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Mark, you wrote:
A line is perhaps a good idea in some instances. When
wreck diving in the North East I feel it is a good idea for
newer divers to deploy a line due to it being very easy
for inexperienced divers to get lost on a wreck.

My sometimes unpopular belief that no penetration lines
should be run into a wreck stems from my feeling that
you should not count on that line being there to guide
you out. Someone might cut it for any number of reasons,
it might be cut on the wreck or you may lose it in poor
visibility or due to malfunctioning light(s).

I think that progressive penetration is the only way to
safely explore a wreck. It does take time and dedication.
You need to learn all you can about the wreck, study
deck plans. other's drawings and you mostly need to
develop skills that will help you identify wreck layouts
and landmarks. This way no matter what happens to your
line, you can find your way out of the wreck and back
to the anchor line.

Mark Welzel

<End of quote>

Regarding a line or progressive penetration:  I've done it both ways and I
prefer the line, if it is run correctly. What ever floats your boat, but I
seem to recall one of your dives on the Doria where you "got a bit lost"
and could not get back to the anchor line?  You did a lift bag drift and
fortunately one of our team members (yes a wreck and cave diver) convinced
Sal to turn the radio down (with much effort) so you could be heard yelling
in the distance. When I came up from my dive, I think Sal was playing
around in the chase boat just to see what it was like to be that far away
from the boat. Weren't you only carrying one light also? 

I have a lot of respect for the NE wreck crowd which includes a lot of fine
divers.  One of my dive partners in the early eighties was a NE wrecker; we
shared our techniques (NE and my North Carolina experience) and made many
safe dives togather.  He introduced me to line laying back then (1/8");
when properly placed, it wasn't going anywhere!  IMHO progressive
penetration is akin to leaving a trail of bread crumbs in a chicken coop. A
lot can happen to the thought process on deep, narcotic, trying dives.
There is a bit of skill required to placing a line properly (primary and
secondary tie-offs, placements v.s. tie-offs, tight, and out of the way) so
that you can follow it out blindly if need be (i.e. look mom no lights
required). 'And it doesn't take any more time if you know what you are doing.

However, there's more to just placing a line.  You need to also reference
your progress; and as you say, learn as much as you can about the layout of
the wreck. Proper line skills do not include "line following"; because line
followers only know where they are in reference to the line and not with
the wreck (or cave).  Lines should only serve as a visual reference
(tactile in a loss of visability). No "lie pulling" please! As far as
someone cutting your line: a primary tie-off outside the wreck followed by
a secondary tie-off inside the wreck, with a few extra tie-offs, placements
where needed, a safety reel (spool), and a little knowledge will take care
of that.  If someone maliciously cuts your line, thats no big deal if you
put it in correctly.  'Other than the fact that you need to deal harshly
with the SOB on the dock. We don't have that problem in Florida, because we
don't tolerate it period! Its a number #1 rule regardless of how much you
dislike someone. 

As far as losing the line due to "malfunction of a light(s)." First what is
the probability of failure of all of at least three quality,
properly-maintained lights. Probably close to zero.  Second where do you
think you will be with no light AND no line (progressive penetration)?
You'll probably be pushing up daisies. There's quite a garden just from the
Doria, isn't there.  With a properly placed and used line, getting out is a
walk in the park.  Get the training and try it sometime, you may like it.
'But remember to take it with you on your way out. 

Lastly, if you think this is a flame, it is not.  I respect your opinion; I
just don't agree with it.  And again I'm not saying progressive penetration
is wrong (statement), but IMHO it is not right (opinion). 

If you see JD anytime soon, tell him we are looking forward to seeing him
when he gets down here. Did he tell you about his DiePolder dive?

With highest regards,
Doug Chapman

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