Wreck-Diving.org

Well, there’s always a little reservation because you know you need to be cautious. The wreck could have parts ready to collapse, or it may not be settnig stable on it’s base (meaning it could fall over).

The is always a sense of awe and wonder, and it’s truly exhilerating. There’s also that realization that you are one of but a few that have seen the ship since it sank beneath the waves (which is pretty cool).

The thought tends to cross my mind of whether or not the people from the wreck lived or died in the accident (and whether or not you might see a human skeleton, which has never happened to me thus far). You also wonder if there are any "goodies" on board that might have been left behind (highly doubtful, but we all dream of that treasure chest of gold or finding rare silver pieces).

If/when you can see inside, it’s always very interesting to see what was left behind (tools, clothing, fire extinguishers, ice chests, etc), providing other scavengers haven’t already taken the stuff as trophies.

Then, finally, it’s always cool to see waht sea life has taken over the wreck and is using it for their home. There’s usually an abundance of sea life living in and around a sunken ship.

Hope this helps some.

When you scuba dive you should be very cautious at all times. For some reason I am always terrified before I go on a dive, but when I get in the water I feel completely relaxed ,usually, unless my ears wont clear then I get nervous again.

When I went diving at a ship wreck I was both excited and scared. Wrecks are dangerous in the sense that your air hoses can get stuck on something. I am excited because I can’t wait to go in despite the danger BC its a new place to explore. Their is always a chance that you will find buried treasure or something.

Physically I would be very cautious, but emotionally I would feel free. My dive buddy always says I sing underwater that’s how alive and free I always feel.

If you wanted to add some excitement to your story you could make one of your characters air supply gets ripped or stuck on the ships edge, and her buddy has to save her before she sucks up all her air in her regulator. Her emotions immediately go from carefree (she could even be singing) to overwhelming fear.

Feelings of diving on a wreck?
Never had any ‘feelings’ really. Always too concerned with doing a good job, looking out for the fellas with me and not screwing up. Thoughts would be more acurate; I constantly thought about depth, time on target, and any changes to the situation or surroundings.
If I were pushed, then I would admit to having had two ‘feelings’ on occasion:-
Claustrophobia sometimes when using a rebreather system – useful because you leave no telltale bubbles (though you are limited to about 40mins and cannot go deep) and because you present a narrower profile for companionways.
Plus a ‘feeling’ of power or superiority over anything else you might meet in the water.

I know where you are coming from and yes, emotions can occure that set off physical changes too. Some people get a real sense of awe which boarders on fright when confronted by very large objects (man-made or animal) underwater. I remember feeling it is a kid when snorkelling and a large concrete pipe loomed-up. I knew it was just a concrete pipe but the thing seemed to have a dormant ‘life’ there in the murk… a little spooky. You are in an unatural evironment to start with, add an enormous ship and the mind runs riot. This anxiety can cause ‘physical’ changes like increased breathing and adrenaline flow which will increase your air consumption which can increase anxiety – viscious circle. I hope this helps.

PS, To Geoff – I’m interested to know what kind of rebreather is only giving you 40 minutes dive time? And what ‘job’ are you talking about not ‘screwing up’ on?