Learning How To Scuba Dive

Belize Scuba Diving

2010-12-24T00:20:00.000-08:00

Belize have the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and offers a combination of gentle inshore scuba diving and some more adventurous oceanic dive sites for the experienced divers. Belize offers scuba divers with a heady concoction of reef, wall, cavern and cay diving experiences.

Belize had a history of swashbuckling buccaneering in days gone by. Back then, there were regular pirate attacks on Spanish treasure ships. Now, it is a peaceful little city on the Caribbean coast of Central America.

Belize is a popular diving destination because of its long barrier reef which offers an array of diving experiences for all levels of scuba diving proficiency, from the novice beginners to the experienced veteran divers.

The barrier reef is about 174 miles or 280 km long extending all the way along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsular in the north to Honduras in the south. In this way, the reef actually creates a true barrier between the ocean and the coast thus providing calm waters to scuba dive in.

There are also numerous islands dotting the reef which are called cays or cayes in this part of the world. In the south eastern part of the reef, there is a large depression in the ocean floor of the Caribbean Sea and this created 3 atolls called Glovers, Turneffe and Lighthouse. The atolls sit on two parallel ridges unlike the atolls of the Pacific, which grew out of volcanoes.

These atolls rise close enough to the surface to allow sunlight penetration causing massive coral and sponge growths. It is therefore not surprising the Belize barrier reef is declared as a world heritage and is the subject of intense conservation and protection.

Coral reefs in the Caribbean seas have a character of their own in that they do not have the very diverse system of the Indo Pacific reefs. However, they lay claim to beautiful individual corals and sponges. The sponges are some of the most colorful to be found anywhere in the world. Some of the sponges are more than a century old and can measure up to an awesome 6 ft or 2 m across.

Perhaps, the main attraction for scuba diving in Belize is the contrast of its marine habitats ranging from bustling coral communities on gentle sandy slopes to steep drop offs with huge pelagic fishes and sharks.

Scuba divers will find smaller coral communities in inshore reefs. These inshore reefs are home to about 500 species of fish including the 5 separate species of butterfly fish. It is here that encounters with larger marine animals such as the manatees, whale shark, jewfish, manta rays are common occurrences.

Do include Belize in your scuba diving itinerary.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Lanai, Hawaii

2010-11-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

Millions of vacation tourists visit Hawaii every year. Most of them came to explore the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and volcanoes while some came with the intention to scuba dive in the tropical seas and to explore Hawaii's magnificent underwater world. According to Rodale's scuba diver magazine, Hawaii is one of the world's top ten diving destination for scuba divers.

Hawaii's marine life is very diverse so much so that there are more than a hundred endemic species found no where else on earth. You can explore Hawaii's myriads of underwater caverns, reefs, drop off walls, canyons, gulleys and swim with turtles and seals in clear crystal waters. If you are not a scuba diver, you can take scuba diving lessons and then can plunge into Hawaii's beautiful seas almost immediately.

If you want to go scuba diving, it is best to go in the morning as strong winds often rough up the sea in the afternoons. This is especially so on the island of Maui and that is the reason why dive operators often take divers out to sea early in the morning and terminate the dives around noon or early afternoons.

One of the big attractions in Hawaii is snorkeling. Almost anyone can go snorkeling since all you need is a face mask, a snorkel tube and a pair of swimming fins. If you have never snorkeled before, most resorts and dive operators can give you snorkelling lessons and rent you snorkeling gear. However, if you can swim, you really do not need any formal training as snorkeling is quite easy.

The most popular spot for snorkeling in Hawaii, especially for the beginner is the Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu. Other popular snorkeling sites in Hawaii are the Kee Beach on Kauai island, Hulopoe Bay in Lanai, Kahaluu Beach on the Big island and Kapalua Bay on Maui.

Although great snorkeling can be gotten at all the islands in Hawaii, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Big Island is recommended because of its volcanic activities and lava formation resulting from that. There are magnificent and spectacular drop offs with awesome underwater scenery to watch and admire. Some of the great snorkeling locations there are Molokini Crater and the Kealakekua Bay.

Whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving in Hawaii or anywhere else, always snorkel or dive with a buddy for safety reason and companion sake. Do look up now and then to check that you are not getting carried away by drift current too far away from shore and also to check for boat traffic. Do not touch anything as some corals and sea creatures in Hawaii can pack very painful and venomous stings.

Maldives Scuba Diving

2010-10-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

If you love the sea and scuba diving, then why not charter a live aboard scuba diving cruise with your diving buddies. Collectively, you can save much more money and time if you live a board a diving cruise ship and go island hopping, scuba diving and fishing for the next ten days of your vacation. That is because you can do away with your hotel accommodation, save traveling time and can go to a lot more dive spots. Where to go for a cruise diving vacation? Try going to the Island nation of Maldives.

Although there are many world class spas, hotels and resorts in Maldives such as the Banyan Tree Spa resort, you have no need to stay in them unless you wanted to. Well, if you want to stay in a luxurious resort, it can be an excuse for you to travel to the Maldives again to enjoy these spa resorts. This is because, once you have scuba dived in Maldives, you will want to go back there again. Maldives is a scuba diver's paradise.

The atolls of Maldives were formed when millions of years ago, a great range of volcanoes rose from the floor of the Indian Ocean. As time passes, the volcanoes sunk back into the Indian Ocean leaving behind the coral reefs on the Maldivian atolls and islands we see today. That is why Maldives is best known for its white sandy beaches and crystal blue lagoons teeming with marine life.

The country have no big land mass, but instead is made up of about 1200 coral islands with a total area of 104,00.00 sq kilo 99% of which is the sea. Of these islands, only slightly more than 200 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are not higher than six feet(about 2 meters) above sea level and scientists have warned that they are very susceptible to global warming and may one day, disappear into the ocean. There are already signs that this is happening.

Needless to say, the mainstay of the Maldivian economy is powered by the fishing and tourism industries. About 500,000 tourists arrive on these islands annually. The capital of Maldives is Male (pronounced as Ma-leh). Upon touching down at the airport, you willbe whisked away by a fishing boat because the capital is no larger than a few football fields and have one of the most dense population in the world.

Maldives has been an independent sovereign country except for a brief occupation by the Portuguese. It then became a British Protectorate in the mid-fifties and gained full independence in 965. It has been an Islamic country for more than 800 years.
During the Ming Dynasty, Chinese sailors called Maldives the "submerged mountain chain" wrote commentaries about these islands.

If you enjoy vacations in tranquil tropical islands or simply love fishing and diving, then Maldives will be a great holiday destination for you. Oh, I forgot to mention, if you are a seafood lover, I think there are no other places on Earth where you can get such a wide smorgasbord delicious mouth watering seafood, except in Maldives.

How To Buy Scuba Diving Equipment Online

2010-09-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

New divers often tell me that purchasing scuba diving equipment for the first time can be a confusing experience. There is such a vast price difference between entry-level and top-of-the-line products that beginners usually have no idea what they should buy. I'm going to try to shed a bit of light on the subject right now.

As all seasoned divers can tell you, having the right scuba diving equipment is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing. While the bargain hunter in you might automatically look for the cheapest products available, I would advise spending a bit more money for quality gear. After all, in some instances your life could depend on this scuba diving equipment, so this isn't the time to cut corners.

That's not to say that you have to resign yourself to paying thousands of dollars for your supplies. In fact, you can outfit yourself with all the gear you need for a very reasonable price -- especially if you choose to buy your scuba diving equipment online.

There are several terrific websites out there that sell name-brand scuba diving equipment for discount prices. These places are essentially superstores that likely have more inventory on hand than any local dive shop would. Because they purchase their products in such massive quantities, they get great prices from the manufacturers, and they're able to pass those discounts on to the consumer. As a result, you can buy the quality gear you really want instead of settling for the cut-rate stuff.

Of course, some scuba diving equipment, such as wetsuits, dive boots, gloves, fins, will require a specific size before ordering. Because it can sometimes be a hassle to return or exchange products that you've purchased from online stores, it's important that you know your measurements prior to placing your order. Other items, such as regulators, masks, snorkels, and lights obviously fall into the one-size-fits-all category and can be ordered without worry.

Some people might be apprehensive about buying such expensive scuba diving equipment online, which is completely understandable. For those of you who feel this way, I recommend making your first purchases at a regular store. Then, once you know your exact sizes for everything and once you find brands that you like, you can make all subsequent purchases online to enjoy the big discounts.

Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you actually get out there and dive a few times a year. There's no sense in letting all your new gear collect dust in your basement!

Scuba Diving In The Great Barrier Reef - Australia

2010-06-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

One of world's most famous diving, scuba diving sites is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia is the only living organic collective on earth visible from outer space. The other is a man made structure, The Great Wall of China.

This reef is considered one of the wonders of the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem. Being so huge, magnificent dive spots and beautiful marine life and landscapes abound.

The Great Barrier is more than 300,000 square kilometers in size and consists of more than 3000 reefs. Deciding where to dive in this huge diving destination can be a giant headache. Moreover, it is a happy problem because of the many wonderful options you have.

One of the greatest dangers to the reef, especially the corals is the Crown of Thorns starfish. This starfish eat corals and have a voracious appetite. Vast stretches of underwater life on many occasions had been destroyed by the Crown of Thorns starfish. Do not try to save the coral by cutting the starfish. It will not die that way, but multiply like viruses of the division to increase their numbers drop.

wreck diving is an activity scuba diving favorite. Among the many wrecks the ship of Captain James Cook "Endeavour." Another famous wreck is the HMS Pandora, which met its fate in 1791. There are about 30 shipwreck sites, most of them are open to wreck divers.

Over 2 million people visit the reef every year spending about a billion USD collectively tourism as the mainstay of the economy of the eastern region of Australia. Since tourism is very important to U.S. dollars, is vital to the Australian economy to protect the reef from destruction by what is protected in many ways. As a form of protection, fishing is restricted in some areas and animals such as dolphins, whales, dugong (a seal of the animals seem sometimes mistaken for mermaids) are protected.

For the more adventurous divers, there are dives to view shark feeding, especially the ferocious man-eater, the great white shark. The divers are placed in water in steel cages to view these man eating sharks closed. For divers not, there are cruises from island to island and whale watching cruises to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Going For a Scuba Diving? Understand First the Real Safety Issue of The Underwater

2010-05-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Diving is one of the greatest adventures you can take to explore the wonders of the enormous underworld can not be seen on the surface of the water. This is an activity under the water when the diver using breathing apparatus or equipment in order to stay under water longer. For those who are less familiar with scuba, the name is actually derived from its acronym, ÄúSelf Contained Breathing Apparatus under water, the African Union. Diving can be both a recreational diving and professional.

Diving activities are present in open waters and reefs are found. It is especially clear ideal tropical oceans, where you can see from a long distance and see the marine life that inhabits it. Although there are many famous places scuba diving around the world, doesn, AOT necessarily mean you have to limit your adventure holiday to these destinations. There are still multitudes of oceans, lakes and seas that are perfect for diving. All you remember is the right diving equipment, diving right wetsuit, diving and other accessories, and how to survive underwater.

You can experience all the fun that promises to dive if they are able to understand what he has to do with safety underwater. Although the activity of diving can be more thrilling and exciting to think, once you face the underwater seascapes sea of experience could be very different. If you Aore not enough experience in the business, you may find yourself without the ability to embrace the true essence that diving must be assumed to offer. Even professional and experienced divers do not think they have enough knowledge. In fact, never contradict the idea of not cease to equipment with a new awareness or two.

The sea is the world not to humans, but rather to the sea creatures. Human beings are not like those creatures who have full knowledge about the underwater world which is on how to survive on their own. A sea masks fa ‡ πáade very misleading. It can be fascinating to look at the surface, but when you descend to the real world its true nature is barren where the sea creatures that inhabit may be traitors to human beings. It is this question that divers should be able to learn from the sea unreceptive world because safety is the real problem here.

If you think you are not yet able to continue with the underwater activities that would be better for you to take diving lessons. You can register for the diving schools and there you can buy everything you need to know about the adventure of sea water. Classes will be addressed from all that the proper use of diving gear, such as air tanks, gauges, and masks to dive with full equipment. If you Aore a neophyte in the activity, you may feel strange, strange swimming, with those suits and gear, but to overcome this feeling.

diving schools pool dives often use their facilities as the student divers that are trained first. This is the lesson of which you can find out if you have the potential to become a professional in the industry. The average diving boot diving course usually takes four to eight weeks of training. During this time, you should be able to learn enough to take your first activity of scuba diving. Otherwise, it would take another course of the lesson.

Scuba Diving At Disneyworld's Epcot Center

2010-04-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting dive option for certified divers who are vacationing in the Orlando area especially with family members who are not divers. The Living Seas at Epcot Center in Disney World is home to a marine tank that measures over 200 feet in diameter and 25 feet deep. This tank contains a sample of Caribbean marine life in an artificial salt water and reef environment. Through DiveQuest tour the center, certified divers can have a special three-hour program that includes a forty-minute dip the marine aquarium.

The current price is $ 140 with U.S. Advance reservations required. Divers meet at the Guest Relations office on the outskirts of the main gates of Epcot. Epcot park entrance is not required or included. However, I was released from the main area of The Living Seas after the tour so I ended up seeing other parts of Epcot for free anyway. Twice a day at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, a maximum of twelve divers per time slot are taken on a behind the scenes tour of the facilities of The Living Seas. All diving equipment is provided. In fact, divers can not bring your own equipment for fear of contaminating the marine tank. Even jewelry must be removed before immersion. Diving suits (panties), vests, regulators, fins, boots and the masks are provided. Divers are allowed to bring and use their own masks and bathing suits, but these are the only exceptions to the rule.

After visiting facilities, wetsuits and towels for each diver are already waiting in private stalls including private showers in the change rooms. The configuration is well organized, but a bit odd because after changing into wetsuits, the divers are paraded through the public areas where others Epcot guests before entering the tank's main sea level. Once in the marine tank, dive masters are waiting with tanks and vests and assembled for each diver. Weight vests are integrated with more weight than necessary and the only gauge attached is an indicator of air pressure. There is not even a depth gauge or octopus phase, since it is not considered necessary for this dive shallow. After exposure of diving, divers divemasters help their teams around the world and moves to a line of descent in the middle of the tank.

The dive itself is usually beyond the expectations of most divers. There are a lot of marine life in this tank including sharks, rays, turtles and lots of Caribbean fish of all sizes. In fact, the staff claims that the divers to see more variety of Caribbean marine life during this dive one of many combined dives in the open sea. One of the interesting things divers can do on this dive you can not do elsewhere is interact with the public Epcot guests. There are observation windows sixty in all marine tank including views from the main restaurant. The divers become part of the attractions at The Living Seas as the public behind the windows wave and take photos. Some divers made arrangements with family members to be on the other side of the windows, while a designated divemaster videotapes the entire scene. Although I was skeptical at first, I have to admit that I have enjoyed interacting with the public behind the glass. I had forgotten that the vast majority of people out there are not certified divers and are a funny thing for them.

For divers who dive mainly to see marine life, the DiveQuest at Epcot will not disappoint. It is an opportunity to swim through a few large schools of fish and see some creatures such as sharks and turtles up close which as most divers know, is a hit and miss in the open sea. It is also a unique opportunity for members of non-diving family and friends to see divers in the underwater environment. DiveQuest is certainly a special jump that is worth doing at least once.

Putting Together An Amazing Scuba Diving Vacation Package

2010-03-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today, at the age of the Internet, savvy travelers can quickly and efficiently package vacations that include the options that matter most to them. For diving enthusiasts, putting together a scuba diving vacation package - ties that all functions which are most looking to leave - is as close as your home computer.

There are several options regarding the planning diving vacation package. First and foremost, all-inclusive option allows you to find the center, which will include accommodation, meals, sports time, and equipment in one convenient price. Ability to add options may involve adding the plane fare, off-property excursions, sports and instruction if necessary.

While you can not find a suitable all-inclusive property - or decide to go that route - you can still combine everything you want to do in one package recreational scuba diving. Start with the location that appeals to you as a diving destination, think outside the box and creatively explore different areas. Book accommodation on the basis of your way and this is available scuba time, equipment and offer lessons. Your scuba diving vacation packages should be a reflection of your personality. If you are someone who enjoys exploring a certain area, then the whole week in one place can be enjoyable for you. If you prefer to hop around, a few days in several different angles can give more sense.

