Act I – Finding a boat handler

Organise a trip they say. Pick a spot, message the boat handlers and see the world, they say. At a quiet moment at dinner after a demanding training session of the Brisbane Gauls and the mention of the name of a secondary boat handler, one of the experienced captains was convinced to participate.

Act II – Assembling the crew

In order to fill the remaining spots, the Unidive communication appliance had to be used again. This proved more difficult than assumed in the first place. The primary organisation, that installed the means to access the Unidive communication appliance, hereinafter referred to as the uq-IT-dudes, prevented distribution of the request for crew members by using connections unheard of to this day. A gentle soul within the Unidive communications centre discovered the missing link and established the connection the uq-IT-dudes so desperately tried to block. This newly gathered information re-established faith in the boat handlers community, since it was the uq-IT-dudes evil plot that impeded the first few attempts to connect with them.

After the request for crew-members was successfully processed the incoming flood of communicates was beyond grasp. Regarding the rules of first-come first-served the boat filled quickly.
After carefully researching additional information about the desired destination, including input provided by an elder boat handler who was kind enough to lend his knowledge on any topic of concern, it became apparent that the experience of the current crew would not be sufficient for a successful operation. Given the number of applicants the remaining spots where quickly filled with highly experienced sub-aquatic adventurers. However, the initial plan provided by a crew member was overturned due to the tidal challenges to be faced. The advice provided by the chief boat handler, led to the alternative plan of seeking out Flinder’s reef while the tides are changing and tackling Curtin’s on slack tide. Satisfied with the compromise the crew was scheduled to meet at 5.45 am the following Saturday.

Act III – The dive

With only eight of the intended crew of nine, one suffering from a sudden and undetermined illness, Down Under set sail to explore the soft coral gardens in the southern part of Flinder’s reef. The secondary boat handler expertly navigating the vessel to the desired destination. Due to ill timing only one group of divers set out to explore Flinder’s, with the captain guarding the ship and conquering all occurring challenges to ensure a safe return for the divers.
Taking on the journey to the western side of Moreton island himself, the captain located Curtin’s reef with ease. On time, 45 minutes before high tide the first group of divers set out into the still strong current to discover the magnificence of Curtin’s reef. An abundance of immensely large marine wildlife expected the divers around concrete pipes and shipwrecks. Giant grouper, schools of barracuda, lionfish and a large cobia are only some of the wonders that were encountered. The shift change occurred as planned on high tide, giving the second group consisting of the captain and the diver-officer in chief the chance to see Curtin’s beauty for 45 minutes or ‘maybe an hour’. In his crude seafarer’s tongue the captain later described the dive as ‘bloody great’ and posed the question why this isn’t done more frequently.
The trip back to the shore was quick and without disturbances.

Epilogue or Act IV – Pizza, beer and no knight hoods

Back at the shed the final tasks of the day were upon the crew. Taking care of Down Under and unloading the divers’ equipment were only the start to what came to be a great conclusion of an even greater adventure. The diver-officer in chief’s plan to educate fellow divers in skill as well as not-crapping-their-pants the next day required the crew to spend their well-deserved free time filling tanks. The expertise of the secondary boat handler in that respect led to him taking on the major portion of the work, with some assistance of two crew-members and the captain. On arrival at the shed the crew met two members of another, equally exciting, expedition and shared beer, pizza and stories with them while preparing the tanks.

At the end of the day, the crew even forgot about the captain’s promise of knighting everyone who helped with the tanks.

Author’s remarks

Thanks to everyone involved: Lock, Justin, Mel, Dave, Michele, Natalia, Ilya and Wayne.
It was an awesome day and well worth going there. Also, thanks to everybody who helped out with planning and advice, mainly Lee and Doug. I was advised to add that anybody who wants to organise a trip,  just do it! This was my first time and it might be a hassle sometimes but it’s worth it. Just come to the shed and talk to people if you have questions/ideas/concerns or just an urge to go somewhere.

See you next time
Jens