Location

Comments (See also photos - Littlehampton Marine Life and UK Wrecks)

Max Depth (approx)

The weather was forecast to be mild with light winds and a smooth sea. Beware - they lie, the sea was quite lumpy and the original plan of diving the Shirala had to be changed to the Ore wreck as it was too uncomfortable and time consuming battling against wind and tide.  

After a much more pleasant journey we arrived above the wreck and sent down the shot. The notion of enjoying a clear light dive were quickly dashed as the water became darker and silt laden the deeper we descended. However, with a good torch each we found our way around this familiar wreck spotting a variety of sea life including crabs, lobster, wrasse, pouting conger etc.

The weather was clear with some sun out to sea and the water was not cold, the boat went well, we could have sent the shot in better and were lucky that it snagged in a discarded lobster pot line. We also need to replace the lifting bag clip as it has all but rusted solid. it was however nice to get out in November ! (TC)

They say a bad days diving is better than a good day in the office, well last Saturday took the biscuit!

The weather was glorious, the boat and skipper were excellent (thanks Alexander!) it was just me that was having a bad day, all kitted up ready to go just my fins to go on and as I pull the strap the rubber toggle that holds the buckle in place sheared off! Sod it!

A spare pair of fins was produced from Alexander’s bag (he thinks of everything that lad!) but alas my dry suits boots were just too big for the pockets (think ugly sister with glass slipper) the ubiquitous cable ties were produced but in my effort to cut a hole the knife sliced through the fin. Boll**ks! Fortunately I was diving in a three so I said to Bryan and Dave to go ahead. Upon de-kitting I broke the retractor on my console – yet more expense!

 Exiting the water all seemed to have a good dive on the ‘Kyarra’ which I am sure they will report!

Went ashore, rented a pair of fins then we went out for a drift off ‘Old Harry’ again suited up, rolled in and my mask came loose, got it sorted on the surface (or so I thought) descended to 5 metres with water pouring in quicker than I could eject it! I passed the reel to Bryan and went back to the surface – refitted my mask but by this time the blob had drifted quite a way, the boat picked me up and dropped me closer but despite finning for Britain I could not get near the SMB, rolled over inflated my BCD and decided to call it quits.

Again I had the joy of witnessing the rest of the team exiting the water having had another good dive.

We all mucked in unloading the boat and while turning to lift up a twinset I pulled a muscle in my back!

I had planned to dive on Sunday but on reflection over a glass of wine and some fine venison stew at the friends where I was staying, decided that the Gods were not smiling upon me and were exacting revenge for one my many misdemeanours.

So the shopping list for the Dive show in Birmingham just got longer although I have already written to Oceanic complaining about my fins (2 years old and 55 dives)

I look forward to another trip to Swanage, I might even get to see the ‘Kyarra’ next time! (Paul Clunas)

The weather had been good for the 7 days so better viz was expected than the previous week. It was a leisurely start meeting at 0930 at the café and with a launch time of 11.30 there was plenty of time for both divers and boat to get ready.

With a crew of seven we made passage to the Outer Mulberry in fair conditions under the command of Stuart.  (The forecast said "wavelets" and increasing winds possibility later. Well, leaving harbour those wavelets looked big to me and the wind was rising.)  On arrival at the site some rotter was moored on to the shot awaiting slack so we lay off and kitted up. Jules/Alex and Bryan/Malcolm were the first pairs in; as they did not immediately surface it was assumed that there was some visibility! It was agreed that after 30 mins Bryan would surface and he would then take Alan in. Alan while waiting unfortunately had succumbed to an attack of DO’s disease and was involved in copious feeding activities of the bib and pollock (although Julian managed to kept his bubble and squeak to himself)

Bryan/Alan and Stuart/myself then went in, viz was 2-3 metres with only a slight current running although it did seem to come from a variety of directions, after a gentle swim over and around the wreck a lobster was spotted which Stuart and I did our best to get but it lived to fight another day – we really have to get a working group together to work out the best way of catching these blue bugs.  (Plenty of fish life, some big shoals and that cuttle fish appeared again which Bryan was pleased about having not seen one before there.)

On the ascent the current had started to run so a tight hold was kept on the shot to save being washed up on the Isle of Wight.  (We all had a good dive including Paul, though he and Stuart his buddy seemed to be having a domestic when they surfaced. Few problems in finding the marker buoy as with a very high tide (over 12m to bottom) it disappeared below the surface during the dives so a bit of fun finding it but Julian was able to sort it explaining how to use the GPS system both to us and another rib that had appeared.)

All back on the boat it was decided given a lack of gas and with the wind freshening a drift was not advisable. Tunnocks Caramel Wafers were distributed and Jules helmed back to Littlehampton against wind and tide so was a bit bumpy – kept spilling my coffee! (Rally Driver Julian …, great fun holding on as on a number of occasions we were completely airborne!!!!)

Fuelled up, recovered, all washed down then home – a good day out and thanks to all crew  including young Alex who came up for a bit of stick but took it all in good humour.  (PJC) (MK)

Blue sky, hot sun and a calm sea (yes- there really was one day like this this summer) with hopes and spirits riding high as we rolled back over the side, swam to the shot and descended into …….. total and utter blackness!  We hit the bottom before we could see it but at least realised we were bang on target on the wreck (for a change?).  After a quick exchange of OK’s we reeled off to almost immediately bump into the donkey boiler.  Fantastic – now I knew exactly where we were.  Heading sternwards past unseen main boilers - within touching distance but hidden somewhere in the Stygian gloom - we found the engine. After an energetic and triumphant “engine” sign to Stuart next time I looked round he had vanished.  Following the line back, shining a torch in all directions to see if there was any responding light, he was eventually found waiting at the bottom of the shot. Apparently wild vertical pumping of the arms to mimic pistons is easily mistaken for a “let’s ascend” signal! (Note: Must practice this underwater communication business.)

