Oil rig questions

[SteelBait]

I live in Florida so have never had the opportunity to dive oil rigs, but my interest has really grown after reading all these posts from people who do it. It must be nice to be able to see what you want to dive, I have spent countless gallons of gas trying to find submerged spots. So, I'm toying with the idea of pulling my boat over to Alabama? Is that where the closest oil rigs are to Florida? What would be a good boat ramp to put in at to get to it? What is the proper etiquette as far as communicating with the rig your desire to dive it? How would you even communicate with them? Do they have a certain radio channel they monitor? Or do you just tie off to it and jump in? Do all the rigs even allow diving around (or under) them? Is their a charter that specializes in oil rig spearfishing anyone could recommend, the closest one to Florida. Thanks is advance.

[BigMako]

Just hook up and jump in. Semi-Submersible or TLP platforms like the Ram-Powell do not allow diving as they have huge pumps to control depth positioning that could suck you up. Solid platforms are no problem. I think the best place for you would be Orange Beach, Alabama. Head southwest and you will find all the oil rigs you want. There are about 5000 of them between Alabama and Texas. There are rigs that have warning signs and lights that warn you to stay away because of H2S or Hydrogen Sulfide gas. This is rare and shouldn't be worried about, but NEVER ignore the warnings as you'll be dead before you realize anything's wrong. Rigs require special gun rigging as well. You have to rig with steel cable as shooting line or the first fish you shoot will cut your rig off. Most dive shops here can do this for you. As for charters, try Gary's Gulf Divers in Orange Beach.