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Are you AOW and EAN certed? You might want to think about those prior to the "O." Just my opinion..
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EricM - 3/06/2015 8:02 AM 
Yeah, I think maybe I should put it off. I will have my EAN, and Deep certs by late Spring, or early Summer, but I won’t have the practical experience yet. I think I will put the brakes on before I screw up and let my enthusiasm write checks I can’t cash.
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Hi, Eric. I may be able to join you, keep us posted. As far as skills, not sure how many dives you have under your belt. But, I sometimes feel that the skills needed to dive the O are overstated (recreational type dive). It obviously presents more challenges than a sandy bottom wreck in 60’ of water. If you are comfortable and have controlled buoyancy and a safe attitude, the way to progress you skills is to progress ;). Take the right charter and stay close to the tower and descent/ascent line and I it isn’t too hard a dive. The two big things to watch (IMHO) are the deceptiveness of depth and not breaching your planned max depth, and paying extra close attention to your gas supply leaving plenty of gas and no deco time to find you way back to the ascent line and make your safety on the way up. Other than that current can be strong at times, hence stay close to the wreck and on the lines. Proficient skills with use of a surface marker is important too, if you were to get swept off the wreck. EAN definitely helps on the O.
Some charters do require AOW. I can recommend a couple of charters I’ve used if you want to PM me.
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Agojo - 3/06/2015 1:20 PM
The one thing not mentioned. Who’s your buddy? I’ve been on enough charters without knowing who my buddy is until I get there. A few of these meet, greet and dive buddies have been Ok, but most are not. Two inexperienced or once a year vacation divers on this wreck could be a Rx for disaster. You do learn by pushing the envelope (if you survive it). Just do it with a more experienced buddy to raise the odds of surviving it.
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EricM - 3/06/2015 10:36 PM
I have heard other divers say that the Oriskany is a disaster waiting to happen because of the depth. One said that inexerienced divers see the hanger bay doors open just below and get down there without thinking of the differrence in gas consumption.
I have decided to put my own exploration of the Big O off until next year. I think I need to work out a bit more, and definitely hone my deep dive, and buoyancy skills first. I have the gear for it, but not the experience. Looks like I will be spending a lot of time at the deep end of the qurry this year, and do a few of the shallower NC coast wrecks.
I also want to thank those of you who have sent PM’s inviting me to dive with you. I will take you up on it I am sure.
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EricM - 3/11/2015 11:51 PM
I am going to get to start my EAN training this weekend. Can’t wait.
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