Instant Reader Report
on Tahiti Aggressor / [same] in
Tahiti and French Polynesia / [Tuamotus on
2002/11
by
Richard J. Troberman , WA, USA
Report Number 030527013159149

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 Hawaii; Bahamas; Cayman Islands; Turks & Caicos; Australia 

Dive Conditions

In the passes, follow the guides (Pierre).  

[None]  

Overall Rating

The Tahiti Aggressor (formerly the Fiji Aggressor) began service in Tahiti
in late September, 2002. It is a relatively stable 106 foot catamaran that
takes up to 16 divers.  All diving is done from a skiff that is
hydraulically lowered into the water from the back of the dive deck. Each
diver has a station on the skiff where all the dive equipment is stored.
The tanks are refilled in place on the skiff. The Tuamotu atolls are
famous for pass flying, and this trip was no exception. After a checkout
dive in Rangiroa (where we met the boat) we began the all night crossing
to Fakarava.  The crossing through open water was rough, and seasickness
medication is a must for most people.  NOTE:  Due to weather, this was
only the second time in five weeks that the boat was able to make the
crossing to Fakarava, but the diving was well worth the effort.  A pass
diving specialty course was given on the way to Fakarava, and each diver
was equipped with a Dive Alert, a reef hook, and a safety sausage, and
each buddy team was also provided with an EPIRB signalling device.  Prior
to each dive Pierre, the French divemaster, gave a briefing.  The most
important information from Pierre for the pass diving was "Follow
me," but this was not as easy as it sounds. There can be up to seven
different currents in a pass at the same time, depending on one's
location. Many divers had a hard time staying behind Pierre due to the
ripping currents.  We encountered scores of sharks on every dive, as well
as huge schools of surgeonfish and paddletails.  On two of the dives at
Fakarava, we were joined by a friendly dolphin that swam with us and
allowed the divers to scratch its belly.  In addition to the pass diving,
we did reef dives and corner dives away from the current.  Flame angels
were everywhere, as were Napoleon wrasse, the occasional Mantas, a
stonefish, and a huge variety of reef fish. Two fresh waters showers are
located on the dive deck, and fresh towels were provided after every dive.
We were fortunate to have Doms as our cook. Doms is a part owner in a
resort and restaurant in Tahiti, and fills in on the Aggressor
periodically to satisfy his diving urges. The food was excellent and
plentiful, and Doms was always creative with the leftovers.  Diving on the
Tahiti Aggressor was an experience not to be missed. 

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