To dive or not to dive?

[rabbi1384]

Exactly. What a strange notion that you should dive for your anchor. As if you couldn't test holding without getting into cold and murky water.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by Traumerei

In the northern latitudes no one dives there anchor. Simply the waters to cold.
The the lower latitudes it seems the norm. Why? Is it because in warm waters you can and why not?

I have an ear problem and can't dive. Believe me I'd love to. I've always paid close attention to depth and scope length and of the type of seabead and have never had an issue.

Recently I was chastised as reckless for not driving my anchor or at the least having a crew member who was capable of doing it for me.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks, Steve

Over 40 odd years of sailing I only dived on the anchor twice, once I anchored on a stoney bottom and once just for curiosity.
It's probably nice in the warmer climes but in the waters around NZ it's a bit of a challenge.

[Mjames]

I agree with Jim Cate on setting anchor. And as for diving on it just to see, I agree it’s a good thing to do but not always practical (cold, lousy vis, etc). And of course my fav anchor alarm app Anchor Pro can give you some piece of mind. Lastly, as a scuba instructor I know war issues can be a real thing. But unless you’ve been told by a doc you simply can’t dive (rupture on middle ear) there are lots of techniques you can try to help you get to some reasonable depth. Patience and clearing ears early and often and a foot at time and you might find you have some success.