New Emerald/Clearcut Process

[jj1987]

So you are telling me that I wasted my time with the application and it is no longer of any use???

This whole application process took less time than signing into dive at Ginnie Springs. I don't know why everyone complained.

[Dsix36]

I thought the application process was quick and easy myself. The new procedures will be step in the right direction IMHO.

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[speleodiver]

What I'm about to say isn't directed at any one person. Rather, it is the clarification of facts regarding what citizens in Wakulla County are saying about diving. Being the closest to the park, I can tell you this is just the first step to opening access here in wakulla. While this change really changes nothing with diving at the sites, it does show a very positive indication of what will come. The park is just one of the many with divable sites but change there will change the minds of others who also have sites. As with everything in life, there will be people who complain, people who are just out to enjoy diving and people who will continue to do the behind the scenes work to encourage change. All I can say is if you want to dive then an effort will need to be put forth. Sure one person or a group can do all the work to open sites but getting here will require effort on the part of all who want to dive. I have personally submitted applications for many people of which are all now on the list. I never had any issues. I received a rather harsh pm a few days ago by a certain person about stating this same fact. Unless you are married to bewitched then you will have to do something to dive. It may be just as simple as driving here but it will be something. 5 minutes to fill out paperwork to dive is the smallest proportion of time I spend to do a dive.

The fact is, in Wakulla County, there is a reluctance to open sites from the belief people just won't come here. It is comments like "I wasted my time for what?" that these folks hear. These are the comments that have led to the belief they have. I keep suggesting and will suggest again, there are not a ton of sites yet but there are sites. Come dive them and the disbelief will turn to belief and trust and sites will open. For those that qualify now, there are three of the greatest sites in Florida. And they are within a hour and a half from the popular sites. It's here guys you just need to show up. If you don't have someone to dive with give me a shout. I am available everyday. I teach cave diving so getting to just dive is a special treat for me. For all of you who are qualified to dive here now, you are the key that leads the way to less restrictions and more sites being opened. Yes, diving in Wakulla county requires high standards at this time. These standards are not easily obtained. They require great skill, high dedication and lots of patience. Many who have obtained these skills have gone onto mentoring, but all who have obtained it have the capability of mentoring. And mentoring isn't just about diving and honing skills. Sometimes mentoring may require those that meet the higher standards to help gain access for those that don't.

[Diverlee]

Sounds good to me too. I can never find anyone who wants to go. That might change with the new rules or ptocedure to dive there.

[Superlyte27]

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

[FW]

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

This is what the old application had. I suspect Normoxic would do.

The criteria for determining a cave diver’s eligibility for the issuance of authorization to dive
Emerald and/or Clear Cut Sinks shall be as follows:

1. Applicant holds a full cave diving certification equivalent from one of the following
certifying agencies: NACD; NSS-CDS; IANTD; TDI; or GUE. (If one holds a full cave
certification equivalent from another agency not listed, further review will be required
by the Panel);

2. Certification as a Trimix Diver;

3. A minimum of 100 logged cave dives after certification to NACD, NSS-CDS or TDI
Full Cave Diver/GUE Cave II Diver/IANTD Cave Diver or IANTD Technical Cave
Diver level;

4. Deep dive experience within the past 12 months consisting of a minimum of three
dives in excess of 150 feet involving staged decompression of at least 45 minutes
and;

5. DAN Master Diver insurance or the equivalent.

[Sludge]

4. Deep dive experience within the past 12 months consisting of a minimum of three
dives in excess of 150 feet involving staged decompression of at least 45 minutes
and;

If you put commas after "feet" and "decompression" this means the dive should be 45 minutes; as it now reads, it means 45 minutes of deco. Did anybody ever clarify this with the state?

[a64pilot]

Looking at it, I had thought 45 min. of deco, I never thought 45 min. dive, and obviously that's a huge difference. I thought to get into 45 min. of staged deco, that pretty much meant full tri-mix? Yes I know full tri-mix is like saying full cave, but cut me the slack as I don't know all the proper names of all the different agencies etc.

[FW]

If you put commas after "feet" and "decompression" this means the dive should be 45 minutes; as it now reads, it means 45 minutes of deco. Did anybody ever clarify this with the state?

I am not sure the state cares. This was for the application, which went to the panel. It was them that decided if you were qualified. Good thing I read it as a 45 minute dive, or I would never have applied

[jj1987]

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

I have NAUI Trimix 1, which I believe counts as Normoxic (depth limit 200ft, which I wouldn't use 18 or 21% for). I was approved.

Last I checked, you breathe 15/55 the same way you breathe 21/35 and math is math, so I wouldn't get too caught up in it as I'm guessing the staff won't know.