And most importantly, be sure to research all companies that offer sports to ensure their safety and proper records of certification. Some Internet research should yield the information you need to be a good decision.

Finally, look at it some comparison shopping with regard to prices diving vacation package. You can find quite a lot of difference between the months of travel and package inclusions. Many online travel sites can compare prices. Or, you may want to ask other divers about their travel experiences and what made their diving vacation package so successful.

Great Barrier Reef: Ultimate Scuba Diving Experience

2010-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Great Barrier Reef is considered the ultimate diving adventure in the world which offer same excitement to experts as well as beginners. So what is so special about the Great Barrier Reef? First, size. Its simple huge - stretching over 1400 miles along the east coast of Australia. This is not only the largest reef system in the world, but many consider it as one of the most beautiful too. If this was your dream to visit this natural wonder, here are some tips for the first time-traveler:

Location Reef

Located near Queensland, Australia, Great Barrier Reef is about 185 kilometers from the mainland on the south side. It is about 12 miles from the coast on the north side. It is about 50 miles wide on the north side - the widest section. What can you expect at the Great Barrier Reef. Amazing diversity of plant and animal life that made their home here is mind-staggering. You can actually see about 4000 species of molluscs, more than 1,000 species of fish, about 380 coral species, 500 species of marine algae, six species of marine turtles.

How to get to the Barrier Reef

There are daily flights to Australia from the West Coast in the United States. When you get to Australia, you can take a connecting flight to a small country close to one of the gates of the reef. Generally, people go to Cairns and Townsville, two tropical city located near the north side of the reed. Other gate is in Gladstone and Bundaberg, which is located near the south side of the cliff.

Ultimate Dive Adventure

Quiet and sober waters around the reef to the best place for diving in the world. Water can run deep in some places but is generally moderate for amateurs to dive in. For starters, should be diving in shallow waters - about 60 feet in depth. However, for experts, there are coral reefs around the sea, where the depth is about 300 meters.

Scan one of the best diving experience, you can board one of the popular 'live aboard' boats. These specialized ships there, where visitors actions. Many of these ships are comfortable and luxurious facilities can hold ships to divers right in the center of the cliff. There are daily boats available for day-time diving. These ships day visitors to the 4 to 5 hours journey to the reef. Even the local resorts to organize the ship date for its guests.

Finding 'Dive Island Resort "

Centers are located in small islands around the reef are able to organize diving trips for guests. Provide convenient access to the reef and are great for visitors looking for a diving adventure. Generally, these baths are located in the Lizard, Green, Lady Elliot and Heron Islands. 'Cod Hole' - a popular dive site is located outside the Lizard Island.

Best time to visit Reef

Anytime of the year, is considered safe and appropriate to visit the reef for diving. This is due to the nature of water, which is normally calm and stable. Australian summer is considered to be popular - which is the period from December to March. Due to tropical climate, temperatures are usually around 70 to mid-80s.This a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding towns pleasant at any time during the year.

Must-See Bahamas Scuba Diving Sites

2010-01-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

With so many dive sites to choose, Bahamas scuba diving will be one of the unforgettable experiences that will remain forever in the mind of man. Surrounded by warm and clean sea, is located about 1,000 dive sites spread over 700 islands of the Bahamas. Because these Bahamas scuba diving spots have a lot of beautiful monuments and various creatures to show off, many dive operators earn a living by tourists diving lessons and tours of many coral reefs and wrecks, which are located in the Bahamas. Some of these entities include diving with dolphins, sharks and feeding, as part of their repertoire. These services are usually included in dive and accommodation packages that are offered by hotels and resorts.

Most of the diving package prices are based on the number of dives per day, as well as the person staying in a hotel or resort. For this reason, divers make the most of your stay by choosing the best diving islands of the Bahamas offer.

Get Eyeful in the Abacos

Being a natural area with many shrines and parks, the Bahamas dive site has lots of colorful coral and fish. Green turtles, dolphins, seahorses and moray eels can also be found on the Abacos Islands. Because this area has many shallow reefs, divers can go snorkeling, as they are decompression.

Diverse marine nature conservation is not the only attraction Abacos. This area is relatively well known wreck divers. USS Adirondack, civil war, which affected gunboat reef in 1862, is fairly well-known for wreck diving enthusiasts. Because many Spanish galeon sunk in the waters near the Abacos, divers may want to benefit from their path by looking for lost treasures that went down with the ship.

Blue holes Andros

Here in Andros Island, divers can explore the third largest barrier reef in the world - Andros Barrier Reef. The size of this huge cliff and reaches the gap is called, the language of the ocean, because of its shape. In Andros, divers can also see a haunting and fascinating blue holes. These deep holes are really deep cracks, which were created by water erosion before it was flooded at the end of the Ice Age.

This area is also famous for wreck diving. Here, divers can see the Potomac, which sank after the Second World War. Sunken ships, because most of them are as artificial habitats for marine life, some bass, barracuda Parrotfish and stay in this area.

Bahamas Other Locations

Wreck Diving enthusiasts also frequent Eleuthra where four wreck sites to visit. For divers who are interested in the history of the country, Exuma is the place to visit. The Stocking Island, may see stomatolite reef, living fossils, which is known as the oldest evidence of life on Earth. With so many places to visit by tourists plan trips ahead of time down the list of places that want to visit, and identifying areas which should favor during their journey.

Looking At A Scuba Diving Holiday For Your Next Vacation

2009-12-13T18:45:00.001-08:00

Bare facts everyone should know is that most of the planet Earth is covered by water. So basically most of our planet is hidden under water. Why not explore this area and find out what else is there except for humans and animals, land? Elegant and pristine as the world's oceans and other water bodies. This would lead to a great holiday experience the fascinating underwater secrets. There are many companies there diving holidays for your enjoyment. If you are a single man or woman, is a great place to connect with others who are equally interested in finding new adventures and exotic species living in deep waters. If you have a family there is nothing better you can do to keep your family together then by going scuba diving and exploring the unknown.

There are several diving holiday companies, which are the most distant and exotic places on Earth. Some of these beautiful places, the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Bahamas, Kenya, Australia, Thailand and Costa Rica. These are a few interesting places and adventure trips mostly include diving. Research all of the different diving holiday company and see where they go. Cool thing about diving vacation is that they are more luxurious than a normal vacation. Most travel companies offer great hotel room in which to stay with fine dining and many other amenities. So the reality is that you go to different target and sports stay in lovely accommodation. If you have a family, many are family friendly and offers lessons and activities for your children.

Most of the diving holiday will include classes and equipment for you to rent or purchase. These classes are taught how to use sports equipment and its own safety rules followed to make your diving holiday as safe and successful as possible. Classes are usually held at the diving destination. You will also learn about specific underwater world and different types of fish you may encounter. Some of these species can be protected, and some of you may be able to spear and dinner. There is nothing better than freshly caught lobsters, crabs and shellfish. Once you learn how to dive, an activity which may include in future vacations.

Most people walk at least a truly adventurous vacation in your life. So if you are thinking about vacation or trip that out of the box, excitement, adventure thinking, thinking of exploring the uncharted underwater caves, thinking about diving vacation. They will expand their world. Learn how to create a new sporting activity. Learn what most people never see in their lifetime and live as a fee for it. It's different and exciting option for those who are tired of the old ordinary vacation.

Scuba Diving in Currents

2009-10-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving in currents can seem quite intimidating, but it can also be one of the best things you ever experience. It is also important to know how to dive in currents in case you are ever caught under the water in a current that you didn't expect.

Currents often change the number and type of fish that you see underwater. However, diving safely in currents requires a certain amount of experience in diving. So, before you get started, you need to be sure that you're physically fit and fully-prepared to prevent any accidents from happening.

How to Scuba Dive in Currents?

1.Before getting in the water, look at the pattern of the current. If you're diving in unfamiliar waters, be sure to ask an experienced diver or local fisherman who is familiar with the area.

2.Once you've familiarized yourself with the water, it's time to get in. Once you're in, you should try and descend as fast as possible so the current doesn't sweep you away from the dive site. Often, you will use a line to descend to a dive site where there are strong currents. This gives you something to hold on to which helps keep the dive group together. Once you get down to the bottom, the current will be milder and you can start exploring.

3.When there is a strong current at a dive site, you will usually swim with the current, which actually makes the dive easier than normal because you don't have to do any work - the water just takes you. This is much easier than swimming against the current.

4.To ascend after the dive, you will want to return to the line and use it to get back up to the boat. If you don't use the line, you will ascend and be a long way from the boat, which could be dangerous.

Important Safety Tips for Scuba Diving in Currents

* First of all, you should only attempt to dive in currents if you have some scuba diving experience. As a minimum, you should have your PADI Open Water SCUBA certification. This course will teach you all the basic skills and knowledge you need to dive safely. You can take this course in any diving centre. Ideally, you will have a little more education and have completed the Advanced Open Water course which gives you even more experience in the water. * If you don't have much experience, always go diving in currents with a certified dive instructor or a more experienced diver than you. * Never swim against a strong current. This will cause fatigue faster and may lead to some accidents. Study the tide table and keep an eye on the time to prevent yourself from getting surprised from a sudden increase in the current's speed. * Be wary of rip tides or rip currents, which are strong channels of water that flow away from the shoreline. If ever you do get caught in one; do not panic! Swim parallel to the shoreline until you get out of it.

For more information, please visit Scuba Dive Maldives

Scuba-Its All About Safety

2009-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. With every sport and recreational activity in order to get the maximized benefits, knowing your sport and safety is the best way to ensure the best experience possible.

Be in shape: This doesn't mean you need to qualify for the Olympics but being able to swim comfortably in the water will undoubtedly take the stress off of the diving. Also it is advisable to have a physical done by your family physician to ensure that there are no medical conditions that may be effected by this activity.

Get your training: It is very important that you receive the proper training before attempting to scuba dive. Becoming certified is the first step to become an experienced diver. It is important that you ensure you have had all the proper training available for the kind of dive that you are attempting. Many resorts and vacation spots will offer a course in diving that is not extensive. If you decide to go diving after one of these courses remember not to dive lower than thirty feet. While scuba diving can be fun and a wonderful experience there are also risks involved and knowing these risks before attempting a dive is another precaution to ensure safe diving.

Breath: Do not hold your breath. This is a natural reaction when plummeting into a body of water but you need to train yourself to overcome that. You are hooked up to an oxygen tank and holding your breath may pose health risks. Breath slowly and exhale in a relaxed manner.

Never Dive alone: It is important to never dive alone. Diving with a partner will ensure that in case of an emergency there is someone looking out for you. Make sure to always to pre-check each other's equipment and keep an eye out on each other during the dive.

The Weather: Weather is always an issue. Since the weather is one element that can not be controlled make sure to be on the lookout for bad weather and high tides. If the water doesn't seem right to you or the weather seems to be picking up, it is always better to be safe than sorry. There is always tomorrow. It is a good idea to be connected with a diving operator as they will usually make the call regarding the weather. However, if you do not feel comfortable don't do it.

Be careful when rising (exiting) your dive: Exiting a scuba dive is not as easy as merely rising to the surface as quick as you can. For shorter dives you will need to rise to the surface no faster then the air bubbles around you. Continue to breath deep and slowly and take your time. When exiting deep diving you may need to rest and decompress at certain levels to ensure that the pressurized air in your lungs has time to leave the body before they expand. Divers that rise to the surface to quickly can become very ill with decompression sickness also know as the bends.

Symptoms of the bends includes.

*unusual tiredness

*dizziness or vertigo

*pains in various ares (as the nitrogen bubbles can accumulate in different areas)

*tingling in arms or legs

*less common trouble breathing

*and in sever cases unconsciousness and coma

Decompression sickness can occur between 1-24 hours after a dive so it is wise if you suspect yourself or someone around you may be suffering from decompression sickness to take them to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Also you can develop decompression sickness if you fly or mountain climb after a dive. It is a good idea to refrain from flying for twenty-four hours after a dive.

These are a few tips to know before attempting to scuba dive. If done correctly scuba diving is a rewarding experience but if done without proper training or without properly trained individuals accompanying you it can pose a great danger.
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Putting Together An Amazing Scuba Diving Vacation Package

2009-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today, in the age of the Internet, savvy travelers can quickly and efficiently package vacations that include the options that matter most to them. For scuba diving enthusiasts, putting together a scuba diving vacation package – that bundles all the features you most look for in a vacation – is as close as your home computer.

There are several options when it comes to planning a scuba diving vacation package. First and foremost, an all-inclusive option allows you to find those resorts that will include accommodations, meals, scuba time, and equipment rental in one convenient price. The ability to add options can mean the addition of plane fare, off-property excursions, and even scuba lessons if needed.

Even if you can’t locate an appropriate all-inclusive property – or choose not to go that route – you can still combine all the things you want to do into one scuba diving vacation package. Start with a location that appeals to you as a scuba diving destination; think outside the box and creatively explore different areas. Book accommodations based on your journey of choice and available scuba time, equipment rental, and lesson offerings. Your scuba diving vacation packaging should be a reflection of your personality. If you’re someone who enjoys getting to know a particular area, then an entire week in one location may be most enjoyable for you. If you prefer to hop around, several days in a couple of different spots may make more sense.

Most importantly, be sure to research any companies that offer scuba to ensure their safety record and proper certifications. Some Internet research should yield the information you need to make a good decision.

Finally, be sure to do some comparison shopping with regard to prices of a scuba diving vacation package. You may find quite a bit of difference between months of travel and package inclusions. Many Internet travel sites can do comparison pricing. Or you may want to ask other scuba divers about their travel experiences and what made their scuba diving vacation package so successful.

The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving

2009-09-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.

More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.

Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.

Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.

The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.

As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.

For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.

Scuba Diving : Scuba Diving During A Cruise Vacation

2009-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Saying that you want to scuba dive but your significant other is not a diver and would rather do other activities like shopping. If it is decided to go on vacation to the Caribbean cruise, it is still possible for you to go scuba diving? The answer is yes. This will be a great relief to all certified scuba divers who are under the cruises with itineraries that include destinations such as great diving Cozumel and Grand Cayman. After all, as certified divers, would be a shame to go to these ports and not dive.

Many cruise ships offer scuba diving as part of their shore excursions available. Some ships also have small dive centers on board for those who want to take the introductory sessions in the pools of the ship. These cruise lines often have business contracts with local dive operators in each port that has scuba diving. These local operators will be certified divers dive boat trips on behalf of the cruise lines. Booking and payment will be through the cruise ships, rather than the local dive. The cruise lines claim that if for any reason, the trips for diving runs late, the cruise ship does not leave port until all passengers from these cruise ship's organized tours are back on board. They do not wait for passengers who decide to take their travel not booked through the cruise ships. In this way, the cruise ships try to convince divers to take their excursions even though the cost is usually at a premium compared to what the local dive operators normally charge directly.

Another way to get some shots in a cruise vacation is to plan and book in advance with local scuba diving operators in each port that you are interested in diving. Although there is always some risk in missing your port departure if your own outing runs late, just be sure to plan your dive trips just like you return to the ship well in advance of port departure. Usually if your cruise ship arrives in port early in the morning, you can book the morning dive trips with the local operator and still have the rest of the afternoon to shop or do other sightseeing. For later arrivals where you would miss the morning dive trips, you can still hike the local players' immersion afternoon, but in this case is very important to make sure you confirm what the estimated time of return to port are. If you can go back to harbor at least two hours before scheduled departure of the cruise ship, you have all the time, even if the dive boat returns a bit 'late. It is only an hour or less, timing may be too narrow. See if the operator has a journey of about one afternoon dive tank that could make you return to the previous port.

Some local players also have special diving pick up and drop off service to and from the cruise ship terminals to their dive shop. These companies are diving, of course, making an effort to take some business away from the dive boat cruise organized tours. These particular local dive operators would be ideal if we could find before your cruise vacation. Otherwise, you may need to take a local taxi to the dive shop, if there is a short walk from the terminal for cruise ships. Of course, this is not a problem either and even with the additional cost of taxis, the total cost of going with a local draft may still be less than the cruise ship excursion organized diving.

