1 Survival Techniques for the Underwater Hunter By Doug Van Mullem August 3, 2009

11

Survival TechniquesSurvival Techniquesfor the for the

Underwater HunterUnderwater HunterBy Doug Van MullemBy Doug Van Mullem

August 3, 2009August 3, 2009

22

PURPOSEPURPOSE

To help divers learn how to survive while To help divers learn how to survive while doing the sport of underwater hunting. doing the sport of underwater hunting.

It contains the collective wisdom of many highly It contains the collective wisdom of many highly experienced freedivers as well as the lessons experienced freedivers as well as the lessons learned from mistakes I and many others have learned from mistakes I and many others have made.made.

The sea is unforgiving to those who The sea is unforgiving to those who come unprepared.come unprepared.

33

Basic SafetyBasic Safety

• Notify someone responsible of your dive Notify someone responsible of your dive plan just in case you don’t return so they plan just in case you don’t return so they know when to call for a search and recovery know when to call for a search and recovery and where to tell them to search. and where to tell them to search. Remember to let them know you have Remember to let them know you have safely return.safely return.

• Remember the weight belt has a quick Remember the weight belt has a quick release and be prepared to activate it.release and be prepared to activate it.

• When talking to your partner on the When talking to your partner on the surface, don’t put your gun under your arm surface, don’t put your gun under your arm or between your legs because you are now or between your legs because you are now pointing a loaded gun at him – not a good pointing a loaded gun at him – not a good thing.thing.

44

Basic SafetyBasic SafetyContinuedContinued

• Don’t bring a loaded gun on the boat, Don’t bring a loaded gun on the boat, even if you are just quickly hoping even if you are just quickly hoping spots. It just isn’t worth the risk.spots. It just isn’t worth the risk.

• Make positive identification on the fish Make positive identification on the fish before you pull the trigger. It may save before you pull the trigger. It may save your thumb, your gun, or your life. your thumb, your gun, or your life.

• Soupfin sharks are in breading at the Soupfin sharks are in breading at the same times and places as WSB and they same times and places as WSB and they can look surprisingly similar in the murk.can look surprisingly similar in the murk.

55


• Consider taking a basic SCUBA courseConsider taking a basic SCUBA course– They are good at teaching the basics on safety They are good at teaching the basics on safety

plus you may need it to recover a deep fish, plus you may need it to recover a deep fish, anchor or buddy.anchor or buddy.

• Be sure your dive knife can quickly cut Be sure your dive knife can quickly cut your shooting line because you can be tied your shooting line because you can be tied up by big fish to a stock of kelp as you are up by big fish to a stock of kelp as you are trying to cut the fish free of the kelp.trying to cut the fish free of the kelp.– This is especially important when changing This is especially important when changing

from mono to cable.from mono to cable.

66


• Consider the amount of gear for the dive Consider the amount of gear for the dive conditions you are entering and adjust as conditions you are entering and adjust as required.required.– Rock entry with lots of kelp = Keep it simple.Rock entry with lots of kelp = Keep it simple.– Don’t try to take too much gear with you. Don’t try to take too much gear with you.

• Streamline your gear so you can slide through Streamline your gear so you can slide through kelp or travel a long distance easily.kelp or travel a long distance easily.

• Lobster bag, 2-3 lights, gage, gun, stringer, Lobster bag, 2-3 lights, gage, gun, stringer, float, float line, knife, weight belt, signal buoy, float, float line, knife, weight belt, signal buoy, camera, & etc is too much under most dive camera, & etc is too much under most dive conditions.conditions.

77

Basic Safety – Kelp Basic Safety – Kelp DivingDiving

ContinuedContinued• Before surfacing in thick kelp, put your right arm up Before surfacing in thick kelp, put your right arm up over your head, bending it so the hand is above over your head, bending it so the hand is above your snorkel on the left and when you start to push your snorkel on the left and when you start to push into the kelp canopy pull the kelp to one side into the kelp canopy pull the kelp to one side clearing the way for your head and snorkel to get to clearing the way for your head and snorkel to get to air.air.

• What are the three best ways to get to the other What are the three best ways to get to the other side of a really thick kelp bed?side of a really thick kelp bed?– Go around it. This is the safest.Go around it. This is the safest.– Go under it if you have the skills to surface safely and Go under it if you have the skills to surface safely and

repeat multiple dives. This can be the fastest.repeat multiple dives. This can be the fastest.– Go over it by turning your gun upside down and grabbing it Go over it by turning your gun upside down and grabbing it

2/3 back and then pushing down the kelp so you can swim 2/3 back and then pushing down the kelp so you can swim over it. Keep your gun at an angle being careful to not let over it. Keep your gun at an angle being careful to not let your point go below the surface. The gun’s handle should your point go below the surface. The gun’s handle should be below your lower chest. This can be a very stealthy be below your lower chest. This can be a very stealthy method and a good way to sneak up on openings and look method and a good way to sneak up on openings and look for fish in them. It is also surprisingly easy to cross over for fish in them. It is also surprisingly easy to cross over the kelp in this way, if you are streamlined.the kelp in this way, if you are streamlined.

88


• Get yourself trained in CPR and First Aide.Get yourself trained in CPR and First Aide.

• Consider taking a freedive/apnea classConsider taking a freedive/apnea class

• Understand leg cramps, sooner or later you Understand leg cramps, sooner or later you will get them so know what to do and do it will get them so know what to do and do it quickly.quickly.– Divers will dehydrate, loose electrolytes and get Divers will dehydrate, loose electrolytes and get

leg cramps.leg cramps.– Some divers get them in their upper legs and Some divers get them in their upper legs and

others in the calf. Either can stop you from others in the calf. Either can stop you from swimming/diving.swimming/diving.

– Stretch out the cramped area Stretch out the cramped area immediatelyimmediately, return , return to boat or beach to take fluids, carbs and rest a bit.to boat or beach to take fluids, carbs and rest a bit.

99

Basic SafetyBasic Safety continuedcontinued

• Know the Wet Suit Weight Formula, use it for an estimated weight for your belt.– For 3 Mil one piece suits with no vested hood, For 3 Mil one piece suits with no vested hood,

take 5% of your body weight and add 4 pounds. take 5% of your body weight and add 4 pounds. If you weigh 150 this formula comes to 11.5 If you weigh 150 this formula comes to 11.5 pounds.pounds.

– For 6.5 mil (or ¼ inch) suits, take 10% of your For 6.5 mil (or ¼ inch) suits, take 10% of your body weight and add 4 pounds. If you weigh 150 body weight and add 4 pounds. If you weigh 150 this formula comes to 19 pounds. 23 pounds if this formula comes to 19 pounds. 23 pounds if you are doing shallow water diving for halibut.you are doing shallow water diving for halibut.

– For new suits add about 3 extra poundsFor new suits add about 3 extra pounds– For shallow water diving (under 15’) add 2 For shallow water diving (under 15’) add 2

pounds for 3 mil suits; 3 pounds for 5 mil suits pounds for 3 mil suits; 3 pounds for 5 mil suits and 4 pounds for 6.5 mil suits.and 4 pounds for 6.5 mil suits.

1010

Basic SafetyContinued

• After using the Wet Suit Weight Belt After using the Wet Suit Weight Belt Formula to estimate the needed Formula to estimate the needed weight, verify you have the right weight, verify you have the right weight. You should be 1 to 2 pounds weight. You should be 1 to 2 pounds positive on the surface when no air is positive on the surface when no air is in your lungs. Test this before you in your lungs. Test this before you take off on your dive. This positive take off on your dive. This positive buoyancy is especially important in buoyancy is especially important in Shallow Water Blackout (SWB) Shallow Water Blackout (SWB) situations since you reach the surface situations since you reach the surface while in the exhalation phase.while in the exhalation phase.

1111

Survival When Diving in CurrentSurvival When Diving in Current

• When diving for game fish you will often want to choose a location When diving for game fish you will often want to choose a location that has current so it is important to learn how to dive in current that has current so it is important to learn how to dive in current safely. safely.

• First, always be prepared for the current to go from mild to strong in a First, always be prepared for the current to go from mild to strong in a matter of minutes on in a few yards especially near points and matter of minutes on in a few yards especially near points and pinnacles. pinnacles.

• Consider live boating dive spots with current. If you put all the divers Consider live boating dive spots with current. If you put all the divers in at once and none of you can beat the current then … have a plan.in at once and none of you can beat the current then … have a plan.

