my buddy Anders - who is also my son - and I finished our Full Cave class with Steve Gerrard in Puerto Aventuras – Mexico.  Sadly we don’t have any caves here in Denmark, so we have to drive to France or Norway if we want to go cave diving. Since it’s a 1000 miles drive it’s not something we do every day, so normally we have to do with the many shipwrecks found here in the Scandinavian waters. When we penetrate the wrecks we use many of the skills and techniques we learned in our different cave courses. Just as in the caves the use of reels and spools gets you safe out again.
Both of us are the happy owners of the Submerge N-19 DPV which is great machine to get an overview of the bigger wrecks if and when the visibility permits the use of DPV’s. But we both felt we could do with some more training in the use and handling of the DPV’s, so in December 2007 we decided that we definitely needed to see more of the beautiful caves in the Riviera Maya area. We mailed our friend Steve and asked if he had time in March, 2008 to teach a  SUBMERGE LONG RANGE DPV COURSE and luckily we could find 9 days in March, 2008.
 

After 20 hours of flying we landed in Cancun airport Friday, March 14th. Steve was doing the graduation dive with another team that day so we took the bus to Cancun and from there a taxi to Puerto Aventuras where our Condo was waiting.  Later that evening Steve and Joe (the famous Cocker dog) came down to welcome us, it was nice to meet our 2 friends with whom we had shared so many great experiences. We had planned to use Saturday for theory and equipment discussions – the best way to start at least with students coming from colder climates, we needed an easy day to get used to the heat.Sunday the diving began and at 7:45 A.M. we headed towards Cenote Manati for an open water session.
We started with one Submerge UV-26 DPV each, just to get used to the UV-26 which is somewhat bigger then the N-19 we normally use. Little by little Steve added equipment, first 1 stage, the 2 stages, then a second DPV.  Carrying 2 stage bottles and 2 scooters you start feeling like a swimming junkyard. Every time we felt that we had everything 100% under control Steve added unforeseen events to the task load, “suddenly” I was out of air, doing share gas drills with 2 scooters is FUN. Then we started doing line drills, adding line while on the trigger, recovering line, all the things you think you are really good at, well add a couple of scooters and everything suddenly is much more difficult. After the dive we had a great Texas BBQ at Casa Cenote, catching up on everything with Steve.

For our afternoon dive we went to Cenote Chac Mool, using the Little Lrother entrance. The dive was great, we only used doubles and one scooter each, as it was meant to be a no failure dive, to see how Anders and I acted as a team – but since Anders and I have close to 400 dives together we did OK.
The Chac Mool upstream is simply stunning, crystal clear water, white walls and beautiful formations. Scootering in the halocline is just amazing, the 3 of us spread out to the sides so that no one had to be in the area with no visibility behind another diver, watching how the salt and the fresh water mixed in front of your scooter, and how the prop wash suddenly became very visible is something everyone should try to see - it really gives you a good idea of how the water flows around your scooter.Back at Steve’s bodega we unloaded everything - charged the scooters and called it a day.
Our first day of diving had been a great success.
 

Tuesday Afternoon, June 24th, 2008

Greetings from Puerto Aventuras, Mexico!

I arrived last night flying from Miami on Mexicana Airlines. I spent the weekend in Key West, Florida enjoying the sights and music of Duval Street. After two months in Guam, Korea and other places, it is great to be home. I flew three and a half hours flying to Hong Kong, 14 hours to Chicago and two hours to Tampa. Almost twenty hours in the air and a 13-hour time difference. I was really dragging last week.

On Friday evening, June 20th I drove from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West. At 7:45 P.M. I was eight cars behind a head-on collision involving a Mercedes Benz 300 Sedan and a Mitsibushi SUV that occurred on the Lower Matecombe Key bridge, Mile Marker 73. It was like an atomic bomb explosion. The damage to both vehicles was horrific. The lone occupant (a male in his lower 30’s) suffered serious injuries with both legs crushed and multiple breaks. How he survived is beyond me. It took over 100 minutes with hydraulic saws and “Jaws for Life” to get him out of the car by the Fire Department. I was super impressed with their professionalism and work extracting the victim from the wreckage. A Life Flight helicopter transported him to a Miami hospital. The occupants of the SUV (Husband and wife with two children) incredibly suffered no injuries except for the husband who had a minor break on his left leg. It was amazing that they escaped injuries as the SUV was totally demolished. The traffic was blocked for two and a half hours. I arrived at Key West at midnight, checked in at the Westin Hotel Resort and walked two blocks to the Hog’s Breath Saloon for refreshments and listen to a great oldies band. This town rocks!

