Divers- what's your best scuba diving experience?

2019-08-20T15:39:00-04:00

We want to hear about your best experience scuba diving. Also, what are the best spots to scuba dive?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 3:58 PM

2019-08-20T15:58:16-04:00

When I was stationed in Sharm-El Sheikh, Egypt in the Sinai Pennisula back in 2009-2010, there was Top 10 spots to SCUBA dive right near where our base was. Back in the early 1980s when the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission was first conducted to secure the Treaty of Peace between Egypt & Israel, they set up a base in the South Sinai that now has world class diving right down the beach!

Check it out if you're ever in the area or like really deep diving that's not too far from the shore...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvfmpSicBwE

Best place for... - Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt

Egypt has always been a land of surprises, with its history and culture, but also with its wondrous natural settings - especially its underwater scenery. Tak...

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 20 at 2019 4:01 PM

2019-08-20T16:01:14-04:00

Walking out of the ocean in Okinawa. Taking off my equipment, slipped on a stone and fell in a water hole on the beach hitting my shin. I was taking on water and trying not to lose my equipment. Something told me to stand up. I was in three foot of water. Quickly looked around to see if anyone saw. Luckly no one did. Ego bruised more than shin.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 4:12 PM

2019-08-20T16:12:36-04:00

Best experience: At night spear fishing on a tropical island reef. Best Spots: On Guam's reefs.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 20 at 2019 4:45 PM

2019-08-20T16:45:00-04:00

When I was in, the pool where I was had a PADI course, given by a civil servant in my unit, who was apparently really experienced...he did, I'd gathered, serious wreck diving...we only went for real once, full wetsuits, weight belts, all of it...we got about 28-30 ft down, just above decompression depth, what I found most unnerving, aside from the cold water, was that, after awhile, my jaw ached horribly from the regulator...plus, the guy I was with had some weird penchant for chasing lobsters every 30 secs...I needed somethin like 10-15 mins to swim to the suface, which, thank God, I was able to do, as it was also incredibly fatiguing...I'd also gone flying a cpl of times with the aero club where I'd been, and, between the two, trying to fly a light plane and keep it from slipping and sliding and banking every 5 secs, and scuba, candidly, I quite honestly found scuba by far the more nerve-wracking of the two...we also spent a LOT of time in the pool where I was before we went out for that for-real dive, learning to find the regulator by tracing down from the other end of the hose from the tank, which was quite literally pounded into our skulls to do it that way, rather than fishing for the regulator, which could lead to panicking...as well as learning to cough through the regulator, which, in all honesty, hadn't occurred to me was, in fact, even possible, honest, rather than taking the regulator out of ones mouth, by sheer conditioned reflex action....

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made Aug 20 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-08-20T19:13:50-04:00

While conducting L/E training with the Air Force security detail at Kwajalein Atoll, we had the opera unity to dive on the wreck of the German Heavy Cruiser PRINZ EUGEN. It was a fantastic dive in tropical water. One of the best dives I have ever done.

Response by SP5 Terry Ashcraft made Aug 20 at 2019 11:05 PM

2019-08-20T23:05:12-04:00

My best experiences SCUBA diving would have to be the South Pacific and the Eastern Pacific. Guam was a nice place to dive, diving the wrecks in the harbor was great, feeding the fish at the Piti bomb holes was nice also. The best place I dove in Guam was at Gunn Beach, we found a Japanese Zero. Now diving Palau was a real treat, I dove The Wall a couple of times, the Wall is what the name implies, it's a reef that drops off into about 3000 feet of water. The sea life was abundant, turtles, dolphins, sharks and rays. I logged about 200 dives in Palau during the 2 years I was there. The next place I had a chance to go to was Chuuk in the FSM. I was doing some work for the company I worked for, I always took my dive gear when traveling in the Pacific, one never knows when an opportunity will arise. I got to dive the Chuuk Lagoon, aka Truk Lagoon, the company I was doing the work for arranged for me to dive the lagoon, man, what a dive, well, dives. The wrecks are every where, your allowed to look just don't touch. As for the best spots to dive, well, anywhere you can and are enjoying the dive.

Response by SSG Thomas Barry made Aug 20 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-08-20T23:11:39-04:00

diving in Hi with a master diver that told me that as we glided along a slope, to look out to the left now and then. WELL 15 mins into dive I looked and there was a WHALE about 30 feet from me. WOW are they big. When we were headed back to his boat there was another one really close also. what a thrill.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Aug 21 at 2019 11:31 AM

2019-08-21T11:31:58-04:00

Diving in Jamaica. 80 degree water 120 ft down and as clear as far as you could see.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 3:28 PM

2019-08-21T15:28:22-04:00

Well I am no diver but a good friend of mine loved diving off the coast of Okinawa back in 96 when we were stationed there. He got to see a whale shark. Back home most people go to the pits to dive.

Response by SN Brian Fathke made Aug 21 at 2019 7:58 PM

2019-08-21T19:58:17-04:00

I recently returned from a diving trip to Roatán,Honduras and it was the best experience of my life. I went with Warfighter Scuba which is a non-profit organization that flys combat injured veterans to Roatán,Honduras for a week to certify them to dive. I ended up getting my open-water, Nitrox, & advanced diver certifications.

Response by PO3 Mark Mode made Aug 21 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-08-21T20:13:07-04:00

I need to get certified first.

Response by Cpl Bernard Robart made Aug 21 at 2019 8:16 PM

2019-08-21T20:16:53-04:00

I did it as a job. My dad bought a scuba diving outfit, he was going after snaggers, that the fish men lost. So I would watch and he dove. Soon he realized he wasn’t getting the snaggers, so he bought me a dive suit. It was the best of times.

Response by Cpl Rock Tait made Aug 21 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-08-21T20:19:26-04:00

Learning to dive when I was in the USMC in Okinawa.

Response by SP5 William Crawford made Aug 21 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-08-21T20:21:24-04:00

Never been scuba diving.

Response by PFC Kimberly Birdsong made Aug 21 at 2019 8:23 PM

2019-08-21T20:23:51-04:00

I have never went scuba diving before, but I have always wanted to go though.

Response by Capt Thomas Weber made Aug 21 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-08-21T20:30:05-04:00

The Maldives! Boat diving with strong currents, reef walls filled with sea life and huge fish visible out in the ocean. Warm temperatures and clean, clear water.

Response by PO3 Bill Pacheco made Aug 21 at 2019 8:32 PM

2019-08-21T20:32:09-04:00

My first cavern dive during my training. The current was strong and air pockets all throughout the cave reverberated with the sound. It sounded like I was swimming into a drum symphony. It was extremely powerful to feel like I was flying through a room and feeling the music pounding around me.

Response by 2d Lt Todd C made Aug 21 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-08-21T20:38:05-04:00

Off the southern coast of Cozumel. There’s an undersea current that you can equalize your bcd at 35’ and float along with schools of barracuda. Truly an amazing experience!

Response by SSgt Let Grow made Aug 21 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-08-21T20:38:27-04:00

Scuba diving on vacation in Teneriffe Spain.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-08-21T20:44:46-04:00

Bahamas, being surrounded by sharks and wishing that those who act deadly afraid of them ,could visualize this encounter and see that at the end of the day, they are a predator, but they don't mean harm and it's a thrilling experience to be that close to them.

Response by SPC Dan Coyle Sr. made Aug 21 at 2019 8:51 PM

2019-08-21T20:51:03-04:00

I did a series of shark dives with Stuart Cove on Providential, in the Bahamas. The best dive sites I dove in were in the Cayman Islands. Beautiful coral reefs.. I also did a week long live aboard on the Turks and Caicos Aggressor . A beautiful, well run vessel and trip.

Response by MSG Jeleane Simmons made Aug 21 at 2019 8:52 PM

2019-08-21T20:52:12-04:00

Can't say right now as I'm still in lessons. Hopefully to Lake Pleasant this weekend for finals. My husband was scuba in military but is now an AKA so has a swim leg. So far all is going well, but our scuba friends all have different areas they say is great! Will let you know the first time I scuba after being certified.

Response by PO3 Steve Karich made Aug 21 at 2019 8:52 PM

2019-08-21T20:52:27-04:00

Best dive experience was in Laredo, MX, down around 50ft where a plane had crashed and broke into three pieces. When I got to the bottom, there was a moray eel sitting on the bottom and the guide motioned for me to come over and pet it. I was scared at first but after seeing him do it, it gave me the confidence to do it. It was amazing.

