Power Scuba: San Diego Scuba Diving (and Beyond)

 
 
 

A dive unlike any other in SoCal! If you are an advanced diver prepared for exciting dives, come join us for an adventure!

WAIVERS: Sign both Waivers. They are required.

• Power Scuba waiver (http://bit.ly/power-scuba)
• Pac Star Waiver: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5af2e1710815f/web/

The Pac Star rocks! They're a big boat with excellent safety and service.

FOOD: Full breakfast, lunch and snacks!

Offshore Oil Rigs aren't dove often (because of the permission process required) and yet they can house a remarkable underwater community under their platforms. Life on the thick support pylons and crossbeams is abundant.

You must be an experienced diver and comfortable diving in water that essentially has no bottom. Advanced cert or better required. PERFECT NEUTRAL BUOYANCY SKILLS ARE NEEDED. If you have to ask whether you're an "experienced diver"... you're not.

This is 3-tank, open ocean diving with "live drops".

MANDATORY ITEMS: SMB and whistle. (At a minimum.) Don't show up on the boat without these.

COST: $107.01
If adding a +1, please add their name in the comments below.

BOAT LOCATION: 22nd St. Landing, San Pedro, CA. The Pacific Star is docked behind 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar. Drop your gear off on the right corner of the building and find parking across the street.

BOARDING: You may sleep on the boat the night before (Starting at 8 pm) or board by 6 am that morning. Boat leaves the dock 7:00 AM. No drunken revelry and stay quiet after 10:30 pm so people can get rest for the next day.

BUNKS: Bunks are first come, first served. (A drawn curtain means the bunk is taken.) Bring your own bedding (blanket, sheet, pillow/pillowcase, or sleeping bag). Couples and very tall members get the first dibs on the "cabins" until about 10 pm. After that it's everyone for themselves. (Don't put your things on any bunk other than your own.)

SITES:
OLYMPIC: Wreck in 100 FSW of sand. Mostly pancaked, but some structure on either end. Ling Cod and wolf eels are sometimes sighted.

RIGS (x2): Eureka & Ellen/Elly. Each with different "personalities". Gorgeous marine life resident with occasional spectacular "guests" floating through. Depth: Go as deep (or stay as shallow) as you like and are trained for. Boat captain recommends staying above the 110' crossbeams.

Conditions permitting, we'll do our first dive on the wreck of the Olympic. Otherwise, all three dives on the rigs.

AIR TANKS: Boat has steel LP 72s (plus rating overfilled) for your use, or you may bring your own tank, which many of us do. Their compressor fills to 3,000 psi. (No HP fills.) If requesting a boat tank, you must request this of the crew BEFORE we get underway.

NITROX: Boat pumps Nitrox into O2-clean tanks only. $12 per fill. You may bring your own O2-clean (dedicated) Nitrox tank, but bring it FULL. Boat has steel LP 72 (plus rating overfilled) Nitrox tanks for your use if you wish, but you must request this of the crew BEFORE we get underway.

BOTTOM LINE: Bring your own tank (or two) if you can

GEAR: Bring all your own gear (except for tanks if you so choose). Boat has some weights, but it's best to bring your own.

TAKE: Scallops may be harvested on these dives w/ a valid fishing license. Poachers will be prosecuted!

BOAT: Pacific Star (http://www.pacificstardiving.com)

Would-be Car-poolers: Speak up in the comments section below!

REFUNDS: If you back out less than 14 days before departure (or "no call, no show") you are on the hook for the money. No refund unless your seat fills. Two weeks or more = full refund (less fees). All refunds subject to a .31 Paypal fee and 9% admin fee http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/32049962

To back out fully: You must change your RSVP to "No" and request a Paypal refund via email to powerscuba1 at the gmail.com domain. Include the date of the event and the Paypal Transaction ID number.

Canceling an Event: When and why Power Scuba might do it (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/20706002)

POINTERS: Bring your certification card. / Hydrate really well. / Take Bonine if you think you're at all inclined toward seasickness. If you aren't sure... take some Bonine (or similar)! / Eat a decent, non-greasy breakfast. / Bring something to keep you warm between dives (overcoat, boat jacket, etc). / Bring a torch for peering into nooks and crannies. / End your dive close to the boat (unless you enjoy long surface swims).

ALWAYS bring your dive essentials: A safety sausage(SMB), knife, and whistle (at a minimum)!

