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April 2020 Newsletter

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Vol. 48 No.04

April 2020 Program


Stay at Home

In order to help keep members safe from the COVID-19 virus, all April Club events have been canceled. As I write this on March 26, 2020, all non-essential businesses, including dive charters and dive stores have been shut down by government decree. It is possible that these conditions may extend into May, or even longer. We will let you know if this affects future Club events.

Presidents Waves

Roger Cooper

  April 2020 President's Waves


Fiji - A Truncated Trip

First, let me say that the Nai'a is a top-notch liveaboard. The cabins are great. The crew is great. The food is great. And the service is great. They wrote a blog entry describing the days we were diving with them. Click here to read their blog.

The first time I went to Fiji, the water was clear and cold, giving amazing visibility. The days were sunny, making the pinnacle tops bright fairylands of beautiful marine life. We scheduled this trip for warmer water, but along with that we got clouds and rainy days. The rain washed silt into the ocean, so visibility was sometimes quite bad. Fortunately, pinnacle tops are still fairylands of beautiful marine life, and the underwater world of Fiji is still stunning. I have a picture of a seahorse that was smaller than a pencil eraser. I also have lots of pictures of colorful soft corals and teaming sea life. I hope to go back soon, but hopefully not during a pandemic.

One thing about liveaboard trips, you are out of touch with the rest of the world. We did not know how bad things were getting. Therefore, we were surprised on Thursday to learn that Americans had been called home. We found that the only flight we could get out of Fiji was the one we had originally booked at the end of our two-week stay. All the other flights were over booked by 100 people. Nai'a was going to pass close to Volivoli Beach Resort on Friday, so they dropped us off there Friday afternoon. That saved us from making a long bus ride back to Volivoli, because the short route was closed due to a lock-down caused by two Fiji COVID-19 cases.

When we landed on Friday afternoon, we thought we were going to have a week of diving at the resort. That plan didn't last very long. We found out almost immediately that an American Airlines flight had been added on Monday morning, all other flights after that had been canceled, and our travel agent (MaryAnne Hines - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!) had changed our booking so we could get out on the Monday morning flight. So all we had to do was get to the Nadi airport before Monday morning, and the resort already had a group of 20 people they planned to send to the airport on Sunday afternoon, taking the short route with police escort. We could join that group.

Yes, we could join that group, but on Saturday we learned that the short route was out of the question. We had to make an eight-hour bus ride starting Sunday morning by 7:00 AM because we couldn't get permission to pass through the lock-down area. So we spent Saturday drying gear and catching up with the rest of the world. The bus ride on Sunday was long but uneventful, getting us to our hotel next to the Nadi airport on Sunday afternoon. We got a few hours sleep, but got up at 1:00 AM to get in line to check-in for our flight. We knew it would be a full flight and we needed to be on that plane.

The flight left Fiji at 7:00 Monday morning. Thanks to the magic of the International Dateline, it arrived at LAX at 11:00 PM Sunday night. For some reason it took an hour for them to get us to a gate, so we got off the plane at midnight. Everything was closed, and we had to sit on stone window sills in the airport waiting to check-in at 3:20 AM for our flight to Miami. After that check-in, things improved. We moved to a nice waiting area inside security. Also, we had been able to upgrade our seats on the Miami flight to First Class for a small fee, so that four-hour flight was comfortable and we had a good meal. We got home Monday afternoon, tired but happy to be back.

We weren't at Volivoli Beach Resort very long, but clearly it is a beautiful resort. The rooms were large and well equipped. The food in the restaurant was excellent. The staff was extremely helpful. I hope to go back soon and spend that week of diving that I missed. Both the resort and Nai'a closed up after we left because they had no other bookings. Hopefully they won't be closed too long and their owners can restart business soon.

Don't forget to keep checking our Facebook page for the interesting articles Howard is posting. https://www.facebook.com/usadiveclub

Happy diving,

Roger Cooper
President

Overseas Dive Trips

Local Diving

  • No upcoming local dives

Mini-Trips

  • No upcoming mini-trips

Social events

  • No upcoming social events

Hospitality Hut

Clare Florio Anthon

Greetings From The Hospitality Hut,

At the March general meeting of the Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club, I am pleased to report three first-time guests and two returning guests were in attendence.