Response by SPC Moises Burgos made Aug 21 at 2019 8:53 PM

2019-08-21T20:53:50-04:00

I have no scuba diving skills, but was interested in learning

Response by LCpl Ernesto LLorente made Aug 21 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-08-21T20:54:51-04:00

Porto bello, Panama City, Panama. The best. Also Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, Awesome! But Cancun Mexico, Epiphany.

Response by MSG Bonnie Casler made Aug 21 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-08-21T20:57:00-04:00

WAVES project. Wounded American Warrior Experience Scuba is located in Temecula, CA. I am a disabled veteran who was not finding joy in life. I needed a break from my own thoughts. The instructors are fully dedicated to the veterans they service. Once a member of the WAVES team, your can continue to grow as a diver and a person. My dive buddy is my 12 year old grandson. Not only am I a WAVES diver, so is he. It is amazing. The peace and calmness under the water has to be experienced.

Response by SSG Ernest Foster made Aug 21 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-08-21T20:57:10-04:00

I dove before many years ago and disabled

Response by MSG George Wideman made Aug 21 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-08-21T20:57:20-04:00

Never dived. I am very PTSD.

Response by PFC Benjamin Johnson made Aug 21 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-08-21T20:57:28-04:00

Maui best dive. Had not dove in 10 years due to a neural transmitter in my back. The VA gave a knew one when the other broke I can dive up to 90 feet know. Best dive to get my feet wet again. Love to do more.

Response by MSG Bonnie Casler made Aug 21 at 2019 8:58 PM

2019-08-21T20:58:20-04:00

WAVES is a non profit that does not charge VETs or their dive buddy anything to learn to dive

Response by Cpl John Connell made Aug 21 at 2019 9:03 PM

2019-08-21T21:03:00-04:00

Inland Seas Diving Academy used Lohriville Quarry as it's training grounds as it is over 90 feet deep. The quarry filled to that depth in a matter of 30 minutes as they blew an underground river and all equipment, trucks and tools were left and some folks drown..... But I completed my Diving instructions there at age 11. 7 years before the M/C. BUT, I did come "face to face" with a cat-fish & I don't know which of us was more scared. Everything looks ⅓ bigger through a mask!!!! For 5 minutes that cat and I sat motionless, until the instructor swam over, and tapped me on the shoulder. Wish I wouldda gotten my PADI certification.

Response by SSgt Jerry Williams made Aug 21 at 2019 9:05 PM

2019-08-21T21:05:06-04:00

My 1st duty station after tech school I was stationed in Guam '77-'78. Beautiful place to dive. Great place to be stationed, especially if you're there married with family. At least it was back then. I got certified open water and never had the chance again. Retiring to FL in a few. I'm going to take it up again just for the health benefits.

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Aug 21 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-08-21T21:06:03-04:00

TDY to Okinawa in 1976 for a night dive qualification. What did we see at the theater the night before the dive? This great new release titled "Jaws" .... and during the dive the next night, every time I was bumped underwater I felt a million volts of scared run through my body ...

Response by SN Thomas Nichols made Aug 21 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-08-21T21:06:36-04:00

Getting verified off shore in Florida then many waters

Response by SGM Parris Reed made Aug 21 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-08-21T21:06:58-04:00

diving around Maui, being in the water with whales and spinner dolphins, huge Trivially and Ells. "bestest" place I've been.

Response by SN Thomas Nichols made Aug 21 at 2019 9:07 PM

2019-08-21T21:07:16-04:00

Need to join group

Response by CPT Greg Jones made Aug 21 at 2019 9:08 PM

2019-08-21T21:08:54-04:00

Best experience - my first and only Dive maybe 30 or 45 minutes, sure wish it had been longer but I have a fear of sharks... no fear on my first dive because it was perfectly clear water, off an Island in the Caribbean, a US Protectorate. Just can’t recall which island, guess I am getting old. Would love to do it again. It is on my bucket list for sure. Maybe some day...

Response by CMSgt Dave Clark made Aug 21 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-08-21T21:10:10-04:00

Now living in Thailand the Similan Islands are a nice option. But, I prefer Malaysia and Indonesia sites, they are easy to get to from Bangkok. Raja Ampat has outstanding marine life from nudibranchs to manta rays and whale sharks. Lembeh Strait offers easy diving and some very unique marine life. Sipidan Water Village in Borneo and the islands of Mabul and Sipidan make for a great diving holiday destination. For a liveaboard I have use the Panunee, http://www.panunee.com for over 20 years. Solid Thai boat now based in Indonesia with a new luxury version coming soon. See at http://www.veloceanliveaboard.com. The Panunee is often used by many professional UW photographers. Sites are generally accessed via Zodiak type inflatables.

PANUNEE Yacht 5 stars & luxury Indonesia diving liveaboard

PANUNEE Yacht , Indonesia, diving , Liveaboard , Komodo , Raja Ampat, Banda, Ambon, Alor, Cenderawasih

Response by A1C Mark Steele made Aug 21 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-08-21T21:13:51-04:00

The Bahamas (Cub kay, Egg Island! Spainish Wells, Great Harbor, Nassau, and Freeport. The water is beautiful and warm. I was NAUI certified.

Response by CPT Greg Jones made Aug 21 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-08-21T21:14:10-04:00

The program sounds great, what about Someone with PTSD? Many of us are 100 percent.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 9:15 PM

2019-08-21T21:15:18-04:00

Okinawa has the best diving in the world. It’s a tie between my drift dive in front of goat shark island in the keramas or my dive with the whale sharks.

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Aug 21 at 2019 9:15 PM

2019-08-21T21:15:45-04:00

When I and a group of Airmen dove off Okinawa in 1973 after a Typhoon. We found hundreds of thousands of dead fish pinned on the coral! As I trolled along the coral wall of dead fish, I saw a red snapper and a Needle fish laying there, so I took my knife out and started prodding. I prodded the red snapper - nothing, HOWEVER, when I prodded the Needle Fish, it came up to chest level and with its 'snout' it NAILED me - repeatedly - on my chest. According to my colleagues, all they saw was my arm and hand with knife flailing and a solid 'mass of bubbles' surrounding me as I sword fought this fish! It finally backed off and dove for the depths and as it dove, I thought WOW! Afterwards I realized I had burned about 30 minutes of air in about 20 seconds but it seemed a WHOLE LOT LONGER!

Response by SSgt Mario Candia made Aug 21 at 2019 9:19 PM

2019-08-21T21:19:34-04:00

Never dive !!!

Response by PO1 Sherri Stone made Aug 21 at 2019 9:19 PM

2019-08-21T21:19:35-04:00

A night dive in Utila, Honduras with awesome bio-luminescent string of pearls. I love Belize.

Response by Sgt Ronald Hegner made Aug 21 at 2019 9:20 PM

2019-08-21T21:20:12-04:00

Best was diving the Eagle Tire Company ship off Big Pine Key in 160 feet of crystal clear Ocean. The ship was a pristine wreck recently sunk to build a reef. Took a group of Boy Scouts and dove the wreck.

Response by SGT Mary Torczon made Aug 21 at 2019 9:20 PM

2019-08-21T21:20:43-04:00

I was at Winter Sports Clinic. They had scuba diving there (in the pool). I love to scuba dive! Tell me more!

Response by Cpl Michael James made Aug 21 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-08-21T21:25:14-04:00

PADI certified since 1996...deep dive, cave dive, rescue dive, safety stop dive, shark cage dive, cold water dive...low visibility dive...retrieval dive... hope to qualify....not sure best experience but most memorable. 17 feet lsearching for Maui Jim sunglasses...found a four prong stainless steel prop by chance and returned it to the rightful owner...great day...!

Response by CPL Dio Rader made Aug 21 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-08-21T21:25:30-04:00

Down 85' off the coast of Jamaica. Never felt that relaxed doing anything else.

Response by Cpl Charles Keller made Aug 21 at 2019 9:28 PM

2019-08-21T21:28:53-04:00

Stationed on Guam Marina Islands in 1961 & 1962 while on the Overland Rescue Team.
USMC Cpl Charles A Keller Jr. also a water safety instructor.

