Second Valley jetty steps update

I almost forgot to report that, just over 2 weeks ago, the steps on the Second Valley jetty were completely gone, removed, non-existant. Entry & exit to the water needed to be made either via the rocks or the beach. Hopefully the steps will be replaced or rebuilt before too long.

Adelaide Shopper feature 23rd October

The Advertiser chose me at random for the weekly feature in the Adelaide Shopper liftout. I was advertising my friend's son's wetsuit for sale through the on-line classifieds. The Advertiser interviewed me over the phone and then sent a photographer down to take a few shots to work with for the feature. The colour photo was on the front page of the liftout section. A smaller version of this photo featured on the front page of the newspaper. The B&W photo was inside the liftout section. You can't buy publicity like that. The wetsuit was sold by 8am on the day of the paper.

Ewens Ponds/Eight Mile Creek update

DEH has released an "Analysis of Public Submissions for the Ewens Ponds Draft Management Plan Amendment". A detailed 39-page analysis of public submissions is available at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/ewens_ponds_cp_amend_analysis.pdf . The Ewens Ponds CP Management Plan 2009 has been posted at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/ewens_ponds_cp_amend.pdf. Ewens Ponds will be available for snorkelling and scuba diving only and a permit system will be introduced to improve the management of these activities. The permit system will include the limitation of the number of snorkellers and scuba divers allowed in the ponds at any one time. Other limitations include the requirement for snorkellers and scuba divers to only be permitted to move through the channels in the same direction as the current flow. The minimal qualification will be increased to Advanced Open Water for dive permits.

Websites re exploding scuba cylinders

Re scuba cylinders made from 6351 alloy , the Luxfer website found at http://www.luxfercylinders.com/support/faq/sustainedloadcracking-australia.shtml discusses FAQs re Sustained-load Cracking for Cylinders in Australia and New Zealand . The Queensland government websote found at http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/alerts/alloy_cylinders/index.htm is an alert to inform people who fill aluminium alloy cylinders of the risks of death and injury from cylinder explosion. The website found at http://biobug.org/scuba/scubatank/ may be of some interest, despite being American. Many thanks to Neville Skinner for these details.

Some aluminium scuba cylinders have now been banned in SA

Steve Robinson from Scuba Com advises that all Luxfer scuba cylinders constructed from Aluminium Alloy AL6351 have now been banned in South Australia following some recent explosions involving these cylinders interstate and overseas.
For example, a 62-year old scuba diver had his right hand severed at the wrist when his diving tank ruptured. Police said the man was refilling scuba diving tanks at a diving business when the one exploded. The intensity of the blast tore large gouges into nearby brick walls. The man, who was treated at Kempsey District Hospital, also suffered several compound fractures to his right leg. He was airlifted to a Sydney hospital for continued treatment. (Source: http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/scuba-tank-explodes-man-airlifted/1597743.aspx )
All clubs and divers have been requested to ensure that these cylinders are removed from service. Luxfer scuba cylinders were manufactured from 6351 aluminium alloy overseas from 1972 to 1988 and in Australia from 1975 to 1990. Luxfer acquired CIG Gas Cylinders in 1997 and some of the 6351 tanks are stamped with "CIG/Luxfer".
Tanks made by Luxfer after 1990 no longer used Aluminium Alloy AL6351 and are safe. The new alloy is AL6061. The AL6351 aluminium tanks can suffer from fatigue (SLC or Sustained Load Cracking). One example exploded at approximately 1500-2000 psi.
Steve recommends that you check your tank and, if it is suspect, drain it now. He says, "For safety reasons, we are committed to getting these tanks off the market. Thousands of tanks nationwide have already been taken out of service. We advise all clubs and divers to ensure that these cylinders are removed from service."
Details are as follows: -
Identification: CIG/Luxfer cylinders marked AS1777 manufactured between 1975 and 1990 where the serial number does NOT start with an 'S'.
Luxfer cylinders marked DOT3AL or DOTE6498 manufactured between 1972 and 1988.
There should also be an identifying stamp with the numbers 6351.
Scuba Com will no longer accept these cylinders for testing or filling. They believe that ALL SA filling stations have adopted the same stance following another cylinder explosion in Queensland this week.
Some photos provided by Scuba Com have been posted at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/ExplodedScubaCylinder. It is understood that this cylinder was tested regularly, had never been over-filled and was 'in test'.

Steve's Shark Site

White pointer shark (c) Terry Goss 2006/Marine Photobank


I'm now up to 3 blogs following the establishment of Steve's Shark Site at http://stevessharksite.blogspot.com/

Spearfishing at Second Valley

My blog at http://stevesscubasite.blogspot.com/2009/08/spearfishing-at-second-valley.html incorrectly stated "As it stands at present, policing the current ban would be difficult. Spearfishers may enter or exit the 1st bay but be able to say that they only speared outside of the bay."
The Recreational Fishing Guide (found at http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/59935/rec_guide_2008_general_fishing.pdf ) says that "Spearfishing with a hand fish spear or a spear gun is not permitted: In the waters of Second Valley Bay." AND "Persons may carry a fish spear or UNLOADED spear gun in the above waters, but only if carrying the device to or from a boat."