LARGE ocean swells and big seas have caused the cancellation of local dive charter trips during the week.

These conditions are expected about February every year and local operators plan for them.

Sometimes weeks are lost as low-pressure systems stall off the coast.

Even when the seas abate, there is a lag time before conditions are safe again to dive.

Large ocean swells stir up the bottom and the bigger the swell, the more effect it has on the bottom.

It is not uncommon to find corals turned upside down after severe conditions.

Algae can be torn from the bottom and can be seen floating in the water.

Sand also gets stirred up, reducing the underwater visibility.

Divers often describe these uncomfortable bottom conditions as like the action of a washing machine.

It is not ideal or pleasant to dive while these conditions are present.

It is prudent to save your money until the seas settle down and conditions return to normal.