Dolphin use on Okeanos Aggressor

ken chung ar · 5th September 2005, 11:32

hi all,

i'm planning a Dolphin trip to isla des cocos in april, 2006. i've already secured a cabin on okeanos aggressor from april the 11th thru 21st.

the policy of aggressor fleet for guests using rebreathers is as follows:
1) guests must provide their own rebreathers and associated equipment and supplies (including tanks)
2) every rebreather diver must have a buddy (on rebreathers or scuba) for the entire length of the dive
3) no aggressor fleet destination will provide soda sorb
4) partial pressure blending for up to 50% is available on all yachts
5) on aggressor yachts that dive from a skiff or dinghy, all divers must end the dive with the group

although it seems quite square, there are many ways to dodge my way thru limitations imposed. however, the most difficult one, so far, is the number 3. it's ridiculous to bring with myself 27kg of DiveSorb all along my air trip from japan. accordingly, i'm now looking for a diveshop in san jose or puntarenas in costa rica where i can purchase DiveSorb.

any suggestions?

ken chung ar

nitrojunkie · 5th September 2005, 17:12

They suck.

You should be able to have sorb sent to the Agressor offices in San Jose to hold for your arrival. Make sure it is there weeks before you are supposed to be there so you can workout a contingency plan. I doubt you'll find anything in Punta but maybe SJ. You can haul it down to Punta on the bus they use to shuttles people from the SJ overnight hotel if it still works the way it did a few years ago.

The nature of the diving in cocos is great for Rebreathers, all those O/C people scare off the hammers, just be smart about the po2's while ascending in big currents on an SCR.

Good luck.

bubblefree · 5th September 2005, 18:25

If you can change it I would look at the Sea Hunter or Undersea Hunter. I don't know what their specific policies are but they seem a lot more rebreather friendly. I went on them last year (OC unfortunately) and they had a big group of SCR divers using their own kit as well as rentals provided on board.

You may want to speak to them about where they get their sorb from as they also have offices in SJ and Puntaranas I think.

http://www.underseahunter.com/

ken chung ar · 6th September 2005, 11:20

thank u guys, bubblefree and nitrojunkie,

i appreciate ur comments.

as a matter of fact, i had contacted Sea Hunter before Aggressor. they were already full in the period when i was planning to go for my llive-aboard trip.

i have already got in touch with a person from the corporate sales department of Aggressor Fleet. he also suggested that i should get in touch with him again three weeks prior to my departure regarding the sorb. the brighter side of the issue is that, if Sea Hunter people how to get the sorb in Costa Rica, Aggressor should also be able to know that, too.

ken chung ar

nitrojunkie · 7th September 2005, 05:07

I would not leave it to the corporate guys. Get their help but I would make sure you manage the process yourself. The last thing you want to hear three weeks before your trip is... "Sorb? What sorb?" or "Oh he's no longer with the company..."

There have been some pretty $ad stories about FedExing for last minute shipments of Sorb to far flung spots around the globe.

There was a post here yesterday or this morning about Rebreather divers on a Cocos trip, I believe it was aggressor. Maybe they could give you some insight.

It's a brilliant trip, I did it O/C about 3 1/2 years ago, it was my first liveaboard, just an amazing destination. I dove a Draeger Dolphin on a few dives - they were actually Aggressor rentals at the time. They leaked like a sieve from poor maintenance... it was just a question of when it would flood not if! Do also figure out bailout bottles, the only had 13cuft bottles at that time.

I can tell you from experience a 13cuft is NOT enough to bail out in Cocos currents from 100' with a flooded rebreather/minor caustic cocktail. Maybe they have some 30's or 40's but it would be a good idea to check this out too. If not bring one or a 20cuft might be sufficient.

Doug

ken chung ar · 7th September 2005, 21:23

Quote: (Originally Posted by nitrojunkie)

It's a brilliant trip, I did it O/C about 3 1/2 years ago, it was my first liveaboard, just an amazing destination. I dove a Draeger Dolphin on a few dives - they were actually Aggressor rentals at the time. They leaked like a sieve from poor maintenance... it was just a question of when it would flood not if! Do also figure out bailout bottles, the only had 13cuft bottles at that time.