• Know that the current is weaker when ever there is some protection Know that the current is weaker when ever there is some protection like a rocky bottom, kelp bed or points and coves. When the current like a rocky bottom, kelp bed or points and coves. When the current comes up you may only be able to make headway by diving to the comes up you may only be able to make headway by diving to the bottom and working yourself up current in the lower turbulence or bottom and working yourself up current in the lower turbulence or swimming inside the kelp bed.swimming inside the kelp bed.

• Know the topography of the location you are diving and understand Know the topography of the location you are diving and understand the more water that is being restricted from passing, the stronger the the more water that is being restricted from passing, the stronger the current. That is why there is more current near pinnacles, underwater current. That is why there is more current near pinnacles, underwater walls, islands and points.walls, islands and points.

• Know the tide tables for the day and expect the current to be stronger Know the tide tables for the day and expect the current to be stronger when the slop of the tide is highest. Also watch for the current to when the slop of the tide is highest. Also watch for the current to change directions when the tide changes but sometimes it will just get change directions when the tide changes but sometimes it will just get stronger with a tide change. stronger with a tide change.

1212

Survival When Diving in Current Survival When Diving in Current (Cont.)(Cont.)

• Last Saturday my four dive buddies and I were diving near the Last Saturday my four dive buddies and I were diving near the West End of Catalina and the current was rushing us to the end West End of Catalina and the current was rushing us to the end of the island. There we put all five experienced divers in the of the island. There we put all five experienced divers in the water but I made sure one went up current into a small kelp water but I made sure one went up current into a small kelp bed and cove for WSB while the rest of us went down current bed and cove for WSB while the rest of us went down current looking for YT. He was our backup in case we couldn't get looking for YT. He was our backup in case we couldn't get back. I had told the three other divers when it was time to back. I had told the three other divers when it was time to head back to the boat we would have to swim close to the head back to the boat we would have to swim close to the island so we could beat the current. I was surprised how easy island so we could beat the current. I was surprised how easy it was to swim up current right next to the island. It gave us a it was to swim up current right next to the island. It gave us a lot more protection than I had expected. lot more protection than I had expected.

• The last thing about diving in current - if you just can't get back The last thing about diving in current - if you just can't get back to the boat go to the island before you get exhausted and get to the boat go to the island before you get exhausted and get on top of a big rock so you can be easily seen. If you have a on top of a big rock so you can be easily seen. If you have a whistle, flasher of flare with you, be ready to use it to call whistle, flasher of flare with you, be ready to use it to call passing boats. Another safety item that I always have with me passing boats. Another safety item that I always have with me is my orange inflatable long signal tube. This long tube fits in is my orange inflatable long signal tube. This long tube fits in my leg pocket.my leg pocket.

1313

Survival When Diving in Current Survival When Diving in Current (Cont.)(Cont.)

• Current related rescue: On a recent trip, where we were diving a Current related rescue: On a recent trip, where we were diving a underwater wall at the end of San Clemente Island, my partner underwater wall at the end of San Clemente Island, my partner got swept over the wall and was heading out to sea. He spent all got swept over the wall and was heading out to sea. He spent all his energy trying to beat the current and go straight back to the his energy trying to beat the current and go straight back to the boat anchored just in front of the wall but found himself unable to boat anchored just in front of the wall but found himself unable to get back over the current generated by the hump of the wall. get back over the current generated by the hump of the wall. Finally he called for help and was heard by the safety diver in the Finally he called for help and was heard by the safety diver in the boat and myself. He had spent all the energy trying to get over boat and myself. He had spent all the energy trying to get over the wall. I swam to him and when I saw him lying on his back and the wall. I swam to him and when I saw him lying on his back and exhausted I planned for the worse and called for the boat. There exhausted I planned for the worse and called for the boat. There was a better way to handle this situation that would have allowed was a better way to handle this situation that would have allowed him to get himself back to the boat but after he had gotten so him to get himself back to the boat but after he had gotten so exhausted that was the only option left. After seeing that the exhausted that was the only option left. After seeing that the current was too strong to beat he needed to head to the island current was too strong to beat he needed to head to the island versus keep trying to battle the current until exhaustion. Along versus keep trying to battle the current until exhaustion. Along the shallow waters of the island there is a break from the current the shallow waters of the island there is a break from the current and then he could have swam up current past the boat and then and then he could have swam up current past the boat and then headed back across the current in front of the wall. Once you get headed back across the current in front of the wall. Once you get near the wall it can suck you over to the other side and then take near the wall it can suck you over to the other side and then take you out to sea. you out to sea.

1414

Train Like an AthleteTrain Like an Athlete• Work out for diving. It is a sport and you need to Work out for diving. It is a sport and you need to

be an athlete. Train like your life depends on it be an athlete. Train like your life depends on it … because it does.… because it does.

• Ideas for training, and there are hundreds of Ideas for training, and there are hundreds of them. Here are just three:them. Here are just three:– Body surf to get your legs in shape plus this will teach Body surf to get your legs in shape plus this will teach

you about going through the surf.you about going through the surf.– Well balanced gym workouts & remember to include Well balanced gym workouts & remember to include

sit-ups and pulls so you can cock your gun and paddle sit-ups and pulls so you can cock your gun and paddle your kayak.your kayak.

– Dive regularly. There is no better exercise for diving, Dive regularly. There is no better exercise for diving, than diving. than diving.

• If you are a beginner, don’t plan a full 5-6 hour If you are a beginner, don’t plan a full 5-6 hour competitive dive tournament. Plan to do half the competitive dive tournament. Plan to do half the dive. Work up to longer dive days.dive. Work up to longer dive days.

1515

Know What Your Dive Know What Your Dive Capability Capability

is for Your Next Diveis for Your Next Dive• Your ability to hold your breath changes from year to year, month to Your ability to hold your breath changes from year to year, month to

month, day to day and even dive to dive. Just because your computer tells month, day to day and even dive to dive. Just because your computer tells you that yesterday morning you could go down for 2 minutes doesn’t mean you that yesterday morning you could go down for 2 minutes doesn’t mean you can repeat that dive today. Here are some factors:you can repeat that dive today. Here are some factors:

• Energy has a correlation to dive time, if you are full of energy your dive Energy has a correlation to dive time, if you are full of energy your dive time is maximized; if you are tired it is reduced. Apnea divers learn to do time is maximized; if you are tired it is reduced. Apnea divers learn to do their deep diving in the morning after a high carbohydrate meal the night their deep diving in the morning after a high carbohydrate meal the night before then they don’t eat in the morning so there is no oxygen/energy before then they don’t eat in the morning so there is no oxygen/energy going to digest the breakfast and all the oxygen and energy is available for going to digest the breakfast and all the oxygen and energy is available for the dive.the dive.

• On long dive days we need to eat but remember after eating our bodies On long dive days we need to eat but remember after eating our bodies are working hard to digest the food and that absorbs some of our oxygen. are working hard to digest the food and that absorbs some of our oxygen. Choose your dive food carefully, something easy to digest. Eat/drink small Choose your dive food carefully, something easy to digest. Eat/drink small amounts during a dive day.amounts during a dive day.

• When you are cold your body is using higher levels of energy and oxygen When you are cold your body is using higher levels of energy and oxygen to keep you warm. Wearing the right suit for the conditions you are in will to keep you warm. Wearing the right suit for the conditions you are in will greatly help your dive time.greatly help your dive time.

• When you are out of energy and still want to dive there are ways to do that When you are out of energy and still want to dive there are ways to do that but be prepared for a loss in capabilities. Energy drinks help me go that but be prepared for a loss in capabilities. Energy drinks help me go that extra hour of diving but they do speed up my heart and that does cut down extra hour of diving but they do speed up my heart and that does cut down on dive time just a little. They also help me “beat the cold” and that on dive time just a little. They also help me “beat the cold” and that actually helps me dive longer.actually helps me dive longer.

• The more fatigue you are the shorter your dive time will be so plan to that.The more fatigue you are the shorter your dive time will be so plan to that.

1616

How to Pick A Dive How to Pick A Dive PartnerPartner

• Based on your experience level:Based on your experience level:– Strong enough to rescue you at the end of Strong enough to rescue you at the end of

a tough dive under worse conditions than a tough dive under worse conditions than you expected to encounter.you expected to encounter.

– Experienced enough to select a good spot Experienced enough to select a good spot for your level of ability.for your level of ability.

