Bridlington LV83 aboard Providence

[mark w]

The day got of to an early start, up at 3 am and picked up at 3.15, although some people (Steve, Mark & Timbo) had been up earlier as I was the last to be picked up. Travellled to bridlington harbour where we located our boat for the day, the Providence. As we were the 1st to arrive we started loading kit, for room this has to be one of the best charter boats ive been on, being a catermaran the deck area is huge.
We were soon joined by the rest of our party Stan, Richard, Tony and Steve (Lincoln club), Jo, Neil, Becky and Russ (Y.D.) all kit was loaded aboard and off we departed for the trip out to the lightship, being early 5.45 there were quiet a few grabbing a sleep on the way out, weather was fine.
The trip out took about 3 hours during which time, those who were not asleep got to find out who everyone else was, those who were asleep got photographed for a picture show at some suitable future moment.
On arrival at the lightship the guys on the boat deployed the shot, ensuring it was into the wreck, by which time everyone was kitted up and eager to get wet, over the side everyone went, myself and Jo being second to last to go over the side, much to everyones later ammusment (they took the pi** loads which will no doubt continue for weeks) I unfortunately lost my mask on entering the water, a minor problem unless like me you have a perscription mask. A spare mask, non perscription, was loaned to me by Russ (thanks Russ) and I elected to continue my dive. Now everyone tells me the lightship was a superb dive with excellent visibility, unfortunatley for me the visibilty just wasnt there, it was all a bit fuzzy !!! Must return soon and dive this one when I can see properly.
With everyone up the banter started, I think loosing my mask got them off to a good start, even tempting Timbo into a spot of song writing. Needless to say the journey to the second dive site and waiting for slack again soon seemed to pass, with loads of conversation, banter and some sleeping (again more photos).
My second dive was saved as Becky had a spare perscription mask that seemed to match my needs perfectly (thanks Becky) the second dive was a nice rummage dive on the wreck Dolphin.
Back to bridlington harbour, for unloading then the journey home, I was back home for 7 although some had to travel further.
A great days diving on the Providence, anyone who hasnt dived from Bridlington with Tony should give this boat a go, you get well looked after with tea, coffee, hot choc and biscuits.
Thanks to everyone who was on the boat today, I hope you all enjoyed the day, it is always nice to meet and dive with new people, thanks especially to Jo for being just in front of me so I could see which way to go on the lightship..............
Thanks all
Mark

[mark w]

Should have mentioned, should you wish to charter the providence contact details can be found on their website:
Boat Hire & Charter - Bridlington Boat Hire
If you do and you have any spare places PM me with the date and I may well be available to fill one, especially if its for the lightship.
I can try it with a new mask........
Mark

[Stuart M]

Hello Mark
Angela here who sorted your charter booking, I would normally have been out on the boat but it was my birthday on Friday and it was a late night (that was me aboard the fishery protection R.I.B that came along side you later in the day)..
We are pleased you enjoyed your day and if any trips go to LV83 with a place to spare, you'll get a phone call...

Regards Angela

Boat Hire & Charter - Bridlington Boat Hire

[mark w]

Originally Posted by Stuart M

We are pleased you enjoyed your day and if any trips go to LV83 with a place to spare, you'll get a phone call

Thanks Angela.

[Steven]

Who decided on the pickup times??????

I had to be at mark2’s with my gear loaded for 02.45 which I was! (02.00 from home!).
We arrived at Timbo’s 5mins early and at mark w 15 mins early (and he was still in bed!!)
It must have been nice to have got to bed. . . . . . . . .

Anyway onto Brid and as mark said we loaded our gear onto the Providence and then helped everyone else as well, setting off out of the harbour by 06.00.

At the dive site the crew on the boat dropped the shot onto the light ship and a diver went down to check the shot and tie it in – very professional.

I was one of the second pair down after making a very strange side entry into the water!! Something picked up on by my buddy!!!

So I didn’t see the mask being lost! not that I would have laughed honest but to be fair Mark its been on borrowed time hasn’t it??
Pity you couldn’t see the light ship it was well worth the effort of setting off so early, definitely one to go back to.

Coming back up we were introduced (my buddy and I) to the theory of deep deco stops – makes a lot of sense – something to follow up on! (anyone know which book to read??).

Also I was told I’m not greasing my “equipment” properly!!!!!! Well thanks for that!!! I’ll try to do better in future…

Banter. . . . what banter was that then – did I miss something??

2nd dive was good too, this time modifying the side entry to rotate to forward entry! Well it was better for me. . . . . maybe the greasing did help!! I have a strange feeling I’m going to hear more about the entry??? But it was certainly quieter than my buddy’s!

This dive was on the ‘dolphin’ which is well broken up but with plenty of life on it and yes for those sceptics I did see the prop, rudder and boilers and no didn’t spot the mine!!

back up – why does everyone to rush past you on the shot?? Much more fun lying back watching them all!!!

Then back to Brid 17.00 ish unload and set off home (3 hours back too).

thanks to the crew for the briefs, refreshment etc and making the day enjoyable.
to friends new - I will be happy to be in your company for future dives, thanks to all for making it a very enjoyable day.

Steven
ps I'll leave my photos for another day!!

[Timbo]

What Ho chaps!!
Managed to get clips uploaded at last!!
Really had to compress it, sorry about the quality!!


LV83 clip
TinyPic Video and Image Hosting

Dolphin wreck clip
TinyPic Video and Image Hosting

[Timbo]

Topside piccys posted too in gallery!

[Steven]

hey Timbo the videos are impressive!!!

do you think we will see anything from those expensive cameras??

S

[rustuk]

Top video's Timbo, nice one!
And thanks to everyone for a great days diving..

(Especially the lad who lent me the AAA's!)

Cheers
Russ.

[Timbo]

Ho Russ!
Thanks again for buddying up with me and tolerating a camera user!
I was'nt aware of this DiFF thing, sounds right up my street!
Do you think I might qualify??
Is there a probation period for membership,or does past performance count?