I can tell you from experience a 13cuft is NOT enough to bail out in Cocos currents from 100' with a flooded rebreather/minor caustic cocktail. Maybe they have some 30's or 40's but it would be a good idea to check this out too. If not bring one or a 20cuft might be sufficient.

thank u for ur good suggestion, nitrojunkie

i also agree that a 13 cuft bailout bottle is not safe enough. i always use a 20 cuft one here in japan and will use that on Big Blue Explorer in palau in the end of this month.

maintenance is crucial in any diving gears and, in particular, rebreathers. i would not feel like using a rental rebreather of any sort and am now convinced that i should not, having heard ur bad experience with a Draeger Dolphin on Okeanos Aggressor.

ken chung ar

bubblefree · 8th September 2005, 14:13

Ken

As an FYI I got the same deal with Seahunter as you did, that they were full for the period that I wanted to go. I left my name on a list and said I was only interested in a couple of weeks. They came back to me in a month to say they had 2 spots free for us. It may not work with you but its worth a shot. They are a great outfit to dive with. Check out comments on the Aggressor on this and other boards.

Cocos is a truly magical place with the most amazing amount of marine life. However its not for beginner divers. Its important to feel comfortable in the water with whatever you are diving as there can be strong currents and rapid changes in temp related to depth.

Have Fun

ken chung ar · 8th September 2005, 22:50

Quote: (Originally Posted by bubblefree)

Cocos is a truly magical place with the most amazing amount of marine life. However its not for beginner divers. Its important to feel comfortable in the water with whatever you are diving as there can be strong currents and rapid changes in temp related to depth.

hi bubblefree,
thank u for ur comments.

as u say, u must be comfortable with ur gears when u dive in a spot with currents and drastic termal changes. because of the shell of dolphin, u are subject to an increased amount of water resistance.

i still remember how surprising it was when i first dove my dolphin in blue corner, palau. although i dove there twice with O/C, i could not believe the amount of water resistance produced by current. that's actually why i am going there again in the end of this month.

ken chung ar

5th September 2005, 11:32	#1 (permalink)
ken chung ar Divemaster Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Megalodon Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman, JAPAN Posts: 40	Dolphin use on Okeanos Aggressor hi all, i'm planning a Dolphin trip to isla des cocos in april, 2006. i've already secured a cabin on okeanos aggressor from april the 11th thru 21st. the policy of aggressor fleet for guests using rebreathers is as follows: 1) guests must provide their own rebreathers and associated equipment and supplies (including tanks) 2) every rebreather diver must have a buddy (on rebreathers or scuba) for the entire length of the dive 3) no aggressor fleet destination will provide soda sorb 4) partial pressure blending for up to 50% is available on all yachts 5) on aggressor yachts that dive from a skiff or dinghy, all divers must end the dive with the group although it seems quite square, there are many ways to dodge my way thru limitations imposed. however, the most difficult one, so far, is the number 3. it's ridiculous to bring with myself 27kg of DiveSorb all along my air trip from japan. accordingly, i'm now looking for a diveshop in san jose or puntarenas in costa rica where i can purchase DiveSorb. any suggestions? ken chung ar __________________ KCA APD Evolution and Draeger Dolphin pilot Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman JAPAN
(Offline)

5th September 2005, 17:12	#2 (permalink)
nitrojunkie New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 58	They suck. You should be able to have sorb sent to the Agressor offices in San Jose to hold for your arrival. Make sure it is there weeks before you are supposed to be there so you can workout a contingency plan. I doubt you'll find anything in Punta but maybe SJ. You can haul it down to Punta on the bus they use to shuttles people from the SJ overnight hotel if it still works the way it did a few years ago. The nature of the diving in cocos is great for Rebreathers, all those O/C people scare off the hammers, just be smart about the po2's while ascending in big currents on an SCR. Good luck. __________________ www.TheDepthFinder.com
(Offline)

5th September 2005, 18:25	#3 (permalink)
bubblefree New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grand Cayman Posts: 40	If you can change it I would look at the Sea Hunter or Undersea Hunter. I don't know what their specific policies are but they seem a lot more rebreather friendly. I went on them last year (OC unfortunately) and they had a big group of SCR divers using their own kit as well as rentals provided on board. You may want to speak to them about where they get their sorb from as they also have offices in SJ and Puntaranas I think. http://www.underseahunter.com/
(Offline)

6th September 2005, 11:20	#4 (permalink)
ken chung ar Divemaster Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Megalodon Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman, JAPAN Posts: 40	thank u guys, bubblefree and nitrojunkie, i appreciate ur comments. as a matter of fact, i had contacted Sea Hunter before Aggressor. they were already full in the period when i was planning to go for my llive-aboard trip. i have already got in touch with a person from the corporate sales department of Aggressor Fleet. he also suggested that i should get in touch with him again three weeks prior to my departure regarding the sorb. the brighter side of the issue is that, if Sea Hunter people how to get the sorb in Costa Rica, Aggressor should also be able to know that, too. ken chung ar __________________ KCA APD Evolution and Draeger Dolphin pilot Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman JAPAN
(Offline)