– Wise enough to know when to go and Wise enough to know when to go and when to stay on the beach/boat.when to stay on the beach/boat.

– Mature enough to stay with you during the Mature enough to stay with you during the dive and not run off with “Buck Fever”.dive and not run off with “Buck Fever”.

1717

Now That You Have Your Partner,Now That You Have Your Partner,

Plan Your Dive Plan Your Dive TogetherTogether• Before entering the water, discuss with Before entering the water, discuss with

your partner the dive plan. Don’t just say your partner the dive plan. Don’t just say you go that way and I’ll go this way.you go that way and I’ll go this way.

• Discuss: Discuss: – Buddy diving: one up and one down and how Buddy diving: one up and one down and how

tough that will be in these conditions.tough that will be in these conditions.– How tight you plan to stay together and what How tight you plan to stay together and what

to do if separatedto do if separated– Pattern of your planned dive.Pattern of your planned dive.– Approximate duration before tagging up or Approximate duration before tagging up or

returning to shore or boat.returning to shore or boat.

DIVE YOUR PLANDIVE YOUR PLAN

1818

Make Your Own PersonalMake Your Own Personal Diver Safety KitDiver Safety Kit

• Make your own first aide kit.Make your own first aide kit.– Meds you need, bandages, antibiotics, Hydrogen Meds you need, bandages, antibiotics, Hydrogen

Peroxide, Sudafed, Musinex D, seasick pills, etc.Peroxide, Sudafed, Musinex D, seasick pills, etc.• Flares, flashlight, water proof matches & Flares, flashlight, water proof matches &

whistle. whistle. • Buy your own hand held ship to shore radio Buy your own hand held ship to shore radio

for emergencies.for emergencies.• Rent/buy a satellite cell phone and a EPERBs Rent/buy a satellite cell phone and a EPERBs

for dangerous & long distance trips to the for dangerous & long distance trips to the Tuna grounds.Tuna grounds.

• Take your own GPS to report location to Take your own GPS to report location to rescue teams.rescue teams.

Be sure to take this kit with you on your trips.Be sure to take this kit with you on your trips.

1919

Choosing a Dive LocationChoosing a Dive Location

• Pick your day, your location and timing of Pick your day, your location and timing of your dive, based on dive conditions.your dive, based on dive conditions.

• Know your limits, strength and skill level Know your limits, strength and skill level and match those up to the dive location and and match those up to the dive location and conditions.conditions.

• Understand surf conditions and shore Understand surf conditions and shore conditions (rocks versus beach) when conditions (rocks versus beach) when considering an entry point.considering an entry point.

• Plan your exit point before getting in and Plan your exit point before getting in and know how the tide will change during your know how the tide will change during your dive and what that will do to your exit point.dive and what that will do to your exit point.

2020

Kayak SafetyKayak Safety

• In the surf, even small surf, a kayak In the surf, even small surf, a kayak is a deadly weapon.is a deadly weapon.– It can break knees, heads and It can break knees, heads and

drown people.drown people.•Watch out for kids in the surf Watch out for kids in the surf

line.line.• Untie your paddle rope and tuck it Untie your paddle rope and tuck it

away before going through surf.away before going through surf.– The line can easily wrap around The line can easily wrap around

you and it will cut you fast, even in you and it will cut you fast, even in small surf.small surf.

2121

Kayak SafetyKayak SafetyContinuedContinued

• Don’t wear your weight belt when Don’t wear your weight belt when going through the surf.going through the surf.

• Learn to kayak in calm conditions and Learn to kayak in calm conditions and then try harder conditions.then try harder conditions.

• Never get between the kayak and surf Never get between the kayak and surf line, they can easily break your knees.line, they can easily break your knees.

• Wear your hood going through surf, Wear your hood going through surf, that little bit of protection may prevent that little bit of protection may prevent getting yourself knocked out or getting yourself knocked out or seriously cut.seriously cut.

2222

Know When The Boat Is Too Know When The Boat Is Too Small For The “Conditions"Small For The “Conditions"

2323

Picking a Boat & CaptainPicking a Boat & Captain• Know the experience of the skipper.Know the experience of the skipper.• Know the capabilities & condition of his boat. Know the capabilities & condition of his boat.

– – – Stay away from poorly maintained boats.Stay away from poorly maintained boats.

• Have him show you all the emergency gear.Have him show you all the emergency gear.• Ask him teach you how to operate the boat.Ask him teach you how to operate the boat.• Learn how to use his radio and what station to Learn how to use his radio and what station to

call for emergencies.call for emergencies.• Know how to quickly disconnect his anchor in Know how to quickly disconnect his anchor in

case of emergency. Pulling an anchor can case of emergency. Pulling an anchor can loose precious time in a rescue situation.loose precious time in a rescue situation.

• Remember: There is only one rule on the Remember: There is only one rule on the boat and that is “The Captain Rules”. Listen boat and that is “The Captain Rules”. Listen to him.to him.

2424

Sea Sick Pill Sea Sick Pill RecommendationsRecommendations• I recommend Trip Tone ... it doesn't I recommend Trip Tone ... it doesn't

make you as sleepy as the others and make you as sleepy as the others and no after headaches. I wouldn't even no after headaches. I wouldn't even wait until you see what the seas are wait until you see what the seas are like...take one before bed and another like...take one before bed and another dose in the morning with something dose in the morning with something solid to eat. There is nothing worse solid to eat. There is nothing worse than being sick on a boat!!! than being sick on a boat!!! By Larry By Larry CarterCarter

• Another Good type of pill is Meclizine Another Good type of pill is Meclizine HCL HCL

2525

Real Shallow Water Blackout Real Shallow Water Blackout StoriesStories

““Once was Once was NotNot Enough” Enough”• In 1969 Roy Rogel, a member of the San Diego Delta Free Diver Club and my teammate In 1969 Roy Rogel, a member of the San Diego Delta Free Diver Club and my teammate was diving off Solana Beach in a club tournament. During the meet, a fellow diver came was diving off Solana Beach in a club tournament. During the meet, a fellow diver came across Roy lying motionless on the bottom at 40 feet in 15 foot visibility. What a across Roy lying motionless on the bottom at 40 feet in 15 foot visibility. What a coincident, but wait, there is more. The diver pulled his belt off and surfaced Roy. It coincident, but wait, there is more. The diver pulled his belt off and surfaced Roy. It happened that a commercial abalone diver & boat was near by. He shouted to the boat happened that a commercial abalone diver & boat was near by. He shouted to the boat hand and she pulled her husband up by the air hose. His “day job” happened to be hand and she pulled her husband up by the air hose. His “day job” happened to be Chief Lieutenant of San Diego’s City Life Guards and yes he was trained in the new Chief Lieutenant of San Diego’s City Life Guards and yes he was trained in the new science of CPR (rare in those days to find someone trained in CPR). What a coincident, science of CPR (rare in those days to find someone trained in CPR). What a coincident, but wait, there is more. He had just installed a radio on his boat. He called for an but wait, there is more. He had just installed a radio on his boat. He called for an ambulance and in those days they were called “meat wagons” since the drivers had no ambulance and in those days they were called “meat wagons” since the drivers had no medical training and only rushed the ill/dieing/dead to the hospital but there was one medical training and only rushed the ill/dieing/dead to the hospital but there was one crew in all of SD County that had just been certified in CPR, you guesses it, Roy got that crew in all of SD County that had just been certified in CPR, you guesses it, Roy got that crew. Solana Beach, the location for the tournament, had just put a road ramp from the crew. Solana Beach, the location for the tournament, had just put a road ramp from the high cliffs to the shore and finished it just weeks before the tournament so the high cliffs to the shore and finished it just weeks before the tournament so the ambulance could go straight to wet sand and get Roy off the ab diver’s boat. What a ambulance could go straight to wet sand and get Roy off the ab diver’s boat. What a coincident, but wait, there is more. At the hospital the emergency doctor on duty just coincident, but wait, there is more. At the hospital the emergency doctor on duty just happened to have interned in Hawaii and he had actually seen several cases of Shallow happened to have interned in Hawaii and he had actually seen several cases of Shallow Water Blackout (SWB). Keep in mind, Roy showed no sign of life from the moment he Water Blackout (SWB). Keep in mind, Roy showed no sign of life from the moment he was found until he got into the emergency room. The doctor revived Roy and he lived to was found until he got into the emergency room. The doctor revived Roy and he lived to dive another 11 years. Roy died in 1980 from his second SWB occurrence which also dive another 11 years. Roy died in 1980 from his second SWB occurrence which also happened during a dive tournament. This time he was found on the surface but too late happened during a dive tournament. This time he was found on the surface but too late to recover. Roy was a highly decorated soldier and POW in WWII and escaped 5 times to recover. Roy was a highly decorated soldier and POW in WWII and escaped 5 times from the Germans and was recaptured 4 times. In his escapes well over 100 other men from the Germans and was recaptured 4 times. In his escapes well over 100 other men who were escaping with him died. Only 7 of his fellow escapees from all those escapes who were escaping with him died. Only 7 of his fellow escapees from all those escapes lived past the end of the war. Roy was already on his 8th life when I met him. A great lived past the end of the war. Roy was already on his 8th life when I met him. A great diver, a great athlete, a great American and a dear friend lost to SWB.diver, a great athlete, a great American and a dear friend lost to SWB.

