On Sun, 17 Dec 2000 20:53:15 +1100
Christian Gerzner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> On Wed, 13 Dec 2000 07:22:22 -0600, Chuck Hopf <[log in to unmask]>
> responded to a question as to the suitability/desirability of cave
> training for a dive called the Devil's Throat in Coz:
>
> > I would rather it was.  Taking a new diver down the throat is just an
> > accident waiting to happen  and I suspect it will eventually.  What will
> >  happen when someone goes OOA half-way?  Where do they get air or
> > even let someone know they need air?  I dont like that dive for that reason.
> > Too many times the other divers are OCN that are halfway through their air
> > supply before they ever enter. Toss in some narcosis and it is a dangerous
> > place to be (but that is just MO).
>
> I assume, from what Chuck said, that there is a top entry as well as a
> bottom exit.

3 branching top entries that I have done.

> I've never been there (of course) but, surely, if a tight restriction is
> potentially so dangerous why, shouldn't one then do it from the bottom
> going up? Seems to me that there are, often as not, DM's along on these
> dives that know the area intimately so whether you enter at the top or
> the bottom should be equally easy.

All is not what it may seem.

> Indeed if entering holes in coral, and I'm sure a lot of us have done
> it, then this should surely be the preferred option unless on a flat reef?
>
> The advantages of that seem to be rather obvious.

 In your mind only, maybe.

> Or am I missing something?

You are... the presence of a current! Feesh stated this precise reason
earlier for not doing it that way.

The bottom hole/exit is on a an exposed wall and is relatively narrow.
The several top entries are entered over the horizontal reeftop/sandy
bottom; some with protection from the current by upstream coral
outcropping/head.


Michael
--
Divers know the true meaning of peace of mind.