Response by AN Donald Miller made Aug 21 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-08-21T21:32:25-04:00

My coolest experience was my certification dive at Bullshoals Lake. When I went through the thermocline it was similar to floating through a forest in the winter. It was cold, the trees were bare as thwy are in winter, the silt was as a tannish colored snow on the ground. I was nuetrally bouyant about 12 feet above the ground swimming through the trees. It was as I had passed into a whole different world.

Response by PO2 Larry Jolley made Aug 21 at 2019 9:33 PM

2019-08-21T21:33:35-04:00

Got certified while stationed in Guantanamo Bay Cuba, amazing reefs full of color and fish. Most memorable dive was the millennial night dive at 00:00 01/01/2000. Came across a huge sea turtle that the group just surrounded on the bottom and it swam right between a buddy and I as we just let our hands flow over it's shell as it swam by. Just an amazing dive. Moon was bright sky was clear and gave us enough light that we didn't need our dive lights to much.

Response by SFC Frankie Mccollum made Aug 21 at 2019 9:40 PM

2019-08-21T21:40:04-04:00

I have never been

Response by MGySgt Andre Hunter made Aug 21 at 2019 9:41 PM

2019-08-21T21:41:07-04:00

How do we apply??

Response by PV2 Clifford Thrower made Aug 21 at 2019 9:41 PM

2019-08-21T21:41:22-04:00

I browsed tanks from a man at Fort Walton Beach FL and swam the reefs for 15 20 minutes.

Response by PO3 Ken Hakli made Aug 21 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-08-21T21:50:08-04:00

I am certified Navy diver from Underwater Swimmers School, Key West, FL. going through E.O.D. We did a 180 foot decompression dive, rubber boat high speed pick ups. Later I did construction dives on dams in the Ohio river and Lake Erie

Ken hakli

Response by TSgt David Aprile made Aug 21 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-08-21T21:50:11-04:00

night dive on okinawa

Response by SP5 Pedro Costa made Aug 21 at 2019 9:51 PM

2019-08-21T21:51:43-04:00

My best dive experience in Cenotes in Mexico and I’m a Dive Master in Puerto Rico diving all weekends

Response by PO2 Bill Kays made Aug 21 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-08-21T21:54:01-04:00

Got my PADI license here in Jacksonville NC. Tried to keep up with young marines in my class. Failed the swimming part. To old and worn out. Did this at age 52. After working on swimming I passed.

Response by A1C Tyrone Chandler made Aug 21 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-08-21T21:54:50-04:00

I have never been but would like to go

Response by PO2 David Jameson made Aug 21 at 2019 9:58 PM

2019-08-21T21:58:50-04:00

I have dove in many of the ocean's around the world best one was the Indian ocean

Response by Capt Thomas Hanes made Aug 21 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-08-21T21:59:01-04:00

I was stationed at Kadena AF, Japan. I went all the way up to the final and got orders to leave back to the States. I never finished the course. I was on the last dive and test. I need to finish what I started back from 1988. PADI

Response by PO1 Julio G. made Aug 21 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-08-21T22:00:22-04:00

My wife and I spent a week in Negril, Jamaica for our honeymoon, many moons ago. One day, we took a guided dive but she stayed on the boat because she wasn't certified. This was back in 2004, right after a major hurricane tore through the GOM and caused much damage. Lucky for us, our resort suffered zero damage. Preparation paid off. However, the ocean was a different story. Lots of broken coral everywhere. But, because the hurricane stirred up the waters, the water temperature at depth was warm. Our dive was about 30 minutes, not counting our safety stop. The max dive depth was 80' and the temperature was a nice 78 degrees. The visibility was outstanding at +/- 80'. That was the strange part. You would think it would have been murky but no, everything settled fast.
We encountered a very large grouper along the way, saw some turtles, heard some dolphins, and some other fish.
That was the first time I dove without a wetsuit. That's me getting ready to jump. Notice just shorts and t-shirt.

Response by SR Russell Corns made Aug 21 at 2019 10:06 PM

2019-08-21T22:06:24-04:00

Never been scuba diving.

Response by SSgt Zachary Steele made Aug 21 at 2019 10:06 PM

2019-08-21T22:06:40-04:00

I go to do a reef dive off the coast of Puerto Rico about 40 years ago
We took a
Out out to the reef where we geared
Up and selected diving buddy’s
The captain of the boat explained that
There was a strong current at the designated depth a dwe were instructed to Relax and go
With the current he would follow us and pick us up down stream
We
D ended to 40, or 50 feet and we drifted for the entire dive
At that depth the water was clear and visibility was about 30 feet
The reef was beautiful and so alive with fish including barracuda
Huge schools of fish encircled me .....as they ignored me somehow seeming to Minos I
Meant them no harm
I had about 50 dives logged in my PADI log book at that time
None of them as memorable as this one
The dive continue and we spotted so many
Different specific of life on and around the reef. I hardly had to kick at all
In fact
I spent most st of the time with my knees together and legs crossed at my ankles
It was. A
Wonderful dice in a spectacular place on earth that no longer
Exist . I went back. A feweee
Years
Ago and attempted to re live the experience. And it
Almost brought tears to my eyes to see how man had allowed or caused that portion of the ocean to die. I asked The young boat captain “where are all the fish “ he could not understand the question
Because the ocean had been this dead for his entire life
Live Responsibly....dive responsibly and be a part of the

Response by LT David Culp made Aug 21 at 2019 10:09 PM

2019-08-21T22:09:17-04:00

My first dive after completing my dive certification in Pensacola was a penetration wreck dive at 80ft using Nitrox in Thailand.

Response by MSgt Jesse Tiede made Aug 21 at 2019 10:10 PM

2019-08-21T22:10:02-04:00

My best SCUBA experience was in the Philippines, back in the early 1990s. I not only got to certify Basic Open Water, Rescue, Search and Recovery, and Advanced Open Water, I got to do them all in the pristine waters of the Philippine Islands! PADI certs was a blast, and I got up close to a black tip shark, stonefish, lionfish, and more different kinds of anemones than you can shake a stick at. Good times, those, and, unfortunately, the last time I got my gills wet. Sure wouldn't mind a recert class, for sure...

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 10:13 PM

2019-08-21T22:13:04-04:00

Indian Ocean

Response by CMSgt Edward Bans made Aug 21 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-08-21T22:15:35-04:00

I have never dived before.

Response by LCDR Rick Wilhoite made Aug 21 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-08-21T22:15:51-04:00

After the Gulf War ended, I was fortunate enough to dive a couple of times in the Red Sea in south western Saudi Arabia. Pitch a canopy, dive 15 feet off shore in pristine coral reefs. Take a break for lunch, watch the camels wander the beach and go back for a second dive. So amazing!

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 10:16 PM

2019-08-21T22:16:45-04:00

I’m not 100% yet

I’m only 70%

Response by CW4 Jeffrey Segal made Aug 21 at 2019 10:17 PM

2019-08-21T22:17:48-04:00

Diving the Great Barrier Reef/Coral Sea with my son.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2019 10:21 PM

2019-08-21T22:21:17-04:00

My best experience scuba diving was using an entire tank of air on one small area of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. That one small area was only ONE square meter.

I only used "buoyancy breathing" to move around that small ONE square meter area.

It totally captivated me! Both, being able to move just by breathing and what I was able to experience. Like a huge variety of coral, fish, and even "Cleaner Shrimp" cleaning my cuticles and under my fingernails!!!

The huge amount of beauty and diversity of life in that ONE square meter of the reef totally blew me away!

Response by PO3 Alhaji Mansary made Aug 21 at 2019 10:25 PM

2019-08-21T22:25:11-04:00

Never done it before

Response by PO2 Elmo Antonio Berkel made Aug 21 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-08-21T22:26:43-04:00

My best scuba experience was not only getting my PADI certification as a "Rescue Diver", but doing it in the clear warm waters of the Philippines during a rest and relaxation trip from Seoul Korea.

Response by Cpl Shawn Baker made Aug 21 at 2019 10:45 PM

2019-08-21T22:45:38-04:00

As a dive master asst. instructor I was wondering if you need help doing dives?

Response by SFC Jeff Allen made Aug 21 at 2019 10:47 PM

2019-08-21T22:47:40-04:00

The last one!