Some passengers of cruise ships have success on local dives with no advance reservation. These divers just walked into a local dive operator once at port. Although this is certainly feasible, it is not recommended especially in a dive destination that fills quickly. With the Internet, it is quite easy to make agreements with many local dive operators in advance of your cruise vacation. Tell them which day your cruise ship will be coming and the estimated time of arrival, and as a departure. Some ports like Cozumel have more than one terminal for cruise ships so it's important to let them know, if possible, which your ship will be docked in. They will then give you the best options for some scuba diving for that particular day.

Bali Scuba Diving

2009-09-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Despite a series of terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005 killing hundreds of tourists and locals hitting the tourism industry hard for short periods, the tropical Indonesian island of Bali is still attracting many tourists on vacation.

Tourists are attracted by the rustic charm of the island, the culture and mystical tradition, spectacular tropical scenery and beaches of white sand. Many of these are also the tourists were in Bali for scuba divers and scuba diving. After all, Bali was voted by several scuba diving magazines as one of the ten best dive locations in the world.

Bali scuba diving many places where awesome underwater landscape and sea creatures abound. Take a tour of some of the destinations of diving Bali.

Sanur and Nusa Dua - These 2 dive spots are located only 5 minutes away from the shore, and therefore are very accessible. Beginners and novice divers will enjoy diving here because of the current very kind. Visibility second season is low to moderate. Although hard corals are scarce, the many species of colorful fish made up for the deficit. Soft corals and sponges may also be found thriving on the reefs.

Nusa Penida and Lembongan Island - Drop off reef diving is the main attraction of these islands. This is a 45 minutes ride by speedboat to the islands. Visibility Water is rated as good, because the islands are more distant from the coast and therefore less pollution. The underwater current here is very strong and experienced can enjoy drift diving. Sometimes the current can become too strong and diving can be abandoned.

There is a very good variety of hard corals, sea colored sea fans and many large pelagic fish to see. Highlights of diving here is sightings of huge schools of sweet lips fish, huge turtles, sharks and manta rays.

Amed and Jemeluk Beach - These dive sites are an hour and a half hours from Denpasar, a popular tourist destination. Only experienced divers can dive due to strong current. The diving here can be very spectacular because of the long coastal cliffs, slopes and barrier wall diving. The water visibility is moderate to good. This position of diving is known for being the home of the best hard coral communities in Bali.

The Padang Bay - This dive scuba diving locations in Bali have a flat bottom and bottom is composed of mixed reef and sandy bottom. Because of its proximity to the coast, the water visibility is estimated at best to be moderate. The attractions here are frequent sightings of large crossbow and blue-spotted rays.

Tulamben shipwreck - For those who like wreck diving, then this is the place to dive in Bali, you should not miss. Water visibility here is fair to good and the current is generally mild. Night dive on this wreck is described by many as a spectacular dive.

The wreck was the USS Liberty, sunk during World War 2 by the 1942 Japanese submarine torpedoes. Since the wreck is so close to the beach, divers can simply swim to the wreck from the beach.

These are just some of the many scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more great dive sites, you can check with the many scuba diving operators when you are in Bali.

Oahu Scuba Diving Vacations

2009-09-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hawaii's Oahu have many fascinating scuba diving locations and perhaps the most popular dive site in Oahu is the Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay was formed by the erosion of one side of a volcano crater and is very well protected from the trade winds and surf making it a fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling site in Oahu.

Hanauma Bay's crystal clear water and diverse coral reef are good introductions to Hawaiian marine environments and its waters are seldom considered to be dangerous to scuba divers.

After the Hanauma Bay are the sea cliffs of Koko Head where scuba diving is done almost exclusively from liveaboard diving boats out of Hawaii Kai. The deep blue color of the water here contrasted beautifully with the mesmerizing white water cascading down the dark brown hilly cliffs.

As you round out Koko Head, you will come into contact with the gusty trade winds. However, the wind will subside when you cruise into Maunalua Bay.

The waters of Maunalua Bay are a lot calmer than the windward side of Oahu. There is even a WW2 fighter plane wreck for those who love wreck diving, an artificial reef of hundreds of concrete modules and even sunken barges. The bay ends at Diamond Head, the final windbreak before the calm waters of Waikiki. There are also some good scuba diving locations off Waikiki on some outer ledges and artificial reefs.

On Maunalua Bay is the Fantasy Reef. Erosion has created many places for the fish to play hide-and-seek. Although live coral coverage is not that high in Fantasy Reef, the corals are healthy and undamaged and thus can be considered as one of the better scuba diving spots in Oahu. Marine life is plentiful here with eels, barracudas, octopus, turtles and sharks are often seen.

There are supposedly 4 barges sunk in Maunalua for the purpose of creating artificial reefs and the largest of these is the Kahala Barge which is 165 feet in length.

However coral growth here is sparse, however, the wreck is choked with soldier fish which make their characteristic grunting sound when disturbed by scuba divers. Many eels and large crabs can also be found here. There are also many sea turtles and white tip sharks making this artificial reef their home.

A mile off Portlock, about a hundred feet deep is a plane wreck. This is a great wreck diving location in Oahu. The cockpit is the abode of 2 thigh sized thick yellowmargin moray eels.

Here, scuba divers will see brilliant red encrusted sponges and bi color anthias harems hovering above picking off planktons. Nearby is a colony of fascinating dancing garden eels and big horned helmet shells. Water visibility in this area is superb. If you are in Hawaii for a spot of scuba diving, try these scuba diving sites at Oahu South Shore.

Learning Scuba Basics

2009-09-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone would love to see what life is like at the bottom of the Ocean floor if given the chance. The best part is that with scuba diving that fantasy can become a reality. Scuba is an acronym for self contained breathing apparatus. With this device the person can descend meters deep and explore the ocean or sea life while being able to breath. Many people enjoy scuba diving for recreational actives. However, scuba diving can also be used by scientists, police, and military purposes.

When people think about scuba diving they will generally think about diving in the Ocean, however, there are divers that enjoy exploring lakes and even rivers. It is essential that you attend classes for beginners before attempting to dive.

The classes provide a wealth of knowledge. Here you will learn the different equipment that is used when scuba diving, how to use the equipment efficiently and correctly and how to handle emergency situations.

Some of the equipment used in recreational scuba diving are

The tank

This is your lifeline, the tank carries the oxygen that you will breath in during your dive.

Fins

The fins are your swimming tool. Scuba fins allows you to swim easier underwater allowing you to move with little effort thus conserving your energy.

Gauges

Allows you to see your depth and rate of decent and accent. This will assist the diver as they dive to avoid contracting decompression sickness.

Watch

The gauge and watch together work well to help the diver avoid decompression sickness. The watch will time the dive as well as any rest intervals between accent.

Suit (wet or dry)

and depending on the depth and whether the water is cold or warmer a wet or dry suit plus addition clothing for cold situations may be worn. The wet or dry suit can assist in keeping you warm and protected from the various elements.

Whether you are thinking about taking up scuba diving or are a seasoned veteran of the activity everyone can agree that beneath the waters surface lies a wealth of beauty and knowledge and thanks to scuba diving this world is readily at our finger tips.

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Bali Liveaboard Scuba Diving Vacation

2009-09-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what many scuba divers may think, a liveaboard scuba diving in Bali may not necessarily be more expensive relative to conventional scuba diving vacations. As a matter of fact, liveaboard scuba diving, if well planned may even save you money and hassles.

Firstly, you will save a lot of transportation time and costs, such as traveling to your dive operator's boat and then after your dive, returning to your hotel or resort, lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear to and fro, then repeating this same process for the next couple of days during your scuba diving vacation in Bali.

Next, you save money from hotel or resort accommodation because since you are living on the liveaboard dive boat, there will be no need for hotel or resort bookings. On top of that, you do not need to hunt for expensive meals in your hotel or resort since all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include meals. This will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and succulent sea food caught by the crew while you are enjoying your scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Bali scuba diving vacation is that you can dive in many exotic dive spots instead of the ones near where you stay. This is because you need not return to your resort hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive boat will cruise to far flung scuba diving locations while you are sleeping, again saving you time and best of all, you get to save more money by diving in more dive locations for the same price.

Below is a typical liveaboard Bali scuba diving package offered by quite a few Bali dive operators.

Day One-Visit one of Bali's most interesting street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Bali which will also include a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. Dive Sites: Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two-After breakfast, you will hop onboard for a dive boat trip to Menjangan Island. Dive Sites: Menjangan - National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, lunch and surface rest on a white sandy beach.

Day Three-Dive Sites: Amed or Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive and Wall Dive

Day Four-After breakfast drive to East - Bali and stop over to view Bali Islands famous terraced rice fields. Dive Sites: Blue Lagoon & White Beach including a night dive in Blue Lagoon

Day Five-Dive Sites: Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha

Day Six-Dive Sites: Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan 2 Speedboat Dives.

Day Seven-Dive Sites: Blue Lagoon - White Beach - Chanel

So if you want to save time, money and hassle during your Bali scuba diving vacation, why not try liveaboard scuba diving?

Scuba Diving - An Underwater Adventure

2009-08-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing quite as mysterious as that which is contained underwater. Since the beginning of time, man has attempted to explore the deep of the sea; to investigate the secrets it holds. The modern equivalent of this exploration is scuba diving – a one-man voyage that can yield enormous adventure. But before you can dive, you must crawl, so to speak.

Deciding whether scuba diving is right for you depends solely on your personality. If you’re someone who enjoys swimming, exploring, and adventurous activities, then chances are you will thoroughly enjoy scuba diving. However, in order to complete the training and scuba dive safely and successfully you must also be in good physical health.

If you have an interest in scuba diving you can get your feet wet through scuba instruction. In order to participate in scuba diving in open water, you must be trained and certified in scuba. You can find a host of training facilities in towns and cities throughout the world – regardless of whether or not you live near the ocean. Scuba diving instruction is given in indoor pools because of the controlled environment. But before water work even begins, students are given extensive classroom instruction to familiarize them with the essentials of scuba diving.

Once in the pool, the instructor will put the classroom instruction into practice, allowing students to practice techniques associated with scuba diving. Scuba diving instruction can take place over many weeks; it is imperative that students receive thorough training in order to ensure their safety. The culmination of training will be your certification in scuba diving. And you’re on your way.

Reputable instructors can certainly point you in the direction of finding scuba gear that will be essential for your dives. Equipment necessary for scuba diving includes a wetsuit, flippers, eye and face mask, and oxygen tank and accessories. You also have the ability to rent equipment prior to any dives; just be sure that you are taken out by scuba professionals who are reputable and experienced.

Scuba diving can be an unbelievable experience that will forever transform you. Take the steps necessary to ensure your safety and the rest is pure enjoyment.

Safe And Effective Scuba Diving Equipment

2009-08-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

Clearly, being many feet under water for an extended period of time is not something humans were designed to do. But the art of scuba diving has opened up the possibilities – allowing us to journey where we were previously unable to explore. Of course, the reason that scuba diving is successful on this front is because of the scuba diving equipment that renders us physically able to stay underwater.

Scuba diving can be an amazing experience and one – for obvious reasons – that many find themselves addicted to after just the first time. But diving safely depends not only on the skill of the diver, but on the dependability and proper use of extensive scuba diving equipment.

The first layer of scuba diving equipment is that which covers the diver. The wetsuit, made of a thin layer of synthetic rubber and lined with nylon, forms a protective barrier between the diver and the water. The diver’s skin is kept completely dry and the material of the wetsuit actually traps body heat against the skin guarding against hypothermia. It is important, for this reason, that the wetsuit be as snug as possible against the diver’s body. In addition to the wetsuit, the scuba diver also wears flippers as part of their scuba diving equipment that allows them to maneuver effortlessly through the water.

Of course, the scuba diving equipment that most people associate with scuba is the oxygen tank. The oxygen tank is the most essential piece of scuba diving equipment as it allows the diver to stay underwater for extended periods of time. The oxygen tank is carried on the back of the diver; its size depends on the length and time of the dive. Most tanks also include equipment that allows the divers to closely monitor the amount of oxygen they have left so that they can resurface safely.

The facemask – another piece of scuba diving equipment – is placed over the mouth, nose, and eyes of the diver. Oxygen is pumped into the mask allowing the diver to breathe. The mask also enables the diver to see underwater without obstruction.

Scuba instruction of any kind will include comprehensive lessons on the safe and effective use of scuba diving equipment. It is imperative that scuba divers – beginners and veterans alike – use their scuba diving equipment respectfully and in complete accordance with operating instructions. Using these safety measures will ensure that you have an enjoyable – and memorable – scuba experience.

Looking At A Scuba Diving Holiday For Your Next Vacation

2009-08-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

A cool fact everyone should know is that the majority of planet Earth is covered with water. So basically most of our planet is hidden under water. Why not explore this area and see what else is out there besides humans and land animals? The most elegant and untouched things lie in the world of the oceans and other bodies of water. It would make for a great vacation to discover these fascinating underwater mysteries. There are countless scuba diving holiday companies out there for your enjoyment. If you are a single man or woman it is a great place to connect with others who have your same interest in the adventure of finding new and exotic species living in the deep sea. If you have a family there is nothing better you can do to bring your family together then by going scuba diving and exploring the unknown.

There are several scuba diving holiday companies that go to the most remote and exotic places on Earth. Some of these beautiful places include; the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, Kenya, Australia, Thailand, and Costa Rica. These are a few of the interesting and adventurous places most scuba diving holiday packages include. Research all of the different scuba diving holiday companies to see where they go. The cool thing about scuba diving holidays is that they are more luxurious than the normal vacation. Most travel companies provide a great hotel room in which to stay with fine dining and plenty of other amenities. So the reality is that you get to go to an out of the ordinary scuba destination and stay in beautiful accommodations as well. If you have a family, many are family friendly and offer lessons and activities for your children.

Most scuba diving holidays will include classes and equipment for you to rent or purchase. These classes you will teach you how to use the scuba equipment and the proper safety rules to follow to make your scuba diving holiday as safe and successful as possible. The classes are usually held at the diving destination. You will also learn about that particular underwater world and the different species of fish you may encounter. Some of these species may be protected and some you may be able to spear and have for dinner. There is nothing better than freshly caught lobster, crab or shellfish. Once you learn how to scuba dive it is an activity that you can include in future vacations.

Most people go on at least one really adventurous vacation in their lives. So if you are considering a vacation or a trip, think out of the box, think excitement, think adventure, think about discovering unexplored underwater caverns, think about scuba diving holidays. They will expand your world. You learn how to do a new sporting activity. You get to see things most people will never see in their entire lives and live like royalty while doing so. It is a different and exciting choice for those who are tired of the same old mundane vacation.

Little Known Ways To A Safe Scuba Diving

2009-07-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Basically, scuba diving is a high-risk and dangerous sport. Yet, if you follow these tips, you can have a fun, fantastic experience of scuba diving:

• Get scuba dive gear that fits

For a fun scuba diving, make sure that the gear fits you properly. The mask should be comfortable and water-leakage-free. The BCD should be snug enough so that it does not ride around in the water. The Booties and fins must not cause discomfort or blisters.

• Drink lots of water

Make sure that you remain well hydrated. Just water, no alcohol.

• Learn first

Take some lessons before you jump into the water. Get qualified by a certification agency before participating in SCUBA diving.

• Check out with your doctor

It’s better to do a check up with your doctor before deciding to scuba dive.

• Safe places to dive

Even though you’ve got your certification of scuba diving, do not dive in dangerous waters or in any other environment of which you are not qualified to dive. Avoid dangerous laced for they require special scuba training. You can easily get lost or trapped and run out of air.

• Get a friend

Never ever dive by yourself. Get a friend or join a diving club.

• Know the weather

Know for sure the local weather condition before getting on a dive. Check out if the water and weather conditions are safe enough. Cancel the plan if it is going to rain or there will be storm. And if you are already in the water yet it rains and even you hear a storm, get out of the water immediately. You don’t want to get struck by lightning.

• Protect your eyes and skin

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against the suns damaging rays. Wear a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor containing a high rating such as 15 to protect your skin.

Grand Cayman Scuba Diving, In This Side Of Paradise . . .

2009-07-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Year-Round Tripping

Every year thousands of tourists are lured to the Grand Cayman scuba diving sites. They go to the Grand Cayman because of year round warm and clear waters, great diving locations, and the variety of colorful and interesting marine species. Many of these island trippers are returnees, who never cease to enjoy the charms of this Caribbean gem.

