Dive HMAS Brisbane Report 23rd August - 30th August 2009

Flat seas and clearing water with that blue hue is finally here. A little breeze from the north west for the past couple of days but it’s still been very diveable, particularly on the ex HMAS Brisbane.
As the wind eased off today (Saturday) the seas flattened out once again and look like holding for tomorrow. The Inner Gneerings has produced water of 15-18m viz.

3 Grey nurse sharks have been sighted a little further out on the Gneerings which is great to see. This is the 3rd winter that we’ve seen them now, let’s hope it continues. Water temperature is still on 18C but when the days are so warm and the seas are so flat and the water so blue, the temp doesn’t matter any more.

Our group out on Big Cat Reality this weekend should get in some great diving in these conditions.
The BOM forecast is a little off again unfortunately.
Paul is back from Borneo and from all reports it looks like a sure thing for an overseas trip next year.

Our sympathy to Murray and all at South West Dive Centre after the unfortunate dive cylinder explosion last Sunday. Although all correct procedures had been followed and the cylinder was in test, the cylinder exploded while being filled taking off Murray’s right hand and severely mutilating his foot. Doctors are fighting to save his leg at the moment.
I haven’t had details confirmed at this point but as I understand it, this cylinder is of 1983 vintage and of the suspect 6351 alloy that has been the subject of many a debate over past years. These cylinders just won’t go away and authourities will not withdraw them from service. There are warnings issued buy Q.W.H & S.but that doesn’t stop them from exploding and severely damaging or maybe even killing someone, usually the person filling the cylinder.
Some debate has already surfaced and I am just amazed at how little value some divers put on someone’s life or well being for the sake of a cylinder that is 20 odd years old and probably cost them only a couple of hundred dollars.

Dive Safe
Greg from Sunreef
HMAS Brisbane dive specialists Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia

Dive HMAS BRISBANE with Sunreef.