Response by MCPO Will Wilson made Aug 21 at 2019 10:47 PM

2019-08-21T22:47:40-04:00

Rebuilding the Staghorn Coral Reef in Key West with Mote Research Lab Scientists and University Interns! Worked out of Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School On Trumbo Point Key West....great staff, awesome dives, awesome purpose!

Response by 1stSgt Bob Blevins made Aug 21 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-08-21T22:50:22-04:00

Going to Diving School in Del Mar California in 1964......then Jump School at Ft Benning, GA. then beginning my Diving and Jump Career in Kodiak, Alaska. Continued SCUBA and Para-Rescue for the next 33 years......Hard to say what was the Best..! I would not trade a Single Day of it..!
Bob Blevins/Retired First Sergeant USMC

Response by Sgt Patrick Harris made Aug 21 at 2019 10:52 PM

2019-08-21T22:52:07-04:00

First would be in the Mediterranean off of Ustica. Only get there from Palarmo, Sicily on a ferry. Amazing stuff laying in the silt. Litter from ancient ship wrecks like amphoras, broken statuary and face to face with the biggest barracuda with about two thousand teeth staring me in the face from about a foot. Caves with all the glowing colors of the rain bows living in an extinct volcano tube. After that Amex decided I must have lost my card. I had only that card with me because I left all my other cards with a friend in the UK. Made life exciting above and below. Also went to the Egypt and dove wrecks in the Suez. That whole trip was perilous but had a blast. Great memories of learning at Glen Faith's Mermet Springs. He has put stuff in the quarry including the 727 from a movie. He bought the 727 used in The Fugitive and sank it. Other fun things to find including Paddle Fish.

PJH USAF Ret Sargent

Response by PFC Steve Trautman made Aug 21 at 2019 10:55 PM

2019-08-21T22:55:50-04:00

Maui

Response by Sgt Wesley Fortman made Aug 21 at 2019 10:58 PM

2019-08-21T22:58:04-04:00

Where can I find classes near me in IL ? I live near Great Lakes Navel Base

Response by SGT Jw Nugent made Aug 21 at 2019 11:12 PM

2019-08-21T23:12:37-04:00

I am a Dive Master with Nitro experience as well as some rebreather work. I also worked as a technician repairing first and second stage equipment. I you have something going on in South East Texas, especially near Spring, I would be happy to assist. If nothing else I have a box of books about diving and could probably donate some 1st stage equipment.

Response by SPC William Gallucci Sr. made Aug 21 at 2019 11:19 PM

2019-08-21T23:19:14-04:00

Bill Vietnam 1969 at LZ Charlie Brown tried to rent tanks from Navy. Not going to happen. Best experience Florida keys 1984. Big Pine key was great, Gulf is great if you get blown out on the Atlantic. 100% Veteran. [login to see] -love to hear more hot spots. Best phrase, it dont mean a thing !

Response by WO1 Craig L Wirth made Aug 21 at 2019 11:33 PM

2019-08-21T23:33:47-04:00

Diving springs in Florida and the statue and little Grecian at John Pennecamp State Park... Key Largo, Florida

Response by SGT John Creager made Aug 21 at 2019 11:38 PM

2019-08-21T23:38:36-04:00

Been diving a long time. I went on a trip out to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to spear some fish. Being the person I am I figured my dive table to 250ft. I had 6 instructors with me on this trip. Most stopped at 120ft
Two went to the 250ft Water was super clear, we had 200ft vis.
Fish lots of fish too. We shot some fish and the x-wife and I started up. We were shooting some fish as we went.
We got to 60 feet did a decompression stop. Then to 30 feet did another decompression.
Killed a lot of fish.
Two more dives that day were shallow under 80FT.

Next day we stayed fairly shallow. I shot a huge amber jack, it pulled my off the oil rig, I was trying to spread out to stop the fish. Then it decided it was diving. and down it went. I cut the spear gun loose and started up, then thought hell check the depth gauge. Well lets just say I was way to heck to deep in the Gulf of Mexico. I finally got to the surface, and could hardly see the oil rig and the boat. The water was glass smooth. I was probably 2500 ft or more away. It took a long time to make the swim back.
Having lost my spear gun to a fish, yea a fish, I was done for the day diving for fish.

Third day was great, we did our deep dive first. I had to borrow a spear gun. Shot some good fish, cobia, snapper and grouper. I was standing on an arm of the oil rig, huge huge amber jack swimming by. So I decided to wait to see what I could shoot. Saw a 8 ft hammerhead, cruise the rig, but the vis. was not great, we were closer to the southwest passage and getting some cloudy fresh water.

I saw this hug AJ, just out of range, then it came back in range, shot it, but hit it back behind the gills. The fight was on, the fish went around the upright, the cross arm, it was fighting hard. If you have ever hunted salt water, you don't use the nylon string, you change out to thin steel cable.
So the fish I finally subdued by cutting its hear under the gills, a bit of blood in the water.

I then checked my air, Crap I was down to 500 psi., but I was tied to the oil rig with steel cable. I tried to stay calm and work my leg loose, but it was not happening. I decided I might could cut the cable, Yea right that cable is strong and it was not cutting. I looked again I was at 300psi. I thought about cutting my leg off at the knee, but decided I did not have enough air to do that..
I now had decided it was my time to die. Yes I was 85ft deep, and we always hunt solo.
Somehow I slipped my fin off and my boot. And was able to pry the cable off and over my heel.
I knew I was out of air so headed up trying to stay calm. I saw the hammerhead on the way up again. I was near the boat, the last man up. I told then capt I had seen this hammerhead and he grabbed my BC an pulled me on board, the hammerhead was making a run at me.

Capt ask where his spear gun was, I said 85 ft deep on that leg of the rig. Told him I had stringer of fish on it too. He donned his gear loaded a 12 gauge band stick. In he went. He hit the hammerhead right in the brain and killed it. Another diver jumped in and went to float the shark with a buoy.
The capt was back in just minutes with the speargun and fish. As he climbed on board he said he had never killed a shark that big with the stick.

As we worked the shark up to the boat, the Capt cut the tail off. I ask why, he said the shark would bleed on out and the meat would be very good, he also said if you don't the meat of sharks can taste like ammonia...

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 12:49 AM

2019-08-22T00:49:55-04:00

Off the Coasts of Nova Scotia & Newfoundland

Response by SPC Lito Liloc made Aug 22 at 2019 12:55 AM

2019-08-22T00:55:28-04:00

How can i get a scuba class for free?

Response by CPO Howard Rudd made Aug 22 at 2019 12:56 AM

2019-08-22T00:56:04-04:00

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2019 1:02 AM

2019-08-22T01:02:00-04:00

I finally dove the GBR this past February, during my vacation to Australia and New Zealand. I've been dreaming about diving the GBR since I was 8 years old. It was great, even being stung by the sea butterflies. I will dive there again.

Response by PO1 John Turner made Aug 22 at 2019 1:04 AM

2019-08-22T01:04:49-04:00

normal diving nothing else.

Response by Maj Maria Petras made Aug 22 at 2019 1:41 AM

2019-08-22T01:41:31-04:00

Galapagos diving with Whale Sharks and Penguins. Red Sea saw a Spanish Dancer, Roatan and Guanaja on live aboard with 100 ft visibility, Catalina Island at night in kelp bed, Cozumel with the wall, Great Barrier Reif with coral and fish, Hawaii chasing the turtles. Diving is great fun all around the world.

Response by PO2 Dale Street made Aug 22 at 2019 1:51 AM

2019-08-22T01:51:20-04:00

My best diving was on a Blackbeard`s cruise.

Response by LCpl Michael Tuscano made Aug 22 at 2019 2:17 AM

2019-08-22T02:17:57-04:00

diving truk

Response by PO2 Rick McGuire made Aug 22 at 2019 2:52 AM

2019-08-22T02:52:09-04:00

Catalina island south California great place for diveing has 100foot visiabilty very clear water

Response by PO2 Roger Osterhues made Aug 22 at 2019 3:21 AM

2019-08-22T03:21:33-04:00

I lost the tip of my spear head spear fishing off Newport RI. 10 minutes later I found a brand new one with a tip and barbs. Made my day.

