Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll

farmerted · 5th December 2005, 02:13

Hey All,
I'm new to the list, but would be interested in this trip. I was in Bikini this year(march) along with NICKT. we left a bunch o' alum 19'sand 40's and steel 19's there for return trips. As far as helium, you can get a t of 10/50 from Guam for around 750 U.S. We brought a baby booster with us. The O2 was around 94-96%. As far as the "guided dives", well, my experience was different. I can elaborate in further posts if anyone wishes.The divemasters are more educated in rebreathers now. Sorb can be shipped in prior. I took my meg, housed camera and one strobe with me and had to pay 150 extra for the various flights. At the end of our time on the island, Andrew(Mad Dog) and myself conducted a rebreather experience off the dock. Nick, I see that you liked my meg as you now have one, congrats, hope to see you soon. Sorry all for not doing the meet and greet thing. I'm 35(36 on wed) been diving since 84, instructor in 1990, diving cc since 97. Own a bunch o' rigs and dive as much as possible and, yes, I am a potato farmer hence the name. Also looking for ccr chick to dive with as my girlfreind dissed me cause I dive all the time. Thought I'd throw that one in. Dive safe and often, Ted
BTW, All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them.

kozmik · 5th December 2005, 22:43

Jim here I just organized and filled the Odyssey boat for 12 rebreather dudes for Nov 2007,sorb easy to setup,no helium on board but your group picks whatever wreck they desire cool eh.my fourth trip to TRUK,the easiest best wreck diving in the World.Second week will be at Blue Lagoon Hotel open for bookings now...Dec 3 contact travel@squbaholidays.com book second week Dec2-9/2007 join us spots left

***jradomski*** · 6th December 2005, 08:03

Quote: (Originally Posted by Andy M)

The thorfinn refit was focused on extra stabilising keels on each side of the main keel, repairing rusty plates in the hull, and replacing windows, the lounge now has large windows in the side of it, for a more airy and bright feel. The lounge also has new furniture, its been completely redecorated, and now has a large plasma screen in place of the fish tank.

I didnt notice anything else particularly noticeable. The cabins have not been refitted... (the cabins on the mid deck are horrible) Oh and the filipinos pinched all the plugs on the boat while it was in for refit. They still have no booster fitted.

I was only on the thorfinn one day, because it didnt arrive until the day before my flight home... (discussions are in progress wrt recompense so I dont want to say any more about it here)

Andy

The booster should be in place by now.. they were 1 fitting short.. The thorfinn will also have 6 sets of Rebreather cylinders on board 3 sets of 3l steels and 3 sets of 2l steels.. This I am sure about because,I sold them to him.. I will be assisting him to make the boat RB friendly.. If he sees an increase by RB divers he will order more cylinders..

Deep Thought · 8th December 2005, 04:04

Quote: (Originally Posted by farmerted)

Hey All,
I'm new to the list, but would be interested in this trip. I was in Bikini this year(march) along with NICKT. we left a bunch o' alum 19'sand 40's and steel 19's there for return trips. BTW, All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them.

Ted

What do you mean "All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them"? Where are the valves? on the island removed, or taken back? Why drain the cylinders of gas? And how many al 19's, 40's and steel 19's ?

I ask as I have 30, al and steel 19's plus stage bottles left at Truk and it would be nice to have cylinders in Bikini for next years RBW trip. The idea is that RBW divers could fly to Truk, then to Bikini without the weight of cylinders.

Ron

farmerted · 14th December 2005, 02:41

Ron,
We left our flasks there for future trips(2 sets al 3liter and 2 sets steel 3 liter) we took the valves with us. We also left several al 40s there with valves in them. There was only 4 of us diving ccr on the trip, but they gave us a seperate boat. We also had a baby booster for the 10/50. All of the dives were guided, however since we were diving ccr the divemaster could not stay as long and we were left to ourselves after 20 mins or so. we were told to reverse engineer our profiles so that we were out of the water in no longer than 90 mins. After you gain the trust of the divemasters, you have much leeway. If you stay a second week and are cave trained you can basically do whatever you want as long as you have earned the trust. I can't wait to go back. I've got lot's more info and photos galore for anyone interested. Ted

devo · 21st March 2006, 18:36

I haven't read back on all 6 pages, but I am looking for a CCR trip to Bikini in 2007. Thanks.

Drmike · 22nd March 2006, 02:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by devo)

I haven't read back on all 6 pages, but I am looking for a CCR trip to Bikini in 2007. Thanks.

I doubt Stuart feels like organising any more RBW trips (and I dont blame him)
but if he does I expect/hope he insists people pay up in full when they first book.