I had limited access to emails or the Internet until now. On Thursday I took my Flashing Lights test in Ft. Lauderdale and scored a 95. I got my physical examination and drug test at the U.S. Coast Guard approved Doctor’s office and then Friday morning I submitted all my signed assessments, application and medical paper work to the U.S. Coast Guard office at the Claude Pepper Federal Building in downtown Miami for review & approval for my 3rd Mate Unlimited and 1600 Ton Captain’s license exams.
I am home for three weeks, then I must fly back to Guam. I will be guiding Stefan Dreesbach for six days beginning July 1st. I will be diving with Bruce O’Connell for a few days after July 7th.

I will be home from September 15th through to October 14th.

I will be teaching and guiding FULL TIME all of January through April, 2009.

I hope all is going great for you!

STEVE

stevegerrard@cavediver.com

www.steve.gerrard.com

La Costas 103
XEL HA AVENUE 37
Puerto Aventuras, Q. Roo,
MEXICO 777750

Does Accident Analysis Really Help?

Thirty years+ has passed by since Sheck Exley?s Blueprint to Survival was first published in 1977. Statistically, it has proven to be on target when evaluating the book?s foundation of information compared to the reality of the 250+ fatalities that have tragically occurred during that time. However, does this information really benefit the students who pursue participating in this high risk activity and for certified, qualified cave divers? Much has changed during the past three decades in regard with the evolution of equipment, the educational information process, the training certification programs and the cave diver population. Cave diving has dramatically progressed into a much more technical demanding activity. Mixed gases, sophisticated decompression procedures whether computer generated models or custom-made mathematical logarithms, closed-circuit rebreathers, long range diver propulsion vehicles, side-mount configurations, extended range/multiple cylinders with a variety of gases and so on has made cave diving and the cave diver into different classes of specialized diving.

Has enough information and data been collected and formulated to determine if our foundation of rules really contribute to the safety of the sport? That is a questionable challenge as little has been done to analyze the data and develop our cave diver training programs. Exley?s agenda was based around the non-cave trained diver entering a cave with no clue how to do it safely. The three basic reasons were:

?ot using a continuous guideline
?ailure to have two-thirds gas supply for the exit.
?iving too deep.

During the early 1980?s, the training and lights were added to the list of rules. This established the five rules taught in the following order:

?o cave diving training.
?ot using a continuous guideline.
?ailure to have two-thirds gas supply for the exit.
?iving too deep.
?ot using a minimum three lights.

For cave divers, the rules are narrowed and arranged highlighting the recommended risk issues:

?iving too deep.
?ot using a continuous guideline.
?ailure to have two-thirds gas supply for the exit.

The question to be asked; are the above risks really accurate to diagnose the statistical analysis of all the cave diver fatalities during the past fifteen years? Life is a constant evolution and the same is true with the continuing advances of cave and technical diving. During the early 1980?s, there was a vocal conception amongst many of the cave diving community that trained, certified cave divers do not die as there were very few cave diver accidents. The 1990?s and to the present day has completely erased that perception as cave diver fatalities statistically has increased because of a variety of reasons, many not related to the three risk factors.

Why is this happening? Is it because there are more divers participating in cave diving? The answer is absolutely No. The answer is the diving equipment industry and the numerous scuba prevalent training agencies balance to maintain a flow of people participating in the sport of scuba diving and maintain a sense of quality control that makes scuba diving attractive, accessible and still keep the edge of profitability. During the 1960?s and 1970?s, the scuba diving training courses were physically challenging and time demanding. It was a system that separated the strong to success and weeded out the weak. The end product was usually a competent scuba diver who could physically and comfortably handle most conditions presented by the variety of available diving environments whether it be boat, wrecks, beach, kelp, river, lake, quarry, springs, sinkholes, reefs, etc. During the 1980?s the growth and competitive structure of the scuba diving industry started changing the training environment. The urgency was making the training programs friendlier and better accessibility with time and opportunity. Basically, it is a numbers game as the more people participating, the more equipment to be sold. However, there is a price to be paid when you want to make an outdoor, equipment dependent activity more appealing to the mass public. And that is to make the open water training undemanding and simpler. For the majority of people who choose to participate in scuba diving their major interest is shallow, warm water reefs with pretty fishes, today?s open water training adequately works. However, the dilution of the open water training has weakened the system to allow Scuba Instructors with feeble skills teaching to poorly trained students to participate. This deterioration has been in a prevalent decline for the past twenty-five years.