There are about 250 Grand Cayman scuba diving sites. It would be impossible to visit all in a week’s time. To narrow down the list, here are the top spots in Grand Cayman that tourists can squeeze into their tight schedule.

Top Tourists Drawer

A stellar attraction of the Grand Cayman scuba diving sites is Stingray City. The thrill of getting up close to the stingrays and feed them is an out of the world experience nobody can forget. Tourists can watch the graceful water sprites from glass-bottomed boats, or snorkel on the shallow beds and feed the stingrays. They can also pose for their pictures taken under water. Scuba diving in the area is another way of getting close to the stingrays.

The Round Rock Caves is the favorite diving spot for hard core divers. There is a breathtaking wall topped with pinnacles – giving an impression of arches. The great visibility makes for good viewing of several varieties of fish and crawlers. You can swim in and out the tunnels and have a great adventure following schools of fish or just enjoying their presence.

Tourists should not pass up the dive in Orange Canyon. This is one awesome dive. The site will suit intermediate scuba divers. This is also a great site for snorkeling because the current is light. Orange sponges covered spurs is are incredible to look at, and it is amazing to see this vibrant color underwater. There are crawling lobsters, paddling turtles, and giant parrotfish.

The Oro Verde wreck is another must-see. The huge freighter is now the home of the yellow tail snappers and angel fish. You can watch as the schools of fish pass you by at a close distance. The Eagle Ray Pass in the North Wall is another enthralling underwater scenes. This pass has an enchantment all its own with its towering corals, black corals, and sponges. It is here that the Spotted Eagle Rays can be observed in their natural habitat.

Vacations on a Budget

There are great vacation deals for those on a budget. Backpackers can get those shared rooms for $590 per head in Lacovia Condominiums. This includes four nights lodging and 3 days diving. Those on sight seeing tours only, can get a shared room for $290 for four nights lodging. For this minimal amount, one can have a great Grand Cayman scuba diving tour.

Prices are steep in winter when people fly to the Caymans to escape the wintry weather. Most of these packaged tours include 10% government tax and 7.5% service charge; however these are subject to change. Meals are not included but there are a slew of restaurants along the 7 mile strip offering a mix of local and international cuisine.

So, even on a budget, one can have the grandest vacation in Grand Cayman scuba diving sites in this side of paradise.

Finding Reputable Scuba Diving Classes

2009-07-21T23:24:00.001-07:00

Scuba diving, like any other skilled activity, must be learned before it can be mastered. So, for those who have a desire to take to the ocean in scuba gear, choosing from among scuba diving classes is an inevitable part of the process. Finding reputable scuba diving classes will ensure that you receive the skills you need to begin your journey in scuba.

The beauty of scuba diving classes is that they can be found anywhere – from small towns to big cities – and do not require proximity to the ocean. As a matter of fact, most scuba diving classes are taught in a pool facility, giving instructors the benefit of a controlled environment in which to teach the basics of scuba. And for a scuba novice, a pool environment is much less intimidating than the ocean, especially when you are just learning how to operate with the variety of scuba gear you must don to dive.

First and foremost in your quest to find scuba diving classes is to ascertain the reputation of classes offered closest to you. It is imperative that you receive lessons from certified instructors who have experience with training – not just participating in – scuba diving. Ask around to find people who have taken scuba diving classes from particular instructors and facilities to narrow down your search. There are actual scuba schools that exist but be sure to check public pool facilities where instructors periodically visit to give scuba diving classes.

In most cases, you can visit the facility, and actually participate in a trial class – at no charge – to determine if it’s the appropriate environment for your particular needs. More often than not, you will begin with comprehensive classroom instruction before even entering the pool.

Additionally, most reputable scuba diving classes will offer equipment for use during lessons. This can be helpful if you have not yet fully committed yourself enough to scuba diving to purchase the expensive equipment.

The most important thing you should receive from scuba diving classes is confidence. It should be a comfortable, well-paced learning environment where you feel that all of your questions are thoroughly answered and where safety is of the utmost concern. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the many mysteries beneath the ocean.

The Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver Certification Course

2009-06-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Once the basic open water scuba diving certification has been successfully completed by new divers, there should be some consideration to taking the next training level up which is the advanced open water course. Prior to that, it is probably a good idea to get some more experience as a new scuba diver right after the basic certification by doing several easy beginner level dives to further sharpen the basic skills and to appreciate the new underwater world. This can be easily done with a week of scuba diving at a destination where there are plenty of easier dive sites such as the Florida Keys. There’s no rush to do the more difficult dives for now.

Although it is quite possible to do deeper and more advance level dives as one gets more experience in diving without taking another course, it is much more ideal to get introduced to more difficult dives with an instructor. Deep dives, night dives, drift dives and dive sites with moderate currents can be too challenging for new divers. Even though many advanced dives are very exciting and rewarding, doing them without proper training can be dangerous. There’s no such thing as getting too much education and training in scuba diving.

The advanced scuba diver course was designed to help divers get the proper training for advanced dives as well as developing further skills including underwater navigation, safety, search and recovery. The advanced open water is also a very fun course to take. It does require some reading with a manual that will be supplied by the dive instructor but unlike the basic open water certification course, no written exam is required. The advanced course is mostly practical as it consists of several open water dives with a dive instructor over two days. Each open water dive during the advanced course will feature different types of dive skills. One will work on improving navigation while another will involve a deep dive. Other dives may include diving on wrecks, night diving and some basic rescue techniques.

All major scuba diving training certification agencies such as NAUI, PADI and SSI will have an advanced scuba diver course. All dive schools and operators that have scuba training will have the advanced course available. At many dive destinations, some dive operators will insist upon a minimum of advanced open water certification in order to take charter dive trips which involve higher level dive sites. For example, the deeper shipwreck dives of the Spiegel Grove, Duane and the Bibb located off Key Largo all require advanced or higher certification cards before the local dive operators will allow divers on those particular dives.

Traveling with Scuba Dive Gear and Equipment

2009-05-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

With today’s state of air travel and airport security, scuba divers often have to decide how to travel with all their dive gear. For those scuba divers who plan to rent all their equipment at their destination, this isn’t an issue. However, the trend in diving has always been that as divers become more experienced with more dives logged after initial open water certifications, they tend to want to use their own equipment rather than rent. This is especially true with masks, regulators, wetsuits and dive computers. Avid scuba divers will often travel with their entire gear including fins and buoyancy compensators. Of course because of weight issues, scuba divers rarely travel with tanks or weights.

I have an air integrated Oceanic scuba dive computer that I wouldn't want lost or delayed in checked luggage during my dive trips so I always carry it on with me on airplanes. I have never had any problems going through airport security. Sure, they might check my stuff because scuba dive gear looks pretty foreign to most airport security staff but that's okay as my scuba dive computer always got through. The only thing I have to be careful of is how I pack it. On a few occasions, I had put the computer in a soft bag that also contained my regulator, another piece of my own scuba equipment that I would prefer to use rather than deal with a rental. During travel, one of the buttons on the dive computer must have gotten accidentally depressed which activated the device. Because of the altitude and/or pressure changes during a flight, the dive computer thought that it was going on an actual dive. It started beeping because it didn't like the statistics it was sensing which was a bit annoying on board. After the flight, my dive computer actually locked out for 24 hours. It was a good thing that I didn't dive until the next day. So from now on, I always pack my scuba dive computer in a box which prevents accidental activation and then the box goes into my carry on baggage. I also carry on my mask as well as my log book and certification cards. I wouldn’t want to be refused for diving by a dive operator in case my checked baggage was lost so it is highly recommended to carry your log book and certification card with you.

Everything else like my wetsuit, booties, fins, snorkel and buoyancy compensator goes into my checked baggage. If my checked baggage is lost, stolen or delayed, I can always rent the extra equipment I need without losing any dives. Some folks believe that one should not check in any large scuba dive bags with the dive flag displayed as it may advertise luggage containing expensive dive gear. In this case, one can always pack a flexible scuba dive bag inside a larger regular suitcase. So a good rule of thumb to use is to always carry on the scuba dive equipment that you can’t afford to lose or be without for your diving and check the rest.

Spiegel Grove, the Largest Florida Keys Shipwreck for Scuba Divers

2009-04-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

The latest shipwreck dive site in the Florida Keys for scuba divers is the USS Spiegel Grove. This is a former US Navy Landing Ship Dock that was sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef in Key Largo, much like the Duane and Bibb ships were in the same general area. The Spiegel Grove is 510 feet in length and 84 feet wide making it the largest of the shipwrecks accessible to scuba divers in the Florida Keys. This wreck sits at a depth of 134 feet near Dixie Shoals and the depth at the highest point of the ship is about 60 to 65 feet depending on the tide level.

The Spiegel Grove had been lying on her starboard side after initial sinking and was reported to be a great dive. Hurricane Denis which greatly affected the south Florida area, actually made this wreck dive even better. The waves and surges from the hurricane were strong enough to push the entire ship to an upright position much like how the Duane is sitting. This resulted in better orientation of the ship for scuba divers especially since there are some swim throughs located throughout the wreck.

Most of the scuba dive operators in Key Largo have dive trips to the Spiegel Grove since this site is the latest rage in the local scuba diving. Since it is a deep dive, advance certification is required. Scuba divers can also dive the Spiegel Grove as part of their advance certification course. The dive plan for this wreck is very similar to that of the Duane. The dive site is often in an area with heavy currents so as soon as divers jump in the water, they have to go grab a line and pull themselves towards the front of the dive boat where the line is attached to the descent line. Divers then pull themselves down towards the wreck. Unlike the Duane which has descent lines on both ends of the ship, the Spiegel Grove has three lines since it is a much larger ship. The ascent and safety stop is on these same lines since the currents can be strong at any depth. It is highly recommended that any cameras and other devices are secured by lanyards since losing them in these currents is possible.

As one descends on the Spiegel Grove, one will see just how large this ship is. This will keep many divers excited. Lots of divers in the area have dived the Spiegel Grove before and are only happy to dive it again to explore the different compartments accessible in the wreck. This ship is also unique as it has a large crane in the stern area since it was used as a landing ship dock. For enthusiasts interested in the beauty of shipwrecks themselves, this will be considered a great dive. The only downside to this dive is the amount of marine life on the wreck. Barracuda, large angelfish and other fish can be spotted on the Spiegel Grove but not nearly as many as on the Duane. This is why some divers may still prefer the Duane over the Spiegel Grove if marine life is their primary interest in scuba diving. But the Spiegel Grove is still a relatively new dive site compared to the Duane so in time, the amount of marine life will increase at this site making it even better in the future. Both the Spiegel Grove and the Duane are highly recommended dives for all scuba divers with a minimum of advance certification when diving in the Key Largo area.

Scuba Diver Escaped Shark Attack In Australia

2009-02-28T20:10:00.000-08:00

The AFP reported on 25 Jan 2007 that a brave scuba diver repelled a Great White Shark attack yesterday. How did this man escaped from the most feared predator of the sea, the monstrous Great White Shark which is known to grow up to 30 feet long and can weigh tons?

The Australian scuba diver, Eric Nerhus said that he resisted the shark attack so vigorously because he did not want to be an undignified fish food. Fish food? The Great White Shark is no ordinary shark It is a huge mean meat eating machine and nothing in the ocean can stand against its ferocity and viciousness.

Scuba Diving Shark Encounter

According to Eric, he was scuba diving collecting abalone in the ocean south of Sidney when he suddenly found himself half way into the gigantic mouth of the 10 footer monster with its sharp razor teeth grinding on him. He told Australia's Nine Network TV station that he was so shocked at first that he did not know what was happening. 'I went straight into its mouth. My shoulders, my head and one arm went straight down its throat and I could feel its teeth crunching up and down on my scuba diving weight vest.' he described to reporters from his hospital bed.

Eric, a father of two teenage kids realized that his only hope of escaping from the shark was by stabbing repeatedly at the creature's eye with his abalone chisel as the shark begun to shake him side to side in a vicious vice like grip around his waist. The struggle was so violent that Eric's regulator (breathing apparatus scuba diving gear) was knocked out from his mouth preventing him from breathing and his diver's face mask crushed.

The shark must have been hurt by Eric's vigorous stabbing of its eye that it suddenly paused, and then open its mouth just in the nick of time for Eric to escape from the shark's deadly jaws. The gallant scuba diver then swam painfully to the surface followed by the shark not too far behind him. He was quickly pulled to safety by his son before the Great White shark gets its second chance of making Eric its fish food.

The waters of Australia, South Africa and Florida are known to experience Great White Shark attacks on scuba divers, snorklers, surfers and swimmers now and then. Attacks by The Great White sharks are usually fatal and this scuba diver must have been very lucky to have escaped one piece.

Scuba Diving in St. Thomas

2009-02-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

Each year, a large number of vacationers make the decision to vacation in St. Thomas. St. Thomas is located in the Virgin Islands. This Caribbean island is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in the world. If you are interested in vacationing in St. Thomas, you may be wondering what fun and exciting activities await you.

In St. Thomas, as well as most other popular vacation destinations, you will likely find an unlined number of activities that will peak your internets. If you are looking for something that is exotic and educational all at the same time, you may want to consider scuba diving in St. Thomas.

Due to its clear waters, corral reefs, and amazing sea life, St. Thomas is one of the best places in the world to go on a scuba diving adventure. St. Thomas is well-known for its seclusion and beautiful beaches, but scuba diving is a popular underwater activity that brings in tourists from all around the world.

If you are interested in scuba diving in St. Thomas, but you have never been before, you do not have to worry. Scuba diving lessons are obtainable for individuals who want to scuba dive, but do not know how to. After a couple of lessons, you could easily be able to enjoying diving in the clear waters.

Whether you consider yourself an experienced scuba diver or just a beginner, you are encouraged to scuba dive while on a guided tour. Scuba diving tours are given by trained and experienced professionals. In addition to knowing where to look for the best underwater treasures, you will be safe. There are too many accidents that can happen in the open waters. That is why it is advised that you travel with an experienced diver and never go diving by yourself.

Since it is advised that you go scuba diving with a trained professional, you will have to find a scuba diving guide or a company that offers tours. In St. Thomas there are a number of places. When searching for scuba diving guides, you are encouraged to examine the type of tours that are available. You may find scuba diving tours right off the coast or tours that are hosted off of a boat.

While searching for scuba diving tours in St. Thomas, it is likely that you will come across the Blue Island Divers. Blue Island Divers is one the most well-known and most recommended scuba diving groups in the St. Thomas area. In addition to providing their services to adults, scuba diving lessons and assistance can be given to children. Blue Island Divers offer dives that are focused on underwater wreckage and coral reefs.

In addition to Blue Island Divers, it is likely that you may come across a company known as Admiralty Dive Center. The Admiralty Dive Center is a state of the art facility that offers a large number of scuba diving tours. These tours often involve exploring underwater wreckage and underwater sea life. As with the Blue Island Divers, scuba diving lessons and tours are available for individuals of all ages.

As previously mentioned, there are a number of scuba diving tours that may be ideal for your next family vacation or romantic getaway. You can easily search for additional scuba diving tours by requesting a vacation brochure from the St. Thomas Island. Additional information may also be obtained through your local travel agent.

Scuba Diving While Vacationing in Mexico

2009-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Millions of Americans schedule a Mexico vacation. If you are interested in scheduling a vacation in Mexico, or you already have, you may be wondering what you can do while on vacation. In Mexico, there are an unlimited number of activities that you may find exciting. One of those activities may include scuba diving.

When it comes to scuba diving in Mexico, there are many travelers who are misinformed. Many believe that you have to be an experienced diver to enjoy underwater diving. This is simply not true. Before going scuba diving in the ocean, it is advised that you have basic knowledge of diving and strong swimming skills. However, you do not have to be an experienced diver. When vacationing in Mexico, there are many individuals who go scuba diving for the first time.

Scuba diving is a pretty self-explained activity. Scuba divers are featured in many movies and can be found in many amusement parks. While the general idea of scuba diving is the same in Mexico, what you will see underwater is not. There are a number of underwater animals and plants that can only be seen in or around the Mexico area. This in itself is one of the many reasons why you should schedule a scuba diving adventure.

