Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year

rob.laurie · 26th April 2008, 22:49

Looking to put together a CCR trip to Truk & am looking for advice on the best time of year to go (if there is one ?) & a CCR friendly operation that won't limit our dive plans that anyone has had a positive experience with. Any other advice regarding cylinders, lime, transportation, etc.. would also be appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

omech · 27th April 2008, 03:40

Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn.

They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium.

From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks

but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy.

We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100.

That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics.

Owen

broady · 27th April 2008, 11:15

Quote: (Originally Posted by omech)

Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks

but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy.

I don't understand this

Nic and I were diving off Odyssey over Christmas/New Year - we chose when we wanted to dive, how we wanted to dive, deco run times etc... nothing was a problem we just told the captain when to expect us back.

Virtually everytime we had the wrecks totally to ourselves by jumping 20/30 minutes after the single tankers.

Truk doesn't get any better than Odyssey in my opinion. They are the only operation that can moor to their own dedicated lines next to the wrecks, meaning you jump from the mothership, not having to transfer into those skiffs.

G

jqn · 27th April 2008, 23:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by omech)

Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn.

They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium.

From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks

but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy.

We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100.

That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics.

Owen

Owen,

As I understand it the Thorfin does not have He. Are you just using Air Diluent?

I'm trying to go in August and found that the Blue Lagoon will supply He and O2 but I will need to get my own sorb there. What did you learn about taking it on as excess baggage on Continental? Are there import duties in Truk for sorb?

I might be interested in your August trip if there is He as I want to dive the deep wrecks.

Jerry

omech · 28th April 2008, 00:44

Well, if Thorfinn = no He I guess I'll stick to the original plan of Air Dil. Given my recreational buddy situation I wasn't going to go hugely deep. And I figure since it's my first Truk trip (and I plan on going back) there'll be lots to see above 130-140fsw. I have someone competent along I'd perhaps go to 150-ish depending on narcosis but don't want to push the Air past 1.2. But with a touch of He.... Let me confirm the Thorfinn/He situation with Carol/Lance.

Sorb is fine as checked baggage. so long as it has less than 4% NaOH. Include copies of the MSDS and also a letter from Molecular Products stating that sorb is safe to fly (search for it on Rebreather World). Even if you're not using MP, it all looks the same to the security screeners so I figure any official letter will do. Mel's suggestion was to pack the sorb in double zip lock bags and spit it up amoung your bags so at least some of it gets there. Continental allows you one free 50# checked bag and charges $25 for the second and $100 for each one thereafter. For bags over 50# but less than 70# they charge $50 per bag overweight fee.

Import duties is an interesting question. My guess is there probably aren't any as Micronesia doesn't have a developed industry to protect and it's a US protectorate (or similar?).

Alternately, try contacting Guam Tropical Dive Station (Paula info@gtds.com). They might have sorb and know how to get it to Truk easily.

For more specific info Mel (scubagrunt) was there with Curt Bowen and others in 2005 and stayed at Blue Lagoon. Gilles returned from trip in early 2008 on Thorfinn and jradomski says there are 2 & 3L steel tanks onboard & he has shipped sorb to Thorfinn. I've been meaning to ask them some questions but haven't got around to it. Can't remember where I read it but I think the Rebreather tanks might have Inspiration valves ; no big deal for a Meg though.

o

***jradomski*** · 28th April 2008, 01:26

Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn)

Owen,

As I understand it the Thorfin does not have He. Are you just using Air Diluent?

I'm trying to go in August and found that the Blue Lagoon will supply He and O2 but I will need to get my own sorb there. What did you learn about taking it on as excess baggage on Continental? Are there import duties in Truk for sorb?

I might be interested in your August trip if there is He as I want to dive the deep wrecks.

Jerry

Jerry whether He is available to ANY operation really depends on setting things up ahead of time..

Sometimes BL has it, sometimes it doesnt.. don't assume anything.. If you don't arrange in advance its unlikely you will get it.. I know of people that were told they had it but when they got there there was none because a group a few weeks earlier used it all up.. Even if you set it up in advance still be prepared to dive air dil, Sh*t happens-..