During this same period of time the world of scuba diving has transformed into a more extensive and very advanced technological diving community. The opportunity for poorly skilled open water divers who are interested to successfully develop and grow into competent technical and/or cave divers is skewed not in their favor. If a scuba diver cannot perform satisfactorily basic skills with buoyancy control, trim and swimming kicks and is psychologically not comfortable with the higher levels of risk of cave & technical diving, how can one believe they will do well? It is an accident waiting to happen.

Deep diving presents its own set of hazards. Physiological problems such as narcosis management, oxygen poisoning, harmful levels of CO2 and decompression administration are one group of problems. Add time pressure, physical exertion, hasty gas consumption and stress and you have multiplied the risks. The statistical analysis of cave diving fatalities clearly shows depth as the greatest risk. However, most of these accidents involved air as the breathing medium. With gas mixtures readily available and technical training programs in place offering the information and structure to properly prepare and execute deeper dives with better dependability and a safer risk. Therefore, performing deep air dives makes no sense. Another question to ask is what is too deep? That is determined by each individual?s training, experience and comfort zone. When cave divers add deeper depths to the equation, it is moving from the minor leagues into the major league. The consequences of the risks must be clearly understood.

Another factor that is not measured statistically is the human body. It is generally understood that the majority of cave divers are in their late thirties and going strong into their forties as most individuals reach a certain point in their life to have the economic ability to afford this equipment intensive activity. There is a growing population of cave divers in their fifties and, remarkably, several cave divers in their sixties. Age is a concern dictated in how properly we take care ourselves. Your body is a temple. How well you take care your body is determined by your lifestyle and discipline. There have been five cave diver fatalities proven to be initiated by a heart attack and a few more suspected. A healthy diet, efficient exercise and eliminating bad habits such as smoking are strong points to increase your enjoyment of life and decrease the risk of health problems that could jeopardize your diving pleasure.

Statistically, there have been six cave diver fatalities where solo cave diving was part of the scenario. A competent dive buddy would have prevented five of these accidents. Should solo cave diving analyzed into our basic rules?

Two cave diver fatalities are attributed to contaminated air in their diving cylinders. Two cave diver fatalities have been attributed to poor management of their decompression gases. Two cave diver fatalities have occurred because of too rich of their Eanx mix. And the second leading cause of cave diving fatalities in the western hemispheres is confusion. There have been eight known fatalities where cave divers could not find their way of the cave system. Not paying attention to details being the main culprit.

As cave diving moves forward in the progress with technology and the continuing pursuit of exploring extreme environmental conditions, the cave diving community needs to make a continuing valid assessment of the risks associated with our sport. Our five rules of accident analysis gives us a solid foundation of information to abide by and works suitably in our training programs. However, there is more to the traditional principles that needs to be clearly identified and defined with the risks of cave diving.

Just Because You are Certified Does Not Mean You are Qualified.

We have established training as our number one rule and the foundation for safety and education. However, there are too many cave divers who value the certification card as a merit badge or an induction into the Hall of Ego fame. The certification card proves only one thing. You have successfully completed a formal course of instruction introducing you to a unique and beautiful environment that presents a much higher degree of risk.

It is your responsibility to make the commitment to excellence. It requires common sense and a personal assessment of honesty towards yourself and your diving partners. You must completely understand and appreciate the risk and be in command of any problems. You must be able to recognize and understand your personal limitations for any particular dive. That means being aware of your particular abilities and level of comfort. Experience is the best teacher. The only way to become a competent cave diver is diving the caves. The training you acquired gave you a license to recognize the value of the risks with diving the caves. It is your responsibility as a certified cave diver to use the learned information and properly prepare for each particular dive in the safest conduct to the best of your ability.

