Valentines Tech Expedition: Orientation Day
Divers train for a expedition for the month of February over valentines day.
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech started the orientation and introduction for 4 new students who will be working over the next few weeks to be trained as technical divers to depart koh tao on a technical diving liveaboard and cave diving in the Similan Islands and Khao Sok National Park.
The students consist of Duncan Tyler, Yvonne Fries, Helen Artal and Thomas Hallstrom who are all diving professionals. The course is being conducted by technical diving instructor James Thornton-Allan and assisted by future technical diving instructor Andy Cavell and Ash Dunn.
The goal of the next week is to certify the students for TDI Intro to Tech, TDI Advanced Nitrox, TDI Decompression Procedures and TDI Extended Range followed by TDI Cavern Diver and TDI Trimix.
While the majority of the training dives will be conducted in Koh Tao the team departs early in february to the west coast of thailand to board our liveaboard the Mv Pawara for 4 days and nights on the luxury vessel diving in Similan Islands we a few days in the end for some wreck diving and cave diving which builds from last months successful “Golden Horseshoe Expedition“
Today covered equipment organizing for all 7 technical divers and a refresher of theory with the introduction of technical diving specific information, the students were also tested on their water stamina with swim tests designed to ensure they have the basic fitness for the stress of this style of diving.
Our next expedition is planned for the end of February, to join or to receive more information you can contact us at info@bigbluetech.net
Scuba Diving Compressor Operator
Diver Air Quality Compressor Operator Handling Course Completed in Thailand
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech completed a BSAC Compressor Operator course today for Divemaster Intern Dylan Thornton by BSAC Instructor Ash Dunn.
The BSAC Compressor Operator course is about teaching the proper handling, procedures and functions of divers air quality compressors and banked air systems.
Divers air quality compressors are not the same as compressors you use for filling tires or using a nail gun. The quality of the air has to be high to prevent any respiratory problems for the divers breathing it under pressure. With the quality of the air so important Dylan was also taught how to change the filters which have special chemicals inside to help remove toxins and moisture before being put into the scuba divers cylinder.
The course consists with a morning of academic theory lessons and afternoon of practical hands on filling and then concludes with a written exam. Dylan progresses tomorrow on to his Gas Blender course where he will use his skills again to fill nitrox cylinders.
In addition to this the rest of the team have been busy servicing regulators and equipment in preperation for the start of the next tech course which starts bright and early tomorrow for 4 eager future technical divers.
Halcyon Infinity System now in stock
Halcyon new adjustable harness system now available for shipping in Asia.
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech are happy to announce the availability of Halcon’s new Infinity harness system. The new technical diving harness and backplate system is designed to give the diver more options with an adjustable webbing system so it can be enlarged and reduced in size on the fly. The system also features comfort padding.
You can find more information HERE
For price and shipping details please email us at info@bigbluetech.net
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Conclusion
Technical Divers return home from the 3 week expedition in Thailand
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech concluded their 3 week expedition on January 25th after ariving at the sea port of Koh Tao Island in Thailand.
Over the past 3 weeks students and instructors from Big Blue Tech have been travelling around Thailand tech diving in the best destinations throughout the country.
The expedition took us through Khao Sok National Park, Khao Lak, Similan Islands, Krabi, Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Sra Keow and Surin Islands.
During the 3 weeks the team conducted technical dives in caverns, caves, fresh water, salt water, hot water, cold water, night time, bad visibility, perfectly clear visibility, strong current and no current. We did this all from shore, longtail boats, dinghies, speedboats, luxury liveaboards, back of a truck, tug boat and a peir.
Over the 3 weeks we found a clear divide between technical divers and recreational divers as many places we went had never seen a twin set let alone knew how to operate one which gave Big Blue Tech a great chance to expose areas to this style of diving. Along with that clear divide we also got ourselves into plenty of mischief which comes with any road trip.
Returning to Koh Tao the extension is almost finished which is designed to house more divers and their equipment, Ash was more then happy to see us as he’s been looking after the Koh Tao office all alone for 3 weeks.
