As of this writing, we all feel that we are fully recovered. We are concerned, however, about the possibility of long term or dormant effects and how they will manifest themselves. Our procedures and equipment have changed dramatically since our encounter. In suspected pfiesteria-infested areas we now wear Viking drysuits mated to Superlites that are equipped with dual exhausts. Also, having our divers maintain a slight free flow is mandatory.
All gloves are heavy rubber and mated to cuff rings with clamps.
Before a diver enters the boat, he is sprayed with a bleach solution while on the dive platform. We use a simple garden hose sprayer and set the dial to the highest concentration of bleach to water. The diver is then rinsed with fresh water and moved into the boat. A secondary wash of the boots ensures that any residual water from the river is washed into the bilge and pumped back overboard. Topside tenders are wearing rubber gloves and boots.