MIFLEX HOSES

During the SUBMERGE Long Range DPV Course I taught for Anders and Peter Knudsen of Denmark, they showed me these Miflex hoses on their regulators that they have been using for the past two years. Apprently, these types of hoses have been around in Europe for the past years. I was impressed. Therefore, I contacted Joey Johnson at SCUBA TOYS Dive Store in Dallas, Texas and immediately ordered a set of hoses for my own regulators. Tommie Padalino of Dallas, Texas graciously brought them down for me on Saturday, April 5th.

The Miflex hose feature an external nylon safety braiding designed to resist the snags and abrasions that divers can often encounter. The Miflex hose with its XTREME double braiding also resists UV rays out of the water, thus extending the lifespan of the hose.

Unlike traditional hoses, the Miflex hose offers XTREME nylon safety braiding that is not simply pushed over the hose fittings. Instead the braiding is tightly bound and fixed to the hose core by stainless steel or brass sleeves.

I am really amazed with their durability and flexibility as you can actually tie knots into the hose without impairing the flow of gas or air. They come in varous lengths with colors of black, blue or yellow available.

RICHARD YOST

For Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 26th I continued diving with Richard Yost (59) of West Linn, Oregon the two-day NACD Apprentice Cave segment of the cave diving training course program. Richard is self-employed and has been diving for over 43 years logging thousands of dives. Richard is #120 in the ranks of the PADI Instructor corps, which is very impressive along with being an SSI Instructor too. Richard took his NACD Cavern and Intro to Cave Diving training segments in North Florida with Michael O�Leary of Lake City, Florida.

We spent Tuesday morning at the Aquanauts Dive Store classroom in Puerto Aventuras discussing equipment configuration and philosophies in addition with fine-tuning all of Richard�s gear. In addition, we went though a thorough discussion on jumps, gaps, permanent �T� intersections and protocols. For the afternoon we performed two cave dives at CENOTE DOS PALMAS working with trim & buoyancy, our first jumps and a lost line drill.

Richard was staying at the Moon Palace Spa Resort located on the north side of Puerto Aventuras with his wife and family members.

For Wednesday morning, we dived CENOTE CHAC MOOL swimming downstream to the Monster Room and viewing the impressive drip stone stalactite formation. On the return swim we practiced a touch-contact/share gas drill along with another lost line drill. After lunch in Puerto Aventuras, we completed our final dive at CENOTE TAJ MAHAL diving to the Chinese Garden Room and practicing a touch-contact/share gas drill through a minor restriction along with a mask-off drill plus two jumps and three �T� intersections. Richard�s confidence level dramatically improved with each dive and clearly demonstrated his competence with buoyancy skills and trim.

It was a great honor to dive with Richard. His enthusiasm for diving and concerns for correct safety reinforces why he has been an active diver since he was sixteen years old. Richard plans to return to the Riviera Maya in the fall of 2008 to complete his full cave diver training and plans to bring a few friends who share his passion for diving.

SUBMERGE LONG RANGE DPV COURSE WITH ANDERS and PETER KNUDSEN

Continuing with my marathon teaching of March I had the outstanding pleasure to dive with Anders & Peter Knudsen of Hilleroed, Denmark beginning on Sunday, March 16th. This is a very talented and superbly trained Father-Son team. If all Fathers and Sons shared together what these two do, the world would be a much better place, as they are professionalism at its best. Anders (19) is a student at the Technical University of Denmark and has been diving for 7 years logging over 350 dives. Anders has earned his Open Water Instructor status with PADI, NACD Full Cave, NAUI Cave II, IANTD Trimix, GUE DIR Fundamentals and the DSAT Trimix Blender as certifications. Peter (41) is the CEO of his own company with a degree in BSC Engineering. Peter has been diving for 7 years logging over 350 dives with certification qualifications in Rescue, Nitrox, GUE DIR Fundamentals, IANTD Trimix and NACD Full Cave.

We began the week with an open water session at CENOTE MANATI on Sunday morning practicing all skills with stage bottles, towing a DPV, sharing gas, and using a reel. It worked out quite well with a great BBQ lunch at the CASA CENOTE at Tankah Beach, this lunch makes it possible for us to use the Casa Cenote parking lot for our dive. For Sunday afternoon, we dived at CENOTE CHAC MOOL for a traverse dive to CENOTE PASCAL and back. Everyone was satisfied with our first day as all goals were accomplished.