BOAT ETIQUETTE REMINDER: Don't be late for the boat. / Space is limited. Stow all your gear where directed to by crew. / Keep gear out of the walk-way, damnit. / Put your fins on at drop-in point (not forward and then flip flop over people's feet and gear). / Don't rinse your mask or other gear in the CAMERA BUCKET! / Don't clog up the marine head with baby ruth bars or similar. / If you have to puke, do it downwind (leeward).
/ If you have to cancel, do it well before the cutoff time so Bill has a chance to sell your seat. / Don't forget to tip the boat crew if they do a good job for you. The DM is there for your safety. Take care of him/her.
Tipping Guidelines: Tipping Info & Advice here (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/21783462/)

Bill here with a quick note: If you aren't completely comfortable with the kind of diving described above please sit this one out. Your safety is my first concern. There are plenty of shops and instructors who'll be glad to train you up to the level this event requires. Look 'em up here: Shops & Instructors (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/6696656)

ADMIN STUFF YOU MUST READ:

The Virtual Donation Jar is always out (for the Meetup site costs and general fund). It's strictly voluntary, but is very much appreciated and needed: Click here for the DONATION JAR: (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/9702303).

WAIVERS: Sign both Waivers found at the top of this event page.

You must also read the Disclaimer and Clarification/Terms of Service/Terms and Conditions: (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/5914647).

Anyone with a medical condition possibly counter-indicative to diving must have a doctor’s signature on a diving waiver form submitted to Bill Powers (or an organizer) before attending any Power Scuba event. YOU MAY NOT ATTEND AN EVENT WITH AN UNDISCLOSED MEDICAL CONDITION. Doing so is grounds for expulsion from the group. Here is our medical statement and physician waiver form:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PowerScuba/files/

Attending any scuba event Power Scuba constitutes the attendee's affirmation they are medically fit to dive, certified to dive by a nationally-recognized agency, have the necessary skill & training level for the dive being offered, have read the Terms and Conditions, and have submitted a signed Liability Release to an organizer.

Important Note: It is not the organizer's role to lead your dive (or to wait for you after you come out of the water). He/she merely facilitates you getting to the pre-dive meeting location. The Organizer will not assign you a buddy nor will he/she be leading the dive as a "group dive". Visibility and liability do not allow for that. Nor will the Organizer tell you whether you are skilled enough to make any particular dive. That is for you (only) to decide. When you enter the water, you and your buddy are on your own. You must plan and execute your dive with your dive buddy only. Once members arrive at the meeting spot, the Organizer becomes simply another diver.

 
 
 

SIGN ALL FORMS:

1. Waterhorse Waiver: https://waterhorsecharters.checkfront.com/reserve/document/?template_id=6&id=MNBF-070123
2. Power Scuba Waiver: http://bit.ly/power-scuba

Covid masks mandatory between dives IF YOU'VE NOT BEEN VACCINATED.

O/W DEPTHS, 3 TANKS: This is a boat charter suitable for ALL divers, but dedicated for the newer/Open Water-level diver! Come join Tiffany and her newly certified sister Stacey and brother-in-law Andrew in beautiful Point Loma, land of sea cliffs and nudibranchs. :)

The boat provides steel LP 85s and weights. Air compressor is on-board. You may bring your own tank if you prefer, but be sure to email Waterhorse at [masked] to let them know.

Nitrox tanks are not filled on board but can be arranged in advance for an extra charge.

You provide all other gear. (If needed, rentals can be reserved with the boat when you sign their online liability form.)

FOOD and SHOWER: The boat also provides great snacks in-between dives. Hot, fresh-water shower on deck.

BUDDIES: If you don't have a buddy you may team up with another single on boat. However, do not think your buddy will be responsible for you or your diving. You must have good skills and habits to dive at these events.

LIMITED LOAD (18) COST: $135.27

To make reservations: Simply RSVP here (first) then pay via the PayPal link above on this page (safe and secure... we've used it for years).

DIVE SITES (3 tanks):

6 FATHOMS: This neighbor to the more well-known 7 fathoms sits 50-60 feet, with bit of structure and fun animals!

NEW HOPE ROCK: A beautiful spot with large rock formations making the dive 20-45 feet. Start below to find critters in the cracks and work your way up.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE: Suitable depth. Goal Posts, perhaps?

CHECK-IN: 7 am. Go to the office first to check in, then load your gear onto boat directly behind office building. (Don't go down to boat until told to by a crew-member.) Boat leaves the dock at 7:45 am.

Dive Boat/Trip Tipping Guidelines: Tipping Info and Advice here (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/21783462/)

REFUNDS / UN-RSVPing: If you back out less than two weeks before departure (or "no call, no show"), no refund. 15 plus days = full refund*. (*All refunds subject to .31 PayPal fee and 9% admin fee (http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/32049962).)

TO BACK OUT FULLY, you must CHANGE YOUR RSVP TO "NO" here and request a Paypal refund via [masked]. Include the Paypal Transaction ID #.