In Mexico, scuba divers are often able to swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. To many, this alone is worth the cost of scuba diving. Aside from swimming with sea animals, you can also spend your scuba diving trip examining the life and environment underwater. Just a few of the many sea animals that you may see in Mexico include lobsters, eels, sting rays, and a large number of different kinds of fishes. The fishes found in underwater Mexico often include puffer fishes, spotted fishes, and parrot fishes.

While the sea animals found underwater are the most exciting part of scuba diving, there are other underwater activities that you can participate in. Many scuba divers enjoy diving along coral reefs that are found along the coast of Mexico. Coral reefs are not only home to a large number of sea animals, but they also make for great adventures. You may find it exciting traveling in, over, or around the many different sized reefs.

Unless you are an experienced underwater diver, you are advised to go scuba diving with a trained professional. These professionals are most commonly found with scuba diving tour groups. Scuba diving tour groups can be found all along the coast of Mexico. Scuba diving is a popular pastime in Mexico; therefore, you are encouraged to schedule your scuba diving adventures ahead of time.

In addition to scheduling a scuba dive with a trained diver, you can learn how to scuba dive at a number of locations in Mexico. Many of these locations also offer guided tours. Scuba diving lessons are offered as group lessons or private lessons. Private lessons may be more expensive, but many first time scuba divers find them rewarding, in more ways than one.

Underworld Scuba operates scuba diving and snorkeling tours in the Manzanillo area of Mexico. It has been said that the Manzanillo area is one of the best places to go scuba diving in Mexico. Underworld Scuba, along with number other companies, state that the area is thriving with underwater life and adventures. Another popular scuba diving tour company is The Puerto Dive Team, which operates out of Oaxaco Mexico. They are most known for their private one-on-one underwater tours.

To find other guided tours that are designed for scuba divers, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or do the research yourself. Whether or not you have already selected your Mexico destination, you should easily be able to find nearby tours. The closer you are to the coast, the more tours you will have access to. What you can do and see underwater is absolutely amazing. It is likely what you see will stay with you for years to come.

Scuba Diving with Club Med in Turks and Caicos

2009-01-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

One scuba diving vacation option for divers is with the Club Med resorts that offer intensive dive programs. These particular Club Med locations have full service scuba diving centers staffed by PADI and NAUI certified instructors as well as full equipment rentals. Club Med has locations with dive intensive programs in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. One such resort is the Club Med Turkoise in the Turks and Caicos islands located southeast of the Bahamas. While these islands are not the lushest in the Caribbean, they do have excellent coral reef systems making it a top scuba diving destination in the region.

For those scuba divers who do not want to be bothered with transit between hotels, restaurants and dive boats, Club Meds are a wonderful option since everything is on site. Like other high end all-inclusive resorts, Club Meds have excellent dining, decent rooms plus great facilities for water and land sports. A bonus feature of Club Meds is the inclusion of instruction for many activities such as sailing and water skiing as well as the nightly entertainment on stage.

As for the scuba diving programs which are offered at additional cost, they usually offer standard five day packages which include a two tank trip every morning plus a weekly night dive. There are optional single tank dives in the afternoon as well. In my estimation, the Club Med Turkoise location I went to had 50% divers and 50% non-divers. It was kind of funny to see that the guests who go to bed the earliest in the evenings and show up in the dining room first thing in the mornings are the scuba divers. Many divers I met were repeat guests. This proves that the Club Med is able to attract a loyal following among some scuba divers. The resort is ideal for couples where one spouse is a diver and the other is not. There are plenty of other activities on site for the non-diving spouse to do while the other is out diving. Later in the afternoon, couples or friends could get back together to do other activities or simply relax. I went to this Club Med as a single traveler and had no problems fitting in. The dining room staff usually asks guests whether they would like to sit with a singles table or one with couples. The advantage of this Club Med setup is that it is very easy to meet other guests on a social level. I ended up socializing and diving with people from Europe as well as North America.

The Club Med dive boats are huge. These boats have rows along each side and another row in the center. They are ‘cattle’ boats for sure as there can be as much as 40 divers for each trip. However, they are nice ‘cattle’ boats with two ladders in the back platform and a large upper deck for the boat ride. A very nice feature of these boats is that there are two safety stop bars below the boat at the 15 feet mark. These bars are excellent for beginner scuba divers who still have problems remaining at a level 15 feet for their safety stops. All they have to do is hold on to the safety stop bar and wait for the 3 minutes. On each bar, there is also a regulator for those who are low on air. Scuba divers can dive in either guided groups led by a divemaster or in their own buddy groups. Either way, there is an adequate briefing before each dive. The guided groups are particularly good for divers who do not want to worry about navigation.

The diving at Turks and Caicos is wonderful with steep walls during the first part of each dive. The return portion of each dive will generally be over a reef system with lots of small to medium size marine life. One resident barracuda nicknamed Charlie is often seen and likes to hang out between the safety stop bars checking out the divers. In general, the diving is similar to that in the Bahamas but you won’t find crowds of dive boats out in the water here since Turks and Caicos are not as saturated with dive operators and tourists yet. For an extra charge, it is possible for the resort to arrange a 3 tank day trip with an outside scuba operator to dive some sites further out that have larger marine life. Some divers took this option and returned with very positive reviews of multiple shark sightings.

If scuba divers are interested in going to a Club Med, it is important to verify which locations currently offer the intensive dive programs. Different Club Meds also have different atmospheres. Some are livelier with a party scene and some are quieter. Consulting a travel agent familiar with Club Meds will be useful. Club Med does have a good scuba diving program with very professional staff and is an option worth checking out if one doesn’t mind being on dive trips with relatively large numbers of divers.

Scuba Diving In Musandam - Oman

2009-01-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, lying along its southeast corner. It has a total land area of 300,000 square kilometres and a population of over two million.

The Musandam, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, is the northernmost part of the Sultanate.

Due to its geographical position and mountainous terrain it was isolated from the rest of Oman and the region developed at its own pace. Graded roads cut across the mountains have now made it more accessible. The grandeur of Musandam can best be explored by sea.

Musandam Peninsula has an abundance of sheltered fjords, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs. Fjords, or khors, created by fragmented rock stretching claw-like into the sea and massive overshadowing cliffs towering above are magnificently reflected in the water below.

The coast juts into the Strait of Hormuz and extends some 600 kilometres. These spectacular fjords have given the area a second name “The Norway of Arabia” The Strait of Hormuz is only 60km wide and does not exceed 60m in depth and is of strategic importance to Oman as 90% of all the Gulf's oil trade passes through this area.

The only dive center is the Extra Divers Dive Center located in the "Golden Tulip Hotel" in Khasab, which is the capital of the most northerly province of Musandam.

It is the only dive center in the whole area...so lots of fish and few divers! Turtles, rays, nudibranches, dolphins, barracudas...name it - youด see it.......maybe...! The dive center is brand new with new equipment, compressor, tanks, dive shop, dry room for our guests, multilingual instructors (german, english, french, italian & russian), a workshop... and a terrace for chill-out after diving. More infos at: http://www.scubasailing.de

The total population of Musandam is approximately 27,000 and the capital Khasab has 18,000 inhabitants. Dibba on the East coast of Musandam has a population of approximately 5,500. The Peninsula begins with Tibat, on the west coast in the Arabian Gulf to Daba (Dibba), on the east coast in the Gulf of Oman, this coastal zone, along with many offshore islands, offers a unique contact with nature. Small villages nestle along the tortuous shoreline, most of them only accessible by sea, like Lima and Kumzar.

Its rugged mountains rise up over 2,000 meters above sea level. In Arabic it is known as Ra's Musandam. The Ru'us al-Jibal (the Mountaintops), the northernmost extremity of the al-Gharbi al-Hajar (Western Hajar mountains), occupy the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. The peninsula is generally about 35 km wide.

The peninsula is mainly inhabited by the Shihuh, who are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman. Fishing is the peninsula's main industry with packing plants at al-Khasab and Bay'ah. Transportation is mostly by sea, since no roads cross the forbidding terrain.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Trips In Costa Rica

2009-01-12T19:56:00.001-08:00

Many people who are experienced divers and snorkelers pick Costa Rica as one of the prime locations for scuba diving and snorkeling because of the beautiful crystal blue ocean waters. Costa Rica's environment makes it premier in the idea of snorkeling and diving in some of the best waters in the world.

Not only do tour companies do regular tours, weddings, but also they do have special tours for those who wish to spend a week diving at various beaches around the country. Many people who are new to diving are strongly advised to undergo training and certification prior to their travel plans because it can get expensive if you come and get certified by an instructor down there and certification standards are different in the United States and Caribbean.

It's easier to do that so you can be prepared and have yourself together. It's ideal to be an experienced diver when you visit places like Costa Rica so you can travel with your own equipment since airlines usually allow divers to travel with their tanks and gear depending on who permits it since it's considered extra weight on flights.

They have packages for how long some people wish to go diving and usually the average times people go on diving trips are about 10-14 days. Divers depending on the tour company you go with will allow you to customize your trip and usually if you're traveling in a group, it's a lot cheaper and you get more for your money when you book as a group. Rates for snorkeling go by how much you're charged per day to rent a boat to go out on the water.

The rates are also priced by the season meaning it can cost more if you're going out during the high tourist season and it's cheaper when you're going on the low tourist season. Usually peak travel seasons are when it's the most expensive to travel to Costa Rica. It's cheaper to visit on the off-season because you can get a good rate for travel with airfare and hotel since rates go down in the off-season. That's why it's ideal to plan your trips in advance so when you come across a good deal you can book it ahead of time to get the rate that you want.

Google can pull up countless websites for travel agencies that offer diving travel packages so people can customize their vacation packages for their specific need and budgets since not everyone wants elaborate, but want to go low key and inexpensive. Everyone wants to have a good time, but you want to also save some money in the process of it all.

Planning the ultimate diving excursion with friends and family who are into diving can be a lot of fun and having quality time with loved ones and friends is what makes a vacation worth every penny spent. Researching your vacation options early ensures that you get what you're paying for in advance.

Scuba Diving For Beginners

2009-01-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

Scuba diving is an exciting water activity for almost all ages. It involves using special gear to stay underwater for extended periods of time. That simple definition, though, belies the true excitement of this recreation - scuba divers enjoy seeing marine life up close and even see underwater shipwrecks, coral reefs, and caves, all from a unique perspective. Scuba diving has become extremely popular because it offers unparalleled excitement, a good workout, and a chance to see nature’s wonders up close.

If you want to join other scuba divers, it is important to find the best scuba diving instructor – one who is certified by a professional body like NAUI (The National Association of Underwater Instructors) or PADI (The Professional Association of Diving Instructors)– since scuba diving has some risks. Getting good instruction ensures that you learn scuba diving safely. Both PADI and NAUI can also provide you with the facts about scuba diving, and dive certification is required to dive at most resorts and dive operations.

When selecting an instructor, it is important to select someone with the right certification levels. Levels include Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, DiveMaster, Assistant Instructor, Boat Diver, Deep Diver, Drift Diver, Multilevel Diver, Night Diver, Search & Recovery Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigator, Underwater Photographer, Underwater Videographer, Wreck Diver, and others. It is important to select a scuba diving instructor with the credentials and certification that most meets your needs.

When you are just starting out as a scuba diver, you may be interested in travelling to one of the scuba diving hot spots –The Red Sea in Egypt, Malta, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, and others. These popular scuba diving destinations offer beautiful dives and plenty of instructions for the new scuba diver. These destinations also allow you to easily rent all the gear you need for scuba diving – including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, exposure suits (wetsuit or dry suit), buoyancy compensators, weights, and tanks. All this gear allows you to stay safe and control your decent into the water. For beginning scuba divers, it can make sense to rent this equipment, as scuba diving gear can cost more than $1000. For new scuba divers, renting also makes sense because it ensures that the gear is properly maintained and kept.

However you decide to approach scuba diving – whether locally or at an exotic destination, whether as a pleasant pastime or a regular hobby – joining the ranks of scuba divers worldwide is sure to be an eye-opening experience – and one that will create a life time of memories.

Scuba Diving Equipment

2009-01-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Serious scuba diving entails more than just the basic gears of the beginner diver. The diver needs more than just his set of mask, fins, regulator, oxygen tank, and wet suit to ensure the diver’s safety.

For external data that the diver should know, the assistance of a diving computer is essential. The diving computer provides information on the amount of time needed for decompression and even the depth of the dive itself. It also gauges data such as the levels of nitrogen content in the bloodstream, or decompression sickness that could be fatal to the diver’s life.

It would be wise to compare brands of diving computers before actually making a purchase. Aside from considering factors such as cost, quality and accuracy of the machine should also be weighed out. One effective way of doing this would be to search for reviews of the products and gather consensus of those who have bought and used it in their dives.

After buying one’s personal choice it would be prudent to study and understand the features and commands of the equipment. It should be known by heart, in the same way that a beginner is trained to deal with various situations that can happen to him under water. To get used to operating the product, it would be advisable to use its functions little be little in short-term expeditions.

Various unforeseen accidents can occur to a diver, especially when he is underwater. One trick is not to panic and to remain calm. Fear is a diver’s greatest enemy since it can blur out good judgment and training. Besides, another aspect that should be checked from time to time is the relaxed breathing of the diver. Panic can cause hyperventilation or worse, rapid ascent towards the surface can cause bubbles to form in the body’s tissues that could cause lack of sensation, immobility, or death.

Scuba Diving Basics

2008-12-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like scuba diving. I remember my first scuba dive. I was visiting Tobago with a friend and I decided on the spur of the moment that it was something I wanted to do, so I went to the local dive shop and signed up for the class. There were only three of us going on the dive, and the two others accompanying me were fully PADI certified, so they didn't need any instruction. That particular dive required that I have classroom lessons that lasted 4 hours. There was a lot that the instructor explained to me during that time like how to use the equipment, what decompression is, what to expect, how to use the buddy system, etc. We did a confined dive first, the afterwards went out to the reef for the open dive.

The dive itself was amazing and exhilarating for me even though it was what is called a non-decompression dive, only to 40 feet. I had been a snorkel for years, but had never been that close to a reef and fish.

For those who crave more diving adventure such as deep sea diving and wreck diving which would take them much deeper in the water they would need much more training, and PADI certification.

It's easy to learn to dive. Not as hard as you might think. PADI certification can be obtained fairly easily, and at your own pace. There are books and videos that you can obtain to help you through the course. Your instructor will give you a short test at the end of each course. After you have completed what is called knowledge training you start diving. You first experience confined dives and then open water dives. Confined dives take place in a pool or a shallow body of water. The first time I put on the equipment and went in the water we were just waist deep. Once you have mastered confined dives and proven yourself to your instructors you will have the opportunity to go on open water dives with the instructor.

Where you will be diving will make the decision for you as to what type of equipment you are going to need. As my dive was in the warm Caribbean waters I didn't need any type of wet suit. I wore a BC vest. However, on deeper cold water dives you will want to make sure you are equipped with a dry suit that will handle cold.

You'll need a good mask. One that seals against your face well. A pair of booties and fins. You'll need a snorkel, a buoyancy compensator vest and a regulator with a gauge and a second mouthpiece.

You'll want to do a lot of research on equipment before buying. As with most things technology is constantly changing scuba equipment. You'll want to talk with friends and instructors as to their recommendations. There is a fairly large initial investment and you want to get the best you can for the money you spend. You also want to make sure that you're comfortable in all the pieces of your scuba gear. If your mask isn't tight enough and leaks, or if your fins are too tight and rub your heels that is what your mind will be on instead of the wonders of the sea.

Scuba Diving – More Accessible than you thought!

2008-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

Since the early 20th century, SCUBA diving has gone from an incredibly risky undertaking well out of reach for all but the fabulously wealthy to a relatively safe sport with a rapidly growing participant community.

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, so named for the tanks and other gear which divers carry on their backs allowing them to breathe underwater. Although this gear termed “life-support equipment” and a commitment of real training is necessary in order to become safe and proficient enough with it to dive even in a small lake or quarry, technological advancements and improvements in science and engineering have enabled longer times underwater, deeper dives, and reduced danger in this exhilarating activity enjoyed by athletes and nature lovers.

Having originally been popularized by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, who built the Aqualung (a name still used in Britain to describe Scuba equipment today), Scuba is now enjoyed by millions of people worldwide ranging from locations as temperate tropical waters to under-ice sub-arctic diving for scientific purposes or by adventure seekers.