Mark Ficarra, son of members John and Kathy attended. Mark is not a diver, however he enjoys snorkeling with his Mom.  They are often spotted at the Hillsboro Inlet.

It was a treat to see member Carol Schurtz accompanied by friend and diver John Beals.  John was certified in 1991 in Ft. Lauderdale and he now lives in North Carolina.

Jessica Moses attended to promote a photography nature event.  These images can be taken underwater or in your back yard. Nature is all around us! Details to follow.

It is a treat to see old friends too.  Pat Schwab joined the group for a great presentation!

Be sure to greet new guests and new members when you see them and please introduce yourself.

I encourage you to visit our home page www.usadiveclub.org.  Please click on the calendar and keep up to date on all the diving and non-diving scheduled activities. You may also take a look at the photo gallery and take a peek at past events.I wish you all Happy Diving,

Clare Anthon

Hospitality Coordinator

Membership

Dear Members and Want to be Members,

The best things about being in a dive club or any club at this time are the friends that you can connect with and support as they can for you.  Nothing brings people closer than a crisis of global proportion.  There are several wonderful concerts on line that demonstrate this.  Try this one to lift your spirits:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1GU1qQ1z It is called "Playing for Change".  Other concerts and museums are doing the same.  

Please stay tuned to this website to learn when we will meet again.  Stay safe and well. 

 

Yours truly,  Stephanie & Eunice

USA Dive Club Membership

Come join the fun. 

Eunice Hamblen                                Stephanie Voris
Membership Coordinators


USA Club Announcements Alert

Please check your spam folder for club emails that coming from our Google Groups email system. Several members have commented that they are not receiving certain announcements that have been sent out. Spam filters are triggered by emails that are sent to numerous email addresses with the same content.

This may be where your club communications are.

Upcoming events

  • May General Meeting

    • May 07, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • May Board of Directors meeting

    • May 14, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • June General Meeting

    • June 04, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • June Board of Directors meeting

    • June 11, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • Little Cayman 2020

    • June 27, 2020
    • July 04, 2020
    • Little Cayman Beach Resort

    IT’s Back! It’s Bigger! It’s Better!

    June 27 – July 4!

    DEMA special = free Nitrox

    Price is based on a $100 repeat customer discount

    Spend a relaxing week at the premier, deluxe, full service resort on Little Cayman Island. We have been there multiple years running, and we’re going back again – because it’s just that good! Rated as the number one destination in the Caribbean for wall diving, number two for favorite reef diving, the sea life and underwater photography, the dive sites, water temps and visibility are outstanding, never to be forgotten by those who have experienced them. For those of you who have not experienced the diving at Little Cayman, it’s everything you can dream about, dramatic vistas, amazing photo opportunities/views, wildlife that must be seen to be believed - like the friendly groupers that follow you like a puppy everywhere!

    Divers don’t have to lug gear every day from their rooms or even onto the boat. Your gear will be collected once you arrive and stored at the shop next to the dock. You set up your gear the first day on the boat and after that, the Reef Diver crew set up your gear and change your tanks for you. You need only to stroll down the dock, jump on a boat - large, comfortable, covered boats! - And go diving. The four boats are 42 to 46 ft long and 16 ft. wide and have freshwater showers and restrooms. Rinse tanks and a drying room are on the dock for mask, fins and wet suits.

    Ronnie will be your trip leader. The trip starts at Miami airport, then to Little Cayman. Little Cayman Airways is instituting a $25 fee for luggage. Here is the link to the Cayman Airways new baggage fee structure as well, so as always, pack light, but the good news is that they have reduced their extra baggage fees:

    https://www.caymanairways.com/NewBaggageFeeStructure

    Interested in cutting down on your luggage fees – Ronnie does have a price list for rental gear …

    Once there, we dive, eat, relax, and just generally have a fantastic time for the whole week! There is a pool, Wi-Fi, beach chairs and hammocks, and you can rent kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards as well. All diving and dining will be done at the Little Cayman Resort. Nitrox is included! And you can also purchase extra afternoon dives either as a package or as individual add-ons. Doing 2-3 afternoon dives: it is a bargain to book from home.

    It’s always wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip. Here are a few links you can use if interested:

    To see some photos from prior trips – go to:

    Trip Prices / payment schedule:

    Click here for the signup form.

    Airfare is estimated high – there is an 80-90% chance that airfare will be dropped by $45. Your passport must be valid until at least 1/4/2021.

