Day 5

Another day in paradise. Woke up this morning to a clear sky and the calmest water Ive seen so far (perfect for diving). We spent the morning working on our navigation skills. First the class practiced taking bearings and step distances with a compass on land. After getting that down we moved to the water.

With the water being so calm we were easily able to do a shore dive (walk into the water from the beach and swim to the dive site). We dove the reef section called cumbers caves which has a big sand flat on the bottom, perfect for practicing navigation. After quick underwater instructions we all took off on our bearings and completed our drills. Once we felt comfortable we did a quick scope of the reef area just for fun.

Photo credit: Hunter Brown
Cumbers Caves

Diving took us all the way up to lunch and I know I was ready to eat! After lunch we regrouped for a second dive, this time to practice using lift bags and how to "search and rescue" underwater equipment -- all skills a scientific diver needs!
- Lift bags are filled with air in order to help move heavy objects underwater
- Search and resuce uses string to make search circles to find objects when there is low visibility

We headed back to cumbers caves and got right back in the water, I know I couldnt wait. After we finished our skills portion of the dive we were able to explore the reef some more. We ended up seeing some turtles, groupers, and even a balloon fish! Our DSO (diving safety officer) took some GoPro photos of the dive which he generously is letting me share with you all!

Photo credit: Hunter brown
Practicing lift bag skills (Im on the right)

Photo credit: Hunter Brown
Exploring the reef (Im second to the left)

Photo credit: Hunter Brown
Sponges and corals on the reef edge

Photo credit: Hunter Brown
A spong with the leg of a brittle star hanging out (the rest of the brittle star is inside)

Photo credit: Hunter Brown
More exploration (Im in the back!)

When we got back to CCMI we were all ready for a little relaxation time. After dinner we went through GoPro maintenance and care and then settled in for the night and watched a movie together. Great way to end the day!

Another bright and early morning tomorrow and Im stoked to get back in the water! This really is the life.

- J