7th September 2005, 05:07	#5 (permalink)
nitrojunkie New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 58	I would not leave it to the corporate guys. Get their help but I would make sure you manage the process yourself. The last thing you want to hear three weeks before your trip is... "Sorb? What sorb?" or "Oh he's no longer with the company..." There have been some pretty $ad stories about FedExing for last minute shipments of Sorb to far flung spots around the globe. There was a post here yesterday or this morning about Rebreather divers on a Cocos trip, I believe it was aggressor. Maybe they could give you some insight. It's a brilliant trip, I did it O/C about 3 1/2 years ago, it was my first liveaboard, just an amazing destination. I dove a Draeger Dolphin on a few dives - they were actually Aggressor rentals at the time. They leaked like a sieve from poor maintenance... it was just a question of when it would flood not if! Do also figure out bailout bottles, the only had 13cuft bottles at that time. I can tell you from experience a 13cuft is NOT enough to bail out in Cocos currents from 100' with a flooded rebreather/minor caustic cocktail. Maybe they have some 30's or 40's but it would be a good idea to check this out too. If not bring one or a 20cuft might be sufficient. Doug __________________ www.TheDepthFinder.com
(Offline)

7th September 2005, 21:23	#6 (permalink)
ken chung ar Divemaster Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Megalodon Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman, JAPAN Posts: 40	Quote: (Originally Posted by nitrojunkie) It's a brilliant trip, I did it O/C about 3 1/2 years ago, it was my first liveaboard, just an amazing destination. I dove a Draeger Dolphin on a few dives - they were actually Aggressor rentals at the time. They leaked like a sieve from poor maintenance... it was just a question of when it would flood not if! Do also figure out bailout bottles, the only had 13cuft bottles at that time. I can tell you from experience a 13cuft is NOT enough to bail out in Cocos currents from 100' with a flooded rebreather/minor caustic cocktail. Maybe they have some 30's or 40's but it would be a good idea to check this out too. If not bring one or a 20cuft might be sufficient. thank u for ur good suggestion, nitrojunkie i also agree that a 13 cuft bailout bottle is not safe enough. i always use a 20 cuft one here in japan and will use that on Big Blue Explorer in palau in the end of this month. maintenance is crucial in any diving gears and, in particular, rebreathers. i would not feel like using a rental rebreather of any sort and am now convinced that i should not, having heard ur bad experience with a Draeger Dolphin on Okeanos Aggressor. ken chung ar __________________ KCA APD Evolution and Draeger Dolphin pilot Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman JAPAN
(Offline)

8th September 2005, 14:13	#7 (permalink)
bubblefree New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grand Cayman Posts: 40	Ken As an FYI I got the same deal with Seahunter as you did, that they were full for the period that I wanted to go. I left my name on a list and said I was only interested in a couple of weeks. They came back to me in a month to say they had 2 spots free for us. It may not work with you but its worth a shot. They are a great outfit to dive with. Check out comments on the Aggressor on this and other boards. Cocos is a truly magical place with the most amazing amount of marine life. However its not for beginner divers. Its important to feel comfortable in the water with whatever you are diving as there can be strong currents and rapid changes in temp related to depth. Have Fun
(Offline)

8th September 2005, 22:50	#8 (permalink)
ken chung ar Divemaster Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Megalodon Dolphin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman, JAPAN Posts: 40	Quote: (Originally Posted by bubblefree) Cocos is a truly magical place with the most amazing amount of marine life. However its not for beginner divers. Its important to feel comfortable in the water with whatever you are diving as there can be strong currents and rapid changes in temp related to depth. hi bubblefree, thank u for ur comments. as u say, u must be comfortable with ur gears when u dive in a spot with currents and drastic termal changes. because of the shell of dolphin, u are subject to an increased amount of water resistance. i still remember how surprising it was when i first dove my dolphin in blue corner, palau. although i dove there twice with O/C, i could not believe the amount of water resistance produced by current. that's actually why i am going there again in the end of this month. ken chung ar __________________ KCA APD Evolution and Draeger Dolphin pilot Inhabitant of the City of the Garden for Sharing Pleasure with Every Man and Woman JAPAN
(Offline)

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