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The Great Lakes offer a unique and captivating diving experience, drawing divers from around the world to explore their wealth of historic shipwrecks. Descending upon these submerged time capsules is a thrilling adventure, but it demands careful preparation and the right equipment. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip with Double Action Dive Charters, it’s crucial to be fully equipped and prepared for the specific conditions and challenges of Great Lakes wreck diving.

The Foundation: Standard Scuba Gear

While some specialized gear is essential for wreck diving, a solid foundation of standard scuba equipment is paramount.

• Certification Card:
  
• • This is not just a suggestion; it’s a requirement.
  • Your certification card serves as proof of your training and qualifications, ensuring you have the necessary skills to dive safely.
  • Double Action Dive Charters, like all responsible operators, strictly adheres to Coast Guard regulations, which mandate verification of diver certification. No card means no dive – no exceptions.
• Regulator:
  
  • A reliable and well-maintained regulator is your lifeline underwater.
  • For the colder waters of the Great Lakes, consider a regulator designed for cold-water diving to prevent freezing.
• BCD:
  
  • Your Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) allows you to achieve neutral buoyancy, making your dive comfortable and efficient.
  • Choose a BCD that fits snugly and provides adequate lift.
• Tanks (2):
  
  • Depending on the depth and duration of your dives, bringing two tanks might be necessary.
  • Great Lakes wreck diving often involves deeper dives and longer bottom times, requiring more air.
• Mask & Snorkel:
  
  • A well-fitting mask is essential for clear underwater vision.
  • A snorkel is useful for conserving air on the surface.
• Fins:
  
  • Select fins appropriate for the diving conditions.
  • Stiffer fins may be advantageous in currents.
• Exposure Protection:
  
  • The Great Lakes are known for their cold temperatures, even in the summer.
  • Adequate exposure protection is critical to prevent hypothermia.
  • This might mean a thick wetsuit or, more commonly, a drysuit.
  • Double Action Dive Charters can provide guidance on appropriate exposure protection for specific dive sites and times of year.
• Dive Boots:
  
  • Dive boots provide comfort and protection inside your fins, especially with open-heel fins.
• Weights:
  
  • You are responsible for bringing your own weights.
  • Accurately calculate your weight needs based on your exposure protection, tank type, and body composition.

Essential Gear for Wreck Diving

Beyond the standard scuba gear, wreck diving requires some specialized equipment to enhance safety and facilitate exploration.

• Dive Lights:
  
  • Dive lights are crucial for illuminating dark areas inside wrecks and for navigating in low-visibility conditions.
  • It’s highly recommended to have both a primary and a backup dive light.
• Cutting Device:
  
  • A cutting device, such as a dive knife or line cutter, is an essential safety tool.
  • It can be used to cut yourself or your buddy free from entanglement in fishing line or debris.
• Wreck Reel:
  
  • A wreck reel is a spool of line used for navigation inside wrecks.
  • It allows you to mark your path and find your way back to the exit, especially in areas with poor visibility or complex layouts.
  • Proper training in reel use is essential to avoid entanglement.
• Signal Marker Buoy (SMB):
  
  • An SMB is an inflatable surface marker buoy deployed from underwater to signal your location to the boat and other surface vessels.
  • It’s a crucial safety device, especially in busy waterways, as it makes you visible to boat traffic.
• UW Camera:
  
  • While optional, an underwater camera allows you to capture the incredible experience of exploring shipwrecks and share the beauty of these underwater museums with others.

Preparation and Other Considerations

In addition to gear, careful preparation and awareness of specific conditions are vital for a successful wreck diving trip.

• Save-a-Dive Kit:
  
  • A save-a-dive kit contains essential spare parts and tools for minor gear repairs.
  • Common items include O-rings, fin straps, mask straps, and zip ties.
  • Having a save-a-dive kit can prevent a minor issue from canceling your dive.
• Food/Drinks:
  
  • Remember to bring your own food and drinks.
  • Choose easily portable and non-messy options to avoid spills on the boat.
• Dramamine/Sea Sickness Pills:
  
  • Sea sickness is a real possibility on the Great Lakes, even for experienced boaters.
  • Bring Dramamine or other sea sickness medication as a precaution.
• Weather Appropriate Clothing:
  
  • Be prepared for a range of weather conditions.
  • The weather on the Great Lakes can change rapidly, and you’ll be miles from shore.
  • Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
• Bag Size:
  
  • Space on the boat may be limited, so pack only essentials and use smaller bags.
• Equipment Check:
  
  • Check all your equipment thoroughly at least two nights before your trip.
  • Ensure everything is in working order and that you have all the necessary components.
  • Double Action Dive Charters is not responsible for any equipment you forget or that malfunctions during the trip.
• Liability Release:
  
  • You MUST bring a completed liability release form.
  • No release form means no dive – this is a strict policy for your safety and legal compliance.
• Certification Requirements:
  
  • You are responsible for having the proper certification for the dives you plan to do.
  • Some wrecks may require advanced certifications, such as deep diving or wreck penetration.
  • Double Action Dive Charters will provide information on the certification requirements for specific dive sites.
• Diving Within Training:
  
  • Wreck diving is not the time to experiment with new equipment or try out new diving techniques (unless you are doing so under the direct supervision of an instructor).
  • Use the gear you’re familiar with and stick to the dive plan you’ve discussed.
• Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan:
  
  • Thorough dive planning is crucial for wreck diving.
  • Discuss the dive plan with your buddy and stick to it.
• Refund Policy:
  
  • Be aware that refunds will only be given in cases of boat issues or weather cancellations.
  • Forgetting gear or being unable to dive due to lack of certification is not grounds for a refund.
  • The captain has the final say on whether a trip is canceled due to weather. Rain alone does not constitute a cancellation.

Set Sail for Shipwrecks:

Proper preparation and the right gear are essential for a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding shipwreck diving experience in the Great Lakes. By using this checklist and following the guidelines, you can ensure you’re ready to explore these fascinating underwater museums with Double Action Dive Charters. Contact us with any questions and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!