Florida Sea Base News

Yesterday morning was warm and sunny but a little breezy at the Florida Sea Base.  The Scuba Liveaboard, Coral Reef Sailing and Sea Exploring crews got underway.  The Scuba Adventure crew (that arrived late the night before) completed their swim reviews and scuba reviews.  The Divemaster Academy candidates loaded up and made way for Alligator Reef for two training dives; mapping and Search and Recovery dive 3.  These were both long dives (Captain Alex Bergstedt logged 76 minutes on the S&R dive) and we returned to the Florida Sea base around 1700 (5 pm).  Shortly after lunch the Scuba Adventure crew rendezvoused with us at Alligator for their first open water dive at the Florida Sea Base.

The DMA candidates returned to the Florida Sea Base shortly before dinner.  After dinner they reconvened at the scuba pools for scored exercises on their ability to lead a PADI Scuba Review.  Not only is this a requirement for the PADI Divemaster certification, it is important because all certified divers attending the Florida Sea Base are lead through a Scuba Review by their Divemaster prior to any open water diving.

One Sea Exploring crew checked in yesterday.  They will be on their way in a couple of hours.  The Scuba Adventure crew will be heading out for two dives, a lunch break and some snorkeling and swimming.  The Divemaster Academy candidates will be headed out for two open water dives.  We will have a night dive this evening.

I am hoping the DMA returns from the day dives in time to take a short nap before the night dive.  This is not likely because we moved dinner up to 1700 (5 pm) so we can get to Alligator Reef before sunset.  But it is going to be much needed by me.  Contrary to the Wind Guru forecast, the winds shifted to the west last night and increased to 20 knots. I was only able to get a few hours sleep.  As I have explained many times, the Florida Sea Base dock is not protected from west winds and the boats at the dock (including Escape) get slapped broadside by the waves.  This makes the boats jek around in their slips and makes sleeping very challenging.

It’s 0358.  I’m going to try to get a little more sleep.  Have a great day.

Capt. Steve Willis
Professional Scuba Bum™
Aboard S/V Escape