Many people are unaware of the length of time necessary to attain Scuba proficiency and certification – in the United States, the two major certification bodies are National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI). Depending on the course, new divers can get certified in as little as three to four days of actual instruction – since the courses are based on performance standards and not on hours of instruction, this number can be higher or lower. Also, if a diver wishes to do more technical and dangerous dives or to use more advanced equipment, more training would be necessary in order to ensure safety.

Anyone who enjoys vacations to tropical areas or who appreciates nature and enjoys the water can now consider Scuba diving, thanks to the advances mentioned in science and engineering, as well as the establishment of standardized certification and training programs worldwide. If you’ve never considered it, much more information is available online to help you decide if Scuba makes sense for you.

Scuba Dive the Florida Keys

2008-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

One of the best areas to scuba dive within North America is in the Florida Keys, a long string of islands just south of Miami. For any scuba diver traveling to southern Florida, even a quick day trip to the Florida Keys is worthwhile. There’s great scuba diving all along the Keys from the first community of Key Largo, through to the middle at Marathon and all the way to the end where Key West is located. One can get to Key Largo in about 45 minutes from Miami and the protected Pennekamp marine park in the surrounding waters offers much more marine life to see than the waters off Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Key Largo in particular is a scuba diver’s town with numerous dive operators and some retailers who carry diving equipment and gear.

One of the great things about scuba diving in the Florida Keys is the variety of dive sites for every level of diver. Many of the nicest coral reefs loaded with fish are located in beginner level dive sites like Molasses Reef and French Reef. With depths of 30 to 50 feet, these are perfect dive sites for newly certified scuba divers as well as those who wish to do night dives. There’s even some good wreck diving in shallow dive sites like the Benwood wreck where the resident marine life will not disappoint any diver. For more advanced divers, there are some spectacular deep dives featuring large wrecks like the Duane, a former coast guard ship sitting upright. The most recent ship that was sunk for scuba diving is the Spiegel Grove which again is for advanced divers.

Many scuba divers from North America and other parts of the world come to the Florida Keys for their open water certification dives as well as more advanced training. Accommodations are plentiful right in the communities along the Keys and range from simple motels all the way up to high end resorts. Many have special packages just for scuba divers where there’s an arrangement with one of the local dive operators. There’s also relatively inexpensive accommodations in Florida City which is the closest community back in the Florida mainland about 20 minutes from Key Largo. After the day of diving, there are lots of restaurants serving fresh seafood for even the hungriest of divers.

Another attractive feature of Florida Keys diving is the cost. Especially for the quality of the dive sights, the cost of diving here is lower than in many of the Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. For those who are not ready to try scuba diving, there are some decent sites to snorkel in the Keys including one of the best in the U.S. at Looe Key. The marine life that can be seen here has convinced quite a few snorkellers to finally pursue scuba diving certifications. The Florida Keys has enough other activities to do besides scuba diving to keep non-divers busy. There’s interesting shopping, water sports, beaches (near the western part) and even two places to interact with dolphins. Of course, there’s also the funky scene at Key West.

The one aspect about scuba diving in the Florida Keys that some divers may not like is that the dives are not guided by divemasters from the various scuba operators. Divers who are used to following a local divemaster like the diving in destinations like Cozumel, will just have to team up in buddy groups here in the Keys. Despite this drawback, the Florida Keys still offers great tropical scuba diving without leaving the USA.

Scuba Diving Certification

2008-12-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

With the increase in the popularity of the sport, numerous centers and programs for scuba diving certification has come up in recent years. In the United States alone, there are nearly 2000 professional scuba dive centers. The first thing you’d need to do before joining a program is to check out the various centers and find out which one of them should be most suitable for you.

Open Water Diver Certification:

You have to be at least 15 years old to get the open water diver certification. Most open water certifications let you dive by yourself without an instructor present (if the charter does not make it compulsory). There is also Junior Open Water Diver Certification for people between ages 10 to 15. Before getting your certification, it is recommended by almost every center that you are in good physical health. Some centers may even require you to obtain a medical certificate before enrolling in a certification program. You also need to know how to swim though you don’t necessarily have to be good at it. However, you should be able to swim 200 yards using any stroke, and be able to float or tread on water for about 10 minutes.

Scuba Dive Centers for Certification:

There are numerous scuba dive centers around that can teach you the technical background knowledge and practical skills of scuba diving, but not all of them are completely reliable. Try to do a little research before registering yourself for a program. Also consider an agency that offers an internationally recognized certification card if you travel a lot.

Some of the most popular and biggest scuba diving certification agencies include PADI, NAUI, YMCA, Scuba Schools International, and PDIC. These organizations offer some of the best scuba courses and training instructors available. However, the training method, duration, lessons etc may not be the same with all of them. For example, NAUI courses are often more technical in the classroom than other programs but can’t be said better or worse than the rest. So, the outcome of the training and course will ultimately depend on your own effort and individual instructor.

Bubblemakers, Scuba rangers, and SASY are some of the popular agencies specializing in providing Junior Open Water Diver Certification for people between ages 10 to 15.

Course:

The duration of a scuba diving certification course usually depends on you and your schedule. Basically, it takes about two to three months to get a full certification which would cost between $175.00 and $250.00 and may include accessories such as books, tables, and rental equipment etc (you’ll have to buy or rent your own scuba diving equipment). A certification course normally includes classroom work, examinations, practical skills sessions, and four to five open water dives. Classroom work may be held once a week with more intensive weekends which include advanced reading, while open water dives typically take two more days.

The basic scuba diver certification permits you to dive from 60 to 100 feet below the surface, while an advanced scuba diving certification allows you to take deep dives of about 130 feet. The advanced scuba diving certification concentrates more on safety, physics, navigation, night diving, physiology diving and the dive tables.

How to start with SCUBA diving?

2008-11-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained-Underwater-Breathing-Apparatus and has become populair the last few years because it's exciting, a sport for everyone and because the technology has made it easier and easier.

You probably remember Jacques Cousteau who has done very well for the SCUBA industry with his wonderful underwater videos. Since his videos and underwater explorations, SCUBA diving has become more and more popular. At the moment of writing (06/2006), PADI, the world largest diving organisation has more than 130,000 dive professionals and around 5300 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts operating in 180 countries and territories.

Where do I find a dive center?
The best place for you to find a dive center is probably on the website of PADI (www.padi.com). You can find a dive center in 180 countries, that means that you will probably locate one close to your home. You can contact the dive center with your requests and they will be more than happy to provide you with any information you need.

On holiday or rather at home?
That totally depends on what you want to do. You can even combine it! It is possible to do the theory and swimming pool lessons at your dive center at home, and to do your open water dives at your holidays. It is called a referral, just ask your dive center to arrange it, most of the time they have special deals for you. Referrals are usually valid for 12 months so you can take your time for it.

Some populair destinations for SCUBA diving are the Red Sea and the Caribbean. Both destinations offer clear and relaxed conditions and have hundreds of dive centers to choose from.

You can find diving courses on Diving Answers, we collect diving courses from all over the world and put them on one page... simple! It is an easy way to find your first diving course and we would be more than happy to give you any advice in our forum or per email. Independant advice, because we do not sell holidays or courses our selves.

What to look for?
Don't only look at the price, look at the contact and response you get from the dive center, talk with your future instructor and staff, and ask many questions. Diving instructors should have more than plenty of patience and most instructors are really friendly people who love to help you out.

Don't be afraid because they train people everyday. Look however for quality and not quantity. It is not important how long an instructor has been training or how many students he or she has trained so far. It is about how much effort, devotion and love he/she puts in their work. Do you rather certify with a diving instructor that makes sure that you know what you are doing or are you just looking for a certification?

I promise you fun and an unforgettable adventure while breathing for the first time underwater. Have fun!

How To Get Certified In Scuba Diving

2008-11-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

The first two steps in getting certified in scuba diving is to make sure that you are a reasonably proficient swimmer and you get medical clearance from your doctor to take up the sport. As for the swimming, you don’t have to master every type of stroke. Scuba certification only requires that you are able to swim about 200 yards using any stroke you want and to be able to float or tread on water for about 10 minutes. If you are in good general health and are comfortable in the water, then you should be able to scuba dive without any problems.

There are about 1,900 professional scuba dive centers in North America alone and your local ones should definitely be checked out. Most will run basic certification programs on a regular basis. These centers or shops should be listed in the yellow pages and you can also check with websites of some of the major scuba diving certification agencies such as PADI or NAUI as they will also have listings. Sometimes scuba diving courses are offered at universities too.

Make sure that the course you are interested in taking as well as its instructor are certified with one of the major scuba diving training agencies. This will ensure that you get proper, safe training for both the technical background knowledge and practical skills required for certification as a scuba diver. You also want to end up with an internationally recognized certification card if you want to go scuba diving at various locations around the world.

Some vacation resorts offer ‘resort’ courses lasting a day or two which offer beginners some very basic training in order to try out scuba diving. These are not certification programs. Full certification programs involve classroom work, exams, practical skills sessions at a pool and usually about four open water dives in the sea (lake or ocean). The duration of the classroom work and pool sessions vary from a very intensive weekend (with advance reading) to once a week over several weeks. The open water dives will usually take two more days. Dive centers located in the tropics also offer basic certification programs that last several days to a week. Although the intensive weekend programs are quite feasible, many feel that basic scuba diving courses spread out over a few weeks will help beginners learn the skills better. Scuba diving does involve new skills and to learn them all during one full weekend may be too much for some people.

As for which scuba diving certification training agency is the best, there isn’t any one recognized organization that is better than another. PADI is the most popular in the world but not necessarily better than NAUI or SSI. NAUI course are often more technical in the classroom than those offered by PADI but both will adequately train you to be a scuba diver. The more important factor would be the individual instructor and your own effort during training/studying. In fact, many scuba diving instructors have certifications from several training agencies.

For people living in the more northern regions, there are a few possible routes to take in order to obtain certification. One can travel down south to the tropics and do the entire basic certification course down there in warm weather. However, this will take up a good portion of a vacation since reading, classroom, pool sessions and open water dives all must be done during that time period. A second option is to take the entire course including the open water dives back in home territory. This usually offers beginners the most time since courses can be spread out over a few weeks. However, the water up north is not as warm as in the tropics and the scuba diving could be seasonal. A third option is to take all the classroom and pool sessions back home and then go down south to do the open water dives in warm waters. Many people have taken this route. Your instructor back home will give you a referral letter to bring down to an instructor located down south who will oversee your open water dives. This is a good combination of taking ample time back home to practice the skills in the pool plus getting the classroom work out of the way followed by having nice warm water to dive in for the open water dives. One thing to be aware of if considering this option is to make sure that your travel to the tropics for your open water dives is not too delayed after finishing up with your pool sessions at home. If too much time has elapsed, one could easily forget the skills learned in the pool by the time a vacation comes along.

The underwater world has so much to offer and only a small percentage of the world’s population will ever have the privilege to see it in person rather than on television. Become one of these individuals who will have the honor of exploring the oceans by getting certified in scuba diving.

Choosing Your Scuba Diving Gear

2008-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Someone once said that scuba diving is like going back to Mother Nature’s womb albeit temporarily because every scuba diver would like to rise above deep waters no matter how cool the scene down there may be.

Scuba diving is a complicated sport that requires training and endurance. Scuba diving is not for the faint of heart, or for those who would shrink at the though of being submerged in water for a long time. This is not to say that scuba diving chooses its players because almost everyone can be a scuba diver, provided they do not have the age and health limitations.

Children as young as fifteen years old and in good health can train on scuba diving to prepare themselves for certification. However, all those interested to undergo training should fill up a health questionnaire and undergo medical checkups to determine their physical conditions.

While scuba divers have more opportunity to admire the fishery resources of the world, divers also dive for other reasons such as for scientific, commercial, military or recreational purposes.

Divers cannot go scuba diving without a certification even if they are doing it for fun. Majority of scuba divers do so for recreational purposes but they still have to undergo certification. Recreational divers can choose from a variety of specialization like underwater photography, search and rescue diving or night diving. Once they become experts in diving they can turn it into a career and become dive masters or underwater photographers.

There are however divers who dive for commercial purposes like for the purpose of salvaging sunken ships, constructing bridges and dams or to build underwater structures. Scientific divers focus on diving for the purpose of research.

A scuba diver must necessarily be a good swimmer who can float on water and swim fairly long distances. Basic swimming skills plus good health will make you eligible for certification as a diver.

A diver must tale note of his safety all of the time not only by getting proper training but also by making use of basic scuba diving gears like masks, fins and snorkels. A beginner can just rent the basic diving gear but if you intend to make this sport a long-term commitment then it would be best to buy the equipment. These three basic diving gear are every affordable and can be bought anywhere.

However, there is other diving gear that are more expensive like wet or dry suits, regulators or buoyancy compensators and scuba diving tanks. To make the most of your scuba diving gear, make sure to rinse them with fresh or tap water after using them. Allow them to dry but not in direct sunlight since they are made of rubber and can easily break down and deteriorate.

The basic diving gear is the same for most divers but specialty divers may have use for more sophisticated gadgets and equipment. But whatever kind of diving you do, always make sure to use the safety gears to protect yourself from the dangers of diving.

What You Need To Know Prior To Scuba Diving

2008-10-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving can be a great pastime for you if you love the water. In the summer it's a great water sport where you can cool off while keeping physically fit! However there are aspects that you will want to consider first. These will indeed help you better decide if it's for you, and make it very enjoyable as well.

Diver Requirements

Before beginning any new physical activity, you should always be sure you can handle what it requires. If you have any conditions that preclude you from other activities such as heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems and definitely anything that would make you more susceptible to drowning, you will need to consult a physician to be sure you are able to dive! This is recommended for anyone else as well.

You are also required to complete a form to guarantee you are fit to dive. To find out what is required on the form in preparation, you can find it online at Divers Alert Network. Like any sport, you need to be in a condition to endure times of physical exertion. These include carrying a heavy oxygen tank above water, as well as times when you might need to swim faster. The diving gear adds extra strength demand to some degree as well.

You will need to be at least 15 years old for adult Scuba diving, or at least 10 for junior diving instructions and limited privilege. Certification will involve a Scuba Diving Test which will prove you know what is needed to dive safely.

The Right Equipment

As with nearly any sport, there is some gear required. Though when it comes to scuba diving, having the right equipment, and knowing well how to use it can turn out to be a matter of life and death under extreme circumstances.

Of course the most important scuba diving equipment is your breathing apparatus. It can be heavy, and there are important aspects of it that you need to be sure of each time you use different equipment.

Beyond these, you also need a wetsuit, fins, and other items that will help protect you from the underwater environment where you might need to keep warmer, as well as protected from sharp objects and certain water life.

For the sake of good experienced maintenance, as well as the price, many opt to rent their gear. Often this will be from a sport shop where you scuba dive. You can also buy your own gear, though that will leave much of the burden of keeping it fit on you, as it is yours.

Why Many Scuba Dive

While the majority of scuba diving is recreation, there are those that do it for a living as well. Scientific exploration and research is another area with a lot of scuba diving demand. They spend a lot of time in the water watching sea life cycles, and how microorganisms/coral fit the whole underwater environment. There are also others that work in constructing underwater platforms that are often used for research as well as offshore oil.

Scuba diving can be a usually relaxing form of exercise that still keeps you fit. If you love the water, are interested what happens under it, and looking for a change of scenery, scuba diving is probably for you.

With that, you will need to find a course for certification in scuba diving. This is required to teach you what you know to enjoy, and stay safe while enjoying this inspiring sport. It teaches you how to avoid accidents and other mistakes when you dive that can have dangerous impact on the rest of your life. Then when you dive you will be able to enjoy this potentially addicting experience.

If you're a Scuba Diving enthusiast or simply want to learn more facts about Scuba Diving, then be sure to visit the Scuba Diving Certification Site. Clive thoroughly recommends this site so check it out today here: - http://www.bestscubadivingcertification.com. For excellent and helpful Scuba Diving advice.

Suunto Gekko Scuba Diving Computer

2008-10-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

The Suunto Gekko is one of the most popular scuba diving computers in the UK, especially among newly qualified scuba divers. This is because it offers all a basic scuba diver needs and is fairly cheap.