Time for a drift on Black Ledge before returning to harbour – but why did we expect the vis to be any better?  Hit the bottom again before seeing it and set off only to find that my neck seal extender ring was still on but amazingly did not let water in until I tried to take it off. How does the physics of that work? (Note: Must put more emphasis on buddy checks!). Gentle drift over rocks and lumps (trying not to bump into them) with dogfish, cuckoo wrasse, dead men’s fingers, etc. (AH)

The tides this weekend are the worst spring tides of the summer, so it would not normally  be a weekend to take the club boat out, but the weather was better than it had been for the last two months and we were desperate. 

We went out to Black Ledge to do a drift dive though the rocks as staying on a wreck would be  impossible with the tides. 

Three went in first, putting them in so as not to drift into the boats that were fishing but they were still not on the rock and going the wrong way, so we recovered them and put them in again with the knowledge we had on which way they would drift now.

After 35 min they surfaced saying that it was not that good visibility but would like to do a second dive.

Being the second wave, we were moving quite fast  but could see two or three metres all round. There was some fish life, not big shoals, just one here and one there and a nice big crab.  We stayed down for forty minutes and had a max depth of 18 metres and I enjoyed it.

We put the three back in again for another twenty minutes before returning to the marina to put the boat away.  A good day out - we just need better weather to make it a better day out. (JA)

Another marginal decision and some on the boat thought it should have been a definite no go! Gradually got more swell as we went out to dive site and unfortunately Stuart and Dave (last pair in) had to abort as weather was really getting quite bad.  Down shot to gravelly bottom.  Took compass bearing to West and some found the wreck some didn't. Will we ever get any decent weather??? (JH)

Club Holiday - see separate report (in progress!)

At long last, we gave it a go.  After weeks of having to cancel dives because of the weather we went out to get Alex and Alan, our very patient trainees, into the water again.  Because the weather had been so bad there were a lot of boats and divers at the site which did mean that when we met other divers the viz deteriorated rapidly.  However, there was plenty of marine life to keep us looking around and Alex now knows the sign for a tompot blennie!! (JH)

Eventually one of these was dived!! For all the details, you will have to click the link to James' report.  With great restraint the 'serving wench' ( who had not been allowed a place on the boat!!) has only corrected spelling and grammar!

Ore Wreck

After recovering the shot we headed off for site 2 the `Ore Wreck` where we encountered a lone fishing boat. After yet more discussions by `The Management` about the placing of the shot, the fishing boat approached us to discuss `Perking at Slack` (Perking is a term not often encountered at Banstead Divers Club and confusion reigned).  A lively discussion led to the fishing vessel`s rapid exit and dive 2 commenced.

Good dive, lots to see, large fish, crabs and lobster. Our return to Littlehampton, 5pm approx, having enjoyed James at the helm, speeding us home, concluded my return to the joys of English diving. Thanks to everyone for a great day!!! (AS)

Worthing Lumps

My 10 o`clock arrival at our chosen cafe for a hearty breakfast began my first Channel Dive for four years!  By 11.30 we were heading off into La Manche to our first dive site `the Worthing Wall` for a drift. Following `The Management` discussion on the pros and cons of launching the shot, James (my buddy) and I set off. We drifted; one crab, many sea shells and 30 minutes later we surfaced. (AS)

Beautiful flat sea, plenty of time to drop the shot.  Descended shot line through sea that was murky with plankton, and gradually the light faded.  Eventually reached the sea floor - where's the wreck??  Probably the wreck was within a few metres of us, but unfortunately the viz was such that we couldn't see it, although Andrew, Alex and Bryan just reached the edge before their bottom time had more than ran out.  Some evidence, broken shells etc, but once again the big ship was elusive! (JH)

Ocean Diver Training dives

Ocean diver training dives.  Decided to 'give it a go', but was probably not an ideal first dive off the boat for Alan & Alex.  Lumpy ride (Stuart managed to drive so that we didn't get too bumped around or splashed although the odd rogue wave defeated him!) and interesting entry to access shot.  Alan's report gives more details!  Both Julian and Alan looked as if they would rather be anywhere but on the rib for the return trip!

New location for a long weekend and a good variety of dives. Report.

First dives of a long weekend, lots of trainees itching to get into the sea and see the famous Mulberry Harbour, carry out exercises etc etc.

All went well until the trip back.  Submerged unknown object and Bryan driving - a combination that is becoming quite common.  Read Dave's report about the dive and trip back. 

26 April

Well, the sun shone!  For those with a little time to while away, read the report (mainly by James) of the dive.

Shore training dives, including 1st open water dives for Alan & Alex.  Read their report.

17 February

Shirala

1st sea dive of the season.  Most opted to stay on the boat.  Bob and Alexander were the only ones willing to brave the sea!

3 February

Portsmouth

Dive in the Submarine Escape Training Tank - see Jan/Feb News

30m

12 January

Whipps Cross Hospital

Dry dive in hyperbaric recompression unit - see Jan/Feb News

40m