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Forum http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/ Forum en Copyright 2010 2010-09-04T18:09:08+00:00 Diving in the Western Isles of Scotland http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/615/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/615/#When:10:25:53Z Just came back from diving in the Western Isles of Scotland, so thought I’d post an little write-up I did for my club Newsletter (<a href="http://www.blog.ulsac.net">http://www.blog.ulsac.net</a>). Will send link to photos soon hopefully. A week in the Western Isles of Scotland After a long drive to Oban via Edinburgh Festival, we had arrived on the Gaelic Rose, a converted fishing trawler and our home for the next week, and had set steam for the Outer Hebrides. Weather forecasts, despite having looked reasonable throughout the previous week, now made us feel very pessimistic about reaching St Kilda- the main objective for this trip. This non-ULSAC trip had been planned for well over a year and having had the prospect of reaching St Kilda exciting us for over a year we had fins, mitts and regulators crossed that the weather gods would smile on us. In case you don’t know St Kilda is a small island chain, 40 miles north west from the Isle of Lewis, fiercely isolated in the middle of the Atlantic and extremely exposed to the varying weather that rages across the ocean. It has been described by many as the Holy Grail of UK diving and anyone who visits the islands counts themselves amongst a lucky and privileged few. Out of Oban we motored north past the island of Mull to moor up for the night. We were almost tempted to jump in for a night dive under the pier on our return from the pub however the water was so clear that we conducted our dive from the safety of the boat by shining our torches through the crystal clear water. The first few dives of the trip saw us dive a number of scenic wall dives, biding our time for a break in the weather with our fingers crossed that we could make a dash for St Kilda. Whilst these weren’t the most exciting dives of the week they definitely brought an insight into the marine life around this part of Scotland. Sightings of dogfish, octopus and numerous rare nudibranchs and anemones were common underwater and, by the second day, we had seen dolphins, basking sharks, minke whales and seals above water. All the while we were steaming further north amongst the Western Isles to leave ourselves in a position to sail to St Kilda if the weather allowed. On the third day of diving, as we made our way across the Minch to the Isle of Harris, we encountered the Stassa, a fabulous wreck in amazingly intact condition sat in only 20m of water. The wreck must have a beam of over 12m and was still covered with wooden decking and the timber cargo it was carrying. Large plumose anemones coat this Panamanian wreck along with cup corals, sea squirts and pin cushion starfish. More steaming and a beautiful sheer wall dive lead us up towards Skalpay Lighthouse where we dropped in on the wreck of the Golf Star. This wreck had struck land in 1996 and has only recently dropped below the waters after some pretty immense Outer Hebridean storms. It is impressive to see how quickly the kelp has festooned the wreck and hidden its many treasures from the world. Digging through the kelp uncovered vast chunks of wreckage, with lots of engine parts, pipes, cogs, companionways and other various remains. Whilst dropping no deeper than 16 metres on this wreck we investigated the endless field of debris and entertained ourselves for far longer than many would have expected! This wreck brought back many fond memories of the Gobernador Bories, one of the block-ships in Scapa Flow. As the week progressed it became clear that we would really struggle to have enough clear weather to make a dash for St Kilda. After having had such a long time dreaming and talking about reaching these isolated islands, we were devastated that we would not be able to add our names to the visitors book and to experience the legendary clear water and fascinating marine life. However we were able to console ourselves when it was realised that this now gifted us the opportunity to plan where we wanted to dive for the rest of the week and we fixed our targets on some of the best dives the west coast of Scotland has to offer. As we steamed around the Isle of Skye, we took in two dives on a 45 degree inclined wall, under a cave which the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie had hidden in. The wall contained a reef that was so abundant in life that most of the divers likened it to diving in the Red Sea; pugnacious Dublin bay prawns poking out of every nook and shoals of pollack and saithe circling round you as you take in the multitudinous fan worms, gunards and flat fish. The wall descends down to over 75 metres and on a dip down to 50 metres, we spotted not only a John Dory but also a Tadpole fish; two very rare encounters for just one dive. Every night we moored up at a different “port” – very often just a tiny wooden pier next to a pub. The unmistakable feeling of “land-sickness” was very often enhanced by a wee dram of whisky with the locals, and on more than one occasion a glorious, languid sunset accompanied us for our evening tipple. 2010-09-03T10:25:53+00:00 Whats the water temp??? http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/581/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/581/#When:22:22:39Z Its been lovely above the surface this weekend but what the sea temprature been. If youve been in the water this weekend let me know. Shaun 2010-06-20T22:22:39+00:00 August visit update to the Isle of Man http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/609/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/609/#When:22:29:58Z On the 7th of September I set off to the Isle of Man, on a return visit to one of our site members Jim Self.  