Response by SPC Michael Cooper made Aug 22 at 2019 3:24 AM

2019-08-22T03:24:29-04:00

My final five for certification in Naamaa bay, Sinia Peninsula, Egypt. We ended up following a massive sea turtle 66m down. To be able to see this majestic turtle in it's home unafraid, just flying through the clear ocean water was the most amazing sight I've ever seen, both above and below water!

Response by PO3 Robin Bragg made Aug 22 at 2019 3:35 AM

2019-08-22T03:35:37-04:00

When I first learned to dive and get certified in the Philippines. Off of Grandy Island same place Subic Bay. Don't know why that just sticks in my head.

Response by SPC Darrel Johnson made Aug 22 at 2019 3:57 AM

2019-08-22T03:57:41-04:00

Diving the USS Duane Wreck off John Pennekamp State Park in the FL Keys. It was a beautiful dive with blue water and 100+ft visibility. Lots of big fish to see.

Response by Capt Mike Carrington made Aug 22 at 2019 4:23 AM

2019-08-22T04:23:01-04:00

Was diving in shallow water in the Med off the Southern coast of Turkey. I saw an amphora that was complete - no holes!!! That area has many, many shards of amphora lying around in the sand but this was unusual in that it looked intact. So, I picked it up to examine it and it was HEAVY. Underwater. So, I started backing out of the Sea up toward the coastline. My intent was just to find out what was in the thing to make it so heavy. But as my head broke out of the water and I turned around to get my bearings, I saw dozens of young Turkish boys lining the coastline. No matter my benign intent for simply examining that Amphora and contents, if I brought it out of the water it could have been interpreted as a violation of the Turkish antiquities law. I very quickly decided on being prudent and walked back into the sea. My intent, then, was to return and examine the Amphora later so I put it on an underwater shelf and left. I never did find it again. I'd sure like to know what was in it. Of course, a flight of fancy is that it was full of gold and that's what made it so heavy underwater. But, truth be told, many ships of that time had amphora with lead in them to act as ballast. But still, I wish I'd had a chance to see what was in it.

Response by Capt Mike Carrington made Aug 22 at 2019 4:38 AM

2019-08-22T04:38:21-04:00

Absolutely LOVED diving, just like everyone else. But smoked, being young and dumb, and now have COPD. I'm told that if I dive again it'll kill me. I''m 73 and would LOVE to go again.

QUIT SMOKING if you still do!!!!!

Response by CPO George Reiss made Aug 22 at 2019 7:37 AM

2019-08-22T07:37:12-04:00

On a night dive in the Bahamas our dive master gathered us at the anchor line. With everyone holding the line he had us all turn off our dive lights. The enveloping darkness and the feel of the water was quite surreal.

Response by LTC Branson Rector made Aug 22 at 2019 8:10 AM

2019-08-22T08:10:01-04:00

All of South Florida with Veterans Ocean Adventures! Our mission is to create opportunities for veterans to experience the healing power of water.

Simply put: We take Veterans Sailing, Diving, Kayaking and Stand up Paddle boarding (SUP).
All activities are provided free of charge.

We work with ALL Veterans including the physically wounded and those
affected by PTSD. We partner with the Miami and Broward Vet Centers as well as the Miami VA
Hospital, the local military community, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other Veterans
Service Organizations.

For more information about our program visit us at http://www.VeteransOceanAdventures.org

www.VeteransOceanAdventures.org

Response by PO1 Michael O'Quin made Aug 22 at 2019 8:24 AM

2019-08-22T08:24:46-04:00

While diving in the Bahamas in 2003 as I was descending in very clear water with the bottom another 60 feet below me and the surface 60 feet above me I had this overwhelming feeling that I was floating in space. It was the most peaceful and relaxing experience I have ever had. To top off the dive while hanging on the anchor chain doing my safety stop a giant turtle came up to examine me.

Response by MAJ Thomas Clair made Aug 22 at 2019 8:35 AM

2019-08-22T08:35:08-04:00

I got married scuba diving.

Response by CPT Tony De La Tejera made Aug 22 at 2019 8:41 AM

2019-08-22T08:41:32-04:00

Didn't get a chance to do those fun things while in service. SO I became a diver and parachutist on the civilian world. The best spot to scuba dive is definetly the caribean. anywhere in the caribean

Response by MSgt David Berdanier made Aug 22 at 2019 8:42 AM

2019-08-22T08:42:54-04:00

1992- Wake Island. My unit was flight testing special mission systems and I dove the surrounding waters and have found no where in the world with water clarity amd diverse species as Wake.
I am a previously certified PADI Open Water Instructor with 500+ dives including Italy, Panama, Okinawa, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and a whole lot of cold water quarries in Pa.

Response by MSgt David Berdanier made Aug 22 at 2019 9:12 AM

2019-08-22T09:12:16-04:00

1992-Wake Island. One month of flight testing special mission systems afforded me to dive the best clarity (100+ft), most diversity (giant octopus, lionfish filled grottos, giant eels, Napolean Wrasse, beautiful coral) depths to ?, WWII wrecks. I was a certified PADI OWSI, with 500+ dives including Italy, Panama, Puerto Rico, Okinawa, Kuwait, numerous U.S. sites and too many cold Pa.quarries.

Response by SSG Jim Patterson made Aug 22 at 2019 9:18 AM

2019-08-22T09:18:27-04:00

This is MY STORY and I'm STICKIN TO IT! RAKKASAN! My personal time with JESUS was AWESOME!

Response by MSG Fredrico Marmolejo made Aug 22 at 2019 9:21 AM

2019-08-22T09:21:15-04:00

NAUI Master Diver - My best experience was teaching (SCUBA) at the University of Texas Pan Am Edinburg, Texas for eleven years from 1995-2006.

Response by SGT Noah Moses made Aug 22 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-08-22T09:24:17-04:00

When stationed in Hawaii, use to dive the reef at Mokule`ia. and Waianae.

Response by SP5 Tim Steiner made Aug 22 at 2019 9:54 AM

2019-08-22T09:54:57-04:00

https://www.facebook.com/tim.steiner3/videos/vb [login to see] / [login to see] 004069/?type=3

Last weeks dives in Cozumel, Mexico

Response by Capt Mike Larson made Aug 22 at 2019 10:07 AM

2019-08-22T10:07:03-04:00

Okinawa. Beautiful day, beautiful water, peace-time & peaceful... Down about 50-60' looking for shells around the bottoms of coral and volcanic rock formations. At about the same instant I got a glimpse of something through a hole in the formation, the yellow & brown color and pattern of which did not match that of the rock formation, my buddy - who was down at the very bottom of the formation - came literally face-to-face/teeth with the biggest eel either of us had ever seen. Huge. I've never seen anyone's eyes open so wide; nor have I ever seen anyone - either before or since - execute and accomplish such an impressive "full reverse" maneuver in SCUBA environment!

Response by PFC Ted Godsey made Aug 22 at 2019 10:31 AM

2019-08-22T10:31:00-04:00

I am a Certified PADI Open Water Diver, and have been diving for 10 years now, being weightless is a thrill, and it takes the pressure off my knees and back, I am also certified Nitrox Gas, next will be the scooter class, I plan on saving up for one, that'll help the knees out. I recommend diving to everyone, it's something I can still do with my disabilities

TM

Response by SGT Bruce Hale made Aug 22 at 2019 10:36 AM

2019-08-22T10:36:20-04:00

I never got a chance to learn to scuba dive but did a lot of snorkeling while stationed in Hawaii. Lots of beautiful places to do both diving or snorkeling.

Response by PO2 Annette Hay made Aug 22 at 2019 11:00 AM

2019-08-22T11:00:54-04:00

Best time scuba diving was in the Caribbean were we did a penetration dive onto an old sicken ship. It was about 100 feet down at it's deepest point. It was truly amazing.

Response by PO3 B Byrd made Aug 22 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-08-22T11:12:58-04:00

Was cleaning the my subs propeller and upon returning to the surface a dock worker asked if I could run an electrical line to the boat for him. I said sure, of course to stay in the water longer, but had to drop my supplies aft first. I returned to the point where the line was at the water, approximately 25 yards away. What I didn't realize after grabbing the line was that my weight belt was still on and with the added weight almost didn't make it back to the boat. That would have been a story for the Navy Times had I drowned.