The next few days we be consumed with servicing all our equipment and regulators to be ready for the next course start on January 30th where we’ll return to our liveaboard for another Similans Expedition in February.
Big Blue Tech featured in ‘Atacamag Magazine’
Technical diving and cave diving in Thailand featured in french magazine.
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech along with photographs from Christos Kardana have been featured in a 5 page spread in the french magazine Atacamag which can be read online through their website at Atacamag. Atacamag is an outdoor magazine which focuses on sports outdoors and interviewed Christos last year when they were travelling conducting research for their Thailand feature.
The magazine explores technical diving in thailand along with a focus on Koh Tao and cave diving in Khao Sok.
Follow this link to read a copy of the issue – ‘Atacamag – Numero 7‘
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Tech Diving Day Trip to Koh Bon
Technical divers race to Koh Bon divesite for Manta Rays by Speedboat.
Khao Lak, Thailand - Big Blue Tech members Andy Cavell, Mark Slinn and James Thornton-Allan raced to Koh Bon dive site this morning to go looking for Manta Rays. Travelling at over 30 knots it took just under an hour to reach the dive site in the Similan Islands on one of our speed boats. Koh Bon dive site is best known for the abundance of manta rays found there and is the only place in Thailand where these animals can be seen.
Big Blue Khao Lak, the branch for diving in the simian islands has 2 speedboats and a liveaboard so we jumped in one of them for a relaxing days diving.
However, our luck with these animals seems to be consistent and there wasn’t a single manta ray which was annoying since the past few days before divers have been enjoying multiple manta rays. This is a running theme now since we saw none on the liveaboard.
Although there were no Manta Rays there were some white tip sharks and other fish, some yellow and some blue, basically all of Nemo’s mates were there but it wasn’t what we were looking for.
The second dive was a Koh Tachai dive site where, again, there were no Manta’s so the tech crew (now without Emily) did what any lads do on a speed boat with nothing else to do, we jumped in the drivers seat and took the boat for a spin which was absolutely brilliant. Most of us have driven boats before and also have our powerboat license but this boat is built for speed and that’s exactly what it did, it went fast, very very fast.
Unfortunately for Andy who forgot his dive bag in the truck he ended up very sun burnt from the entire day in the sun but hope it teaches him a good lesson about equipment awareness.
Tomorrow is scheduled for more diving where Panos will join us, it’s been ages since Panos moved out here to look after Big Blue Tech in Khao Lak and since he’s been so busy there’s been no chance to get in the water. Hopefully we’ll have both Panos and Rick together at Richeleau Rock for some tech diving and then it’s off home to be back on Koh Tao for the 25th.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Back to Khao Lak
Technical divers travel north to dive with Manta Rays
Phi Phi, Thailand – Big Blue Tech departed from Phi Phi Island today to head back up to Khao Lak after it was decided that the island held no more interest for the team of technical divers.
Yesterday we dived in Maya Cave which was reported as a great cave worth a visit which we felt posed very little challenge and did give us a rush of adrenaline like other caves we have dived in during this expeditions.
Last night the team spoke with other divers on Phi Phi about the caves, the recreational divers who have never had any formal training in overhead referred to the other caves as “swim through”. This new information put doubt into our minds about the value of staying any longer in exchange for diving somewhere else. The decision was made to not go diving today and instead packed up and left the island.
Technical diving on this island as part of an expedition is very difficult to the point of frustration. We had major problems simply getting from one point of the island to the other with our gear let alone arranging boats and air fills. However it’s very unusual for a divers to travel through the country like this with their own equipment so it was not a surprise that we would encounter some problems.
While Phi Phi was great for a party and all normal holiday making and relaxing it’s a lot like Koh Tao in many ways but nowhere near as developed and established which could be a result of the Tsunami which wiped out Phi Phi island 5 years ago, an event which is remembered in subtle and respectful ways throughout the island.