***schford*** · 22nd March 2006, 13:08

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

I doubt Stuart feels like organising any more RBW trips (and I dont blame him)
but if he does I expect/hope he insists people pay up in full when they first book.

You got that right Mike....

I won't personally be organising any more RBW trips...ever....I will happily be a supporting player though....

This one is being organisied by deepthought (RON) who has run many trips to Truk and is a lot more experienced (and willing to put up with the head aches) than I....

Curt Bowen · 26th March 2006, 22:55

Quote: (Originally Posted by Deep Thought)

Ted

What do you mean "All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them"? Where are the valves? on the island removed, or taken back? Why drain the cylinders of gas? And how many al 19's, 40's and steel 19's ?

I ask as I have 30, al and steel 19's plus stage bottles left at Truk and it would be nice to have cylinders in Bikini for next years RBW trip. The idea is that RBW divers could fly to Truk, then to Bikini without the weight of cylinders.

Ron

I just returned from Ron's TRUK (Chuuk) CCR 2006 trip. Ron has gone 1000% out of his way and spent thousands of extra dollars bringing in extra equipment, just for us CCR divers to use.

CCR's in Truk allowed the team of divers to extend the normal OC bottom times by 3X and decrease decompression obligations. CCR's also allowed the team to use helium on an island that normally charges over $700 for a single bank HE cylinder.

I was able to get some awsome photos during the trip and will be writing a special article in ADM issue 23 about the trip, the wrecks, and the islands history.

I have posted some of the photos from the trip here under my name. Take a look.

Can't wait until next years trip, I have many more ship engine rooms and cargo holds to explore through.

Ron, Thanks for a TOP NOTCH dive week!!!!!!!!

Curt Bowen

Hoy · 27th March 2006, 19:17

Hi guys

With that kind of warning (2007) I will be in on it (either spot).

As for logistics I will be leaving from OZ, looking forward to more info?

Peter

5th December 2005, 02:13	#51 (permalink)
farmerted New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island/Wakulla Posts: 14	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Hey All, I'm new to the list, but would be interested in this trip. I was in Bikini this year(march) along with NICKT. we left a bunch o' alum 19'sand 40's and steel 19's there for return trips. As far as helium, you can get a t of 10/50 from Guam for around 750 U.S. We brought a baby booster with us. The O2 was around 94-96%. As far as the "guided dives", well, my experience was different. I can elaborate in further posts if anyone wishes.The divemasters are more educated in rebreathers now. Sorb can be shipped in prior. I took my meg, housed camera and one strobe with me and had to pay 150 extra for the various flights. At the end of our time on the island, Andrew(Mad Dog) and myself conducted a rebreather experience off the dock. Nick, I see that you liked my meg as you now have one, congrats, hope to see you soon. Sorry all for not doing the meet and greet thing. I'm 35(36 on wed) been diving since 84, instructor in 1990, diving cc since 97. Own a bunch o' rigs and dive as much as possible and, yes, I am a potato farmer hence the name. Also looking for ccr chick to dive with as my girlfreind dissed me cause I dive all the time. Thought I'd throw that one in. Dive safe and often, Ted BTW, All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them.
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5th December 2005, 22:43	#52 (permalink)
kozmik New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: canada toronto Posts: 13	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Jim here I just organized and filled the Odyssey boat for 12 rebreather dudes for Nov 2007,sorb easy to setup,no helium on board but your group picks whatever wreck they desire cool eh.my fourth trip to TRUK,the easiest best wreck diving in the World.Second week will be at Blue Lagoon Hotel open for bookings now...Dec 3 contact travel@squbaholidays.com book second week Dec2-9/2007 join us spots left
(Offline)

