New Jersey Scuba Diving

Axel Carlson Artificial Reef

2.0 Nautical Miles off Mantoloking
Depth: 65-80 ft
Manasquan Reef Rump OWD III Glory Riggy Delaware Harbor Charlie Caterina.D Middle MRMTC9 Patrick McHugh Horseshoe Crab Ed Schmidiger Hail Mary Colleen Jim Lynch Hillman Austin Captain Bill Megan Sue Brooklyn Bay King McGinty Swensen Barbara Ann MRMTC8 Snug Harbor

Axel Carlson Artificial Reef

The Axel Carlson reef is situated in a trough next to an underwater hill known as the Manasquan Ridge. This is an area of silty mud bottom and usually has relatively poor visibility. Axel Carlson reef is sometimes referred to as the Mantoloking reef. It also contains a number of sunken army tanks ( not shown. ) Minimum clearance at mean low water is 40 feet.

The pink areas on the chart are the "Full Access Zones". These are the areas where commercial fishermen will continue to be allowed to set their traps and lines as of 2015. For the rest of us, those are more like "No Access Zones," but some sort of fair compromise needed to be reached with the commercial fishermen, some of whom could legitimately claim to have fished those spots for generations.

Axel Carlson Reef
Axel Carlson Reef side-scan
Side-scan image of the entire reef, back when it was largely empty
Much more recent side-scan, showing build-up of rock piles
NOAA

Army Tanks

M60 tanks reef
M60 tanks undergo a thorough cleaning before use as reefs

The Artificial Reef Program used four types of obsolete Army armored vehicles as artificial reef materials off the New Jersey coast. These were cleaned at local military bases, loaded onto barges for transport, and pushed off at their final destination. Once the Army had disposed of its excess inventory, the program ceased, around 1999. The Artificial Reef Program has sunk almost 400 tanks altogether, far too many to list them here in this website.

More: Army Tanks ...

Artificial Reef Charts, Charts, Dive Sites, Manasquan Dive Sites, New Jersey Artificial Reef Charts, New Jersey Dive Sites,

Why the Buddy System is Dangerous

by Paul Humann

I am confounded by the illogic of many of those who try to defend the buddy system, even the spokesperson for a training agency such as PADI - the same folks who preached the dangers of dive computers and Nitrox a few years back. Here is some of the nonsense I've heard and why it is just that:

The buddy system makes diving more fun and practical

Of course, neither has anything to do with the buddy system. Fun is touted as sharing the dive and the after-dive experience with your buddy. Practicality means helping your buddy lug around equipment, get suited up, and other niceties. These benefits can be enjoyed with any dive companion without that person being a "buddy" for whose safety you are legally responsible.

More: Why the Buddy System is Dangerous ...

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.

Copyright © 1996-2024 Rich Galiano
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