    If you attended the 2019 – and lost one/two dives due to weather – you are entitled to a discount $25/$50: Please check w/ Ronnie/Nils – it will be added to you final refund post-trip.

    Trip Lead: Ronnie: treasurer@usadiveclub.org

    Show details

  • July General Meeting

    • July 02, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • July Board of Directors meeting

    • July 16, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • August General Meeting

    • August 06, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • August Board of Directors meeting

    • August 13, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • Belize Aggressor IV

    • August 15, 2020
    • August 22, 2020
    • Belize Aggressor IV

    DEMA Special

    August 15 - 22, 2020

    Must sign up by February 10

    Belize Aggressor 4 picture

    $2850 without air

    Includes:

    • Accommodations aboard the yacht
    • Diving - up to 5 dives a day – 5.5 days
    • Tanks, weights, belts
    • Airport and/or Hotel transfers on day of charter
    • All meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine
    • Tips

    Does not include:

    • Nitrox $100
    • Port Fee $110
    • Airfare: FLL-BZE - Please book your own flights when they become available
      • Southwest (#629 [10:55] / #1027) when available for Aug. 15 - 22
      • Starting mid-January, check Southwest site daily to book ticket early
      • Flights in early August were recently selling for $308
    • Friday Night Dinner - We are on our own in town.

    We can board on arrival at the dock, after 3 pm.

    Your passport must be valid until at least 2/22/2021.

    This is a trip that the club has done several times – but not as often as we would have liked due to high airfare cost. Now with Southwest as the second carrier the prices for air have dropped 60% or more. Together with the DEMA special pricing ($600 rebate) we are able to offer this trip at a very attractive price point. We are likely to be greeted by a known face - Captain Dennis Gautreau – who was our captain in Bahamas in 2014.

    Belize mapMost of the diving will be off Lighthouse Reef, but we will occasionally also do Turnefe. Expect to see both large and small animals: Tarpon, Grouper, Eagle Rays, Squid, Octopi, Seahorses, Frogfish, etc.

    Boat-site: https://www.aggressor.com/belize-iv.php

    It’s always wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip. Here are a few links you can use if interested:

    To see some photos from prior trips - BZE AGG III - 2015
    https://usadiveclub.org/Photos - and check out 2015

    Trip Prices / payment schedule:

    Click here for the signup form.

    Trip Lead: Nils: overseasdiving@usadiveclub.org

    Show details

  • September General Meeting

    • September 03, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • September Board of Directors meeting

    • September 10, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • October General Meeting

    • October 01, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • October Board of Directors meeting

    • October 08, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • November General Meeting

    • November 05, 2020
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale North

    Courtyard Marriott North Ft Lauderdale
    2440 W. Cypress Creek Road
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309-1829

    Feel free to join us for dinner @ 6:00 PM in The Bistro, food and beverage service provided, located in the Courtyard By Marriott North Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.  Social Time begins around 7:00 PM in the Florida Room.  The general meeting starts at 7:30 PM with current events, announcements of local dives, mini-trips, status of overseas trips, announcements of social activities, and the Lobster Pot! Then our monthly guest speaker takes center stage for an informative, often educational, definitely entertaining presentation on a dive subject, exotic dive destination, or perhaps new equipment.  Please come to one of our meetings the first Thursday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

    Show details

  • November Board of Directors meeting

    • November 12, 2020
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Home of Roger Cooper and Amy Wellman

    Agenda - More details available later

    1. Call to Order
    2. Roll Call -- Secretary
    3. Motions to approve Minutes as distributed by Secretary
    4. Distribute new member applications (if any)
    5. Old Business
    6. New Business
      1. Vote on new membership applications (if any)
    7. Reports
      1. President (Roger Cooper)
      2. VP of Programs (Ken Glaser)
      3. Promotions (Ken Glaser)
      4. VP of Overseas Diving (Nils Jacobsen)
      5. VP of Local Diving (Ryan Goheen)
      6. Mini-Trips (Ryan Goheen)
      7. Secretary (Amy Wellman)
      8. Treasurer (Ronnie Farr)
      9. Hospitality (Clare Anthon)
      10. Membership (Eunice Hamblen and Stephanie Voris)
      11. Audio/Video (John Ficarra)
      12. Newsletter (Chris Hardham)
      13. Social Media Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      14. Safety Coordinator (Howard Ratsch)
      15. Historian (Robert Shearer)
    8. Adjournment

    All members are welcome to attend Board of Directors meetings as observers.