6th December 2005, 08:03	#53 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,113	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Quote: (Originally Posted by Andy M) The thorfinn refit was focused on extra stabilising keels on each side of the main keel, repairing rusty plates in the hull, and replacing windows, the lounge now has large windows in the side of it, for a more airy and bright feel. The lounge also has new furniture, its been completely redecorated, and now has a large plasma screen in place of the fish tank. I didnt notice anything else particularly noticeable. The cabins have not been refitted... (the cabins on the mid deck are horrible) Oh and the filipinos pinched all the plugs on the boat while it was in for refit. They still have no booster fitted. I was only on the thorfinn one day, because it didnt arrive until the day before my flight home... (discussions are in progress wrt recompense so I dont want to say any more about it here) Andy The booster should be in place by now.. they were 1 fitting short.. The thorfinn will also have 6 sets of Rebreather cylinders on board 3 sets of 3l steels and 3 sets of 2l steels.. This I am sure about because,I sold them to him.. I will be assisting him to make the boat RB friendly.. If he sees an increase by RB divers he will order more cylinders.. __________________ 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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8th December 2005, 04:04	#54 (permalink)
Deep Thought RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Great Lakes Posts: 194	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Quote: (Originally Posted by farmerted) Hey All, I'm new to the list, but would be interested in this trip. I was in Bikini this year(march) along with NICKT. we left a bunch o' alum 19'sand 40's and steel 19's there for return trips. BTW, All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them. Ted What do you mean "All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them"? Where are the valves? on the island removed, or taken back? Why drain the cylinders of gas? And how many al 19's, 40's and steel 19's ? I ask as I have 30, al and steel 19's plus stage bottles left at Truk and it would be nice to have cylinders in Bikini for next years RBW trip. The idea is that RBW divers could fly to Truk, then to Bikini without the weight of cylinders. Ron __________________ Creature Of Habits; Mostly Bad www.gudcscuba.com
(Offline)

14th December 2005, 02:41	#55 (permalink)
farmerted New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island/Wakulla Posts: 14	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Ron, We left our flasks there for future trips(2 sets al 3liter and 2 sets steel 3 liter) we took the valves with us. We also left several al 40s there with valves in them. There was only 4 of us diving ccr on the trip, but they gave us a seperate boat. We also had a baby booster for the 10/50. All of the dives were guided, however since we were diving ccr the divemaster could not stay as long and we were left to ourselves after 20 mins or so. we were told to reverse engineer our profiles so that we were out of the water in no longer than 90 mins. After you gain the trust of the divemasters, you have much leeway. If you stay a second week and are cave trained you can basically do whatever you want as long as you have earned the trust. I can't wait to go back. I've got lot's more info and photos galore for anyone interested. Ted
(Offline)

21st March 2006, 18:36	#56 (permalink)
devo New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 53	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll I haven't read back on all 6 pages, but I am looking for a CCR trip to Bikini in 2007. Thanks.
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22nd March 2006, 02:06	#57 (permalink)
Drmike RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,378	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Quote: (Originally Posted by devo) I haven't read back on all 6 pages, but I am looking for a CCR trip to Bikini in 2007. Thanks. I doubt Stuart feels like organising any more RBW trips (and I dont blame him) but if he does I expect/hope he insists people pay up in full when they first book. __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
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22nd March 2006, 13:08	#58 (permalink)
*schford* RBW Founder Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,564	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) I doubt Stuart feels like organising any more RBW trips (and I dont blame him) but if he does I expect/hope he insists people pay up in full when they first book. You got that right Mike.... I won't personally be organising any more RBW trips...ever....I will happily be a supporting player though.... This one is being organisied by deepthought (RON) who has run many trips to Truk and is a lot more experienced (and willing to put up with the head aches) than I.... __________________ Bailout and Kit Management account for Murphy's Law The only bad question is one you did not ask and later wish you had. Use of RBW is subject to the Rebreather World Terms & Conditions of Use
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26th March 2006, 22:55	#59 (permalink)
Curt Bowen The man who pays the bills Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA, Florida Posts: 584	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Quote: (Originally Posted by Deep Thought) Ted What do you mean "All the bottles left on the island do not have valves in them"? Where are the valves? on the island removed, or taken back? Why drain the cylinders of gas? And how many al 19's, 40's and steel 19's ? I ask as I have 30, al and steel 19's plus stage bottles left at Truk and it would be nice to have cylinders in Bikini for next years RBW trip. The idea is that RBW divers could fly to Truk, then to Bikini without the weight of cylinders. Ron I just returned from Ron's TRUK (Chuuk) CCR 2006 trip. Ron has gone 1000% out of his way and spent thousands of extra dollars bringing in extra equipment, just for us CCR divers to use. CCR's in Truk allowed the team of divers to extend the normal OC bottom times by 3X and decrease decompression obligations. CCR's also allowed the team to use helium on an island that normally charges over $700 for a single bank HE cylinder. I was able to get some awsome photos during the trip and will be writing a special article in ADM issue 23 about the trip, the wrecks, and the islands history. I have posted some of the photos from the trip here under my name. Take a look. Can't wait until next years trip, I have many more ship engine rooms and cargo holds to explore through. Ron, Thanks for a TOP NOTCH dive week!!!!!!!! Curt Bowen
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27th March 2006, 19:17	#60 (permalink)
Hoy New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 35	Re: Main 2007 Expedition Truk or Bikini Atoll Hi guys With that kind of warning (2007) I will be in on it (either spot). As for logistics I will be leaving from OZ, looking forward to more info? Peter
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