• Written In Memory of Roy Rogel, by Doug Van Mullem.Written In Memory of Roy Rogel, by Doug Van Mullem.

2626


““Too Good for My Own Good”Too Good for My Own Good”• I almost lost it last November in Belize. Unfortunately I was feeling too I almost lost it last November in Belize. Unfortunately I was feeling too comfortable free diving to 45 feet and hanging for 2-2.5 minutes comfortable free diving to 45 feet and hanging for 2-2.5 minutes taking pictures of fish. No wetsuit and warm water made me feel like taking pictures of fish. No wetsuit and warm water made me feel like superman. As a result, I spent too much time waiting for a fish to turn superman. As a result, I spent too much time waiting for a fish to turn the right way and as I headed for the surface my vision was super the right way and as I headed for the surface my vision was super starry (which I've had mild cases before) then as I got to about 10 feet starry (which I've had mild cases before) then as I got to about 10 feet my brain could not control the muscle movements in my legs. I was my brain could not control the muscle movements in my legs. I was saying to myself Kick, Kick and nothing was happening. Lucky for me I saying to myself Kick, Kick and nothing was happening. Lucky for me I had enough momentum and positive buoyancy to get me up. As my had enough momentum and positive buoyancy to get me up. As my face came out I almost couldn't figure out how to breath. I was telling face came out I almost couldn't figure out how to breath. I was telling myself inhale, inhale! but my brain forgot how to do that. As I gasped myself inhale, inhale! but my brain forgot how to do that. As I gasped for air and sputter kicked to keep my head out I recovered. That was for air and sputter kicked to keep my head out I recovered. That was the worst "close to blackout" as I've ever come. Like an idiot I was by the worst "close to blackout" as I've ever come. Like an idiot I was by myself, in my own little world mentally and 500 yards from the boat at myself, in my own little world mentally and 500 yards from the boat at the edge of a 250' drop off. That one event has changed my entire the edge of a 250' drop off. That one event has changed my entire vision on how I dive in the future. That was a warning shot from the vision on how I dive in the future. That was a warning shot from the guy above and it was heard load and clear. guy above and it was heard load and clear.

• In a way I can see how my good friend Steve Seo bought it. He went to In a way I can see how my good friend Steve Seo bought it. He went to Mexico with the mental place that he would return with a world record Mexico with the mental place that he would return with a world record catch and permanent club record. I told Steve this story the day before catch and permanent club record. I told Steve this story the day before he left. I wonder if he just blew it off thinking that could never happen he left. I wonder if he just blew it off thinking that could never happen to him....to him....

2727


“ “When I was a Young Jock”When I was a Young Jock”• Many years before I learned of SWB, I use to believe Many years before I learned of SWB, I use to believe

that if I came up before seeing little white stars that if I came up before seeing little white stars floating in my eyes that meant I wasn't pushing floating in my eyes that meant I wasn't pushing myself hard enough. Some days I would see stars on myself hard enough. Some days I would see stars on 20 to 30 dives. I also use to swim underwater in 20 to 30 dives. I also use to swim underwater in pools with no fins and go for 100 meters. In those pools with no fins and go for 100 meters. In those swims, I always came up seeing stars and the last swims, I always came up seeing stars and the last time I did it I could see nothing but BLACK lasting for time I did it I could see nothing but BLACK lasting for three breaths after surfacing and my friends, who I three breaths after surfacing and my friends, who I couldn’t see, were saying "Look at how purple his lips couldn’t see, were saying "Look at how purple his lips are." That was my last time swimming 100 meters are." That was my last time swimming 100 meters underwater.underwater.

Signed, Slow to Learn and Lucky to Still be Alive, DVM Signed, Slow to Learn and Lucky to Still be Alive, DVM

2828

Lessons to Prevent SWBLessons to Prevent SWB• If you are surfacing and seeing little bright stars floating in your If you are surfacing and seeing little bright stars floating in your

eyes (they look really cool) then you are pushing yourself too hard eyes (they look really cool) then you are pushing yourself too hard and are only a few seconds from death by SWB. Don’t do that and are only a few seconds from death by SWB. Don’t do that again!again!

• If your legs are giving out as you push for the surface that is If your legs are giving out as you push for the surface that is because the muscles are out of oxygenated blood. If your legs because the muscles are out of oxygenated blood. If your legs give out, you die. Don’t do that again!give out, you die. Don’t do that again!

• If you surface and feel like puking but you don’t have the muscle If you surface and feel like puking but you don’t have the muscle strength to do it because there is no oxygen in them then you strength to do it because there is no oxygen in them then you dove too hard. Don’t do that again!dove too hard. Don’t do that again!

• SWB victims can be recovered - take the time to be a responsible SWB victims can be recovered - take the time to be a responsible partner and learn CPR. partner and learn CPR.

• An interesting thing about SWB is that you can shut off your throat An interesting thing about SWB is that you can shut off your throat and not take water into your lungs. You can also bite your snorkel and not take water into your lungs. You can also bite your snorkel so hard that it is hard for the rescuer to take it out of your mouth. so hard that it is hard for the rescuer to take it out of your mouth. If a rescuer turns you over with your snorkel in the mouth and you If a rescuer turns you over with your snorkel in the mouth and you recover your first breath will be seawater. Rescuers need to be recover your first breath will be seawater. Rescuers need to be aware of this and try to get that snorkel out fast with a jerk when aware of this and try to get that snorkel out fast with a jerk when turning over the victim. This will hopefully open the airway, if not turning over the victim. This will hopefully open the airway, if not open it and do CPR. open it and do CPR.

2929

Lessons to Prevent SWBLessons to Prevent SWBContinuedContinued

• Here is one tip that few realize and it can save your life. Here is one tip that few realize and it can save your life. You know you can dive 60’ with no problem. But if you are You know you can dive 60’ with no problem. But if you are doing extra hard & long repeated dives, like when you are doing extra hard & long repeated dives, like when you are recovering a fish which is held up in the rocks or kelp, then recovering a fish which is held up in the rocks or kelp, then your dive needs to either be shorter since your exertion is your dive needs to either be shorter since your exertion is greater or your recovery time needs to be longer. It will greater or your recovery time needs to be longer. It will take you a longer time to recover with each successive take you a longer time to recover with each successive hard dive. You may feel like you are ready after 30 hard dive. You may feel like you are ready after 30 seconds because your lungs are full of fresh air but you seconds because your lungs are full of fresh air but you have deeply depleted the reserves of oxygen in your blood. have deeply depleted the reserves of oxygen in your blood. Take an extra minute to recover all of your blood in your Take an extra minute to recover all of your blood in your body. Your legs will tell you when you are truly ready to body. Your legs will tell you when you are truly ready to dive because the numbness from a lack of oxygen will have dive because the numbness from a lack of oxygen will have left them. It takes a long time to recycle all your blood left them. It takes a long time to recycle all your blood through your lungs to replenish the oxygen fully. Repeated through your lungs to replenish the oxygen fully. Repeated deep hard dives will get you. Take the time to save your deep hard dives will get you. Take the time to save your life! The fish isn’t going anywhere but you may be if you life! The fish isn’t going anywhere but you may be if you don’t take those extra breaths.don’t take those extra breaths.