    Show details

  • Solomon Islands - Bilikiki liveaboard

    • May 22, 2021
    • June 01, 2021
    • Solomon Islands

    Solomon Islands

    Bilikiki Live aboard – May 22 June 1, 2021

    The Solomon Islands is an interesting tropical destination inside the Triangle of Diversity. Biodiversity example – they have 50 species of seahorses. Solomon is located south of Equator, closer to PNG than to Fiji. The latitude is very similar to Micronesia. This is in more ways than one a “trip of a lifetime” Our club in our 49 year history has never been there. And if you look at a list of places that might not be here in another 100 years due to sea level raising Solomon is on top of that list! Solomon Islands are the third largest group of islands in the Pacific. We are going there in the dry season – for visibility.

    Click here to see full details of the trip.

    Click here to download the signup form.

    Show details

Past events

March 28, 2020 March 28th, Loggerhead, 10 spots at 7am - $60
March 20, 2020 Bowling for Turtles
March 14, 2020 Founder's Day Party at Kathi's House
March 12, 2020 Fiji - March 2020
March 05, 2020 March General Meeting
February 19, 2020 Bimini Mini Trip - Dive with Hammerheads!
February 16, 2020 Feb 16th with Scuba Tyme, 7:30 AM, $55, 5 spots
February 15, 2020 Visit the Bonnet House
February 13, 2020 February Board of Directors meeting
February 08, 2020 Manatee Swim in Crystal River
February 06, 2020 February General Meeting
January 16, 2020 Board of Directors meeting
January 09, 2020 January General Meeting
December 14, 2019 December Board of Directors Holiday Party
December 07, 2019 Christmas Party
November 21, 2019 November Board of Directors meeting
November 10, 2019 Potluck Picnic/BBQ
November 07, 2019 November General Meeting
October 26, 2019 Sat Oct 26th - Blue Heron Bridge 6:33 PM to 8:33 PM
October 17, 2019 October Board of Directors meeting
October 06, 2019 Oct 6th w/ Scuba Tyme
October 03, 2019 October General Meeting
September 28, 2019 Flagler Museum Tour and Lunch - New Date and Time
September 27, 2019 September 28-29th In Islamorada
September 15, 2019 Sept 8th - GOLIATH GROUPERS! with Jim Abernanthy!
September 14, 2019 Sept 14th - Loggerhead
September 12, 2019 September Board of Directors meeting - Canceled
September 05, 2019 September General Meeting - Canceled
August 24, 2019 August 24-25th With Sea Dwellers in Key Largo
August 17, 2019 August 17th w/ Starfish
August 14, 2019 August Board of Directors meeting
August 11, 2019 August 11th w/ Parrot Island - LOBSTER!
August 01, 2019 August General Meeting
July 21, 2019 Scuba Tyme, July 21st
July 20, 2019 Scuba Tyme, July 20th
July 17, 2019 July Board of Directors meeting
July 13, 2019 Loggerhead, July 13th
July 06, 2019 Cuba – Garden of Queens – July 6-13
June 30, 2019 June 30th, Odyssey Divers
June 22, 2019 June 22nd, Parrot Island
June 19, 2019 June Board of Directors meeting
June 09, 2019 June 9th, ScubaTyme
June 06, 2019 June General Meeting
May 25, 2019 Little Cayman, May 25 - June 1st
May 19, 2019 Silverball Museum followed by Lunch at Bru's Room
May 18, 2019 May 18th, Dive Boat Diversity
May 09, 2019 May Board of Directors meeting
May 04, 2019 May 4th with Loggerhead
May 02, 2019 May General Meeting
April 27, 2019 Water Taxi Tour & Lunch in Fort Lauderdale
April 20, 2019 April 20th with Splashdown, 7:30 A.M.
April 11, 2019 April Board of Directors meeting
April 06, 2019 April 6th with Scuba Tyme, 7:30 A.M.
April 04, 2019 April General Meeting
March 29, 2019 Bowling for Turtles with Force-E
March 14, 2019 March Board of Directors meeting
March 09, 2019 Potluck Dinner & House/Pool Party at Kathi's
March 07, 2019 March General Meeting
February 07, 2019 February General Meeting
January 31, 2019 Yap - Palau, Feb. 2019
January 27, 2019 Lunch at Shooters followed by Intercoastal Boat Tour
January 10, 2019 Board of Directors meeting
January 03, 2019 January General Meeting
December 16, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
December 08, 2018 USA Dive Club Holiday Party
December 06, 2018 December General Meeting and Elections
November 10, 2018 Lion Country Safari
November 08, 2018 November Board of Directors meeting
