Thinking back many years ago not long after I earned my official NAUI SCUBA Certification brings back fond memories. I, like others, had always heard through the “grapevine” (or through a “kelp patch”) that certified divers could land a job simply by cleaning the bottoms of boats. Sounds easy enough right? Almost too good to be true? A divers dream? Before I bust your bubble, just wait a minute. Let’s keep this simple. Today we are going to talk a bit about the world of “bottom cleaning,” also known as “hull cleaning.”
This discussion is not to discourage anyone that would like to give this activity a try to see what it is like. Like most any other skill or trade “hull cleaning” Is certainly not for everyone and working underwater takes that to a different level. As a matter of fact, very few people actually end up with this as their profession.
I would imagine that for many of us divers cleaning boats or working on them to some degree or another is almost like a rite of passage. Let’s be strait forward. It’s hard work and when I say it’s hard work I’m not kidding. Almost every diver that I known through the years who found that they were cut out for this type of bubbly underwater labor ended up starting their own business providing such services and are highly successful within the marine industry.
Marinas and harbors around the world possess a great deal of diversity as far as water temperatures and water clarity. In my book, being able to see what you are doing is really a big plus and you never know what you might see! The areas here around Catalina Island boast some of the clearest ocean waters in the world and Avalon Harbor is no exception.
One of my personal favorites was both cleaning and working under the yellow semi-submarine the Nautilus as well as the Seaview, a glass-bottom boat that brings thousands of passengers each year to see the magnificent kelp forrest located within the Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve here in Avalon. Give it a try. You never know until you experience it for yourself!
This week’s FUN FACT: The very first glass-bottom boats were invented right here in Avalon during the 1890s. Soon after they were used around the world..
Always remember to check current weather conditions when planning your activities around the water. Know your limitations. As Wade in the Water always says: When In Doubt Don’t Go Out!