Anyone wishing to visit Phi Phi should contact Susan at +66 0892894789 who arranged all the transport, accommodation and bookings really well over the phone and was essential to the modest success we got.
This evening the tech crew arrived back in Khao Lak where we would take out our speedboat for a couple days diving on the Similan Islands to look for Manta Rays. This is also the end of the road for Emily who returns to Koh Tao to get back to work teaching scuba diving at Big Blue.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Phi Phi Caves
Technical divers explore sea caves on Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi, Thailand – Big Blue Tech arrived in Phi Phi this morning to begin 2 days of sea cave diving in an attempt to clearly identify the caves in this area as potential for future expeditions.
Phi Phi island is best know for the location of “The Beach” movie starring that guy from Titanic. The story is actually based on Ang Thong Marine Park but they used Maya Bay to create the set for the beach.
Arriving on Phi Phi island we were surprised by how rural the environment is with no motorcycles or trucks to help transport equipment which meant the annoying task of humping all our gear along the pier to the small carts which would take us through the winding streets to Princess Divers who would host us for the next few days.
Once we were finally checked in to our hotels, sweating, irritated and hungry we had a small bite to eat and then set off on a long tail to Maya Cave which was reported as a stunning cave that goes in over 100m.
We found the cave quite easily with little reference and conducted one dive inside and it is not a cave it’s a cavern. It’s very hard to get into an area where you cannot see natural light. The size and design of the cave is also so vast that there’s really very little risk to call it a cave. However, you could get into a point where it’s linear depth is beyond 40m so in that respect it is a cave.
The large entrance leads to a huge cavern that is split in the middle by a pillar several metres across. The left side has a low ceiling 2-3m from the floor and has many interesting rock formations and stalactites, passing these the floor is littered with pieces of broken stalactites.
The right side past the split is more spacious with several metres from floor to ceiling but also with impressive stalactites. 100m from the entrance the two sides meet again at the back wall between huge stalactites.
There are more “caves” to check out but with the epic logistics and the utter emotional process to get to the dive site we just wanted to go back to our hotel and have a cold beer. Andy Cavell was more than happy to hear that as he was forming a speech impediment where every third word in his sentences was either “pub” or “pint”
Tomorrow’s plan would be 2 more dives at different dive sites reported to be good caves, hopefully we’ll find something to warrant the effort to get here.
Poseidon Discovery – now available for 10,000 diving instructors.
TDI (Technical Diving International), the largest technical certification agency in the world, is now offering training in the sports diver Rebreather, also known as Poseidon Discovery. TDI is seen as an innovator always bringing new, exciting and functional diving techniques and programs to the general diving public.
All of the thousands TDI-certificated dive leaders around the world now have the opportunity to get educated in the Rebreather system. This means that the possibility for scuba divers to be taught by an Rebreather-educated instructor has increased considerably.
“I would call this the crucial step för the Rebreather to reach the great amount of recreational divers all over the world,” says Kurt Sjöblom, CEO of Poseidon Diving Group AB. “My prediction is is that 2010 will really be the year of the Rebreather!”
Poseidon was founded by divers, for divers. When Ingvar Elfström launched the world’s first single hose regulator in 1958 it became an immediate sensation. The company currently has 30 employees and over 2000 agents worldwide. Headquarters and manufacturing is located in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The world’s first closed breathing system for recreational divers
Unlike traditional breathing systems for recreational divers, Poseidon Discovery reuses the exhaled breath. This extends the diving time from 40 minutes to several hours. In November 2008, Poseidon Discovery was awarded the international award “Best of What’s New Award” by Popular Science, one of the largest popular science magazines.
For further information, please contact:
Kurt Sjöblom, CEO, +46706340552, kurt.sjoblom@poseidon.com
Mats Lennartson, Press Contact, +46707902468, mats.lennartson@poseidon.com
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Sra Keow Cave
Technical Divers Explore Asia’s Deepest Cave
Krabi, Thailand – Today Big Blue Tech conducted 2 dives inside the deepest cave in Asia called Sra Keow cave in the province of Krabi in Thailand. This cave is famous for recent penetrations to depths of 240m and continued expeditions are planned for further exploration.