November 01, 2018 November General Meeting
October 18, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
October 14, 2018 Oct 14th with Diversity
October 13, 2018 October 13th with Scuba Tyme
October 07, 2018 Coral Reef Day at Museum of Discovery & Science
October 06, 2018 October 6th with Parrot Island
October 04, 2018 October General Meeting
September 29, 2018 Key Dives in Islamorada
September 23, 2018 September 23rd with Scuba Tyme
September 22, 2018 Funky Buddha Brewery
September 15, 2018 September 15th with Diversity
September 13, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
September 06, 2018 September General Meeting
August 19, 2018 August 19th with Scuba Tyme
August 11, 2018 Bonaire - Divi Flamingo Resort - August 11-18, 2018
August 09, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
August 05, 2018 August 5th with Loggerhead
August 02, 2018 August General Meeting
July 28, 2018 Tour of Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse & Lunch at Two Georges at the Cove
July 21, 2018 July 21st with Diversity
July 12, 2018 July Board of Directors meeting
July 08, 2018 July 8th with South Florida
July 05, 2018 July General Meeting
July 01, 2018 Wine tasting and Dinner at CoopersHawk Restaurant
June 30, 2018 June 30th with Odyssey Divers
June 24, 2018 June 24th with Scuba Tyme
June 16, 2018 Cozumel - Iberostar June 16 - 23, 2018
June 14, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
June 09, 2018 June 9th with Loggerhead Divers
June 07, 2018 June General Meeting
June 02, 2018 COBALT COAST DIVE RESORT, GRAND CAYMAN
May 26, 2018 May 26th with Odyssey Divers
May 16, 2018 Mini-Trip to Bimini
May 12, 2018 Kayaking event - Winton Manners Loop
May 10, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
May 05, 2018 CANCELLED - May 5th with Parrot Island Scuba
May 03, 2018 May General Meeting
April 29, 2018 iFly Experience and Lunch
April 23, 2018 April 22nd with Logerhead
April 14, 2018 BAHAMAS AGGRESSOR - April 14-21, 2018
April 10, 2018 Board of Directors Meeting
April 07, 2018 April 7th with Diversity
April 05, 2018 April General Meeting
March 31, 2018 Kayaking in the Keys!
March 17, 2018 March 17th with Scuba Tyme
March 10, 2018 Potluck Dinner with Fireworks
March 08, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
March 01, 2018 March General Meeting
February 03, 2018 Manatee Festival 2018 at Manatee Lagoon
February 01, 2018 February General Meeting
January 27, 2018 Kayaking - Jonathan Dickinson State Park
January 21, 2018 Monster Miniature Golf & Lunch at Casa Tequila
January 17, 2018 Tommy Younger - Celebration of Life
January 11, 2018 Board of Directors meeting
January 04, 2018 January General Meeting
December 07, 2017 2017 Holiday Party
November 09, 2017 Board of Directors meeting
November 02, 2017 November General Meeting
October 22, 2017 Eat, Drink and Play
October 14, 2017 Diving with Starfish
October 07, 2017 Diving with Diversity
October 05, 2017 October General Meeting
September 29, 2017 Black Fin Resort in Marathon ** CANCELED **
September 23, 2017 Diving with Scuba Tyme
September 17, 2017 Diving with Dixie Divers
September 10, 2017 Diving with Kyalami ** CANCELED **
September 07, 2017 September General Meeting ** CANCELED **
August 26, 2017 Diving with Odyssey
August 12, 2017 Diving with Loggerhead
August 12, 2017 Cozumel - August 12-19, 2017
August 05, 2017 Diving with Starfish
August 03, 2017 August General Meeting
July 22, 2017 Mini-Trip to Islamorada
July 11, 2017 South Florida Underwater Photography Society meeting
July 08, 2017 Diving with Parrot Island Scuba
July 06, 2017 July General Meeting

                                                   SAFETY BLOG

Howard Ratsch


For Some Divers, Waiting Only 24 Hours before Flying Is Not Enough Time


Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

from the August, 2019 issue of Undercurrent

Minhaj Qidwai from Frisco, TX, had gone diving while on a Bali vacation in May but failed to follow the standard rule about allowing 24 hours before flying. It was during the second, 13-hour leg of the flight, from South Korea to Dallas, when the symptoms of decompression illness (DCI) began to set in.