3030

Lessons to Prevent SWBLessons to Prevent SWBContinuedContinued

• When you know you are on a tough dive, be When you know you are on a tough dive, be prepared to drop your weight belt, it is not prepared to drop your weight belt, it is not invaluable. Keep your hand on the weight belt invaluable. Keep your hand on the weight belt release while ascending, releasing it if you feel you release while ascending, releasing it if you feel you are in trouble or at the first sign of blackout.are in trouble or at the first sign of blackout.– The USA’s only world champion spear fisherman, Terry The USA’s only world champion spear fisherman, Terry

Lentz, who won the world tournament in 1959 says: Lentz, who won the world tournament in 1959 says: “Dropping my belt saved me once, and divers who pay “Dropping my belt saved me once, and divers who pay attention to this thought may have their lives spared attention to this thought may have their lives spared some time in the future.” Terry is still competing in this some time in the future.” Terry is still competing in this sport 48 years later!sport 48 years later!

• Your attitude (or mind set) is what will keep you Your attitude (or mind set) is what will keep you alive. Dive with safety as your first thought. It will alive. Dive with safety as your first thought. It will be too late to have it as an after thought if you be too late to have it as an after thought if you don’t.don’t.

3131

Why a Whistle is a Good Why a Whistle is a Good Idea Idea

• We were diving on Santa Barbara Island and heard a man We were diving on Santa Barbara Island and heard a man yelling. The yell was coming from the direction of the setting yelling. The yell was coming from the direction of the setting sun and wind; and seemed to be 300 plus yards away so we sun and wind; and seemed to be 300 plus yards away so we could not make out who was making the noise. At first, we could not make out who was making the noise. At first, we assumed it was a kayak party coming around the island. assumed it was a kayak party coming around the island. After the yelling continued for some time we got alarmed and After the yelling continued for some time we got alarmed and decided it was time to get our divers out of the water and go decided it was time to get our divers out of the water and go rescue this guy. It turned out to be a diver from the other rescue this guy. It turned out to be a diver from the other small boat in the area. His boat was about 100 yards away small boat in the area. His boat was about 100 yards away from him but up wind so he wasn’t heard for a very long time from him but up wind so he wasn’t heard for a very long time by his boat’s driver. The diver had shot a “large white sea by his boat’s driver. The diver had shot a “large white sea bass” and it had tied up to kelp about 60 feet down in 100 bass” and it had tied up to kelp about 60 feet down in 100 foot of water. This was deeper than he could reach. He foot of water. This was deeper than he could reach. He couldn’t leave his spot since he had no way to mark it so he couldn’t leave his spot since he had no way to mark it so he stayed there and yelled and yelled for 30+ minutes until he stayed there and yelled and yelled for 30+ minutes until he finally got our attention. If he had carried a whistle, both finally got our attention. If he had carried a whistle, both boats would have easily heard him and known he needed boats would have easily heard him and known he needed help. Also, if he had an inflatable float to tie to the float line help. Also, if he had an inflatable float to tie to the float line or kelp to mark the spot then he could have swam to his boat or kelp to mark the spot then he could have swam to his boat to retrieve the tank he needed to recover his fish. to retrieve the tank he needed to recover his fish.

3232

Why a Whistle is a Good Why a Whistle is a Good IdeaIdeaContinuedContinued

• This diver was not prepared for the type of hunting he was This diver was not prepared for the type of hunting he was doing. You can buy a pocket size (when not inflated) salami doing. You can buy a pocket size (when not inflated) salami shaped 3’ - 6’ long marking float for $30 to $40. Also, Skip shaped 3’ - 6’ long marking float for $30 to $40. Also, Skip Hellen has very big inflatable floats for sell that can lift 100 Hellen has very big inflatable floats for sell that can lift 100 pounds and can give you the horse power to lift that fish pounds and can give you the horse power to lift that fish out of kelp. Another important thing to remember when out of kelp. Another important thing to remember when hunting large fish that are in an area that may go out of hunting large fish that are in an area that may go out of your capabilities is to be more careful of your shot and your capabilities is to be more careful of your shot and shoot for the head. It is much easier to control a fighting shoot for the head. It is much easier to control a fighting fish if you have control of their head and don’t let it get fish if you have control of their head and don’t let it get turned for deep water or structure. Fish will almost always turned for deep water or structure. Fish will almost always go down and out to deeper water and look for structure go down and out to deeper water and look for structure when scared or hurt. If you want to hunt game fish, then when scared or hurt. If you want to hunt game fish, then be prepared for the conditions you plan to be diving in. be prepared for the conditions you plan to be diving in. Your boat should have a tank on board plus you should Your boat should have a tank on board plus you should have a float line or reel line 25% longer than the depth of have a float line or reel line 25% longer than the depth of water; an inflatable float to mark your spot and hold up a water; an inflatable float to mark your spot and hold up a fish; a sharp knife capable of cutting steel shooting cable if fish; a sharp knife capable of cutting steel shooting cable if you are using it and at a minimum shooting line and kelp; you are using it and at a minimum shooting line and kelp; and a whistle is always a good idea.and a whistle is always a good idea.

3333

Dangers of Using a Float Dangers of Using a Float LineLine• I know of only one diver who died because he had his shooting line I know of only one diver who died because he had his shooting line

wrapped around his wrist several times to tug harder on the fish wrapped around his wrist several times to tug harder on the fish and then the grouper whet deeper under the rock and wedged his and then the grouper whet deeper under the rock and wedged his hand in a crack. One death is enough.hand in a crack. One death is enough.

• I was off Santa Barbara Island and decided to go out past the kelp I was off Santa Barbara Island and decided to go out past the kelp bed to look for YT in the deeper water. There were no boats bed to look for YT in the deeper water. There were no boats around so I figured it was safe to take my 125’ float line out there. around so I figured it was safe to take my 125’ float line out there. Since I had planned to stay in the kelp I had no signal float Since I had planned to stay in the kelp I had no signal float attached. On my way back in from deep water an 80’ yacht attached. On my way back in from deep water an 80’ yacht cruising at low speed and completely silent to my ears drove past cruising at low speed and completely silent to my ears drove past and caught my shooting line just 30 feet behind me ripping my and caught my shooting line just 30 feet behind me ripping my gun out of my hands. I turned and started yelling and luckily the gun out of my hands. I turned and started yelling and luckily the crew with a fisherman trolling on the back was alert and stopped crew with a fisherman trolling on the back was alert and stopped the boat quickly. To my amazement I got the float line untied and the boat quickly. To my amazement I got the float line untied and with no damage to it. The crew was real nice to me considering with no damage to it. The crew was real nice to me considering what a jerk I was. My boat was a mile away and around the what a jerk I was. My boat was a mile away and around the corner. They had no way to know I was there. I was amazed that corner. They had no way to know I was there. I was amazed that a huge yacht could get so close to me without me hearing it.a huge yacht could get so close to me without me hearing it.

3434

Dangers of Using a Float Dangers of Using a Float LineLineContinuedContinued

• It is easy to be tied up in your own shooting or float line It is easy to be tied up in your own shooting or float line during the commotion of fighting a large fish. Be careful to during the commotion of fighting a large fish. Be careful to not let your float line pile around you when recovering a fish. not let your float line pile around you when recovering a fish. Try to keep swimming up current while pulling a fish up. This Try to keep swimming up current while pulling a fish up. This will keep the line behind you. If you stay still when pulling a will keep the line behind you. If you stay still when pulling a line up it will pile up all around you and then when the fish line up it will pile up all around you and then when the fish takes off on another tug-of-war you may end up getting tied takes off on another tug-of-war you may end up getting tied up and drowned. This happened to me once even though I up and drowned. This happened to me once even though I was swimming up current because there was a strong wind was swimming up current because there was a strong wind blowing the opposite direction and I didn’t know that the blowing the opposite direction and I didn’t know that the surface conditions were keeping the line around my leg area. surface conditions were keeping the line around my leg area. When the slip tip that was stuck in the backbone of a 56 When the slip tip that was stuck in the backbone of a 56 pound amberjack pulled out a bit it released the nerves of pound amberjack pulled out a bit it released the nerves of the fish so it could fight and the fish took off for the abyss the fish so it could fight and the fish took off for the abyss and took me with it. My leg was wrapped and in seconds I and took me with it. My leg was wrapped and in seconds I found myself 40 feet down being pulled by the fish below and found myself 40 feet down being pulled by the fish below and the buoy above. I figured I had about 15 seconds to untie the buoy above. I figured I had about 15 seconds to untie the wrap around my leg or I would have to pull my knife out the wrap around my leg or I would have to pull my knife out and cut the line and loose the fish and gear. I won that and cut the line and loose the fish and gear. I won that battle with just seconds to spare.battle with just seconds to spare.