Our goals were simply to check out the cave and see what they’re like. The surroundings are stunning and this would be a good chance to see some alternative diving and explore a system that has received a lot of attention in the past. Keeping with air depth limits we would only enter to maximum of 60m at which point narcosis and partial pressure of oxygen inspired would be too much of a risk or concern for overhead diving.
On our first dive we were surprised how the entrance to the cave begins almost immediately on descent. Clearly tied permanent lines were helpful but we ran our own initially until we knew the lines could be trusted. The cave itself is very silty and dirty; it’s basically a mud pit with limestone shapes. Every single move had to be calculated as the visibility was easily disturbed. Inside the cave itself it’s quite easy to navigate around as it’s a very large system with enough room for 2 dives to enter and exit easily. Additionally the installation of arrows are placed well except for the nasty line trap on ascent which can’t be avoided.
After the first dive we headed to see Dave at OneStop Dive centre for air and nitrox fills. While waiting we bought too much technical diving gear from him and generally took over his store kicking the tires for a few hours.
Our second dive of the day was was completed to a maximum depth of 60m staggered with surface support and then we went for a walk through one of the surface caves in the area.
In general we thought the cave was perfect for people who like dark, dirty, silty, smelly holes in the ground (like us) but not so great for people who like pretty open caves.It was also very cold which was quite shocking in our 3mm wetsuits.
The cave is also technically difficult with the aspects of narcosis, decompression and a whole host of hazards and it’s not reccomended for novice divers.
The team moves on to Phi Phi tomorrow for some sea caves off the coast before heading back up the west coast for our final leg of our tour.
Special thanks to OneStop and Bruce Konefe for their advice and support.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Krabi Caves
Technical Divers arrive in Ao Nang resort town for deep fresh water cave diving.
Krabi, Thailand - Big Blue Tech arrived in the town of Ao Nang in Krabi province in southern Thailand today to set up a base for diving in Sra Keow Cave located in the jungle about 25km outside of Ao Nang Town which is reported to be 240m deep in a fresh water pool.
Sra Keow cave is clearly sign posted from the main road as a tourist destination in the region. During our initial visit today we saw many tourists enjoying the rope swing and swimming in the pool.
This resurgence fresh water pool has been explored by many divers in the past with some claiming to have reached a depth of 240m inside the pool which forms a cave. All this activity on the diving forums and in magazines and even then controversy over claims of who actually dived the disputed record breaking dive all lead us to want to check it out even more.
Although we’re conducting deep air dives to maximum 60m it will still be a good chance to check out this pool and see if it’s worth returning with trimix to explore further and continue to visit the pool in the future.
After checking out Sra Keow and other dry caves in the region we headed off to “One Stop” dive shop in Ao Nang where we met with Dave who works there. One Stop is the only distributor of Halcyon gear in Thailand and is very tech friendly. With a bit of shopping done and some logistics sorted for gas fills we checked into a hotel and relaxed for the evening with some starbucks coffee and Thai massage. The following day would be a great challenge both logistically and physically so a good nights rest was needed.
Tomorrow we would conduct 2 deep dives on site and then moving on to Phi Phi Island.
Big Blue Tech Awarded Most Technical Diving Certifications in Thailand for 2009
Technical Diving Education Centre in Thailand Receive Prestigious Award
Koh Tao, Thailand – Big Blue Tech have received confirmation that we have been awarded most TDI/SDI certifications issued by a single instructor in Thailand in 2009. This award which was previously received by another company based in Phuket is a coveted representation of success and happy customers. With over 100 certifications issued in just 6 months this places Big Blue Tech as the premier destination for all serious technical diving courses where training and experience counts. The award was issued to James Thornton-Allan who is our senior instructor.
TDI stands for Technical Diving International and SDI stands for Scuba Diving International which are the most respected and recognized technical training agencies in the world, the only agency with ccr rebreather, cave and public service courses. Their motto is “we lead, others follow”.