POINTERS:
1)Bring your cert card. 2)Hydrate well. 3)Take seasickness medication like Bonine if you're at all inclined towards seasickness. 4)Eat a decent, non-greasy meal before boarding. 5)Bring something to keep you warm between dives (overcoat, boat jacket, etc). 6)Bring a torch for peering into nooks and crannies. 7)End your dive close to the boat (unless you enjoy long surface swims). 8)ALWAYS bring your dive essentials: safety sausage, knife, and whistle... MANDATORY! 9)Don't forget to tip the boat crew!

BOAT ETIQUETTE REMINDER:
1)Don't be late. 2)Space is limited on a boat. Stow all your gear where directed to by crew. 3)Keep gear out of the walk-way. 4)Inflate your BCD at the bench, but put your fins on at drop-in point (don't flip flop over people's feet and gear). 5)Don't rinse your mask or other gear in the CAMERA BUCKET! 6)Don't clog up the marine head with trash, tampons, etc. 7)If you have to throw up, do it downwind (leeward), NOT IN THE HEAD. 8)If you have to cancel, do it well before the cutoff time so we have a chance to sell your seat.

ADMIN STUFF:

SIGN a Power Scuba waiver: http://bit.ly/power-scuba .

You must also read Disclaimer/Terms and Conditions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PowerScuba/files/

Anyone with a medical condition MUST submit a signed (by a doctor) diving waiver form before attending any Power Scuba event. YOU MAY NOT ATTEND AN EVENT WITH AN UNDISCLOSED MEDICAL CONDITION. Forms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PowerScuba/files/

Attending any Power Scuba event constitutes attendee's affirmation they are medically fit to dive, certified by a recognized agency, have necessary skill and training level for dive being offered, have read our Terms and Conditions, and have submitted an electronic Liability Release.

Donations to non-profit Power Scuba: http://www.meetup.com/Scuba-Diving-San-Diego/messages/boards/thread/9702303

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is not organizer's role to lead your dive. The Organizer will not assign you a buddy nor will he/she be leading the dive as a "group dive". (Visibility and liability do not allow for that.) Nor will the Organizer tell you whether you are skilled enough for a dive. (You must decide that by yourself or with a dive pro.) You must plan and execute your dives with your dive buddy. Once members arrive, the Organizer becomes simply another diver.

Your participation is your affirmation you agree to these above rules and disclaimers.... and that your buddy(s) (if applicable) has read and agrees to the same.

 
 
 

FREE Fish ID Classes taught by Herb Gruenhagen - Scientific Diver, PADI Divemaster, 3700+ dives, and 40+ years diving experience!

Become a 'Citizen Scientist' and find out who's living in the neighborhood!

Snorkelers and SCUBA divers, do you want to know more about local Inshore Fishes?

Want to contribute to science by surveying our local marine life?

You can do all of the above by attending the identification training program. You'll learn a lot more about what's happening beyond the surf zone!

Whether you're a newly-minted Open Water diver, an avid snorkeler, or an experienced diver wanting to expand your marine knowledge, this class will give you a ton of interesting facts about our underwater world...and it doesn't stop there! Once you've finished this fascinating course, you'll be able to perform surveys and record your observations online for scientists to use and analyze. It's fun, it's easy, it's FREE - and best of all, surveyors help add to a big marine-life database used by scientists in several ways.

VERY IMPORTANT: To achieve Level 2, you must receive an 80% score on the end-of-class quiz and perform 2 survey's. You'll need to know the common name and Family name of these fishes (for instance, Lingcod- Fish Family Greenling, or for inverts, Cobalt Sponge, Phylum Porifera). Your chances of achieving Level 2 are much better if you study beforehand. Please familiarize yourself with the material before you come to class.

VERY IMPORTANT: Herb's classes are excellent and fun - and they generate big waiting lists. No-shows are not appreciated! You MUST commit to attending the class, and, if you find you can't make the class, you MUST change your RSVP in time for a wait-listed member to attend. If you think work or family situations might make you cancel at the last minute, DO NOT SIGN UP. Not showing up (and thereby depriving others of a chance to take the class) is neither considerate nor fair to your fellow divers.

WHERE: Ocean Enterprises, 7710 Balboa Ave, SD 92121 (2nd floor upstairs classroom)

COST: ZERO! You commit your attendance, time and effort. No monetary fee.

If you can't make this class, upcoming classes will be held the 3rd Wednesday of each month:

Please be on time - there's a lot of material to cover in 3 hours. If you're late, you'll miss some of the good stuff.

Study guides for Smart phones and iPads:

https://quizlet.com/_1dcjr8

https://quizlet.com/83425637/flashcards

https://quizlet.com/82886660/reef-id-invertebratealgae-identification-quiz-flash-cards/

 
 
 

IMPORTANT: MUST BE ON BOAT BEFORE 10 PM (FRI NIGHT) FOR BOAT BRIEF, W/ DEPARTURE SOON AFTER. DON'T MISS THE BOAT!