Gekko On Screen Display
When scuba diving the Suunto Gekko shows you all the vital information you need - by default the Gekko shows your current depth, maximum depth for the dive, current temperature and the remaining no-deco time - the time you can continue to dive for without needing to do a deco stop. These are displayed numerically and are very easy to read. You also see the ascent rate as a color-coded bar up the side of the screen which is handy for beginners.

Alarms and Lighting on Suunto Gekko
The Suunto Gekko does not come with a backlight, but rather has a phosphorescent display which can be charged using a dive torch to brighten up the screen during a dark dive - this saves on the battery drain a backlight would have, but also requires you to have a dive torch (although on a dark dive you should have one anyway). As far as alarms go, the Gekko has visual and audible alarms when needed, and also allows you to enable max depth and max time alarms if you want to.

Stored Dive Information & PC Interface
Unlike a lot of scuba diving computers these days the Suunto Gekko does not offer a PC interface to download dive information. It does however, store 50 hours of dive profile data including dive start time & date, total dive time, maximum depth and the temperature at the maximum depth - this is all you need to fill in your log book. As an added extra it also stores some other information in more succinct format - for example your maximum ever depth is also stored.

Nitrox on the Gekko
The Suunto Gekko does support Nitrox in the same way as most other scuba diving computers do; by treating air as 21% nitrox. The Gekko uses the Suunto RGBM - a state of the art algorithm for managing both dissolved gas and free-gas in all its stages in the tissues and blood of the diver - in plain English it is safe and you can trust it! To switch to Nitrox is very easy - the Gekko has two modes (air/Nitrox) which can be switched easily.

Ease of Use of the Gekko
Perhaps the main reason the Suunto Gekko is so popular is that it is very easy to use - you can basically forget about how to use it and concentrate on actually using it. Suunto have equipped the Gekko with user-replaceable batteries which saves you sending your Gekko back and forth every now and then. The batteries are very easy to change - you just have to unscrew a cover, then replace an O-ring and the battery then screw the cover back on - see a video showing how to change a Suunto Gekko battery.

Suunto Gekko - Summing Up
The Suunto Gekko is ideal for any scuba diver that does not require a PC-Interface or dive simulation features. You can buy the Suunto Gekko in wrist model or console mounted with a Suunto console. It is aimed squarely at recreational scuba divers who may intend to use Nitrox but don't want to pay extra for gas switching computers - most scuba divers in fact could save a lot of money by choosing the Suunto Gekko!

Suunto Gekko Dive Computer was written by Dave Huscroft, contributer to One Stop Dive - a website dedicated to providing all the information you need when choosing scuba diving equipment

he Best Sports and Activities for an Algarve Holiday

2008-10-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

With its long, sandy beaches, warm waters and memorable towns, it’s not wonder that holidays in the Algarve prove more popular each year. It’s tempting for Brits on a cheap holiday to the Algarve to spend all their time relaxing on the beaches, enjoying the sunshine, but those that do are missing out, because the sports and activities of the Algarve are unforgettably fun.

So, what kind of activities and sports does an Algarve holiday offer? Well, here’s a list of our customer’s favourites. I’m sure their recommendations will bring out the active sportiness in everyone, despite the weather remaining perfectly suited to lounging…

Paragliding

With just you, your apparatus and miles of open sky, there can be few places in the world as perfect for paragliding as the Algarve. The sport is available throughout the region with lessons and equipment hire and, though a little daunting for beginners, few can deny that the Algarve’s stunning cliffs and beach landscapes could not look better from any other angle.

Surfing

Every part of Algarve holidays combine to make it one of the premier surfing spots of Europe, both for beginners and seasoned veterans: with pristine beaches, clean water and a handful of big wave spots, you really can pick an area to match your level. Finding lessons is no problem at all, and if you want to avoid the summer rush for your Algarve sports holiday, then you’ll be delighted to hear that the winter weather is a warm 16 degrees Celsius with hardly any wind. Learner or veteran, you’d be hard pushed to find a better spot within a few hours of England’s airports!

Skydiving

This is another one that’s not for the faint of heart, but those that do take on the sport in the Algarve will not be disappointed. The region’s clear blue skies combine with the stunning beaches, countryside and waters to burn an incredible image of the beauty of the region into your memory, which will last for years after you’re back on solid ground.

Kayaking

Sea kayaking certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s the only Algarve activity that really allows you to explore the region’s stunning caves and inlets, provoking many unique experiences for you to recount on return to Blighty. The best way to see the secluded sights of the cliff face is with an experienced kayaking guide, but finding one happy to show you around is rarely a problem!

Microlighting

Anyone who found the other Algarve sports in this list a little too much for them should look away now! For those that aren’t aware, microlighting is like hang gliding… only with a small engine attached! Those who are intrigued by the sound of the sport should look no further than the Algarve for the activity. The clear skies make for majestic views of the Portuguese coast, with its stunning blue oceans, rocky shores and gorgeous countryside: the perfect backdrop for your adventure.

Mountain Biking

Less unusual and extreme than the other Algarve activities in this list, mountain bike holidays in the region are invigorating and enjoyable nevertheless. The beauty of a mountain biking Algarve holiday is the variety it provides, and the lack of instruction. If you feel confident enough, there’s nothing to stop you freewheeling down the side of a mountain with the wind in your hair, but alternatively a relaxed ride through the hillside trails and along the coastline is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery with less blurry vision!

Rock Climbing

You can’t beat the isolated feel of rock climbing in the Algarve. The activity is the perfect way to take in parts of the region off the beaten track, from deserted craggy beaches to secluded sea cliffs, and if you have the mental and physical stamina to rock climb, then there’s few spots as idyllic. Unlike rock climbing on training walls, those with the energy to make it all the way to the top are rewarded with a view that is nothing short of breathtaking!

Scuba Diving

With some of the cleanest waters in Europe, some interesting marine life, fascinating shipwrecks and atmospheric caves, an Algarve holiday is the perfect place to start a lifelong obsession with the magic of scuba diving. This isn’t to say that Portugal is just for those new to the sport, and there’s certainly enough here for experienced divers to take in and enjoy, but the selection of local instructors and warm clear waters make this the perfect place to make a start… if you can draw yourself away from the beach.

All these options present a great introduction to activities in the Algarve, but for some you just won’t be able to beat the peace and tranquility of lying on those beautiful beaches: there’s a reason they’re so closely associated with cheap holidays in the Algarve!

Daniel Eyre is the Product Manager of Search Travel Online. Search Travel Online is part of the Co-operative Group, specialising in cheap all inclusive holidays in algarve as well as trips to Majorca, Costa Brava, Tenerife, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol, Andorra, Egypt, Malta and the Canaries.

Scuba Diving Gear- Your Life Depends On It.

2008-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving gear is life-support equipment, and like most adventure sports, to fully outfit presently costs a couple of thousand dollars.This gear is what makes scuba diving possible.The gear is necessary for a diver to breath underwater. It's fairly simple, but it is also very essential.This gear is as personal as the clothes one wears. Usually it's an assortment of equipment that includes a supply of compressed gas from a tank with regulated pressure. It is, however, essential for a fun and safe diving experience.

Scuba diving is clearly one of the most exciting hobbies to take. Enthusiasts find Bermuda particularly interesting, because there are many wreckage and coral reefs to explore.The diving gear permits the divers to stay underwater for long periods of time.This is a sport that is definitely not cheap, however choosing the best gear suitable for you and your dives can save you a whole lot of money from not repurchasing the same gear because it wore out. Scuba tanks are the most important piece of scuba diving gear as it provides oxygen that allows you stay in the water for an extended period time.These tanks are usually available for rent at any scuba diving resort.Another crucial piece of gear is a regulator that allows you to breathe underwater. A Mask or goggles allows you to experience the true wonders of the undersea world, so make sure you get the right scuba mask. The snorkel is used alternately with the regulator and is a secondary breathing system. Scuba fins help your feet move freely underwater and they give you more speed when you paddle.

Diving is a great sport though once you start buying your own gear it does get expensive, but it is well worth it as when you dive in a great location itâ€™s just like being in another world. Diving closer to home often takes less preparation as you already know the rules of the area as well as what is available. This can be dangerous and it may, for example, be necessary for one diver to surface for help while another stays with the third. This sport is all about comfort and safety.You may want to have your own BC, the fit of your own wetsuit, the readout on your computer and so forth; the more comfortable you are, the better the dive you are likely to have. Although diving knives are made from stainless steel, they will still rust.

Diving equipment is extremely costly, so don't make the investment unless you are serious about pursuing the sport.

Scuba diving gear is expensive and its use requires training and certification. The most famous of all parts of the gear is the scuba tank. Remember that this gear is great, as long as it is being used, but not so great when it is collecting dust. Used gear is that gear which has been used previously by another scuba diver or scuba divers. Be careful, acquiring good quality scuba diving gear is crucial as the sport does have inherent risks. Good diving gear is essential to safely swimming underwater.

Sonny Castro is an online marketer and entrepreneur who specializes in online niche products. His newest website, the insanely popular Scuba Diving Facts, Sites, Trips, Equipment and Games Website, is now available. For more information, please go to: http://www.scubajoesclub.com/ .

How To Safely Use Your Equipment For Scuba Diving

2008-09-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving can be an unequaled and exquisite event which everyone should try out to experience at least once. Besides those who are hydrophobes, practically anyone will find the experience of being underwater and floating along both stimulating and relaxing at the same time. Still, without formal training and readiness, scuba can also be a treacherous undertaking, with hazards that could affect the unprepared. With suitable equipment for scuba diving and provisions, however, it is a safe and wonderful event. Here are some safety tips for the elementary scuba diver to think through before taking up scuba diving in earnest.

Scuba Training - Get Certified. Take a training course that has proper certification. If diving when like a lot of people, make sure you have a certified instructor with you on the dive. You will want to sign up for a class that can actually grant you a certificate for scuba diving which will register you as a certified and capable diver. This will train you to properly use the equipment for scuba diving.

Physical Conditioning - go to a doctor before beginning scuba dive. Be sure that your doctor gives you a clear bill of health for the physical needs needed for diving. Even though mentally relaxing, scuba requires ample physical undertaking that persons with feeble cardiovascular and expressly respiratory systems shouldn't engage in it. Asthma, a delicate heart, asphyxiation tendencies, any one of which can exclude someone from scuba. Also on the note of physical capability, knowing how to swim is a great benefit. While not a necessity since equipment for scuba diving can allow even those people who are not strong swimmers to operate underwater, it is nevertheless a very good thing to have.

Do not dive where you are not certified - your training and certification in diving will have a ranking that will determine what levels of underwater hazards you will be able to navigate safely. You should always stay away from places you are not certified to go. These places will usually be very treacherous for the untrained diver, and can often include deadly hazards that demand a certain class of specialized scuba training or important pieces of equipment for scuba diving to overcome. Examples include diving shark infested waters, treasure diving, navigating coral heads with poisonous or hostile underwater creatures, underwater caves, and wreck diving.

Proper Equipment for Scuba Diving Is A Must - your training and certification needs to include care and maintenance of your scuba equipment. Should you be using your own equipment for scuba diving, make sure that you take excellent care of it, keeping it in top condition. No matter how competent you are at swimming underwater, you are NOT born aquatic, your equipment is all which is keeping you alive down there. If renting equipment for scuba diving, make sure to give it a good check over. Examine it carefully to make sure there are no problems in the equipment that could possibly cause it to break during a dive. One of the many hazards of scuba diving is drowning if your scuba equipment should give out.

Never Dive Alone - You You must always have a dive buddy or your instructor beside you, as long as you are with a person who has more skill than you. When you're scuba diving with a buddy, you should not bring along someone who's also a beginner if you yourself are new to diving. If you're seasoned diver diving with a beginner, make positive that your buddy understands how to follow your instructions once y'all are underwater. If you have no choice but to dive by yourself, then have someone manning the boat on the surface to be sure you've got a buddy to watch over you.

Check Out The Conditions Before The Dive - take notice of weather reports before the dive to make sure you don't wind up diving in the middle of a hurricane or a thunderstorm. Even if the conditions seem OK for diving, make sure to store enough medical provisions to offset for possible changes in the weather. Unpredictable weather can be chancy. High temperatures may cause heat related illnesses and dehydration to divers who thought they were safe from the hot temperatures since they were diving underwater. Heat is conducted more efficiently in water than air.

Know When Bad Things Are Happening - learn the medical signs and symptoms of some of these conditions, as they are the maladies that usually plague divers. Asphyxiation, hypothermia, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are the main maladies to watch for, as well as a diver-specific problem known as the bends also known as decompression sickness, which happens when a diver becomes acclimated to the high pressures of underwater diving, in addition to air bubbles forming in the body due to the effects of breathing pressurized gas. When surfacing to a lower pressure can lead to shock which can cause vomiting, sickness, and dizziness. Even death can occur from the bends. Always remember the equipment for scuba diving helps you to dive safely, you should never become placent about the possible consequences.

Please click here to check out safe equipment for scuba diving

Michael Jones writes regularly about sports related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.

Scuba Dive with a Buddy for Safety and Satisfaction

2008-09-15T22:48:00.000-07:00

So you have your scuba certification, your gear, and a GREAT dive location - Now all you need is a diving buddy.

Sure, you could go ahead and do a solo dive, enjoying the peace and serenity. But diving with a buddy provides an unequaled opportunity to share your diving experience, which many have found to be ever so much more satisfying than diving alone.

Diving with a buddy also heightens the safety of the dive, as well as the pleasure. When diving with a buddy, you can watch out for one another in a way that makes scuba diving much more safe and secure for both of you.

Here are some tips in choosing and diving with a buddy:

When choosing a scuba diving buddy, the best choice will be to dive with someone who is similar to you in size and in physical ability, so you will both consume air at a comparable rate, and have a compatible pace throughout the dive.

Before your dive, discuss with your buddy the entry and exit points to use at your chosen dive site. Agree with your buddy upon a maximum duration for the dive, or a minimum air pressure. Then you will be able to keep pace with one another better.

Always establish a contingency plan with your buddy in case of different kinds of emergency. For example, in case the two of you get separated, agree to search for no more than one minute and then surface.

Of course it is wise to plan to stick together during your dive, keeping one another in clear view, and never being more than a few feet apart from each other. Be sure to glance over at your buddy approximately every 60 seconds, looking to see if he or she seems to be comfortable and enjoying the dive.

When you keep a frequent and consistent view of your buddy and their situation, you will be much more likely to pick up on any signs of trouble quickly, should they occur.

If you decide to stop or to change your course, always alert your buddy of your intention.

Before your dive, review with your buddy the communication signals you will be using. This is particularly important because it will be impossible to verbally explain yourself when you're under 40 feet of water!

Even if you and your buddy plan to use some of the more advanced communication equipment for your dive, for safety purposes it is still wise to recognize the most common hand signals and be prepared to use them. You never know when and if equipment might fail, and you or your buddy might need to be able to communicate something urgent, such as, 'I'm out of air! Buddy breathing needed!'

A good place to view illustrations of common hand signals online is the 'Active Divers Association'. It probably wouldn't hurt to periodically review the hand signals shown in your diving certification material as well.

If you need to get your buddy's attention during your dive, rap on your tank with a rock or with the end of your dive knife. Another technique is to 'scream' lightly into your regulator. It sounds really interesting, and it will carry for quite a long distance underwater.

When it's time to dive, help each other suit up. Besides being easier, when you help each other suit up it builds camaraderie and trust, both important in scuba diving. Scuba is an inherently dangerous activity that could result in serious injury or death. Proper training and equipment are vital to have before even attempting a dive. Diving with a trusted buddy adds a measure of security that can often make 'THE' difference for a safe and enjoyable dive.

One last thing - Never, never, never leave your buddy. No matter how intriguing the mystery hidden just around the corner, it's never worth swimming off and getting separated from your dive buddy - even for a moment.

After your dive, plan to spend just a little time with your buddy and talk about the dive. Not only will you enjoy going over the highlights of your shared experience, but you and your buddy will be able to get and give feedback which can enhance the safety and the satisfaction of your next dive as well.

