daktarisport Blog!

On Saturday 13th February a group of 7 met at Queenscliff at am to go for a dive on the HMAS Canberra and the J4 Submarine with the weather prediction for 0.5 metre swell and 23 degrees with light 15-20 knot winds……. here’s what really happened……the swell was between 3-4 metres and the wind was 25-30 knots and picking up, it was overcast and not the sort of day we had hoped for….bugger!!!

Out of 8 divers who set out for a dive, only 5 ended up getting in the water and going for a dive. Visibility on the wreck was actually not too bad and it is amazing just how much of the wreck boasts growth after only 8 weeks underwater. This is a very clean wreck with lots of blow holes to shed light down corridors etc….

In the mess hall is a mural of the ship called “Macs mural” and the captains chair still sits intact on the bridge so makes for a great photo opportunity..LOL

By the time was over (37 minutes bottom time) it was back onto the boat and a hasty retreat back into the bay for a 2nd dive…not on the J4 as planned but at Pope’s Eye. Everyone managed to get in on this dive but the current proved too much for some and so our 8 became 6 and then 4. There was an abundance of fish and some great kelp and weed, the sand movement was incredible….

All in all, considering the conditions and weather, a good day was finally had…..

On Saturday 13th February 2010, Port Fairy Surf and Dive have managed to secure a dive charter from Queenscliff for a dive on the newly sunk Ex HMAS Canberra followed by a second dive on the interesting J4 class submarine. (Depending on favourable weather, winds and swell etc, this will be confirmed by Wednesday 10th Feb )

Our dive guide will be Bruce Walker (PADI Instructor) from Geelong, who has kindly donated his time to give us this fabulous opportunity. This dive is a double boat dive departing from the Bridge Street wharf in Queenscliff at 9.am sharp and lunch/refreshments will be provided on board during the surface interval stop. Cost is $110.00 per diver to be paid in cash to the boat operator on the day (each diver to supply own equipment including 2 tanks – Twin tanks, single tanks or Nitrox blend of 32% can be used ).

Limited places are available so the first to confirm to Sharene on 0433 755 553 will get the spots. Currently there are 4 places remaining but they are going quick so don’t delay!