3535


I was diving for white sea bass off Palos Verdes and was in I was diving for white sea bass off Palos Verdes and was in 20 feet of water with plenty of kelp all around when I shot a 20 feet of water with plenty of kelp all around when I shot a 35 pound white sea bass. The fish bolted and quickly 35 pound white sea bass. The fish bolted and quickly wrapped on a kelp stock at the bottom. I knew from wrapped on a kelp stock at the bottom. I knew from experience to not get excited and rush down to recover the experience to not get excited and rush down to recover the fish. I caught my breath and waited until the fish looked fish. I caught my breath and waited until the fish looked tired out and then dove to recover the fish. I was down tired out and then dove to recover the fish. I was down looking at the kelp stock trying to figure out where to cut looking at the kelp stock trying to figure out where to cut the kelp without cutting my shooting line and float line the kelp without cutting my shooting line and float line when all of a sudden the fish took off for another fight and I when all of a sudden the fish took off for another fight and I found myself instantly wrapped several times around to the found myself instantly wrapped several times around to the kelp stock. If I hadn’t taken the time to catch my breath kelp stock. If I hadn’t taken the time to catch my breath and if I hadn’t been in great diving shape this could have and if I hadn’t been in great diving shape this could have been my last dive. I kept calm and used the knife already been my last dive. I kept calm and used the knife already in my hand to cut my way free and surfaced with the fish in in my hand to cut my way free and surfaced with the fish in hand and the knife secure in it’s head. No more tricks for hand and the knife secure in it’s head. No more tricks for that fish.that fish.

3636


I was diving with two other divers last year in Florida and in I was diving with two other divers last year in Florida and in the excitement of our first day of diving and first dive there the excitement of our first day of diving and first dive there of the trip, we forgot to put up a dive flag on our boat (we of the trip, we forgot to put up a dive flag on our boat (we had one in the boat). We jumped in the water with float lines had one in the boat). We jumped in the water with float lines and Riffe flagless floats. Minutes later while we were in and Riffe flagless floats. Minutes later while we were in maybe 25 feet of water, a boat came by at 25 miles per hour maybe 25 feet of water, a boat came by at 25 miles per hour and its outboard drive hit my float line pulling my loaded 130 and its outboard drive hit my float line pulling my loaded 130 cm gun out of my hands. My boat was at fault as we had not cm gun out of my hands. My boat was at fault as we had not posted our boat dive flag nor did we have dive flags on our posted our boat dive flag nor did we have dive flags on our buoys. Fortunately, no one was hurt and somehow my float buoys. Fortunately, no one was hurt and somehow my float line did not get cut, but I learned a hard lesson - not to get line did not get cut, but I learned a hard lesson - not to get too over-anxious at a unfamiliar dive location and forget too over-anxious at a unfamiliar dive location and forget about safety and safety rules. We should have had all our about safety and safety rules. We should have had all our flags up as this was a relatively high traffic dive spot flags up as this was a relatively high traffic dive spot compared to the kelp beds of Northern California. I also compared to the kelp beds of Northern California. I also learned that due to the higher number of fast boats in learned that due to the higher number of fast boats in Florida, that I had to dive more defensively, particularly on Florida, that I had to dive more defensively, particularly on weekends and stay closer to my boat. By: Dave Edlundweekends and stay closer to my boat. By: Dave Edlund

3737

Float Line Versus Reel,Float Line Versus Reel,When & Why to Use ThemWhen & Why to Use Them

Float Lines:Float Lines:• Very effective when you need a float to wear down a game fish especially Very effective when you need a float to wear down a game fish especially

if remember to pull up and then clip the line off to your float.if remember to pull up and then clip the line off to your float.• Great in kelp, allowing you to get to the surface and still hold on to your Great in kelp, allowing you to get to the surface and still hold on to your

fish. Is highly visible when diving down through the kelp to recover your fish. Is highly visible when diving down through the kelp to recover your fish.fish.

• The long trail behind you creates a hazard when boats are in the area.The long trail behind you creates a hazard when boats are in the area.• The longer the line the higher the risk of getting tied up in your line.The longer the line the higher the risk of getting tied up in your line.

Reels:Reels: • A lot safer when diving in areas where there is boat traffic and the extra A lot safer when diving in areas where there is boat traffic and the extra

line gives you the ability to reach the surface when fighting a tug-of-war line gives you the ability to reach the surface when fighting a tug-of-war with a game fish.with a game fish.

• Watch for a reel to make your gun heavier that water and then it will sink Watch for a reel to make your gun heavier that water and then it will sink away to the abyss if you let it go.away to the abyss if you let it go.

• It is hard to attach signal or recovery float to your system without a float It is hard to attach signal or recovery float to your system without a float line.line.

Consider this combination, a 60 foot bungee float line with buoy attached Consider this combination, a 60 foot bungee float line with buoy attached and a reel with another 100+ feet of line. This gives you advantages of and a reel with another 100+ feet of line. This gives you advantages of

both.both.

3838

Reasons to Use a FloatReasons to Use a Float

• First, and the major one in importance to me is the concept of "pulling First, and the major one in importance to me is the concept of "pulling and clipping" when bringing up a game fish. All the videos etc., show and clipping" when bringing up a game fish. All the videos etc., show some "super hero" "dancing and drowning" in free water pulling up some "super hero" "dancing and drowning" in free water pulling up the fish swimming out of the coils (or not) and its just plain nonsense. the fish swimming out of the coils (or not) and its just plain nonsense. A 30lb fish can instantly turn into a 530 lb fish with the help of a seal A 30lb fish can instantly turn into a 530 lb fish with the help of a seal or shark and if you have line around you, you can be in great danger. or shark and if you have line around you, you can be in great danger. The simplest and safest way to land a fish is to "pull and clip“. By The simplest and safest way to land a fish is to "pull and clip“. By Larry CarterLarry Carter

• Floats wears out the fish and keeps your gear in reach of recovery.Floats wears out the fish and keeps your gear in reach of recovery.• Floats, when properly placed on your float line, can keep a fish from Floats, when properly placed on your float line, can keep a fish from

reaching the bottom and tying up in rocks too deep to recover.reaching the bottom and tying up in rocks too deep to recover.• Floats mark your location (kind of) but don’t expect the average boat Floats mark your location (kind of) but don’t expect the average boat

driver to see your float and abide by the laws. Boaters and Jet skiers driver to see your float and abide by the laws. Boaters and Jet skiers love to come see what that float is doing there and run right over you.love to come see what that float is doing there and run right over you.

• Diver down flags greatly increase the range a float can be seen from.Diver down flags greatly increase the range a float can be seen from.

““Remember your 30 lb fish can quickly become a 530 lb shark or seal Remember your 30 lb fish can quickly become a 530 lb shark or seal so, utilize the “Pull and Clip" ability that your float and tuna clip so, utilize the “Pull and Clip" ability that your float and tuna clip

affords you."affords you."

3939

Seal DangerSeal Danger• Seal Danger @ SBI ... This is a warning about a dangerous Seal Danger @ SBI ... This is a warning about a dangerous

and aggressive seal based on the experiences of 3 divers, on and aggressive seal based on the experiences of 3 divers, on different trips, that have recently had troubles with perhaps different trips, that have recently had troubles with perhaps the same seal off SBI NE end. Here is the account of one of the same seal off SBI NE end. Here is the account of one of the divers and the other two incidents were very similar in the divers and the other two incidents were very similar in respect to the size, persistence and aggression of the seal. respect to the size, persistence and aggression of the seal. Please remember that seals have a bite 4 times stronger Please remember that seals have a bite 4 times stronger than a full size German Sheppard guard dog so these wild than a full size German Sheppard guard dog so these wild animals should be considered extremely dangerous. animals should be considered extremely dangerous.

• I'm writing this to share with you a dangerous experience I I'm writing this to share with you a dangerous experience I had at Santa Barbara Island while spear fishing. I had just had at Santa Barbara Island while spear fishing. I had just speared a white sea bass when a very large male sea lion speared a white sea bass when a very large male sea lion grabbed my fish and tried to swim off with it. I fought a tug grabbed my fish and tried to swim off with it. I fought a tug of war with it but it was dragging me through the water and of war with it but it was dragging me through the water and sometimes down 5 to 10 feet as I kept pulling the fish sometimes down 5 to 10 feet as I kept pulling the fish towards me. I would pick up the pace pulling hand over towards me. I would pick up the pace pulling hand over hand when he would let go of the fish ... as he sometimes hand when he would let go of the fish ... as he sometimes did. did.