It should be noted that Anders and Peter both own the SUBMERGE N-19 DPVs, which is a lightweight 55 lb., nickel-hydride battery energy system. Unfortunately, it was unpractical for them to bring their machines because of the horrendous distance and they did not have a direct flight to Cancun. Because I have two DPV students for this particular course, that meant I needed six DPVS in total for the long-range goals. In the past when I had two students I was always lucky as they brought their own SUBMERGE motor and shrouds or I had access to the 5th & 6th SUBMERGE DPVs. This week, as I discovered the hard way, my availability of two more SUBMERGE AV-26 DPVs had dried up. Therefore, the only other DPVs I could obtain were an Oceanic Mako and the X scooter.

For Monday, March 17th we traveled out west of Chemuyil to dive the CENOTE TUHS (Tux) KAPAXA. Our dive was a success as we motored all of the huge power passages, viewed the mastodon and supposedly bear bones and worked on sharing air/gas drills. However, the logistics took its toll as the 130 meters/400 feet meter hump from he truck to the water as we were all exhausted carrying machines, stage bottles and our doubles to & from. We canceled any thoughts for a second session, which has made me make the final decision for sherpas for future courses. On our way back to Puerto Aventuras, we made it a point to stop at PIZZARIA LEO�s as both men had heard or read so much about it. They were not one bit disappointed.

For Tuesday, March 18th we dived at CENOTE MAYAN BLUE motoring the B to E to F to G to A tunnels and back. Anders and Peter were super impressed with the canyon features of the F tunnel and the pretty cobalt blue color of water that always exists in the saltwater passages. For our second dive we motored the entire A line past the Battleship Room and turned at the permanent �T� intersection that is on the way to CENOTE NAHARON (CRISTAL). I was shocked by our efficiency using the machines. On our way home we stopped at Oscar Y Lalo�s Restaurant located on Highway 307 for dinner and to review my entire SUBMERGE DPV workbook.

For our final three days we decided to use CENOTE DOS OJOS for dives to the LSD area, CENOTE THE PIT and to CENOTE KENTUCKY CASTLE. On Wednesday, March 19th we discovered a glitch as one of the stainless steel latches on one of the SUBMERGE hulls had broken off. This caused instant flooding of the machine so we aborted the plan for a double stage, double DPV dive to the LSD area. We improvised and used one DPV to motor up to the LSD line and install a jump reel and line and then returned. When we reached the cavern zone and open water area of CENOTE DOS OJOS EAST, it was an utter mad house. There were hundreds of people in the water. Do this, picture in your mind the scene in the movie TITTANIC after the vessel has sunk underwater and there are 700 people thrashing about. That is exactly how it was that day at CENOTE DOS OJOS EAST when we came back. It was a zoo!

I had brought my Nikon 100 camera system with me as we did have a plan for photos of Peter and Anders motoring on the SUBMERGE DPVs and that we did. My plan was to go down downstream for the photos, but to our horror there was so much silt in the water from the swimmers and divers in CENOTE DOS OJOS EAST that it became useless as all my shots were looking fuzzy. Once I realize this would not work, I decided we would go upstream. One thing I did discover and learn very effectively was using the Oceanic Mako DPV and shooting photos on the fly. I swear it works and I was getting great results. Moving to the upstream and having clear water was the magic as the photos on the screen were looking much better plus Peter and Anders were really in the groove as a team for the photos. I was super happy with the results I got. If you go to my home page of this website and scroll down to the SUBMERGE LONG RANGE DPV courses and click on to the next page you will see four of the photos I shot that day. The photo session saved the day, I think!