Join us for a 2-day trip to Santa Barbara and Catalina Islands!

You must be Advanced certified (or better) and solid in your skills. (Cert cards will be checked.)

WAIVERS: Sign both Waivers before arrival. They are required to be on this trip.

• Power Scuba Waiver
• Pac Star Waiver

MANDATORY ITEMS: A good safety sausage, knife, and whistle.

NO-PROFIT COST: $295.25

SITES:

• Santa Barbara Island: Various sites.
• Catalina Island: Farnsworth Bank
  (may pick alternative sites if conditions aren't allowing it).

BOAT LOCATION: 22nd St Landing San Pedro, CA.

BOARDING: You must sleep on the boat starting Friday night. Maintain silence about the decks after 10:30 pm so folks may get their rest.

BUNKS: Will be assigned per order of signup.

FOOD: Full meals and snacks / drinks in between dives.

AIR TANKS: Boat has steel LP 72s (plus rating overfilled) for your use, or you may bring your own tank. Compressor fills to 3,000 psi. If requesting a boat tank, you must request this of the crew BEFORE we get underway.

NITROX: Boat pumps Nitrox into O2-clean tanks only (extra charge). You may bring your own O2-clean (dedicated) Nitrox tank. Boat has steel LP 72 (plus rating) Nitrox tanks for your use if you wish, but you must request this of the crew BEFORE we get underway.

BOTTOM LINE: Bring your own tank if you can.

GEAR: Bring all your own gear (except for tanks if you so choose). Boat has some weights, but probably best to bring your own.

BOAT: Pacific Star

Would-be Car-poolers: Speak up in the comments section below!

IF YOU BACK OUT less than two weeks before departure (or "no call, no show") you are on the hook for the money. No refund. Two weeks or more = refund. (Any refund entails a .31 Paypal fee and 9% admin charge (see also here).

REQUESTING A REFUND: To back out fully, you must change your RSVP and request a Paypal refund to [masked]. Make sure to include the Paypal Transaction ID #.

CANCELLING AN EVENT: When and why Power Scuba might do it - click here.

POINTERS: Bring your certification card. / Hydrate really well. / Take Bonine if you think you're at all inclined toward seasickness. If you aren't sure... take some Bonine (or similar)! / Eat a decent, non-greasy breakfast. / Bring something to keep you warm between dives (overcoat, boat jacket, etc). / Bring a torch for peering into nooks and crannies. / End your dive close to the boat (unless you enjoy long surface swims).

BOAT ETIQUETTE REMINDER: Don't be late for the boat. / Space is limited. Stow all your gear where directed to by crew. / Keep gear out of the walk-way, damnit. / Put your fins on at drop-in point (not forward and then flip flop over people's feet and gear). / Don't rinse your mask or other gear in the CAMERA BUCKET! / Don't clog up the marine head with Baby Ruth bars or similar. / If you have to puke, do it downwind (leeward). / If you have to cancel, do it well before the cutoff time. It's the polite thing to do. / Don't forget to tip the boat crew if they do a good job for you.

If you aren't completely comfortable with the kind of diving described above please sit this one out. Your safety is our first concern. For further training: Shops & Instructors.

Dive Boat/Trip Tipping Guidelines: Tipping Info & Advice here.

***

ADMIN STUFF:
DONATIONS to our non-profit org (click here) are always appreciated and needed.

LIABILITY RELEASE: You must sign and submit a Power Scuba Liability Release at least once a year. Please do this digitally via this link. It's easy and fast! Your event host will verify your submission before you go out with us, so please take a moment and complete the Release.

You must read our Disclaimer and Clarification... AKA Terms of Service...AKA Terms and Conditions.

Those with a medical condition possibly counter-indicative to diving must have a doctor's signature on a diving waiver form and submit form to Power Scuba before they attend any event. YOU MAY NOT ATTEND AN EVENT WITH AN UNDISCLOSED MEDICAL CONDITION. Doing so is grounds for expulsion from the group. Our medical statement and Doctor's Waiver are found in the Files section of our Facebook group.

Attending any scuba event Power Scuba facilitates constitutes attendee's affirmation they are medically fit to dive, have read the Terms and Conditions, and have submitted a signed Liability Release to an organizer... and that your buddy (if any) has done the same.

Important Note: It is not the organizer's role to lead your dive. They merely facilitate you getting to the boat. The Organizer will not assign you a buddy nor will they be leading the dive as a "group dive". Visibility and liability do not allow for that. When you enter the water, you are on your own. You must plan and execute your dive with your dive buddy only. Once members arrive at the boat, the Organizer becomes simply another diver.

Your participation constitutes your affirmation you agree to these above rules and disclaimers and that your buddy does as well.