Vandenberg Dive Trip Terms and Conditions
The dive tour operator has initiated protocol that will determine the level of experience of each diver. This will help them monitor safety while placing each diver in a group with similar experience and not penalizing divers who may be more qualified.
An accurate and working log book gives the tour operator a much better idea about a diver’s level of experience and the date of their last dive. A current diver is one who has dived within the past year. For your safety, the dive tour operator reserves the right to evaluate each diver and place them in the proper group. Certification cards and log books are required to show your experience level.
Safety is everyone’s primary concern. Because of the scale and complexity of this wreck the tour operator will be taking all the necessary precautions. Not all divers will be allowed to penetrate the wreck. The Vandenberg has pre-designed and pre-constructed swim-throughs. The protocol for these areas will be specified in the tour operator’s site briefing. Many times conditions will determine the difficulty of the dive therefore the crew also reserves the right to reevaluate each diver’s skill level as well as the guided diver ratios while at the dive site.
A Guided Diver: A current open water diver within the recreational limits. This level will be under direct supervision of a professional guide. This will allow the group to explore the navigation-bridge deck, radar deck, the 2 satellite dishes, and most of the superstructure. Because of the extra crew, there will be an additional guide fee of $30 per diver. Programs are set up for divers at this level who demonstrate proficiency to qualify as a Vandenberg approved diver.
A Qualified Diver: Advanced diver or above with documented experience, with the proper functioning equipment, and within the recreational limits. The dive profile for this level can range from 40-120 feet, and because of the diversity of depth and time allowed, each diver will be required to have a dive computer. Exploring the wreck will be at your discretion, yet keep in mind there is too much to see in one dive!
A Technical Diver: The deep, technical, mixed gas, or rebreather diver. Divers at this level will be accommodated on a private charter basis. The size of your group will determine the crew, the boat, the equipment required, and the cost. A broad range of dive profiles including wreck penetration exist within this group, most outside the range of recreational diving. For this reason it will be difficult to set a standard for this level. The dive tour operator has the staff to accompany, supervise, or teach at this level. Please contact ToursKeyWest to discuss your needs.
