Trip Report - Oban 2010

Oban May 2010

Scunthorpe Divers headed for Oban the morning of May 23rd, most wearing shorts and ‘T’ shirts because of the weather (27 Deg C). They were soon to regret it as the weather in the Sound of Mull turned to 10 deg C- above and below water!- and with a chill breeze.

 

Two cars and one trailer sufficed to transport 8 divers the 370 miles to Oban. Kit was offloaded onto the M.V. Gaelic Rose ,skippered by Bob Jones and ably assisted by mate Stewart. The divers were Mac, Mel, Paul S, Gavin, Derek, Nigel, Sheila and Susan.

 

The boat caters for 12 divers so we had plenty of room in the cabins to stow gear.

 

The weather kept us in the Sound of Mull but we were able to get as far as Tobermory.

 

We dived on the Breda, John Preston, Rondo and Shuna on the way up the Sound and the Hispania and Thesis on the way back.

 

The final day included two more dives on the Breda- treasure was found here but I don’t think anyone is retiring from work because of it.

 

The diving was concluded with no serious mishaps- although Gavin’s ear problem did keep him out of the water for 5 dives. He did, however, gain valuable Sport Diver experience.

 

Various qualification criteria were achieved towards Sport, Dive Leader and Advanced Diver status.

 

A good 4 days diving was enjoyed by everyone and I would like to thank all party members for their contributions in making the trip ‘work’

 

Derek

 

Roll of Honour

 

Diver A for not noticing his/her buddy had lost a fin halfway through the dive until told about it on the boat! – on film

 

Diver B for kitting up with his/her dry-suit zip open –spotted by the skipper

 

Diver C for kitting up with his/her BC and Tanks still tied to the bench, then trying to stand up

 

Diver D for jumping in like a paratrooper with arms spread wide

 

Diver E for their demonstration of how to preserve wildlife - on film

 

Diver F for endless pictures of fish, fish and fish and more fish

 

Diver G for the classic line, ‘the best part of this trip was being able to have a s**t and a shower at the same time,

 

Diver H for his 100% loss rate at pool

 

Diver C for kitting up with his/her BC and Tanks still tied to the bench, then trying to stand up – AGAIN

 

Diver D (AGAIN) for jumping in without the skippers ‘go’ command and subsequently missing the shot