WRECK DIVING



Wreck diving is both a mysterious and exhilarating specialty of the scuba diving sport. It is an awesome feeling on your first wreck dive, as you sink below the waters surface in avid search of that ghostly silhouette nestled against the ocean floor.

Many wrecks dived today are laden with history and intrigue and vary from the storm-battered and defeated fishing boats and grim war memorabilia to the relics and leftovers of ancient civilizations. It's this mixture of history, drama and possible tragedy that kick-starts many divers' sense of adventure and propels them to wreck specialty status.

The sea has an amazing ability to turn a man-made wreck of twisted metal and rusting hinges into a beautiful reef and thriving ecosystem. The famous Rainbow Warrior wreck off the north coast of New Zealand is a prime example of this and, after a decade of being scuttled, it is now totally encased by a patchwork rainbow of brightly coloured sea anemones.

Chunk Lagoon, a one-hour flight from Guam in the South Pacific, is a wreck enthusiast's paradise. In 1944 a fleet of over 50 Japanese ships were bombed here. This naval graveyard is now a haven of coral encased railings and home to hundreds of tropical species.

Other famous wreck sites include the WW2 supply ship, the Thistlegorm, northwest of Ras Muhammad in the Red Sea and the famous Yongala resting on the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's east coast.

Wreck diving can be both fascinating and frightening. There are many wreck sites that are accessible to divers with limited experience, but considerations should always be taken and divers should show these artificial reefs a great deal of respect.

Often wrecks are scuttled before transitory structures can be removed and this can leave a snare of old nets, cables and pipes just waiting to entangle the unsuspecting. Currents on wreck sites can be fierce and can contribute to buoyancy and exhaustion problems. Divers need to be aware of any silt deposits around the sites - a misplaced fin kick can reduce visibility and easily confuse your navigational ability.

When diving a wreck for the first time it is a good idea to tag along with a local expert or at least take the time to learn all the site snags before plunging in. Many training agencies offer wreck specialty courses and if you are planning on becoming an intrepid wreck explorer it is a good idea to complete one of these. The course will prepare you to recognise possible snares and dangers and will introduce you into safe wreck penetration while jogging your marine conservation principles.

There are also many national and international associations involved with marine archaeology and history. These clubs and organisations hold training courses for those wishing to advance their wreck skills and organise dives to interesting historical sites. As well as giving you the chance to contribute to maritime archives, these groups are a good way to meet like-minded divers.

FROM
http://www.ifyoudive.com/diving/wreckdivingintro2/