The technical diving industry in Thailand is based on repeat customers who trust and respect reputation and service. This reputation has been carried a long way by TDI but even further with us in 2009 as we bent over backwards to ensure our divers and students received the best education and service possible.
Those who seek to become technical divers will be rest assured they will receive quality education according to standards, we believe in the concept of “train hard, dive easy” and apply that to every course in 2009 and will continue to do so in 2010.
While James could of issued a lot more certifications in 2009 he respects the fact that this diving is not for everyone and has created an average 75% pass rate for all courses which illustrates how our certifications are earned and not bought.
For those who were certified in 2009 we thank you for helping us earn this award and we hope to hold it for many years to come.
Big Blue Tech are happy to represent TDI as the worlds leading and most recognized technical diving certification in Thailand.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Similans Tech
Technical Divers arrive on shore in Khao Lak after 4 days diving in the Similan National Park
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech arrived this afternoon in Khao Lak peir after a 4 day technical diving liveaboard in the similan and surin islands aboard their luxury liveaboard the Mv Pawara.
Over the 4 days expedition leader and senior technical instructor James Thornton-Allan delivered a TDI Compressor Operator, TDI Gas Blender and TDI Extended Range course to students Emily Billingham, Andy Cavell, Mark Slinn and Matt Payne. These course we taught using the on board continuos flow nitrox system installed by Big Blue Tech in November and during dives on the different sites.
The course went smoothly and everyone passed with the exception of Matt Payne who was unable to complete his training dives due to an allergic reaction but he will complete them later on Koh Tao along with his TDI Divemaster Course next month.
During the dives in the similans it was easy to see why it’s so attrractive to dives with clear blue water and white sand, large rocks to swim around and diverse marine life. With dives around 50m the diversity was even greater and the technical divers saw different life then the recreational divers showing a clear option for deeper diving.
While the majority of the diving was around boulders and coral there was a trip to a shipwreck and some deep drift hangs to spice things up a bit.
In general the liveaboard is perfectly suited for technical divers with amble space for technical diving gear. The dive deck is low and easy to get in and out of the water. Additionally the continuous flow and oxygen fills were easily accesible and accurate with operation.
Returning tpo khao Lak for one night and some well deserved rest and then on to Krabi for some Cave Diving.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Similan Islands Technical Diving Liveaboard
Technical Divers venture out on the Similan Islands
Similan Islands, Thailand – Big Blue Tech continues their technical diving expedition called the Golden Horseshoe Expedition with the boarding of their liveaboard vessel the Mv Pawara bound for the Similan Islands over the course of a 4 day / 4 night trip.
The Mv Pawara is a luxury class liveaboard owned by Big Blue Diving and chartered through Big Blue Khao Lak and offers diving trips to the best of the Similan Islands off the west coast of Thailand.
Big Blue Tech uses this trip to conduct a TDI Extended Range, TDI Compressor Operator and TDI Gas Blender course for Emily Billingham, Mark Slinn, Matt Payne and Andy Cavell.
The team returns to land on January 17th where we’ll updating the news with pictures and video from our adventure. Before heading off to Sra Keow in Krabi and then to Phi Phi Islands.
Scuba Diving Safety Lecture in Khao Lak
Decompression sickness and diver fitness explained in lecture
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech attended a on January 12 2010 given by Dr, Lukas Fischer of SSS Recompression Chamber Network hosted by Walkers Inn bar and grill about scuba diving related illnesses and fitness for diving with particular attention to diving medicals for recreational diving. In attendance were James Thornton-Allan, Mark Slinn, Matt Payne, Andy Cavell and Emily Billingham who joined several others from different diving schools in the region for the 2 hour lecture.
Dr. Lukas Fischer is Consultant in Anaesthetics – Hyperbaric Physician – HSE approved Medical Examiner of Divers – UK Sports Diving Medical Committee Referee who joins the SS Recompression Chamber Network from his previos role as consultant for the London Hyperbaric Services and Emergency Diving Services in England.