4040

Seal Danger Seal Danger ContinuedContinued

Although I tried not to get tangled in my shooting line, it Although I tried not to get tangled in my shooting line, it still happened twice in all the commotion, once around my still happened twice in all the commotion, once around my upper arm and once around my ankle. Luckily it was during upper arm and once around my ankle. Luckily it was during breaks in his strong tugging. I was able to untangle myself breaks in his strong tugging. I was able to untangle myself before he started to pull again. When I finally got the fish in before he started to pull again. When I finally got the fish in my hands, I thought he would circle around yet keep his my hands, I thought he would circle around yet keep his distance, but he didn't. He had no hesitation in coming right distance, but he didn't. He had no hesitation in coming right up to me, getting in my face and grabbing the fish still in up to me, getting in my face and grabbing the fish still in my hands. I tried to fend him off by kicking him with my fin my hands. I tried to fend him off by kicking him with my fin and poking him with the back end of my shaft (the font end and poking him with the back end of my shaft (the font end still had the fish on it) but he just kept on coming. He finally still had the fish on it) but he just kept on coming. He finally pulled the fish out of my hands and swam off with it. My pulled the fish out of my hands and swam off with it. My 125' float line was moving through the water so fast that I 125' float line was moving through the water so fast that I thought he might take it all so I grabbed it and hung on as I thought he might take it all so I grabbed it and hung on as I inflated my utility float. I worked the float to the shooting inflated my utility float. I worked the float to the shooting line and he still pulled the float down 10 feet. I was tired line and he still pulled the float down 10 feet. I was tired and well aware of the danger I was in of drowning so I and well aware of the danger I was in of drowning so I decided to give him the fish....but not the shaft and tip. By decided to give him the fish....but not the shaft and tip. By this time the fish had no head and the body was getting this time the fish had no head and the body was getting mangled as he bit it and thrashed it about in order to eat it. mangled as he bit it and thrashed it about in order to eat it. I pulled the fish in again between his tugging at it and I pulled the fish in again between his tugging at it and finally got it in my hands again. finally got it in my hands again.

4141

Seal Danger Seal Danger ContinuedContinued

In my hurry to get the tip through the fish it toggled inside In my hurry to get the tip through the fish it toggled inside of it. He yanked it away and swam off with it again. Little of it. He yanked it away and swam off with it again. Little by little I pulled it back in again and then pulled out my by little I pulled it back in again and then pulled out my knife to cut the tip out. Meanwhile the sea lion was in my knife to cut the tip out. Meanwhile the sea lion was in my face again ready to get his meal back. I stabbed him in the face again ready to get his meal back. I stabbed him in the side of the head with my knife thinking that this will get him side of the head with my knife thinking that this will get him to back off but he only flinched back momentarily.......and to back off but he only flinched back momentarily.......and then kept on coming. I don't think my poke penetrated his then kept on coming. I don't think my poke penetrated his thick hide. I concentrated on cutting the fish open so I thick hide. I concentrated on cutting the fish open so I could pull out my spear tip out and was able to get it just as could pull out my spear tip out and was able to get it just as he grabbed the fish again and swam off with it to finish his he grabbed the fish again and swam off with it to finish his feast. The ordeal was over and I was OK. Luckily "Murphy" feast. The ordeal was over and I was OK. Luckily "Murphy" was occupied elsewhere and I get to tell the story. I share was occupied elsewhere and I get to tell the story. I share this with you hoping that someone else doesn't drown from this with you hoping that someone else doesn't drown from one of these encounters. Although it would not have one of these encounters. Although it would not have prevented this incident, from now on I'm going to swim my prevented this incident, from now on I'm going to swim my fish back to the boat ASAP when I'm at SBI. Swimming fish back to the boat ASAP when I'm at SBI. Swimming around with a fish around your waist is tempting fate. As around with a fish around your waist is tempting fate. As for my story...Yes, I know that harming a marine mammal is for my story...Yes, I know that harming a marine mammal is a federal crime but in this instance I was the endangered a federal crime but in this instance I was the endangered species......It was self defense!species......It was self defense!

4242

You Can Smile Only When You Can Smile Only When You Come Back SafelyYou Come Back Safely

4343

Remember, There Are Many Remember, There Are Many Good Reasons to Dive SafeGood Reasons to Dive Safe

4444

Web Sites to Help You Plan a Web Sites to Help You Plan a Safe, Safe,

Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTrip

Last Updated 8 March 2007Last Updated 8 March 2007• Below is a great list of diving/boating/sea conditions & Below is a great list of diving/boating/sea conditions & weather forecast websites that is a combined product of weather forecast websites that is a combined product of Skip Hellen and my research over the years. If saving Skip Hellen and my research over the years. If saving time, ensuring safety and having good boating/diving time, ensuring safety and having good boating/diving conditions is important to you, along with the ability to conditions is important to you, along with the ability to plan a dive trip somewhat reliable up to 3 days in plan a dive trip somewhat reliable up to 3 days in advance then you will love this list. I have tried to advance then you will love this list. I have tried to make the listing as user friendly as possible. The most make the listing as user friendly as possible. The most important categories to check are prioritized and listed important categories to check are prioritized and listed first to last plus my favorite site in each category is first to last plus my favorite site in each category is listed first. The other sites are backup and additional listed first. The other sites are backup and additional depth if further analysis is needed.depth if further analysis is needed.

• Three-Day Swell Forecast:Three-Day Swell Forecast:http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub=forecast

Current Swell Conditions in SC:Current Swell Conditions in SC:• http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?

nav=recent&sub=nowcast&xitem=socal_nownav=recent&sub=nowcast&xitem=socal_now• http://www.diver.net/weather/all_cat_chnl_wam.shtmlhttp://www.diver.net/weather/all_cat_chnl_wam.shtml

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub=forecast

4545


Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTripContinuedContinuedKey SC Weather Buoys Providing Current and Past Swell Conditions, Wind Key SC Weather Buoys Providing Current and Past Swell Conditions, Wind

Speed/Direction, & Air/Water Temperatures:Speed/Direction, & Air/Water Temperatures:• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46063 = Point http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46063 = Point

ConceptionConception• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46025 = Santa Monica http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46025 = Santa Monica

BayBay• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46047 = Tanner Bankshttp://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46047 = Tanner Banks• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46086 = San Clemente http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?station=46086 = San Clemente

Island, S.E. EndIsland, S.E. End

Other Off Shore Weather Buoys and Master List of Buoys:Other Off Shore Weather Buoys and Master List of Buoys:http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southwest.shtml http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/socal.html http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/buoylist.html http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/buoylist.html

Marine Weather Forecast - Local synopsis:Marine Weather Forecast - Local synopsis:• http://meteora.ucsd.edu/climate/calif_marine_fcst.southernhttp://meteora.ucsd.edu/climate/calif_marine_fcst.southern• http://meteora.ucsd.edu/climate/calif_disc.los_angeleshttp://meteora.ucsd.edu/climate/calif_disc.los_angeles

http://www.nwsla.noaa.gov// http://www.myoc.com/weather/ocean.shtml

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southwest.shtml

http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/socal.html

http://www.nwsla.noaa.gov/

http://www.myoc.com/weather/ocean.shtml

4646


Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTripContinuedContinuedBest overall Water condition site is: Best overall Water condition site is:

• http://www.wetsand.com/swellwatch/

Winds for SC Ocean & Coastal – Speed and Direction Winds for SC Ocean & Coastal – Speed and Direction Provided:Provided:http://www.weatherflow.com/navair/analysis.htmlhttp://www.weatherflow.com/navair/analysis.htmlThis is a great site to see what the current winds are doing.This is a great site to see what the current winds are doing.