"My joints started hurting," Qidwai says. "My elbows, my knees -- everything started aching." He ended up crumpled on the floor at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport (DFW) before being diagnosed and rushed to the hyperbaric center. Fortunately, he made a successful recovery after five hours of recompression.

A few days later, another case of the bends caused a ruckus at DFW when a Denver-bound airplane had to make an emergency landing because diver Mike Altoos was experiencing DCI symptoms. Altoos, 26, was returning from a honeymoon in Cancun, but, as he told CBS Dallas/Fort Worth, "we were only about 20 minutes into the flight when my hands started tingling. I felt nauseous, dizzy, and had trouble breathing. I told the flight attendant, 'I need oxygen right away.'"

Altoos said he had made only three shallow dives, all between 15 and 30 feet deep, and took a 19-hour surface interval before getting on the plane. That he suffered DCI after such benign dives throws into disarray the famous research done by John S. Haldane in 1905, on which decompression theory is still based. Haldane found the body can withstand the pressure at 33 feet almost indefinitely without ill effect -- but he did his empirical research on goats at approximately sea level.

Another possibility is that Altoos suffered from an embolism or emphysema due to a fast breath-holding ascent, which caused air bubbles that then expanded in the reduced pressure of the aircraft cabin. Some on social media hypothesize that he might have misread a rented computer with depth-gauge calibrated in meters rather than feet and gone three times deeper than he believed.

DCI symptoms can be wide-ranging, from fatigue, skin rash, and joint aches to numbness and even complete paralysis. Unusual symptoms occurring within 48 hours after diving should be presumed to be DCI until proven otherwise. The onset of symptoms after 48 hours is unusual, unless an ascent to altitude provokes it. The pressure differences between being at depth and being at the 8,000-foot-altitude equivalent of a pressurized cabin can definitely exacerbate symptoms.

Qidwai and Altoos are not alone in underestimating the effects of flying after diving. Divers Alert Network recommends a minimum of 24 hours between your last dive and a flight. But Marguerite St. Leger-Dowse, a researcher at Diving Diseases Research Healthcare in Plymouth, England, wanted to answer this question: Is a 24-hour interval between diving and flying enough for the consecutive multi-dive diving days that many people typically do on a dive trip? So she and her colleagues conducted a study on the frequency and nature of symptoms in divers who had flown after consecutive multidive days.

Through an anonymous online survey, St. Leger- Dowse's team collected data including diver and diving demographics; signs and symptoms of DCI before, during, and after the flight home; details of the person's last two dives, and the length of his or her surface interval before diving. The 316 divers, with a male-female ratio of 69/31 percent and an age range from 17 to 75, recorded a total of 4,356 dives in the weeks preceding their flights. Fifty-four, or 17 percent of them, reported surface intervals of less than 24 hours.

Fifteen of the divers boarded their planes despite feeling DCI-related symptoms beforehand. Another 18 developed DCI-related symptoms -- nine of them during the flight, nine of them afterward. Of those 18 divers, 14 had waited more than 24 hours before flying. And of the 33 total divers who experienced symptoms before, during or after their flights, 11 subsequently sought help and were diagnosed and treated for DCI.

The divers' written comments in the online survey revealed a "lack of understanding of the consequences of altered pressure and gas environments during flight" by divers who had just finished an intense period of consecutive multi-dive days. St. Leger-Dowse's conclusion: Waiting only 24 hours after your last dive to fly home may not be enough time for some divers, particularly in the context of consecutive, multi-dive, multi-day diving.

The problem, of course, is that you don't know whether that applies to you until it's too late. So next time you make one of those types of dive trips, consider adding at least a day, even two, of sightseeing or relaxing on the ground before you board the plane home. Besides having some enjoyment, you'll have a decreased risk of experiencing DCS on that hours-long flight.

-- John Bantin

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