Jim has graced us with his presence at Dive Fest Cornwall this year and has been on two liveaboard trips with my husbad and I to Egypt with Tony Backhurst. We flew from Exeter with Flybe via Manchester, flights are quick and the airports efficient but beware the long waits in Manchester airport in between and Flybe’s hidden luggage costs, take extra luggage back at your peril they tried to charge us £170 for an extra 8kg!. We stayed with Jim at Chez self and very nice it was too.  Saturday saw us up early to dive with Gary Smith another friend made on the liveaboard’s on his boat Castaway.  He charges an unbelievable £10 to dive with hot tea thrown in!, and can be chartered for club or booked for individual diving and angling. First dive was to little ness, a reef system with lots of Gulleys and life and a wreck called the (to be continued) 2010-08-14T22:29:58+00:00 dive with seals in the uk http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/442/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/442/#When:23:29:54Z anyone recomend the best time +place to get in with seals in the uk i,m in the north west but can travel anywhere? have you got any plans to do the same this year? 2010-01-11T23:29:54+00:00 Anybody dived on the Isle of Man ???? http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/376/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/376/#When:23:56:12Z Hi all Has anyone been to and dived in the Isle of Man? If you have what are the best sites to dive and where is the best place to stay?  Shaun 2009-12-07T23:56:12+00:00 Dive Ireland http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/391/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/391/#When:21:49:00Z Hi all Follow the link below to see an interactive map of Ireland with information on all the main diving locations. <a href="http://www.tempoweb.com/diveireland/sites.htm">http://www.tempoweb.com/diveireland/sites.htm</a> Shaun 2009-12-10T21:49:00+00:00 Diving in the Isle of Wight http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/238/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/238/#When:05:17:32Z HI I will be visiting the Isle of Wight from the 17th to the 22nd August and I am looking to do some diving Dose anyone has any sugestions for contacts, Dive Clubs, Dive shops, or just someone to buddy up with all help much appreciated Jim 2009-08-05T05:17:32+00:00 Scotland’s shipwrecks opened up to divers http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/270/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/270/#When:19:16:47Z Published Date: 01 October 2009 By Jenny Fyall <a href="http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Scotland39s-shipwrecks-opened-up-to.5693618.jp">http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Scotland39s-shipwrecks-opened-up-to.5693618.jp</a> HISTORIC shipwrecks that have been out of bounds to divers are to be opened up for the first time. Currently it is illegal for scuba divers to visit eight protected sites – such as the HMS Campania in the Firth of Forth – without a licence from Historic Scotland. However, under the Scottish Marine Bill, currently going through parliament, the estrictions will be lifted. Divers have long argued that there should be greater freedom to visit wrecks on a “look but don’t touch” basis. Wrecks where restrictions would be lifted include the remains of a warship called The Swan in the Sound of Mull, which sank in 1653 and the Kennemerland in Out Skerries, Shetland – an armed merchant vessel belonging to the Dutch East India Company that sank in 1664, while loaded with a cargo of treasure and jewels. The eight sites are currently designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, which instated a blanket ban on visiting them without a licence. However, the Scottish Marine Bill will see them turned into Historic Marine Protected Areas, and access will be permitted. If it is deemed necessary to restrict access, Historic Scotland could slap a Marine Conservation Order on the site. However, even then there would be some flexibility to allow visitors – such as divers who had special training at dive centres. Philip Robertson, Historic Scotland’s senior inspector of marine archaeology, said the new system would help encourage “responsible access to our underwater heritage”. He said: “For years we have worked closely with the diving community to monitor and protect wrecks and this Bill will make it easier for those diving to get access on a ‘look but don’t touch’ basis”. Shipwrecks that are classed as war graves by the Ministry of Defence, such as HMS Royal Oak in Scapa Flow, Orkney, will still be out of bounds. The MoD, rather than the Scottish Government, controls these sites. Gary Lawson, who runs a dive centre in North Berwick, said he has wanted to visit HMS Campania for a long time. “This is very good news,” he said. However, he believes divers should be able to visit all wreck sites, even those classed as war graves. “It’s almost like we are being branded as some scrap-collecting, stealing-lead-off-church-roof types of people. “There’s not a graveyard in the country that we couldn’t go around and read the headstones and take photographs and yet they won’t let us swim around these sites and pay our respects.” Environment secretary Richard Lochhead, speaking yesterday at Holyrood’s Marine Bill Conference in Edinburgh, said: “The popularity of shipwreck driving in Orkney and the Sound of Mull means Scotland can already lay claim to the title of ‘shipwreck diving capital of Europe’. “Diving generates millions of pounds for our economy. And thanks to these new measures there is scope to open up a whole new world of hidden treasures for divers.” WATERY WONDERS OPEN FOR VIEWING • HMS Campania: A Cunard liner that was converted to an aircraft carrier, which sank in 1918 off Burntisland in the Firth of Forth. • Kennemerland: An armed merchant vessel that sank in 1664 in Out Skerries. • Wrangels Palais: A Swedish ship that ran aground in dense fog in Out Skerries in 1687, while protecting merchant vessels from pirates. • The Swan: A warship sent by Oliver Cromwell to capture Duart Castle that sank in the Sound of Mull in 1653. • The Dartmouth: The flagship of a mission to bring to heel recalcitrant Jacobite clans in the Western Isles. Broke anchor in a storm and was wrecked on the small island of Eilean Rubha an Ridire in 1690 • Blessing of Burntisland: A ferry that operated between Burntisland and Leith and sank in a storm in 1633 while carrying Charles I’s baggage train. 