New Jersey Scuba Diving

USS Akron ZRS-4

airship wreck USS Akron
In flight over the Goodyear plant in Akron Ohio, where she was built.
Type:
shipwreck, dirigible ( rigid airship ) , U.S. Navy
Built:
1931, Akron OH USA
Specs:
( 785 ft ) 200 tons, 76 passengers & crew
Sunk:
Tuesday April 4, 1933
atmospheric storm - 3 survivors
Depth:
105 ft

The Akron, like many other large dirigibles, was overcome by a wind shear too powerful for its relatively weak maneuvering controls and crashed. This is a problem inherent in this sort of craft that has never been solved.

The Akron and her sister the Macon were actually built as aircraft carriers. Each carried 5 small fighter planes, which were launched and recovered from a trapeze in the belly of the airship. The idea was that they would act as advance scouts for the fleet, but they were shown to be too vulnerable to attack from carrier-based aircraft. In any case, both ships were lost in accidents, and the airship program folded.

I don't know what kind of a dive this would be - much of the lightweight structure has probably dissolved completely by now. This is, however, one of the more unusual things sunk off the New Jersey coast. There are reports of a debris field of twisted girders.

airshipwreck USS Akron
USS Akron emerging from one of the huge airship hangars at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. The hangars are still there and can be seen for miles from the air.
airshipwreck USS Akron
The hangar complex at NAS Lakehurst. The large hangar in the foreground also housed the Hindenburg before it was destroyed in flames at this site.
airshipwreck USS Akron

For size comparison, see Andrea Doria.

Deep Sea Dive Sites, Dive Sites, Warships,

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Regulators - First Stages

regulator

First stages come in several forms. Your main options are generally:

  • balanced or unbalanced
  • piston or diaphragm
  • sealed or unsealed

Manufacturers will try to make a big deal out of these and various other features. Here's what I think:

  • balanced or unbalanced - Today only the very cheapest regs are unbalanced designs. Breathing performance will suffer, and any reg that cheap will likely be deficient in other areas. There is no reason to buy an unbalanced first stage.
  • piston or diaphragm - This doesn't much matter, there are good designs that use both systems - worry about other things.
  • sealed or unsealed - This refers to whether or not water can enter the first stage. If water can enter, then so can sand and grit, which will inevitably cause a malfunction, probably while you are in the water. Also, for cold-water diving ( not ice diving, just cold water, say 45°F ), the water inside the first stage could actually freeze, with the same result. Do not buy an unsealed regulator for use around here. In fact, don't buy one, period. Sealed designs are generally more expensive to buy and maintain, but it is worth the extra cost. Some regulators ( Genesis, Sherwood ) accomplish the same effect without technically being sealed. This is just as good, maybe better, because the design is simpler.

More: Regulators - First Stages ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

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