The Thorfin can also get helium, but you generaly need a few months advance notice as they have to get it from guam (as does all the others) which has to get it from the US mainland and it has to be put on various ships..

a "k" bottle of Helium runs somehwere between $700 and $800.. This price varies on every shipment.. Last time I checked you had to pay this upfront..

figure at least $3 per cu ft... if at the time, all the shipper has is T bottles you would have to get that (its 330 cu ft) so at least $1k

jqn · 28th April 2008, 03:02

Thanks Joe,

Owen, if the Thorfin will get us He and we have some guys to split it then I could be in for this trip. Keep me posted.

Jerry

pwl4476 · 28th April 2008, 03:52

I'm with Broady. My wife and I dove off of Odyessy in early November and I don't think it's better than that or as good as that anywhere else in Chuuk. We stayed a couple of days at Blue Lagoon as well and it just wasn't the same as waking up on a fresh wreck putting on your gear and dropping overboard before breakfast. Nobody was there. We watched the divers from the Thorfinn come in on the skiffs and we watched divers wait on that skiff for everyone to get back on before heading back to the mother ship. We'd already been in and back on board before anyone else arrived. We were also able to drop overboard for a night dive or two at any time since we were always moored overnight on a wreck.

My wife and I had been married about 2 weeks when we got there. We renewed our vows on board one afternoon (a surprise for my wife.) The captain, Stew, had flowers brought in for the ceremony and had champagne on board as well. I'd never thought about any of that, but he did.

My first choice in Chuuk.

Paul

***jradomski*** · 28th April 2008, 04:19

Quote: (Originally Posted by pwl4476)

I'm with Broady. My wife and I dove off of Odyessy in early November and I don't think it's better than that or as good as that anywhere else in Chuuk. We stayed a couple of days at Blue Lagoon as well and it just wasn't the same as waking up on a fresh wreck putting on your gear and dropping overboard before breakfast. Nobody was there. We watched the divers from the Thorfinn come in on the skiffs and we watched divers wait on that skiff for everyone to get back on before heading back to the mother ship. We'd already been in and back on board before anyone else arrived. We were also able to drop overboard for a night dive or two at any time since we were always moored overnight on a wreck.

My wife and I had been married about 2 weeks when we got there. We renewed our vows on board one afternoon (a surprise for my wife.) The captain, Stew, had flowers brought in for the ceremony and had champagne on board as well. I'd never thought about any of that, but he did.

My first choice in Chuuk.

Paul

While putting a big ship over a wreck might be convenient, both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks.. Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. a big dive boat on these old ships does damage.. I wount support any operation that has the potential on almost every mooring to do some damage..

The skiffs also alow alot of freedom wher anchoring over 1 wreck doesn't.. I can't even count how many times Lance had paired me up witha guide and off I went just me anfd the guide because I wanted to do stuff that others were not confortable doing.. Personally on a trip like truk I dont want to be limited by the skills of other divers on board, thats why I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk..

broady · 28th April 2008, 09:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

While putting a big ship over a wreck might be convenient, both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks.. Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. a big dive boat on these old ships does damage.. I wount support any operation that has the potential on almost every mooring to do some damage..

Two sides to every story but suffice to say Odyssey shared the cost of mooring lines with Aggressor and now have sole use of them. If the situation truly did exist it doesn't any longer.

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

Personally on a trip like truk I dont want to be limited by the skills of other divers on board, thats why I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk..

Not a prob on Odyssey either

Not trying to change anyone's mind here, just feel it fair to point out the alternatives and dispel some myths. I know from my point of view having dived with Blue Lagoon there also and having seen the Thorfinn operation and the new boat operating there too who I will be spending my money with when I next return. They didn't win best liveaboard in the world several times in a row for nothing !

G

.

