Capt. Rich guided the John Jack some 16 miles offshore yesterday to the wreck of the Stolt, always a favorite of mine. Nearly flat calm seas, and beautiful topside conditions, what a great way to kick start the spring dive season! On the wreck, it was a good 20' of vis outside, inside it was actually better IMOHO, at 35'+. Bottom temps were 48 degrees at 126', the max depth I could reach. Of course the wreck rises to 60' in depth, great for newer divers to get onto a wreck. Faith Ortins, VP of DUI was onboard yesterday to demo DUI's new "blue heat" electric undergarment, and she had
many new clients no doubt. I tried the system myself, and even tho I have dove in 32 degree water before with no problems, this made it much more comfortable. I eliminated the bulky Weezle extreme
suit in place of the "blue heat", and I was much more limber than
usual in cold water diving. I was skeptical, but am sold on the
system, which has been heavily tested. There are heated gloves
too, that are independently controlled, and soon heated booties,
the wiring is already there. I used the heat on low the entire time
and had no issues. At 100% the battery will last 2 hours, 75%, three
hours and 50%, four hours. The battery, while bulky, can be rigged to your backplate, or worn on your belt. The battery is 12 volt, so it can power your LED lamp, with proper fittings, and power the suit, which is 6 volt, transformer lowers the voltage to the suit, this is a safety feature, no other manufacturer has, I believe.
Back to the dives: We all had the chance to do 2 dives, which I did one for 1 1/2 hours then a second for 45 minutes. I noticed the prop for the first time, and came up with one bug that I gave to Mate Jeff. Lots of rebreathers on board, counted three Megs, two Poseidons, my Hammerhead and a revo. Great time had by all, and a smooth ride home. Capt. Jim Wilson of the Gypsy Blood was waiting at the dock to greet us. Thank you Faith and Rich, a dive day we all didn't want to end........ it'd about damn time! Right?