Dive 256

23 January 2002


Albany WA
Wreck of the Perth


Max depth 32.3 m
Dive time 51 min
Bottom time 17 min
Safety stop (s) 5 min @ 8m, 5 min @ 5 m
Visibility 10 m

Buddy: Berwin Turlach, Geoff (cave diver)

Finally got to dive the Perth eight weeks after her sinking. Double dive with Southcoast Diving Supplies charter boat (catamaran 'Big Day Out', skipper Tarry), dm Karina. Nice roomy cabin.

Easy 30 minute trip from town jetty. Moored at a buoy near the mast which is still above water.

Explored the stern and penetrated several lower levels (easy wreck - plenty of holes and very safe). Swam along main deck and into bridge.

Lots of 'check your air' signs (and one 'check your hair').

Geoff LOA so we returned to boat a little faster. We sat on platforms at 8 m and 5 m which make it very easy to do your safety stops.

Operators apologised for the bad weather but it was nothing compared to a typical Rotto swell.


 
temp 20°C
rubber 5mm titanium wetsuit, radiator, hood, gloves;   OK
weight 12 lb (integ); OK
tank 12.2 l steel tank
BC SeaQuest Pro QD
gas consumed 160 bar
average depth 17.1 m
RMV 14.1l/min