26th April 2008, 22:49	#1 (permalink)
rob.laurie New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta Canada Posts: 45	Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Looking to put together a CCR trip to Truk & am looking for advice on the best time of year to go (if there is one ?) & a CCR friendly operation that won't limit our dive plans that anyone has had a positive experience with. Any other advice regarding cylinders, lime, transportation, etc.. would also be appreciated. Thanks, Rob
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27th April 2008, 03:40	#2 (permalink)
omech New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 27	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn. They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium. From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy. We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100. That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics. Owen
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27th April 2008, 11:15	#3 (permalink)
broady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 24	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by omech) Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy. I don't understand this Nic and I were diving off Odyssey over Christmas/New Year - we chose when we wanted to dive, how we wanted to dive, deco run times etc... nothing was a problem we just told the captain when to expect us back. Virtually everytime we had the wrecks totally to ourselves by jumping 20/30 minutes after the single tankers. Truk doesn't get any better than Odyssey in my opinion. They are the only operation that can moor to their own dedicated lines next to the wrecks, meaning you jump from the mothership, not having to transfer into those skiffs. G
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27th April 2008, 23:26	#4 (permalink)
jqn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: So. California Posts: 71	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by omech) Feel like going August 23-30, 2008? I'm going with a couple of OC recreationals and thus wouldn't mind a CC buddy or two. We're on Thorfinn. They have Sodalime 4-8 on board and a tub of Sofnolime 8-12 (with my name on it). It's at a bit of a premium ($200 & $225us respectively) but after I looked at shipping or packing sorb in overweight luggage it wasn't so far out of line. They can get more from Guam if they know in advance. I believe they also have a supply of 3L steel tanks (12 rings a bell) with DIN valves, though I'm going to confirm that in the near future, or just take my own valves. Boosted O2 is available. Haven't asked about Helium. From what I've heard they'll leave you to your own devices and I like the idea of going to a wreck with just a few ppl versus a whole boatload. Granted I've heard the boat has it's quirks but I'm willing to give it a shot if I can avoid the cattle approach of Oddessy. We're flying out of Seattle thru HNL and then on Continental's Island hopper to Truk. Northwest's and Continental's baggage policy seems to fit in with carrying a Meg onboard without too much hassle, though as of May 15 domestic checked baggage has been reduced to one free bag with the second bag costing $25 and the third bag $100. That's about the limit of my knowledge at this point. If you're going after August I'll post more specifics. Owen Owen, As I understand it the Thorfin does not have He. Are you just using Air Diluent? I'm trying to go in August and found that the Blue Lagoon will supply He and O2 but I will need to get my own sorb there. What did you learn about taking it on as excess baggage on Continental? Are there import duties in Truk for sorb? I might be interested in your August trip if there is He as I want to dive the deep wrecks. Jerry
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28th April 2008, 00:44	#5 (permalink)
omech New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 27	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Well, if Thorfinn = no He I guess I'll stick to the original plan of Air Dil. Given my recreational buddy situation I wasn't going to go hugely deep. And I figure since it's my first Truk trip (and I plan on going back) there'll be lots to see above 130-140fsw. I have someone competent along I'd perhaps go to 150-ish depending on narcosis but don't want to push the Air past 1.2. But with a touch of He.... Let me confirm the Thorfinn/He situation with Carol/Lance. Sorb is fine as checked baggage. so long as it has less than 4% NaOH. Include copies of the MSDS and also a letter from Molecular Products stating that sorb is safe to fly (search for it on Rebreather World). Even if you're not using MP, it all looks the same to the security screeners so I figure any official letter will do. Mel's suggestion was to pack the sorb in double zip lock bags and spit it up amoung your bags so at least some of it gets there. Continental allows you one free 50# checked bag and charges $25 for the second and $100 for each one thereafter. For bags over 50# but less than 70# they charge $50 per bag overweight fee. Import duties is an interesting question. My guess is there probably aren't any as Micronesia doesn't have a developed industry to protect and it's a US protectorate (or similar?). Alternately, try contacting Guam Tropical Dive Station (Paula info@gtds.com). They might have sorb and know how to get it to Truk easily. For more specific info Mel (scubagrunt) was there with Curt Bowen and others in 2005 and stayed at Blue Lagoon. Gilles returned from trip in early 2008 on Thorfinn and jradomski says there are 2 & 3L steel tanks onboard & he has shipped sorb to Thorfinn. I've been meaning to ask them some questions but haven't got around to it. Can't remember where I read it but I think the Rebreather tanks might have Inspiration valves ; no big deal for a Meg though. o
