New Jersey Scuba Diving

Bits & Cleats

towing bit
A huge towing bit in use on a turn-of-the-century tugboat. Notice the smaller deck cleat and the steam-powered capstan in the foreground.
towing bit
The bow towing bit in front of the wheelhouse on a more modern tugboat - the G.A. Venturo.
towing bit
Towing bit on the Ingrid Ann
towing bit
A large towing bit, fallen over in the sand on the Riggy wreck.
towing bit
A similar but even bigger towing bit upended on the "Middle barge". Such an artifact is a sure sign of a schooner barge wreck.
towing bit
The two tops of the towing bit are evident in the bow of this schooner barge. A similar arrangement would be found in the stern. On barges, the bits were mounted lengthwise, whereas on the tugboat above it appears to be mounted transversely.
towing bit
An enormous iron mooring bit on the Oregon.
towing bit
Cast-iron mooring bit recovered from the Delaware using 500-pound lift bags. The casting proved to be hollow, and not as heavy as you might think, perhaps 250 pounds. The same article would be called a bollard if installed on land.
towing bit
... with a lot of cleaning-up and anti-corrosion paint ...

D-Rings & Fasteners

brass snap
d-ring

Diving in the North Atlantic requires a lot more accessory gear than diving in the tropics. This can include knife, spare knife, light, spare light, marker light, flag & line, slate, dive tables, goody bag, spear, spear gun, tickle stick, reel, lobster gauge, lift bags, camera and lights, hammer, and a whole lot more if you are into heavy-duty wrecking, although hopefully not all of it at the same time.

Except for the new pseudo-technical BCs, most BCs just don't have enough D-rings. One solution is to add a few stainless steel D-rings to your weight belt or harness. You can get these ready-made from your dive shop for a few dollars. The best kind are those that are welded onto a slide-buckle so that they stand out rigidly away from your body. D-rings that are not fixed like this will inevitably fold under, making them impossible to use ( or even find ) with thick gloves on. Remember, once you are in the water with your mask on, most of yourself will be out of sight, and you will have to work everything by touch.

More: D-Rings & Fasteners ...

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 © 1996-2025 Rich Galiano
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