The lecture covered all topics including the formation of bubbles in the body related to diving and how they can effect a diver. Topics like arterial gas embolism, patent formen ovale and neurological examinations were explained. For many in the room these conditions were already well known but it was delivered in such great detail that everyone could benefit from the information delivered. The lecture concluded with a short section on conditions associated with the diving medical followed by a question and answer period.
This lecture was essential for Andy and Mark who are currently enrolled in a Technical Diving Internship course and the information gained would be of great benefit in the future if faced with diving related injuries.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Sea Chart 1 Wreck – Part 3
Shipwreck survey completed by technical divers
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech concluded the survey of the Sea Chart 1 shipwreck based off the shore of Khao Lak, Thailand at of depth of 40m with a final day of diving activities on the morning of January 11 2010.
The final day of diving was to penetrate the wreck and identify hazards and points of interest that had otherwise not been identified in the past. Penetration of this shipwreck is difficult because of the inner staircase system which connects the floors of the wheel house down which leaves no alternate exit other than a tight winding system. Another penetration proved to dangerous when faced with the possibility of entrapment at the entrance to the engine room.
Overall the wreck is perfect for shallow diving who stay along the port side of the shipwreck away from the unstable cargo and for divers who are not planning to conduct any penetration beyond the captains cabin which is spacious and safe to swim through.
The unstable cargo in question are large hard wood logs that have spilled out into the sand as the shipwreck fell on to it’s starboard side. However, these logs did not fall completely clean and are being held in suspension by steel cables creating an overhang which looks like an appealing feature to swim under. The further hazard is created because these steel cables are rusting slowly and will break under the weight at some point. It’s clear that when these logs fall it will impact the shipwreck itself and possibly rolling or sinking it into a new position, it’s strongly recommended that penetration not happen until this event has happened to prevent the possibility of entrapment.
As a final gesture of good will to future divers we also found some items of interest in the sand was placed along the wreck in a shallow region for recreational divers to see. This follows our strict policy about removing things from shipwrecks which is even more valid on this shipwreck which might still be under insurance investigation with possible plans of recovery in the future.
With diving activities on the wreck completed the divers wait for the next event which is a liveaboard in the Similan Islands departing on th 13th returning on the 17th when we leave the region for more diving down south.
Sea Chart 1 Wreck Detailed Photographs
Detailed surface photos show the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck in it’s origional condition
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech discovered these photos during a online search into more information about the Sea Chart Shipwreck and what might of lead to it’s sinking. The official report was rough seas but that is becoming more and more unlikely due to the size of the vessel and intact hull. The Thai Military released a report marking it’s official resting place.
———-
Notice to Mariners
No. 125/2552 (Temporary)
WEST COAST OF THAILAND
Phang – nga, Khao Na Yak Westwards — Wreck.
Details : The merchant ship “SEA CHART 1” has been sunk in the position (WGS84 DATUM)
Lat. 8 ํ 34 ่.50 N., Long. 98 ํ 07 ่.92 E. (Appr.)
Mariners are warned accordingly.
Charts affected : Thai Chart Nos. 353, 307, 362 and 045.
Telegram from : Third Naval Area Command, dated 23 rd August 2009.
Issued by the Hydro-graphic Department,
Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok,
25 th August 2009.
————
The original document can be found here
Additionally the wreck is officially 84m long with a beam of 12m after being built in Thailand in 1970. While we are receiving more information daily from our readers we ask anyone who has more information to please send it for inclusion in this post.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Sea Chart 1 Wreck – Part 2
Technical Divers explore further inside the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck
Khao Lak, Thailand - Big Blue Tech continues their exploration of the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck off the shore of Khao Lak in Thailand. The dives conduced today were to begin penetration of the inside of the shipwreck including it’s engine room, wheel house, stern hold and bow compartment. These penetrations were conducted in groups with exterior support and conducted over 2 technical dives.