For Thursday, March 20th we made sure all machines latches were in great shape and our plan was to motor to the LSD area. We got a late start that day as we normally leave for the dive sites at 7:00 or 7:30 A.M. After we departed my bodega and were driving on Highway 307 Chrissie Le Malliot and two GUE VII DPV course students in his truck and a second local pickup truck passed us. I had a hunch they would be diving the DOS OJOS cave system. When we pulled into the EJIDO JACINTO PAT entrance area, sure enough they were going in too. When I saw they were using CENOTE DOS PALMAS I warned Anders and Peter we would probably be seeing them again underwater. Because I knew DOS OJOS would be another day at the zoo, we took the road past the entrance area to the CENOTE DOS OJOS parking area and snuck around the backside so that we could park as close to CENOTE DOS OJOS WEST and enter the water at that location. It worked pretty good, however, we agreed we would still exit at CENOTE DOS OJOS EAST. After all the pre-dive checks and reviews we began our dive. I am not all happy with the X scooter. It does not have the power to pull a diver with two stage bottles and a second DPV. Peter�s first DPV was not behaving very well too. As we began the tie-off in the cavern zone to motor to the main line upstream that many cave divers call the AMAZING CAVE line (from the IMAX film called Journey to the Amazing Caves) and all the cave damage that occurred from that filming in the year 2000 we were suddenly passed by Chris�s DPV team. They zoomed right past us proud as peacocks. I just smiled as I figured we would be passing them later in the dive. As we motored up the main line I was surprised by the amount of silt particles stirred up by the first DPV team. It happens. At the air dome 2000 feet/660 meters we stopped. I was fairly frustrated by our time progress, as the X scooter did not have the muscle. I was verbally grumbling, which is normally not my style. Peter�s DPV propeller blades may have been installed incorrectly by me as we performed a complete breakdown and examination of the DPV blade, clutch and shaft area the day before. I suggested to Peter to move the pitch of the blades to 9, which made a big difference. Continuing onward we pass the first DPV team�s machines as they were all clipped to the permanent line along with their stage bottles. They were using only using one DPV compared to our two DPVs per diver. At 40 minutes DPV time we were at the jump to the LSD line and our jump reel was already installed from the day before probably surprising the first DPV team. They installed a spool. We park our first DPVs and our first stage bottles on the main line. Now we are motoring the LSD line with our second DPVs, but 1500 feet/425 meters less distance than I usually work with this area. We are about 700 feet/325 meters motoring in on the LSD area when we encounter the first DPV team who are now swimming. With so much cave to work with, I could not believe we encountered the swimming team in the only location on the LSD line where we could not pass. As we stopped and waited, I got the impression they did not see us from their behavior. Swimming teams always have the right away over DPV teams. We hovered patiently waiting when finally it was obvious they realized we wanted to get pass them. The swimming team swam further upstream the LSD line reaching a point where we had enough room for us to safely pass by. As we motored by Anders and Peter waved as they returned the friendly gesture. The amount of silt particles stirred up by the GUE team was impressive. Wow, I thought, they are human!

With one machine and one stage bottle each, our efficiency dramatically increased. The X scooter was now behaving in a more productive manner. Everything was now clicking the way it should be as we motored into the massive canyons and rooms of this very incredible area of the Dos Ojos cave system. I could sense that Anders and Peter were really enjoying the dive. Anders called the dive and I was satisfied they were able to see the majority of the LSD area. Our return to Cenote Dos Ojos was relaxing with no problems. Despite the poor overall efficiency with the first machines, the second half of the dive motoring into the cave proved to work very well and our results made all the hard work and effort worth it.

For Friday morning, March 21st I had all the tanks loaded for our final day. Peter came out to greet me from the Condo Suite they were using and asked if we could take the day off. Anders ears were acting funky (a common problem with many cave divers diving the cave systems) and I could sense Peter wanted a day of rest. I could not agree more as I will confess I was a tired puppy dog. Therefore, we took Friday off and it gave me an opportunity to get a few chores done though it turned out to mostly non-productive for me as it GOOD FRIDAY.

For our final day and graduation dive for Saturday, March 22nd would be the traverse dive to the CENOTE THE PIT. We arrived early to the CENOTE DOS OJOS to beat the crowds. We prepared all our gear and got everything in the water. Six DPV machines, six stage bottles along with our double tanks. This takes time and much effort. We are now in the water, having reviewed all safety checks when Anders informs Peter and I that his stomach is feeling sickly poo. OK. We decided to wait awhile and see if it would change and improved. I reminded Anders how cool this dive would be thinking that some psychology might help motivate his body into a better state of health. Anders made a final decision and bowed out saying it was not worth the risk. I tell you what, folks that was a very mature and gutsy call. For a young man to abort a potential great opportunity of experiencing a wonderful dive, it strongly proved he has a great head on his shoulders. I was impressed!

