There is more to a successful technical diving venture than just
competent divers.  Effective planning and competent surface support
personnel are mandatory.  The lift bag is not intended to be chased
down by a ship, but rather by the (mandatory) chase boat, while the
primary vessel remains at anchor.  A competent boat crew comes in handy
here.  Deco is not exclusively done adrift.  Planned drift dives
actually make use of a towed float ball, so the live boat can follow
the divers at all times.  The reel and lift bag for deco is just a
contingency.  There really is no reason to tie into a wreck for an
ascent.  (For some reason, NY/NJ divers seem to feel more comfortable
when they're tied to something.  Hmmm, that could go to explaining the
bondage wings..., but I digress.)  On wrecks, ordinarily the ascent and
deco is performed along the anchor line, unless strong current warrants
shooting a bag to do a drifting deco, or if you return to the anchor
line to find it is not there, you shoot the bag.  Your surface
personnel should be aware of their position and if their anchor is
dragging, and have responded accordingly.   They should have the chase
boat ready and lookouts posted to spot your bag.  Sound excessive? 
Then you are not diving with adequate surface support.  As Jim
mentioned, the biodegradeable sisal line that is typically employed on
the Jersey uplines has a tendency to become weak and fail at the worst
possible time - in an emergency.  Braided nylon line or equivalent is a
better choice.  If 1/16 is unsuitable for the environment, such as in
wrecks, then use larger or more durable line - just put it on a well
designed reel instead of the Jersey spool.  The reel is used for laying
line during a penetration, and for deploying a bag if necessary.  One
tool for two functions - starting to make sense?  The reel also allows
deployment with one hand only, leaving one hand free to deal with
emergencies.  It stows easily and cleanly, and is deployable in
seconds.  For raising artifacts, why not just tend the bag, keeping a
controlled rate of ascent (with you) instead of tying it in and sending
it rocketing to the surface.  Just hand it off to support divers at a
deco stop.  You are diving with shallow support divers, aren't you? 
Better yet, leave the damned wrecks alone so others can enjoy.  Just a
thought.

-Sean



On Wed, 25 Aug 1999 14:09:28 -0400, Paltz, Art wrote:

>Sean,
>
>I think one of the reasons you don't see them used is because the divers are
>doing drift diving.  At least for NY and NJ the reason we have so many great
>wrecks in one concentrated spot is because this area is the entrance to NY
>and Newark/Elizabeth harbors.  Thinking that an approaching ship is going to
>be able to see your dinky lift bag or sausage is nuts.  The dive boars
>anchor into the wreck site.  Drifting means the boat's got to pick you up.
>Very difficult to do when the boats got other divers in the water.
>
>A container ship hit Ambrose Light tower a few years back.  It stands out of
>the water about 150 feet and is probably 75 foot by 75 foot at the base
>(probably bigger).  If you think they'll see a free floating bag and worry
>about it you'd be fish food.
>
>Using a wreck reel with 1/16 inch line on it won't really cut it either.  We
>regularly send up artifacts on bags and tie them into the wreck with wreck
>or cave line and about 50% of the time we end up chasing the bag down cause
>the line has been cut on the wreck.  I don't know about the wrecks in your
>area but in the NE they are all rusty and sharp.  It's easily cuts through
>thin line quickly.
>
>Some say always use a wreck reel and tie in near the anchor line.  This is
>also a good option assuming that a). the anchor line will be there when you
>return and b). your wreck line won't accidentally be cut.  Anchors come
>dislodged from the wreck even if they are tied in or have permanent
>moorings.  I've also seen divers get tangled in others wreck line and
>instead of waiting for their buddy to untangle them they whip out the knife
>and cut it.  This naturally poses a problem to the diver expecting the wreck
>line to lead them back to the anchor line.  I have in this situation re-tied
>the persons wreck line.
>
>Not bashing just giving the reasoning for carrying an up-reel of some type.
>I really don't want to start up another "Jersey Up-Reel" thread.  This one
>was tiresome last time.
>
>Art.
>
>
>		-----Original Message-----
>		From:	Sean T. Stevenson [mailto:ststev@un*.co*]
>		Sent:	Wednesday, August 25, 1999 1:41 AM
>		To:	goindown@be*.ne*
>		Cc:	George Irvine; Jim Cobb; techdiver@aquanaut.com
>		Subject:	Re: Jersey Up Line
>
>		I can't tell if this is a tongue in cheek sarcastic reply or
>if this
>		guy really didn't get the joke.  If it is the latter case,
>might I
>		suggest quitting diving and taking up golf...
>
>		Chris, seriously...  these upline reels are completely
>unnecessary. 
>		I'm guessing you are diving on the Atlantic coast?  Take a
>look at how
>		everyone else in the world does this and ask yourself why
>you do not
>		see these upline reels used anywhere else.
>
>		-Sean
>
>
>		On Tue, 24 Aug 1999 17:18:55 -0400, Chris Gregory wrote:
>
>		>Would that same buddy be there to retrieve it should you
>need to shoot a
>		>bag, and if he's not available what are the "DIR"
>alternatives?
>		>Chris
>		>
>		>
>
>
>		--
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