Response by PO2 Bradford Joseph made Aug 22 at 2019 11:15 AM

2019-08-22T11:15:14-04:00

I never have but think it would be great to learn, I am 100 percent disabled believe diving will do wonders for my body.

Response by SFC Lee Hodge made Aug 22 at 2019 11:54 AM

2019-08-22T11:54:15-04:00

In south China sea off cam rahn bay noticed a shark pretty close so decided to get out when I got out I saw I was on the wrong side of a barbed wire fence with a sign that said THIS AREA PATROLED BY 1st Rok marine division DO NOT CROSS. Thought if I went back in the water I had to face a shark or stay on the beach and get shot by the ROK Marines.

Response by PO3 Joseph Sprowls made Aug 22 at 2019 11:58 AM

2019-08-22T11:58:42-04:00

On my honeymoon in 1982 I dove the wreck of the RMS Rhône in the British Virgin Islands. She lay diagonally in the sands with a depth of from 45 to 90’ as I recall. The movie The Deep had recently used that spot for the treasure recovery scenes. It was spectacular. 16 years later I would take my 12 year old son and together we would certify and that too was spectacular.

Response by SFC Lee Hodge made Aug 22 at 2019 12:10 PM

2019-08-22T12:10:35-04:00

One the best places I dived was off the coast of Panama near Fort Sherman with a fair number of shark and barracuda but beautiful area

Response by SFC Vladimir Hidrovo Alban made Aug 22 at 2019 12:28 PM

2019-08-22T12:28:19-04:00

My best diving was in Hawaii all around Oahu and Kona.

Response by Heidi Wolfgang made Aug 22 at 2019 12:50 PM

2019-08-22T12:50:03-04:00

I really love "Koloa Landing" on Kauai. I had the pleasure of living there a few years and could dive that location probably 360 days a year! The spot is an old boat dock with easy walk-in access from shore and there is so much diverse marine life at this location I dove nearly 300 times and never saw everything! The landscape is forever changing with corals beginning new life. This is also a terrific location to watch corals spawn if you get your timing right in June, July or August. Eels vary in color and size. On sunny days it's usually easy to see octopus. Sharks visit rarely but are present, same with eagle rays and manta rays. We went on treasure hunts for the elusive and endemic "sunrise shell" people make jewelry with, and found handfuls over the years, so they can be found here! Life ranges from various fish to nudibranchs and even fireworms, shrimp, lobster, and more! Probably 30-40ft long dives, no shower facilities available, but there are porta-potties.

Response by SSgt William Coulter made Aug 22 at 2019 1:24 PM

2019-08-22T13:24:53-04:00

Photographing Recon Marines locking out of a nuclear submarine while underway off the southern coast of Cuba while tethered from the sub by a rope tied to a D-ring half way down the nose of the sub and to my waist. After locking out first by myself to pull my self along the deck and attach a rope onto the nose of the sub, I remember looking back toward the conning tower and seeing those huge ominous propellers spinning behind in the distant dark blue water, leaving me thinking that if I slipped up I would be chopped up into fish food. After tying myself in I looked up at the periscope to signal I was ready for them to start locking out and I almost burst out laughing thru my mouth piece when I saw the huge magnified eyeball of the Captain peering at me from the periscope. They were inside watching me waiting for my signal. I gave it a thumbs up and the Marines started to exit out the side of the conning tower as planned.

Response by LCpl Tom Ferguson made Aug 22 at 2019 1:46 PM

2019-08-22T13:46:15-04:00

As a LCpl in 1st Force Recon Co., I attended Navy Aqua Lung School in Pearl Harbor in 1959. We did submarine reconnaissance missions until left the Corps in 1961. In 63' I became a dive instructor in Walnut Creek, CA. & later became NASDS OWI 488. In 1969 I bought a small diving vessel in Santa Barbara, CA and obtained my license for commercial abalone and also for sea urchin. I owned a diving company in Port Townsend, WA for 20 yrs and retired in 1998. Now live in Nevada. The very best spots to dive.. west coast from San Diego to So. East Alaska. If you like spear fishing, follow the halibut runs from So. Calif up towards WA. I miss it all but soon to be 81 and kind of beat up. I still have a SubaPro MK-7 regulator in fine working condition and a new 1/2" thick farmer john wetsuit if someone is interested.

Response by AB Jerome Paich made Aug 22 at 2019 2:02 PM

2019-08-22T14:02:55-04:00

Jerome J. Paich
I was taught by Ralph Erickson PADI PRESIDENT at Loyola University Chicago and was certified as an open water SCUBA Instructor for twenty years. I found that diving in freshwater lakes was more interesting than diving in saltwater with great visibility. I have taught one disabled diver and found that the limitations could be overcome with patience.

Response by CPO Alex Ayson made Aug 22 at 2019 2:29 PM

2019-08-22T14:29:34-04:00

No experience at all, done some snorkeling but that was the extent of water exposure

Response by PO3 Daniel Venzon made Aug 22 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-08-22T14:30:05-04:00

Belize at the second largest barrier reef!

Response by CPO Alex Ayson made Aug 22 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-08-22T14:33:56-04:00

I think Hawaii is the best spot considering its warm water, or maybe somewhere in the Pacific Region, not sure just guessing.

Response by 1SG John Taylor made Aug 22 at 2019 2:41 PM

2019-08-22T14:41:37-04:00

My best place to dive in Cayman Brac. Reef Divers there are a good outfit.

Response by 1SG John Taylor made Aug 22 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-08-22T14:42:32-04:00

Cayman Brac is a great place to dive lots to see and do. Reef Divers is the outfit there.

Response by SP5 Bill Merritt made Aug 22 at 2019 3:02 PM

2019-08-22T15:02:56-04:00

I have three. One was diving the sunken Japanese fleet at Truk Lagoon. Our fathers did some mighty things in that war and the evidence lies scattered all over the bottom . . . ships, tanks, Zero’s, Betty’s, long-lance torpedoes . . . peaceful now, and stunningly beautiful, encrusted with coral and sea fans. Second was in cenotes in Yucatan. Cavern diving, so you don’t need to be cave certified. Flooded caves with stalactites above and a halocline below where sea water intruded creating a layer of salt water beneath a layer of fresh water and a mirror surface which reflects images of you, your diving buddies, and the stalactites above. Third was in the Sea of Cortez . . . richest, most diverse animal life I ever saw. Whales and dolphins from the dive boat every day. One day we got into a pod of hundreds of bottlenoses stretching almost to the horizon.

Response by SGT William Corley made Aug 22 at 2019 3:34 PM

2019-08-22T15:34:56-04:00

When in the Scuba Club at MCRD SD we went abalone hunting near La Jolla. Swam out about 1/2 mile got some abalone. When we surfaced to our floats the fog was so heavy and the waves were lapping over us from all directions. We used a compass to determine what direction shore was and swam in to discover we had been taken about a mile down and were faced with the Cliffs of La Jolla to get out of the water. We'd been in the water for hours and were tired. We had to time our individual swimming to rocks below the cliff with the large waves. Some fishermen on top of the cliff threw a line that we grabbed and they jerked us out of the water, off the rocks and up the cliff one at a time. We all made it but lost the abalone and floats. Upon returning to base the MP's were going to write us up for being off base in improper civilian attire (wet suits) until the club president a Colonel exited one of our cars, in his wet suit and asked to speak to the Officer in Charge. The MP's said never mind. We went to our barracks and fell asleep without dinner. It was a fun Saturday.

Response by PO2 Matt Marriott made Aug 22 at 2019 3:56 PM

2019-08-22T15:56:27-04:00

Got back yesterday from diving with Great Whites in Isla Guadalupe. It was ok.