2009-10-10T19:16:47+00:00 Shore diving locations http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/200/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/200/#When:14:44:08Z Hi guys and gals, I have only done a few shore dives at the moment but here are the locations: Lamorna cove Cornwall: Porth Kerris Cornwall: Porthgwarra Cornwall which is just under 3 miles southeast of Lands End. Was chatting to a gentleman at Lamorna Cove who told me about this beautiful little cove. There is a small car park and the fees were reasonable starting from £1.50 for an hour. The access is fairly easy did ask the lady in the little shop if we are able to drive the car down to unload gear, she told me it would be best to ask her husband, the harbour master, (who was also the coastguard)but she didn’t think this should be a problem. However it a private beach but the public are allowed access. We asked the coastguard if it was a safe to dive there. He told us it was excellent but to keep a close eye on the tides. Best to go out on a slack tide or incoming. Not dived here yet but can’t wait it looked fantastic. there are reviews on the site about Lamorna and Porth Kerris. Will add more as i find them hope you guys will too. Can we add them to this thread please. <img src="http://www.fish4divers.com/images/smileys/cheese.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="cheese" style="border:0;" /> 2009-06-28T14:44:08+00:00 Dive weekend in Cornwall. http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/205/ http://www.fish4divers.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/205/#When:10:27:47Z Well what a weekend, first off I thought I would get down the Dutchy a little early on Wednesday afternoon so left work at lunchtime, home, pack the car and off we go managing to avoid the M4 pile up only to get caught up for an hour and a half in early Glastonbury arrivals, eventually I arrived in Cornwall. Woke Thursday morning only to hear that wind blowing and when I saw which direction it was coming from I thought to myself, there maybe no diving today.  Well we set out to find a tank fill for me, internet and phone first only to get directed to the scuba diving camp site at St Hillary. While there the guy asked where were you thinking of diving and like a fool I said “Lamorna” he laughed, not with this easterly we’ve had blowing the last couple of days..  I had a stronger feeling that we were not going to be diving today unless we could find somewhere on the north coast. Tank filled, off we trekked to Lamorna and yes he was right there was a swell and surf so we headed off to Sennen cove to have a look. Time we got to Sennen the tide was out so the trek across the beach to the waters edge looked miles and not ever dived there before did not know of any other entry point or what the tide’s or current was like so we decided to drive to St Ives beach and eat our picnic lunch that we had bought. Friday morning came and the wind had dropped so a few phone calls and we were off, Porth Kerris here we come.  Got there about 11am and one of the first things we saw was one of their sunken boats about to be hauled out of the water by the tractor LoL, some easterly that was yesterday… Started to set the gear up as we had almost a full tide and within 40-50 minutes we were ready to get in the water, quick weight check for Dawn (few pebbles in the pocket) and we were off followed by Debbie who joined us at the last minute as her hubby’s rebreather had failed so was unable to dive. Out to Drawna rock and a 90 ish degree turn to the left across the kelp beds, between a few big boulders until it was time to turn back. Well I must say my navigating was not that good but not that bad either, ended up on the main beach next door, just a little swim back to our exit point. Dive 2 Friday was equally as nice only this time once we were in Dawn had a free flowing octopus which delayed us from going as a group, we went alone once the issue was resolved. Lot to see at Drawna rock, both dives we saw a nubibranch and loads of fish; at one point during our first dive we had 3-5 Wrasse following us. As we had a shallow dive at Porth Kerris we decided that we would go for a short shallow dive at Lamorna cove on Saturday morning, so that’s what we did.  It was lovely, the tide was just right and the water was clear, I wrote in my log that there was at least 8-10 meters of viz, maybe more and the reason for this was the sand, I guess that over the winter a storm had brought in masses of white sand and with the sun shinning through the water gave us fantastic viz, loads of Wrasse and Pollock and on speaking to another diver in the car park before entering the water, he said “if you lie on the bottom quite you can watch the sand eels come out and the Pollock do their best to have a meal”. But alas we were only there for a short dive due to the air situation.  What a cracking weekend it turned out to be.. 2009-06-30T10:27:47+00:00