Penetration of the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck is complicated by the unstable cargo of large hard wood logs which are held in place by steel cable which is slowly rusting and will eventually break under the immense weight applied by the sideways position of the boat. While many logs have spilled out into the sand, many remain applying a great deal of pressure which restricts penetration to only a few areas.
Additionally the current and visibility improved today alowing further exploration outside the wreck which allowed the team to look at the propellers and hull.
During our dives we found signs that a fire might of contributed to the sinking. Although no actual fire damage could be seen there was fire fighting equipment in use in some areas including fire blankets and a full face mask or BA set used to fight fires. As more dives are conducted more information is revealed about this wreck and it’s condition.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Premchai Wreck
The tin dredging shipwreck off the coast of Khao Lak
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech explored the shipwreck called Premchai which was a tin mining vessel which sank in 21m during a storm in August of 2001. Although this wreck doesn’t pose much difficulty in terms of technical diving it’s still a great wreck to practice penetration and general conduct in and around a shipwreck. The abundance of marine life was astounding and in many situations the fish had to be scared away to take a picture of the wreck.
Although this would be the only time this wreck would be explored it was a great second dive of the day with an alternative shallow dive.
Additionally some website have reported this shipwreck being intact which might of been the case before the Tsunami but now the wreck is very much broken up and upside down. Still a great dive!
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Sea Chart 1 Wreck
The Sea Chart 1 shipwreck get’s explored by technical divers for the first time
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech conducted accelerated technical dives on the Sea Chart 1 shipwreck on the morning of January 9 2010. The purpose of this dive was to explore the recently sunk shipwreck and expose features to other divers who have been limited by recreational diving rules and restrictions.
Aided by a diving modified longtail the group of technical divers included James Thornton-Allan, Mark Slinn, Matt Payne, Emily Billingham and andy Cavell explored the entire shipwreck in a checkout dive to aid further surveys in the days to come.
The shipwreck lies on it’s starboard side in 40m with it’s highest point at 27m. The wreck itself is a staggering 85m and it feels like crossing a football field when finning from bow to stern.
Big Blue Tech have a strict policy againts removing items from wrecks and therefore didn’t disturb any of the items found on there. However, there were signs of items being removed which can only be recognized if you knew what to look for, items like the ships bell and compass have been removed by either recreational divers before us or the navy divers during their survey.
The next few days would be focused around this shipwreck with 2 dives daily on the 10th, 11th and 12th we will be updating this post with pictures as the dives are completed.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Matt Arrives
The technical diving team is finally assembled as another dive arrives
Khao Lak, Thailand – The technical diving team came together today with the arrival of Matt Payne who would be joining us for the similan islands portion of diving. Matt joins Andy, Emily and Mark for his TDI Extended Range, Gas Blender and Compressor Operator course which will be combined with wreck diving and a liveaboard on the Similan Islands.
Matt arrived this morning from Phuket Airport after a flight from his home in Pattaya. Matt joined us last year for a Khao Sok Expedition where he completed his Cavern and Decompression Procedures course.
Also today Andy and Emily were on a trip to Ranong to get their visas extended, this left James, Mark and Matt the afternoon free to be tourists. One of the more remarkable things in this area is the tsunami memorial which pays homage to the people who lost their lives and were effected during this event during christmas in 2005. This is illustrated by a large police boat which was swept over a kilometer in land and is now displayed as a reminder to the force and destruction of the water which took over 4000 lives in Khao Lak alone.
The remainder of the day would be spent adjusting gear, charging flashlights/torches, checking our dive profile through our decompression dive planner and getting to bed early for tomorrow would start at 7am to get on the wreck at slack tide.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Khao Lak
Technical divers descend on the port of Similan Islands
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech arrived in the small town of Khao Lak on Januray 7 2010 to begin the next phase in the expedition which featured wreck diving and a liveaboard trip.
