Difference between revisions of "Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Oceana Power Boat Club slipway"

Latest revision as of 12:33, 14 November 2010

    This article is a travel topic

[edit] Understand

The slipway at OPBC

The Oceana Power Boat Club slipway is used by divers to access the northern sites of the Atlantic seaboard, mostly in summer, to reduce the distance travelled on the boat. It is also used by recreational and commercial ski-boat fishermen, and when the Snoek or Yellowtail are running, access can be almost impossible.

Controlled by Oceana Power Boat Club.

[edit] Position

• S33° 54.099' E018° 24.887' (Main entrance)
• S33° 54.074' E018° 24.926' (Slipway)
• S33° 54.062' E018° 24.928' (Floating jetty/boarding area)

About 3.5km from central Cape Town by road.

[edit] Conditions

Usually used in summer, when diving conditions on the Atlantic seaboard are more likely to be good.

[edit] Facilities

Open (hours). . Divers are not allowed to bring their vehicles into the club premises, even for loading the boat. Only the launch vehicle and trailer are allowed inside. Other vehicles must be parked outside, and the available parking is limited and security dubious.

There is a floating jetty in working condition, but somewhat shabby, and the access walkway can be very steep and rather slippery at low tide. The clubhouse, when open, has clean toilets in good condition, but this is not a changing area or intended for wet access.

There is also a bar and kitchen, which serves acceptable fast food items at reasonable prices, but the staff is small, and on a crowded day the wait may be long.

[edit] Fees

A launching fee of R40? is charged for boats.

There is a charge of R10 per day for parking in a fenced parking lot just outside the club grounds. Security is probably better than it was before this parking area was available, but the attendants may not be on duty when you arrive. In this case, drive in and park, you will be charged on exit.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Hazards

Security of vehicles parked outside is uncertain. Lock up and don't leave anything tempting visible in the car.

The slipway and boarding area can be slippery when wet. Watch your step, particularly at low tide.

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