• Tides:Tides:http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub=forecast&xitem=tide&xindex=016&xindex=012

• http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Cabrillo+Beach%2C+California site=Cabrillo+Beach%2C+California http://facs.scripps.edu/cgi-bin/plottide.pl

Moon Calendar - shows phases of the moon:Moon Calendar - shows phases of the moon:• http://www.krellworkshops.com/test/http://www.krellworkshops.com/test/

http://www.wetsand.com/swellwatch/

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub=forecast&xitem=tide&xindex=016&xindex=012

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub=forecast&xitem=tide&xindex=016&xindex=012

http://facs.scripps.edu/cgi-bin/plottide.pl

4747


Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTripContinuedContinued• The Big picture Via Satellite (Great Stuff):

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USNationalWide.asp?loc=usa&seg=IntlSat&prodgrp=World&product=PacificHIRESLoop&prodnav=none= Pacific Satellite weather

• http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USNationalWide.asp?http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USNationalWide.asp?loc=usa&seg=IntlSat&prodgrp=World&product=World&prodnloc=usa&seg=IntlSat&prodgrp=World&product=World&prodnav=noneav=none = world satellite weather view

• http://www.weather.com/weather/map/90045?http://www.weather.com/weather/map/90045?from=LAPmaps&name=index_large_animated&day=1from=LAPmaps&name=index_large_animated&day=1 = SoCal Weather/rain radar loop

• http://radar.wrh.noaa.gov/radar/latest/DS.p19r0/si.ksox.shtml SoCal Radar showing rainhttp://facs.scripps.edu/surf/sepa.html http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Oxnard/javaLinks/animation.1km.vis.html http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Oxnard/javaLinks/animation.4km.ir.htmlhttp://diver.net/weather/npac_anim.shtmlhttp://http://www.goes.noaa.gov/GIFS/WCIR.JPGwww.goes.noaa.gov/GIFS/WCIR.JPG

http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Cabrillo+Beach%2C+California

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USNationalWide.asp?loc=usa&seg=IntlSat&prodgrp=World&product=PacificHIRESLoop&prodnav=none

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USNationalWide.asp?loc=usa&seg=IntlSat&prodgrp=World&product=PacificHIRESLoop&prodnav=none




http://radar.wrh.noaa.gov/radar/latest/DS.p19r0/si.ksox.shtml


http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/sepa.html


http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Oxnard/javaLinks/animation.1km.vis.html


http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Oxnard/javaLinks/animation.4km.ir.html

http://diver.net/weather/npac_anim.shtml

4848


Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTripContinuedContinued

• Water Visibility Indicator. Note, this is a Water Visibility Indicator. Note, this is a pay site: pay site: http://www.terrafin.com/sstview/latest_chl.htm

• Surface Water Temp: Surface Water Temp: http://www.terrafin.com/sstview/samples/freesocal.htm

• http://www.diver.net/weather/img.shtml?http://www.diver.net/weather/img.shtml?128.160.23.54/products/OFA/epeofa.gif128.160.23.54/products/OFA/epeofa.gif

• http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/spac.html spac.html

http://www.terrafin.com/sstview/latest_chl.htm

http://www.terrafin.com/sstview/samples/freesocal.htm

http://www.terrafin.com/sstview/samples/freesocal.htm

4949



• Islands:Islands: San Clemente; San Clemente;http://www.scisland.org/http://www.scisland.org/

San Nicholas; San Nicholas;http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/San_Nicolas_Islanhttp://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/San_Nicolas_Island_CA_US_f.htmld_CA_US_f.html http://www.nawcwpns.navy.mil/~weather/mugu/meshttp://www.nawcwpns.navy.mil/~weather/mugu/mesodata/nsis/lasthour.htmlodata/nsis/lasthour.html

Charts:Charts:http://www.4seatow.com/charts.htmhttp://www.4seatow.com/charts.htm

Artificial Reefs off California:Artificial Reefs off California:http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/artificialreefs/index.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/artificialreefs/index.html

5050



• Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Regulation website: Regulation website:

• http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/sportfishing_reghttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/sportfishing_regs2005.htmls2005.html

• Jet Stream Analyses:Jet Stream Analyses:• http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.htmlhttp://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html

Fishing Info / Hot bites;Fishing Info / Hot bites;• http://www.pacificedgetackle.com/http://www.pacificedgetackle.com/

fishreport.aspxfishreport.aspx– This is a map of recent fish catch reportsThis is a map of recent fish catch reports

• http://www.sport-fish-info.com/http://www.sport-fish-info.com/• http://www.fishingnetwork.net/http://www.fishingnetwork.net/

5151


Productive and Fun Dive/Boat Productive and Fun Dive/Boat TripTripContinuedContinuedI saved the best till last. Here is the best I saved the best till last. Here is the best

site of all for scouting an area’s bottom to site of all for scouting an area’s bottom to find reefs and for getting GPS wave-points find reefs and for getting GPS wave-points for locations you want to go to, to see the for locations you want to go to, to see the temperature and chlorophyll count to temperature and chlorophyll count to approximate visibility. I don’t know how approximate visibility. I don’t know how they do this for free but I love it. they do this for free but I love it.

• http://www.tempbreak.com/#http://www.tempbreak.com/#

Learn how to use this site and you will be Learn how to use this site and you will be able to develop an incredible amount of able to develop an incredible amount of knowledge about an area before you ever knowledge about an area before you ever get there.get there.

5252

Introducing the Author, Introducing the Author, By Skip HellenBy Skip Hellen

It is my pleasure to introduce Doug Van Mullem to the audience of It is my pleasure to introduce Doug Van Mullem to the audience of this survival & safety presentation. I have known and dove with this survival & safety presentation. I have known and dove with Doug since 1993 and know him to be a safe and wise diver. With Doug since 1993 and know him to be a safe and wise diver. With this presentation, Doug brings a lot of safety and practical this presentation, Doug brings a lot of safety and practical experience to the diving community. experience to the diving community.

Doug started freediving and spearfishing in the Mediterranean Sea Doug started freediving and spearfishing in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Turkey in 1961 at the age of 7. At the age of 11, off the coast of Turkey in 1961 at the age of 7. At the age of 11, he chose to train for diving by joining a swim team and continued he chose to train for diving by joining a swim team and continued to swim competitively until age 30. He was an All American to swim competitively until age 30. He was an All American swimmer at the Nation’s junior college level, and used this skill to swimmer at the Nation’s junior college level, and used this skill to become a California beach lifeguard for 5 years until joining the become a California beach lifeguard for 5 years until joining the United States Air Force for 23 years. His first diving mentor was United States Air Force for 23 years. His first diving mentor was Chris Blakesley, son of one of our legendary grandfathers of our Chris Blakesley, son of one of our legendary grandfathers of our sport, Chuck Blakesley, the founder of Skin Diver Magazine. Chris sport, Chuck Blakesley, the founder of Skin Diver Magazine. Chris was a lifeguard legend and a great diver too. He taught Doug the was a lifeguard legend and a great diver too. He taught Doug the art of hunting halibut and today Doug has published the best art of hunting halibut and today Doug has published the best paper on halibut hunting I have ever seen . paper on halibut hunting I have ever seen .

5353

Introducing the Author, Introducing the Author, By Skip HellenBy Skip Hellen

ContinuedContinued

Doug has been in 3 dive clubs. The first was a freediving & spearfishing Doug has been in 3 dive clubs. The first was a freediving & spearfishing club called the Delta Divers of San Diego where he won “Diver of the club called the Delta Divers of San Diego where he won “Diver of the Year” in 1976. In 1980, while in the Air Force, he came to Los Angeles Year” in 1976. In 1980, while in the Air Force, he came to Los Angeles and met a great diver and grandfather of our sport - Charlie Sturgill. and met a great diver and grandfather of our sport - Charlie Sturgill. Charlie had great knowledge and he was always willing to share it. Charlie had great knowledge and he was always willing to share it. Then in 1984 he was transferred to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) Then in 1984 he was transferred to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in Northern Santa Barbara County and joined the base dive club. He in Northern Santa Barbara County and joined the base dive club. He was president for a year and safety officer for several years. The ocean was president for a year and safety officer for several years. The ocean & dive conditions there were dangerous and therefore club officers & dive conditions there were dangerous and therefore club officers were required to take every new member applicant out for a safety were required to take every new member applicant out for a safety check-out dive before they could become members. He returned to Los check-out dive before they could become members. He returned to Los Angeles in 1993 and joined the Fathomiers and 2 years later was the Angeles in 1993 and joined the Fathomiers and 2 years later was the president of the club. As a Fathomier, he competed in two US president of the club. As a Fathomier, he competed in two US Nationals. Nationals.

Today, he likes to give back to our great sport by writing safety and Today, he likes to give back to our great sport by writing safety and hunting technique articles.hunting technique articles.

Contact information: Contact information: Phone (714) 378-1562 Email [email protected] (714) 378-1562 Email [email protected]

Documents

1 Survival Techniques for the Underwater Hunter By Doug Van Mullem August 3, 2009