Peter and I made the dive to the CENOTE THE PIT. Our first drop point was CENOTE TIKIM MICH and we continued onward with the second DPVs and second stage bottles. I decided to use the Oceanic Mako as my second DPV as I wanted to see how I maneuvered the bedding plane areas. It worked great as I could hold the machine to the side and slip through these low areas without hurting the cave. The problem was, as Peter later told me, I stirred up enough silt with the machine making it more challenging for him. Whoops, sorry! We swam the last 14 minutes to the CENOTE THE PIT and we did not surface. We could see a group of divers on the surface going through a briefing with the Cavern guide and we waved at them and they waved back. Our return dive to CENOTE DOS OJOS was exceptional as the DPV machines purred like kittens and I did not have to use that X scooter. That alone made my day. After the dive, Peter explained to me and Anders how it was such a moving experience for him when he and I swam out from the balcony into the CENOTE THE PIT with our lights off from the cave passage and viewing the massive drop-off and the inspiring natural daylight filtering downward. If I remember correctly, Peter said it was most spectacular dive in his diving career.

It was a successful week for Peter and Anders and I learned more things to improve these SUBMERGE Long Range DPV Courses. Sherpas will now become part of the course logistics. Carrying the machines and stage bottles really wears down everyone. In addition, I am investing into more SUBMERGE DPV machines. I have the bodies for four 42-amp machines and four 26-amp machines. I just need two more motor and shrouds when I have two students and that is in the works to accomplish.

JON ARSENAULT & TRAVIS KERSTING

Beginning on Sunday, March 9th I continued my March marathon of teaching with the honorable pleasure of diving with Jon Arsenault (49) of Deer River, Minnesota and Travis Kersting (21) of Cohasset, Minnesota. Jon�s professional career involves with building maintenance technology. Jon has been diving for 20 years logging over 700 dives. His dive qualifications include Open Water Advanced, Nitrox and Ice diving certifications. Travis is a welder and fabricator and has been diving for 6 years logging over 100 dives. His qualifications include open water advanced and nitrox certifications. During this same week, I had Dr. Josh & Jen Leute of Port Washington, Wisconsin and Caleb Conley and Rich Rezanka of the Minneapolis, Minnesota area who dived as their own teams but followed my class around for several of our dive sites.

We completed 15 cave dives accumulating over 1138 minutes of bottom time. Our dives included CENOTE DOS OJOS, CENOTE CHAC MOOL, CENOTE TAL MAJAL, CENOTE VACA HA, CENOTE TORTUGA, CENOTE TEMPLE of DOOM (Calavera), CENOTE CHAN HOL, CENOTE CARACOL (LABNA HA ECO PARK), CENOTE PET CEMETARY II, and CENOTE TUHS (Tux) KAPAXA. Our dives include 14 jumps and 17 �T� intersections, 3 lost line drills, 5 touch-contact/share gas drills and the continuous practice with gas valve management, no mask, back up light exit, trim and buoyancy skills.

We had several highlight dives during this week. On Friday, March 14th we were planning to dive CENOTE AKTUN HU. However, because of the feud between the landowner and the two investors with the Eco Park, this particular day they wanted 450 pesos per person. That was too much as it would kill my budget and the ATV machine had a flat tire. We opted to dive CENOTE OUTLAND. In one week�s time the landowner had installed a gate and lock, therefore that idea was killed. I decided the hell with it we drove over to CENOTE PET CEMETARY II and we dived to the Blue Abyss. With Josh, Caleb and Rich as one team and Travis, Jon and I as the other team, everyone was stoked on this dive. In addition, the new wide and professional stairway was nearly complete for an easy entry into CENOTE PET CEMETARY I. For Saturday, March 15th, we dived CENOTE TUHS (Tux) KAPAXA with a stage bottle accumulating close to 170 minutes of bottom time. We viewed the Mastodon Bone site, which has become very popular. However, the big victory was finding the big animal bone site that Gunnar Wagner had showed me back in 2000 and 2001. I am almost convinced this was a bear as I have been reading other sources of information that bears did roam the Yucatan with the Mastodons.

Everyone considered the week a huge success as Jon and Travis saw plenty of great places, more than most folks do. Their skills were excellent and it was a pure joy diving with them.