Response by SPC Ryan David made Aug 22 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-08-22T16:22:40-04:00

I have never went scuba diving. I have dreamed of getting into it for years. For a long time after Iraq I planned on moving to Belize and opening a scuba shop and teaching the classes all the time. It just sounded relaxing to go to an area with clear water. But i'm not sure it will happen anytime soon, I kind of trashed my resume during the process of getting closer to my daughter and now i am broke and having trouble finding work in my field or even anything decent otherwise. I have two degrees, a bachelor's and an associates, both related to the energy sector but no bites on jobs yet. Really wish I could go somewhere beautiful and learn scuba, don't think i would come back though :)

Response by A1C Scott Siegel made Aug 22 at 2019 4:42 PM

2019-08-22T16:42:05-04:00

About 1988, I was diving in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, when I saw a Jewfish (Goliath Grouper) just sitting there watching us. I got the brilliant idea for a photo op, so I signaled to my buddy to get a picture and I proceeded to put my arms around this impressive fish. As soon as I grasped my hands, he decided he wasn't having anything to do with me and beat me to near death against the fire coral there. My friend and the dive master both thought this was the funniest thing they had ever seen. Didn't get the pic and had to suffer with fire coral burn for days...I will never do that kind of shit again.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Aug 22 at 2019 5:20 PM

2019-08-22T17:20:28-04:00

Diving with my daughter when she was stationed in PR (USCG - Aguadilla).

Response by SSgt Amber Anderton made Aug 22 at 2019 5:25 PM

2019-08-22T17:25:22-04:00

I've never scuba dived. I am interested in taking lessons. I am not sure if I qualify as my disabilities are arthritis, MST &PTSD.

PLEASE CALL ME AT [login to see] if I may participate.

Response by LCpl Bob Ewing made Aug 22 at 2019 5:44 PM

2019-08-22T17:44:03-04:00

Atlantic side of the cable in Panama. Galita ilsand

Response by LT Thomas Grant Jr. made Aug 22 at 2019 6:15 PM

2019-08-22T18:15:08-04:00

Diving off of isla Mujeres out from Cancun, Mex one day I watched a diver who had taken food from the breakfast table in a small plastic bag and he was feeding it to these huge Groupers. This one particular one was close to 300 lbs and an easy 6'+ long. That was not abnormal back in the early 70's. Today you're lucky to see one topping 30 lbs. The diver stopped and put away the food in his hand and waved at a friend. The fish thought he was holding out more food and came for it. The fish took off his hand at the wrist. The water was so filled with blood that it was almost impossible to see him. I dropped the weight off my weight belt and fought with him so as to be able to put a tourniquet on. He was in shock and just let loose, relaxed almost passing out. Even through his shock, he kept spitting out his mouthpiece to scream and it was a challenge stuffing it back in while trying to surface. before the sharks showed up. Others were yelling for the boat which came quickly and we loaded him on board. The Mexican government sent a chopper and it took him up and away in the basket; his skin colors changing, white and purple. We heard later that he survived. LTJG Thomas A Grant USCG.

Response by SPC Jeff Williams made Aug 22 at 2019 6:15 PM

2019-08-22T18:15:18-04:00

Monterey Bay, Fort Ord California. Point Pinos 100 foot deep dive for advanced open water course. Sea Lions Kelp, and Hawian sling grouper fishing.

Response by PV2 Garold Blocker made Aug 22 at 2019 6:54 PM

2019-08-22T18:54:34-04:00

Doing underwater photography,diving the little Cayman Islands.diving the wall and the mixing bowl and looking into the abyss!

Response by CDR Shirley Moone made Aug 22 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-08-22T21:21:27-04:00

I dont have any

Response by PO3 Jeff Porter made Aug 23 at 2019 5:56 AM

2019-08-23T05:56:30-04:00

Snorkeling in Gitmo, Cuba was incredible. Water was as clear as the sir. Sea turtles where everywhere, so where the Barracuda. We had a huge eel swim right between myself and a fellow diver. We where only about 6 ft apart.

Response by SFC Gina Hall made Aug 23 at 2019 6:34 AM

2019-08-23T06:34:36-04:00

Canary Islands, water was cold but so clear you could almost see the man made reef from the boat. There was the largest school of barracuda fish I'd where seen, and the butterfly rays were amazing.

Response by MSgt Steve Combs made Aug 23 at 2019 6:58 AM

2019-08-23T06:58:26-04:00

Night diving on Okinawa

Response by CPT Dale Ingham made Aug 23 at 2019 8:19 AM

2019-08-23T08:19:07-04:00

Lobster diving with Operation Outdoor Freedom wounded veterans off of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Response by CW2 Hector R López made Aug 23 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-08-23T10:08:06-04:00

Mediterranean Sea off the Turkey Coast
Pacific reads of Panama

Response by PO1 Michael Whittaker made Aug 23 at 2019 11:13 AM

2019-08-23T11:13:44-04:00

I was an active Divemaster. I dove in Guam (asst instructor) and in the Philippines.

Response by PO3 Anthony Hernandez made Aug 23 at 2019 12:24 PM

2019-08-23T12:24:25-04:00

I've had some diving when I was younger, now that I haven't dived in many a years I wish to
try my luck at it again. In the fifties and sixties I dove for my grand ma This was free diving I liked it so much when I joined the Navy in the later sixties. I joined the Navy Seals for a chance to become one of America's finest fighting forces known to man kind. As it is I couldn't kill anything at the time so as you can tell for how the bell tolls I guess I was to young. Any ways here I am now so let's get this party started.

Response by SSG Melvn Coffey made Aug 23 at 2019 1:03 PM

2019-08-23T13:03:33-04:00

On my first deep water dive in the Gulf of Mexico next to a working deep water oil
platform, I dove in first. At about 30 feet, I saw a THING about the size of a
Volkswaggen. I was up and on the boat before my trainer had a chance to
dive into the water.

I old him how big this THING was. He said lets go. [ We both dove into the water at
the same time. He swims over to this THIING an punches the THING in it side.

It was a GAG-Grouper. Hugh.

That was my first of many deep water dies.

Melvin Coffey
[login to see]

Response by PO3 Joseph Mcleod made Aug 23 at 2019 1:43 PM

2019-08-23T13:43:33-04:00

First dive off Kin Blue Beach in Okinawa, dropped into an old bomb crater from WW2, the astounding amount of life that grew on the walls of that place was spellbinding. While floating above this reversed fishbowl a parrot fish the same color as my diving glove (yellow, black, and red) swan up and bit my finger. Lucky that the little buggered did, looking at my gauge and watch i realized my tank had less than five minutes of air. Surfacing, i realized my look into the passed and the future of this place changed my outlook on the ocean forever.

Response by PO3 Joseph Mcleod made Aug 23 at 2019 2:13 PM

2019-08-23T14:13:42-04:00

First dive ever Kin Blue beach Okinawa, floated into one of the WW2 bomb crater. The amount of life in this inverted fishbowl was amazing. As i hung suspended over this explosion of life, a red black and yellow parrot fish swan up and bit my glove that was the same color. Good thing the little bugger did, looked at my gauge and my watch and realized i had only five minutes of air left.

Response by PFC Alan Brewer made Aug 23 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-08-23T15:09:46-04:00

No experience diving. Currently, receiving 100% VA Disability: PTSD/Anxiety Disorder/ Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Vietnam-Nam Era Veteran , discharged 4/1975. Can anyone provide me with link to sign up and qualification criteria?

Response by SPC Lee Trotta made Aug 23 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-08-23T15:16:52-04:00

I usually just stick to snorkeling now. However, my best scuba diving experience was in Acapulco, Mexico, back in 1972. The density of big, colorful fish made me yearn for the saltwater experience from then on.

Response by SFC Daniel Murphy made Aug 23 at 2019 3:50 PM

2019-08-23T15:50:50-04:00

Dominican Republic

Response by SSgt Michael Talbott made Aug 23 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-08-23T17:03:37-04:00

My best experience was diving in the Philippine ocean among a manta ray and then down amongst the corals and white tip sharks

Response by PO2 Mike Peterson made Aug 23 at 2019 5:07 PM

2019-08-23T17:07:31-04:00

was almost eaten by a goliath. Hit him with a spear, when it was legal, then it chased me to the surface from 85ft deep. grabbing at my fins the whole time. Wasnt worried about the bends at that time. he was 600-800 lbs bigger than a volkswagon, largest I have ever seen and I have seen hundreds. I am a master captain and have fished offshore for the last 40 years.

Response by Sgt Frank Church made Aug 23 at 2019 7:14 PM

2019-08-23T19:14:18-04:00

Mine was in Carasu we went to the seaquarium about 20 feet of water they had nurf sharks and sea turtles then the last was a 400 pound grouper named Woody he was so tamed it let me pet him it was nice there was a photographer that took pictures great memories. That was the best scuba that my wife and I ever had loved it. Other than that her and I don't get to do that any more be cause of our Bengal Cat Simba.

