The Chicago Scuba Meetup Group

We are again meeting earlier than usual!

Our speaker in April will be Dr. Andrew Kough, research biologist at the Shedd Aquarium, who will discuss his research on the conch.

A passionate marine biologist, Andrew Kough’s work at Shedd Aquarium focuses on investigating invertebrate fisheries conservation. This group includes ecologically, culturally, and commercially valuable species that are increasingly threatened by over fishing, habitat loss, and changing ocean conditions.
In his research, Kough conducts diverse experiments, field surveys, and mathematical modeling to better understand these challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them. His applied research on Queen Conch (Aliger gigas), a species listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act, has direct conservation management implications including evaluating fishery policies, testing translocation as a remediation tool, and assessing the effectiveness of protected areas in replenishing populations. The goal of his research on these sometimes uncharismatic, yet vital, snails is to guide conservation efforts and inspire people to protect them.

7:00pm- Meet and Greet (buy food and drink!)
7:30- Meeting
8:00- Presentation

Start off the 2026 summer local dive season with some Lake Michigan diving with Double Action charters. The charter is scheduled to dive Nicole's wreck and the Wells Burt. Both wrecks are wood ships off Chicago. Nicole's wreck was recently discovered so it is remarkably intact, including the wheel and anchor. She sits at 45-50' deep. The Wells Burt is a wood ship sitting about 30-35' for a nice easy dive.

Recommended certification and experience: prior Lake Michigan diving, AOW or higher. Plan on the water being cold this time of year, so drysuit is highly recommended. While technically OW certification is adequate for the planned wrecks, Double action is picky about not letting OW certified divers dive on wrecks deeper than 60'. Since the sites are subject to change based on conditions, and potential substitute sites (Mac, Rotarian) are deeper than 60', AOW is highly recommended. If your skills are a bit rusty or you haven't done any cold water diving, it is highly recommended to gain experience in the quarry before doing a charter.

You will need to bring all your own gear, including tanks and weights, as there is none on the boat. I have some extra tanks and weights that can be borrowed with advance notice.

To sign up, RSVP on meetup so we know who is coming. You will also need to sign up with and pay Double Action directly: https://doubleactiondivecharters.com/calendar/ Cost is $170 plus tips. Cancellation and refunds are between you and Double Action.

Directions From Chicago: take the Skyway to Indiana. Follow signs to Hammond Casino, exiting on Indianapolis Blvd. Turn Right at the the big neon Hammond Casino sign. Go around several bends. Take a sharp right turn at the sign for Hammond Marina. Go to Guardhouse and tell them you're with Double Action. Proceed inside the Marina parking lot toward the Casino Garage. There is free parking, and carts are available for your gear. The boat is on the end of the Jet Ski dock; entrance right next to the parking garage.

Memorial Day at Haigh Quarry marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the local diving season. We will be looking forward to getting into the water. We will plan to fire up the grill. Burgers, dogs, buns and condiments will be provided. The water will likely be chilly, but there is often better visibility this time of year. Look for the CSM banner. Hope to see you there! We do not charge for this event, but Haigh Quarry's entry fee is $25 (subject to change). They also have rental gear available.

Join us for a two tank Fourth of July dive aboard the Molly V out of Milwaukee! We typically will head out for an optional group lunch following the morning diving at a local restaurant.

We will plan to dive the Milwaukee Car Ferry, a 318' vessel that went down in 1929 and still contains rail cars and has an intact propeller. She sits at 125' maximum depth. We will then dive the No 6 Dredge, which sits in 70 feet of water inverted. As you approach her, her large crane, dredging equipment and boiler come into view. She sank in 1959. Sites are planned, but are always at the captain's discretion and are subject to change based on conditions, and even group preferences.

Molly V is a six pack charter boat. Cost will be $142 per person plus tips. Prior Lake Michigan diving experience is required. You must bring all your own gear, including tanks and weights. Dry suit is highly recommended as the water will be cold. All sign ups will be placed on the waiting list first. About a month before, I will start to clear the wait list. Priority will be given to sustaining members. I will email, and payment will be required via Zelle or Paypal before your name will be moved to the attending list. Each attendee will have 48 hrs to remit payment before an offer will be made to the next person on the list. If your plans change and you can't make it, it is your job to find a replacement. No refunds unless the charter is cancelled.