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28th April 2008, 01:26	#6 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jqn) Owen, As I understand it the Thorfin does not have He. Are you just using Air Diluent? I'm trying to go in August and found that the Blue Lagoon will supply He and O2 but I will need to get my own sorb there. What did you learn about taking it on as excess baggage on Continental? Are there import duties in Truk for sorb? I might be interested in your August trip if there is He as I want to dive the deep wrecks. Jerry Jerry whether He is available to ANY operation really depends on setting things up ahead of time.. Sometimes BL has it, sometimes it doesnt.. don't assume anything.. If you don't arrange in advance its unlikely you will get it.. I know of people that were told they had it but when they got there there was none because a group a few weeks earlier used it all up.. Even if you set it up in advance still be prepared to dive air dil, Sht happens-.. The Thorfin can also get helium, but you generaly need a few months advance notice as they have to get it from guam (as does all the others) which has to get it from the US mainland and it has to be put on various ships.. a "k" bottle of Helium runs somehwere between $700 and $800.. This price varies on every shipment.. Last time I checked you had to pay this upfront.. figure at least $3 per cu ft... if at the time, all the shipper has is T bottles you would have to get that (its 330 cu ft) so at least $1k __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI* Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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28th April 2008, 03:02	#7 (permalink)
jqn New Member Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: So. California Posts: 71	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Thanks Joe, Owen, if the Thorfin will get us He and we have some guys to split it then I could be in for this trip. Keep me posted. Jerry
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28th April 2008, 03:52	#8 (permalink)
pwl4476 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 49	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year I'm with Broady. My wife and I dove off of Odyessy in early November and I don't think it's better than that or as good as that anywhere else in Chuuk. We stayed a couple of days at Blue Lagoon as well and it just wasn't the same as waking up on a fresh wreck putting on your gear and dropping overboard before breakfast. Nobody was there. We watched the divers from the Thorfinn come in on the skiffs and we watched divers wait on that skiff for everyone to get back on before heading back to the mother ship. We'd already been in and back on board before anyone else arrived. We were also able to drop overboard for a night dive or two at any time since we were always moored overnight on a wreck. My wife and I had been married about 2 weeks when we got there. We renewed our vows on board one afternoon (a surprise for my wife.) The captain, Stew, had flowers brought in for the ceremony and had champagne on board as well. I'd never thought about any of that, but he did. My first choice in Chuuk. Paul
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28th April 2008, 04:19	#9 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 2,817	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by pwl4476) I'm with Broady. My wife and I dove off of Odyessy in early November and I don't think it's better than that or as good as that anywhere else in Chuuk. We stayed a couple of days at Blue Lagoon as well and it just wasn't the same as waking up on a fresh wreck putting on your gear and dropping overboard before breakfast. Nobody was there. We watched the divers from the Thorfinn come in on the skiffs and we watched divers wait on that skiff for everyone to get back on before heading back to the mother ship. We'd already been in and back on board before anyone else arrived. We were also able to drop overboard for a night dive or two at any time since we were always moored overnight on a wreck. My wife and I had been married about 2 weeks when we got there. We renewed our vows on board one afternoon (a surprise for my wife.) The captain, Stew, had flowers brought in for the ceremony and had champagne on board as well. I'd never thought about any of that, but he did. My first choice in Chuuk. Paul While putting a big ship over a wreck might be convenient, both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks.. Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. a big dive boat on these old ships does damage.. I wount support any operation that has the potential on almost every mooring to do some damage.. The skiffs also alow alot of freedom wher anchoring over 1 wreck doesn't.. I can't even count how many times Lance had paired me up witha guide and off I went just me anfd the guide because I wanted to do stuff that others were not confortable doing.. Personally on a trip like truk I dont want to be limited by the skills of other divers on board, thats why I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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28th April 2008, 09:14	#10 (permalink)
broady New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 24	Re: Chuuk (Truk) CCR friendly & best time of year Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) While putting a big ship over a wreck might be convenient, both the odyssey and the agressor (when it was there) have been blamed for seriously damaging some of the wrecks.. Thats why some of them now have moorings off the wreck.. a big dive boat on these old ships does damage.. I wount support any operation that has the potential on almost every mooring to do some damage.. Two sides to every story but suffice to say Odyssey shared the cost of mooring lines with Aggressor and now have sole use of them. If the situation truly did exist it doesn't any longer. Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) Personally on a trip like truk I dont want to be limited by the skills of other divers on board, thats why I have been a repeat customer of the Thorfinn and will be again on my next trip to chuuk.. Not a prob on Odyssey either Not trying to change anyone's mind here, just feel it fair to point out the alternatives and dispel some myths. I know from my point of view having dived with Blue Lagoon there also and having seen the Thorfinn operation and the new boat operating there too who I will be spending my money with when I next return. They didn't win best liveaboard in the world several times in a row for nothing ! G .
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