Arriving at the Big Blue Khao Lak office we quickly arranged accomodation, logistics, oxygen, tank filling facilities, gps coordinates and a boat to get us to the wreck.The wreck in question is the recently submerged Sea Chart 1 sitting at 40m in unlimited visibililty, we’re planning on 40-50 minute bottom times to take full advantage of the dives on the 85m long wreck. It won’t be until the 9th when we actually get the chance to go diving which will last for several days until we board our liveaboard the Mv Pawara for a 4 day/4 night liveaboard in the similan islands.
With the afternoon of dive planning finished we headed out on the town to the only bar in miles called Happy Snapper. This bar is quite different from typical Thai drinking places with features like a world globe painted on the ceiling, air conditioning and a live band. In the happy snapper we ran into lots of old friends who left Koh Tao to work on the west coast for the season and it was a great chance for us to catch up with them. This was also a great chance to unwind to celebrate the end of the Cavern Course and the start of something new.
A special thanks to Marcel of Wicked Diving and Keith of Liquid Diving for their support.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Khao Sok Cavern Course
On January 4th 2010 Big Blue Tech arrived at Rajjaprabha Dam on Chiew Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park to head out towards the raft house which would accommodate use for the duration of the TDI Cavern Course and BSAC/TDI Compressor Operator Course. The course was taught by James Thornton-Allan for students Andy Cavell, Mark Slinn, Emily Billingham, Piotr (Peter) Paulo and Malgorzata (Margaret) Babiak
As the team arrived at the resort we set up the area for the compressor and charging of the torches and then it was time to head out to the diving area to start the skills of the course.. The course needed to be staggered to maintain a ratio of 4 to 1 for the instructor which meant James took Peter and Margaret for their first training dives while Emily, Andy and Mark practiced their buoyancy in fresh water with their technical diving gear. The buoyancy and control came naturally to Peter and Margaret who come from Poland where the majority of their diving experience is in freshwater, additionally both Peter and Margaret are diving professionals who own Asian Divers in Phucket. Peter himself is a PADI Course Director and a Tec Deep Instructor Training for PADI/DSAT. For all divers the skills which need to be performed with comfort include using a reel and line to run a continuos guidleline, propulsion and finning techniques, loss of visibility and primary flashlight / torch failure and various other skills to make the diver comfortable in this ovehead environment. Addition to these skills all diver require 2 sources of artificial light, to reels and 2 sources of air supply.
On the 5th Peter and Margaret completed their course and received their certification followed by Andy, Emily and Mark on the 6th.
For Andy, Emily and Mark these newly developed skills would be further put to use in the coming days of the expedition when we explore shipwrecks on the west coast of Thailand. The Advanced Wreck and Cavern skills are quite similar as they both illustrate the procedures for dealing with an overhead environment.
On the 7th of January the team heading off the lake after a few thrashings of rain where Mark commented “I started the day off with possible heat stroke and now I think I’m coming down with hypothermia!”, we loaded the truck and headed off to Khao Lak which would the our base for diving for the next week.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Departure
Big Blue Tech’s technical diving expedition officially began with the departure from Koh Tao on January 3 2010 heading towards the mainland on the Seatran Ferry. The journey was to take only 2 hours but in the end took 3 because of all the passengers during this very busy time of year. This journey is different from our last ones. In the past we normally take a nightboat ferry because it’s simply easier, however since Seatran Ferry have moved their peir further south it proved to be the way forward for getting off the island. On the ferry was James Thornton-Allan, Andy Cavell and Emily Billingham with all the gear to meet Mark Slinn at the peir who was waiting with our truck.
Once the truck was loaded we began the journey from Chumphon City to a Hotel just outside the national park, it would be to late in the evening to travel across the lake to our permanent floating hotel. We arrived at the hotel just after 10pm and met up with our friend ‘Note’ who has accommodated Big Blue Tech many times in the past. Unfortunately we were too slow for Andy to catch the Leeds United v. Manchester United game where leeds won thus kicking man u out of the FA Cup, which was evidently important to a man from Yorkshire based on all the complaining in the back of the truck while furiously hitting the refresh button on Marks internet phone.
The morning would be the start of diving activities so it was off to bed early for everyone.