Response by 1LT Phil Ferrari made Aug 24 at 2019 5:36 AM

2019-08-24T05:36:54-04:00

Scuba diving with friends off the coast of Dubrovnik , Yugoslavia before all the troubles , water was crystal clear and the sunken roman ruins with mosaics was astonishing.

Response by SGT James Mosley made Aug 24 at 2019 9:25 AM

2019-08-24T09:25:31-04:00

Diving off the coast of Cuba at gitmo.

Response by SGT Gary Price made Aug 24 at 2019 12:00 PM

2019-08-24T12:00:15-04:00

I am a PADI (put another dollar in) dive master, master diver, rescue diver and god knows what else. If you ever need help with the program let me know.......
Gary P. Price

Response by SFC Daniel West made Aug 24 at 2019 2:18 PM

2019-08-24T14:18:13-04:00

I am a Master Scuba Diver with 60 dives total in places as follows: Australia, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Florida & Mexico. Best--warm water and great clarity dives were on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Bahamas. The Pacific and related waters are just plain cold!

Response by Sgt William Boyd made Aug 24 at 2019 4:56 PM

2019-08-24T16:56:29-04:00

Freshwater springs in Florida are very cold and extended exposure can limit one's dive time if not wearing a proper 'wetsuit'. In my hurry to get out of the frigid cold
I was rushing to get out and enjoy the sun. That's when I suddenly realized I was face to face with a large alligator resting in the under water vegetation. I did not wait for introductions.

Response by SGT John Lowman made Aug 24 at 2019 11:38 PM

2019-08-24T23:38:54-04:00

A pogo race under water while I was stationed with the 25th division.

Response by MSgt Paul Vanek made Aug 25 at 2019 3:17 PM

2019-08-25T15:17:03-04:00

My greatest experience(well all of them) was when I first attained PADI Open water cert. In Okinawa , Japan. After graduation some of the former students and I went to Sunabi Sea wall, walked out beyond the coral reef to where it just dropped to 50+ feet!
Of course we watched our log, and depth, but the experience was AMAZING. I was in a very Large fish tank(if you will), but the aquatic life, sights, colors, sea floor, everything teeming with life was INCREDIBLE!
Fast forward to now....... I have attained a TBI, and have PTSD, and seen this site that Disabled Vet(s) could take advantage of this?
I am in Ar. now and would love to correspond w/ someone who could respond back w/ info.
Here, there is, (I've heard) that there is a monument for a fallen Navy SEAL to dive to see and pay our respects to him to honor his service to our Nation.
Thank you very much for your time,
Very Respectfully,
Semper Fi,
Paul

Response by Cpl Mike Malsbary made Aug 25 at 2019 9:29 PM

2019-08-25T21:29:41-04:00

Dive qual 1993, Souderton Ski and Dive, quals were at a New Jersey quarry and final qual was off the Breakers in Rhode Island. Did several deep water dives in Jamaica but business and finances kept my dive adventures to a minimum. Presently retired from business and embarking on sea kayak self training on local lakes here in Pennsylvania. Keep reaching for the sky fellow Vets, Take care of damage control and go for it. Mike Malsbary USMC 1963-1967- SVN Chu Lai 65-66- OUT!

Response by LTC Al Woltz made Aug 25 at 2019 10:38 PM

2019-08-25T22:38:49-04:00

Diving all around Johnston Atoll in the Pacific. The coral, the sealife, and even swimming with the reef skarks. Spear fishing and BBQing after the dive. Nothing like it.

Response by SGT Larry Shiver made Aug 25 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-08-25T23:44:18-04:00

Thank you to heroes for your service
I grew up in the panhandle of Florida apalachicola my brother and I went to divers den Panama city on the week end I was 15 the first time on our checkout dive we dove the black bart a tug in 60 ft of water the visible was 150 at least it the greatest but their have lots of other great advanture grate times. Their is such a release that occurs when you're in the water the relief to your body the weightlessness the peacefulness such a stress relieving activity if done right

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 2:27 PM

2019-08-26T14:27:30-04:00

I wish to parrticipate in scuba
100% service connected.

Response by TSgt Nancy Pytko made Aug 27 at 2019 10:05 AM

2019-08-27T10:05:05-04:00

I am new to scuba Always snorkeled

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 2:03 PM

2019-08-27T14:03:17-04:00

Diving with a friend of the cost of California. Had my compass set to our rally point when we hit a wall of rock and coral with no way around? As we surfaced the surf took us and tossed us into the rocks, I was able to grab my buddy and drag him back down and finally found a way out.
20 yr's later my friend still busts my chops after a few drinks when we get together, how I almost killed him. It was a great dive

Response by CW3 Mike Noderer made Aug 28 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-08-28T10:59:39-04:00

CW3 (Retired) Mike Noderer

Scuba diving with Whale Sharks of the coast of Okinawa.

Response by A1C John Dozier made Aug 30 at 2019 5:09 PM

2019-08-30T17:09:27-04:00

none

Response by A1C John Dozier made Aug 30 at 2019 5:10 PM

2019-08-30T17:10:09-04:00

no experience in scuba diving

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Sep 3 at 2019 10:34 PM

2019-09-03T22:34:46-04:00

Well , some of my best warm water dives were with truth Aquatics, on the Conception, although I can’t always walk I worked my way up to instructor trainer and course director before having two many problems. But I did love lobster diving in Octobers for 1/2 a dozen different trips over the years with friends and students on the conception. Water was where I could move , and be as good or better than my friends that dove with me. The water was warmer than Oregon, the Vis was better on most of the trips and I caught nice bugs. Even shot a big halibut , first and last, got it but it took me way beyond the safety line, a crew member came out on a boogie board and helped me with the nice catch that I shared and split with the cook that added it to the menu that night, even with a full boat 1/2 of this was enough for everyone to have some baked or fried , it was both a scary trip because it wasn’t until I hooked my lift bag up that I made it back to the surface and the big fish gave up but the crew members help getting back and the 3 big bugs and 2 legal ones I caught, came home to Oregon for a family lobster bake. Loved each of those trips or the dive side of the trips, and hope to get back in the water soon, new knees are working doctor gave ok, wanna to try again swimming and diving was a big part of my recovery, time to get back at it.

Response by PO3 Maynard Shigley made Sep 5 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-09-05T19:46:22-04:00

Australia Great Barrier Reef. When my wife Vicki was living we spent our 25th wedding anniversary on a Mike Ball live-a-board for a week. We had plans to repeat the celebration for our 50th but had to forgo those plans as chemo treatments for LMS cancer was taking all her strength.

Response by SGT Jw Nugent made Sep 6 at 2019 1:29 AM

2019-09-06T01:29:33-04:00

Weird almost dive. Did a 30 inch tunnel to check on it condition. It ran about 8,000 feet cutting through the continental from Leadville to Aspen. Going was interesting slide along ice then into slush then finally cold water. After finding where the tunnel was blocked had to squeeze around then push back uphill though the flowing water, slush, and ice. The last bit was exhausting getting through the slush and trying to get purchase on the ice. Got done and found 2 - 3 feet of snow then had to drive back over the divide without an actual trail. Enjoyed the whole thing.

Response by SSgt Greg Escalera made Sep 15 at 2019 3:17 PM

2019-09-15T15:17:50-04:00

Where is the diving corce. Offered and is the curticate good for survey and ordance work in conus and abroad

Response by PO1 Daryl Moore made Sep 24 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-09-24T20:54:11-04:00

I was certified in Cozumel, as I was a member of a cruise ship orchestra and visited there every Wednesday, year-round. That was an awesome place to dive, but I enjoyed Grand Cayman even more! I didn’t dive any after 1998, but would love to get into a refresher course and dive once again if my spinal arthritis will allow it...

Response by CMSgt Marshall Ray made Oct 22 at 2019 11:52 AM

2019-10-22T11:52:31-04:00

Open water certified, 1978 Truk Lagoon. Instructor, Bill Spurlock of Island Scuba Repair, Guam. First dive, Fujikawa Maru.

Response by PFC Steve Trautman made Jul 16 at 2021 12:26 AM

2021-07-16T00:26:07-04:00

Maui Diving 50 feet down ...!