Courtesy Dive Fair Helen - Scuba Vacations, Caribbean Diving, St. Lucia http://www.divefairhelen.com

Scuba Diving In Egypt: The Best Way To Spend Your Vacation

2008-09-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Barren deserts are abruptly changed into overwhelming colored marine and coral life beneath the sea. Scuba diving in Egypt's Red Sea is simply amazing. There are no doubts that it is one of the finest dive spots in the world. Scuba diving in Egypt is truly for everyone regardless of budget or skill level, Egypt provides you with the best dives plus the most affordable prices too. Backpackers will surely opt for the serene towns of Nuweiba and Dahab, while the ones looking for better comfort will prefer the towns of Taba and Hurghada. But no matter which place you stay, Egypt will provide you your best diving experience ever.

The Red Sea

If you stand before the shores of the Red Sea the beauty will immediately take you aback. What if you try scuba diving in its waters? The experience is truly one of a kind. It is something that you can treasure forever, and it is a memory that will eternally be kept in your mind. Scuba diving in Egypt, particularly the Red Sea, can truly be one of the most exotic and fascinating seascape environments. Its natural wonder is the reason why many divers choose to spend their summer vacations scuba diving in Egypt. Contrary to its name, the Red Sea has the bluest and coolest of all waters found on the earth's surface. In fact, nothing can top its place as the number one scuba destination spot in the whole world.

Why Is It The Best?

Once you start scuba diving, you'll certainly be searching for more waters to dive into. You'll find it hard to give up the sport because of the entire new world it gives you. As your diving years of experience increase, your scuba diving place preferences also get better and better. You will find a lot of impressive places that offer you great visibility of the marine life around you, and one of these is scuba diving in Egypt.

Scuba diving in Egypt is the best because you'll find a variety of sea creatures that are clear enough for the eyes to see. Even if you are underwater, the magnificence of the view is a hundred percent guaranteed. Like they say, there's no other best place for marine watching than scuba diving in Egypt.

However, you need to consider dangerous water creatures while scuba diving in Egypt, and one of these dangerous creatures is the tiger shark. When scuba diving in Egypt, make sure to be accompanied by professionals who can guide you in specific areas that provide maximum security and safety. So if you're planning to go on a summer vacation, then make it a point to visit Egypt. You'll probably have one of the most exciting experiences ever.

The author recommends Oz Free Online Water Sports Ads section for more information and free scuba diving ads.

Scuba Dive The Florida Keys

2008-08-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about scuba diving in the Florida Keys is the variety of dive sites for every level of diver. Many of the nicest coral reefs loaded with fish are located in beginner level dive sites like Molasses Reef and French Reef. With depths of 30 to 50 feet, these are perfect dive sites for newly certified scuba divers as well as those who wish to do night dives. There’s even some good wreck diving in shallow dive sites like the Benwood wreck where the resident marine life will not disappoint any diver. For more advanced divers, there are some spectacular deep dives featuring large wrecks like the Duane, a former coast guard ship sitting upright. The most recent ship that was sunk for scuba diving is the Spiegel Grove which again is for advanced divers.

Many scuba divers from North America and other parts of the world come to the Florida Keys for their open water certification dives as well as more advanced training. Accommodations are plentiful right in the communities along the Keys and range from simple motels all the way up to high end resorts. Many have special packages just for scuba divers where there’s an arrangement with one of the local dive operators. There’s also relatively inexpensive accommodations in Florida City which is the closest community back in the Florida mainland about 20 minutes from Key Largo. After the day of diving, there are lots of restaurants serving fresh seafood for even the hungriest of divers.

Another attractive feature of Florida Keys diving is the cost. Especially for the quality of the dive sights, the cost of diving here is lower than in many of the Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. For those who are not ready to try scuba diving, there are some decent sites to snorkel in the Keys including one of the best in the U.S. at Looe Key. The marine life that can be seen here has convinced quite a few snorkellers to finally pursue scuba diving certifications. The Florida Keys has enough other activities to do besides scuba diving to keep non-divers busy. There’s interesting shopping, water sports, beaches (near the western part) and even two places to interact with dolphins. Of course, there’s also the funky scene at Key West.

The one aspect about scuba diving in the Florida Keys that some divers may not like is that the dives are not guided by divemasters from the various scuba operators. Divers who are used to following a local divemaster like the diving in destinations like Cozumel, will just have to team up in buddy groups here in the Keys. Despite this drawback, the Florida Keys still offers great tropical scuba diving without leaving the USA.

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and designer specializing in premium quality activewear with specialty sports themes including scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding and martial arts. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on selected specialty sports as well as free eCards.

Where To Go Scuba Diving In Bali

2008-08-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

The tropical Indonesian island of Bali is still attracts millions of tourists every year. Tourists on vacations to Bali are attracted by the mystique, charms and allure of the predominantly traditional Hindu culture, spectacular tropical jungles, mountains and beautiful beaches. Many tourists especially from nearby Australia and Singapore travel to Bali for scuba Diving. The islands in Bali are well known for its excellent scuba diving locations.

Scuba divers in Bali can expect to encounter awesome underwater landscape as well as sighting a very wide array of marine sea creatures. Let's visit some scuba diving Bali dive spots.

In Nusa Penida and Lembongan Islands, there are spectacular drop off reefs making reef and wall diving the predominant staple on these two scuba diving locations. It takes about a 45 minute speedboat ride to reach these dive destinations.

Water visibility is excellent all year round but the current here is stronger. Experienced divers will love it here as they can enjoy some drift dives. However, the current may get very strong occasionally and dives may have to be abandoned when this happens.

The dive sites at Nusa Dua and Sanur are just 5 minutes away from the coast and therefore easily assessable. The novice divers will love these dive spots because of the gentle current. Water visibility ranges from low to moderate since they are located in the coastal area and are more affected by pollution. Although hard coral life is limited, the dive spots have a surprisingly diversity of marine fishes, soft corals and sponges which are thriving on the reefs.

There is a very wide variety of corals, colorful sea fans and huge pelagic fishes here. Big schools of sweet lips fish, turtles, sharks and manta rays are often sighted by excited scuba divers.

Jemeluk and Amed Beaches are one and half hour away from Denpasar. Denpasar is a popular tourist coastal town with many wonderful hotels, resorts and night entertainment. Scuba divers need to be very experienced as the current here can get very strong. However the dives here can be very exciting because of long coastal reefs, reef slopes/drop offs and majestic wall diving. Water visibility can be considered as moderate to good. To add a final touch, these dive spots have one of the best hard coral communities in Bali.

The Tulamben Wreck Dive is a must dive spot for scuba divers to enjoy wreck diving. The water visibility here is fair to good and the current is gentle. Night dive on this wreck are often described as breathtaking.

The wreck, USS Liberty which met its fate in 1942 when a Japanese torpedo fired from a submarine in the second world war found its target.

The above are just some of the many splendid scuba diving destinations in Bali. For more superb dive sites,just contact the many scuba diving operators in Bali Island.

Chris Chew is a veteran diver. Read his blogs at Liveaboard Bali Scuba Diving and Hawaii Holiday Vacations

Scuba Diving In Bahamas

2008-08-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun and luxurious thing you can do when going to a scuba diving holiday is to find a well furnished live aboard diving cruise ship near your dive destination. This will make your scuba diving experience much more comfortable because you don't have to wake up early in morning to be transferred to your dive boat by your dive operator.

You will also save the hassle of traveling back to your accommodation after your dive. This pattern of a conventional scuba diving vacation activities repeated over and over again the next few days of your diving holiday is not only time consuming, it is a needless activity and can be solved by liveaboard scuba diving ships.
Furthermore, you can only dive locations near you and will be unable to go further out to sea to other better dive spots located further away. On top of that, there is the time taken to take you to the dive location and then coming back to shore again. You will be wasting a lot of your holiday time doing all these traveling.

With liveaboard scuba diving cruises, you will save all the time and the inconvenience. You can now go island hopping and explore new dive sites everyday. Oh, did I hear you say that live on board scuba diving ship vacations are expensive?

Well, I have good news for you. Liveaboard scuba diving ships vacations need not be expensive. On the contrary, this type of vacation may even be even be cheaper because you need not stay in a hotel, engage a dive operator and get more savings from hiring transportation.

One of the best and least expensive liveaboard dive cruise ship operator I have found in the Bahamas is Black Beard's Cruises . Black Beard's Cruises offers liveaboard scuba diving vacations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean Seas. They will take you scuba diving which will include an exotic wreck dive, beautiful wall diving, night dive, drift dive and even shark dives.

Black Beard's liveaboard ships are not real ships as they are a fleet of three luxurious sailboats named Sea Explorer, Morning Star and Pirate's Lady, which can also take you diving in the Caribbean seas in Western Bahamas.

Shark Diving

The most popular dive in Black Beard's diving itinery is the sharks dive. Caribbean reef tip sharks, huge nurse sharks even the elegant but ferocious tiger sharks are seen frequently. Colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life sit in depths of 15-100 feet, so divers of all levels of competency can get to enjoy the scuba diving experience in their Bahamas diving holiday.

The western part of the Bahamas was hideout of pirates in ancient times. Without the fear of pirates in these days, the Bahamas islands offer spectacular diving in warm, crystal clear tropical waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and marine creatures.

After your diving trip, you can also visit Bahamas Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Theme Park. The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is one of the world's most beautiful and elegant resort with a casino operated by Kerzner International.

If you are going for a diving holiday anytime soon, why not try a liveaboard scuba diving vacation in Bahamas?

Chris Chew is the author of Exotic Travel Tales. Read more articles at his sites at Hawaiian Caribbean cruise andScenic Lijiang China

Scuba Diving In Krabi and the Koh Phi Phi Islands

2008-07-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

The stunning scenery of the Krabi and Koh Phi Phi regions of Thailand have long ensured that the area is a firm favourite on Thailand’s well trodden traveller and backpacker trails. Dramatic limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches and the low cost of living in the area have ensured that large numbers of tourists flock to the region every year.

Recent years however have seen the region develop a reputation amongst the scuba diving community, attracted by the stunning underwater topography which easily rivals the dramatic cliffs and pinnacles found above the water. Today, the popular resort areas of Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi and Railee Beach are as likely to be filled with scuba divers as the traditional ‘horizon-gazers’ of the 70’s and 80’s.

The scuba diving in Krabi and Koh Phi Phi seems to be concentrated into four main regions. The local islands and reefs just south of Krabi, the various dive sites at Shark Point Marine Sanctuary, the sites surrounding the islands at Koh Phi Phi and the two world class dive sites at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Just a few miles south of Krabi lie the small islands of Ko Ha, Ko See and Ko Yaw Bon. The dive sites here are an interesting mix of tunnels, swim through’s, coral heads and large boulder formations. With the exception of the tunnel at Ko Yaw Bon, the dives here are accessible for novice divers and provide an excellent opportunity to see marine life including Black Tip Sharks, Banded Sea Snakes and Leopard Sharks.

The dive sites of Shark Point Marine Sanctuary are home to an incredible array of marine life, and although the diving here tends to be dominated by the dive sites at Anenome Reef and Shark Point, the King Cruiser Wreck provides an excellent dive and is now home to a good amount of coral and marine life. Large barracuda and tuna are regularly spotted here, attracted by the large amount of nutrients swept up from the nearby deep waters.

Continuing further south are the stunning islands at Koh Phi Phi, an area characterised by the dramatic limestone cliffs and pinnacles which rise dramatically above the sea, before plunging down into the dark depths below. Once a quiet Muslim fishing village, the region now has a developed diving industry, and today there are at least ten dive centres operating out of the Ton Sai area on Koh Phi Phi.

Underwater, the islands of Koh Phi Phi are a mixture of coral gardens, steep walls and swim throughs, and the islands have a number of excellent dive sites in close proximity. In particular, the dive sites at Ko Yung Pinnacle and Ko Bida nok consistently deliver excellent scuba diving and are widely acknowledged as being the best dive sites in Koh Phi Phi.

Last, but certainly not least are the two world class dive sites south of Phi Phi at Hin Muang (Purple Rock) and Hin Daeng (Red Rock). These sites, a mixture of steep walls and pinnacles are both in close proximity to deep water, and as such the larger marine life are attracted to the large amounts of nutrients that can be found here. The two sites at Hin Muang and Hin Daeng represent the best opportunities for people wishing to see either whale sharks or manta rays, and both are regularly sighted at these dive sites.

The scuba diving throughout the Krabi and Koh Phi Phi region is undoubtedly of the highest standards, and a number of the dive sites offer genuinely world class diving. For divers looking to go scuba diving on Koh Phi Phi or in Krabi, the majority of the dive centres in the region can be found in the resort of Ao Nang or on the beach area at Ton Sai in Koh Phi Phi.

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a scuba diving website providing a wide range of Thailand diving holidays and information on scuba diving in Thailand.

Weight Training For Scuba Divers

2008-07-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

I think the main reason people give up on exercising with free weights, is because it's too much hard work involved. I would compare it to online marketing. But you can turn hard work into fun if you can keep the right mind set. When you start your Scuba Diving training, you don't have to appear to be a body builder, you just need to be in shape. And you will have fun.

If you can walk around the block without stumbling over a crack in the sidewalk, then you can exercise with free weights. Many people think it's dangerous, but you have to be careful too not drop a weight plate on your foot, but "Wear shoes" anyway.

If you don't have a set of weights and a workout bench, get one. You can pick up a used set of standard weights,"I would recommend Standard weights for beginners", at your local exercise equipment outlet store for around a hundred bucks. That's not bad of an investment for the end results.

There Are Several Questions On Lifting Free Weights.

(a) How much time should I spend on warm up and stretching?

The average person should take at least 20 minutes. Warm-up, and then stretch.

(b) How much weight should I use?

If you are average build, and say, 30 pounds over weight, start with 15 to 20 pounds on all exercises.

At least (2) two for each exercise. A set is a given number of repetitions per exercise.

(d) How many repetitions should I perform?

At least 8 to 10 to start out. Repetitions are how many times you lift the weight.

(e) How much time should I spend between sets?

Take at least 20 seconds.

(f) How much time should I take between exercises?

At least (1) one minute. Sit on the bench and breath normal.

(g)How much time should I spend on a full body workout?

Anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. A full body workout is the best routine to use for weight loss and getting into shape.

(h) How do I breath when performing an exercise?

Take a breath in when lifting the weight, and breath out when lowering the weight.

(I) What should I think about when I'm exercising?

Think about how good your going to look and feel. Take a few minutes before starting your routine, and meditate on this. "Look good, Feel good".

When your doing, say a dumbbell curl, think about the forearm muscle and bicep muscle, tightening these muscles on the raising and lowering the weight.

(J) How do I know if I'm in the correct posture when exercising?

Actually if you are not in a strained position, and are comfortable, you are probably using the correct form.

(K) How many time a week should I workout?

At least 3 times a week.

(L) What should I wear?

Anything that is comfortable.

(M) How long should I wait after I eat to workout?

At least an hour.

There are dozens of books and videos on exercises for all the muscle groups. You can find information on websites and in book stores. In most of the body building books you find on the market, they are mostly aimed at advanced body builders. Stay away from those routines, they will do you more harm than good. Look for beginner routines until your ready to advance. Most of the huge muscles you see on top body builders are not standard. You have to have the right body type to progress to that height, and have the desire to accumulate large muscles. The normal person cannot develop large muscles, no matter how hard they try. Get yourself in good physical shape, and it will pay off when you get into your scuba gear.

If you are new to lifting weights and Scuba Diving, or experienced, it would be a benefit to visit my website at http://scuba-pro-tips.com/ for tips and solutions on physical fitness you might use in your quest to discover how to become proficient in the art of scuba diving. Darrell Young

I've been Training with weights for at least 40 years, and an experienced Scuba Diver for 30, Now retired, enjoying a lot of both.

Scuba Masked Man(Get All Tanked Up For Fun)

2008-07-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

Just about everyone of us when we were kids, would go swimming either in a public swimming pool, lake or river. If we were lucky we had a rich friend that owned a diving mask, snorkel and fins. If he was a nice guy and let you use them, you could imagine all sorts of things. Knife fighting an octapus, being attacked by sharks, trying to get away from some underwater sea monster. These were dreams that would live with you forever. Just the thrill of breathing underwater with a snorkel, being able to see without your eyes burning, and kicking your legs and actually moving in the water. Yea, these things you don't forget.

Now that your all grown up, you can persue your life long dream of becoming a Scuba Diver. Here are some things you should know and consider while you are in the process.

To start with, we'll discuss scuba tanks in general. You don't have to own a tank to go scuba diving. Dive shops rent them. Tanks can be the trickiest piece of equipment you will use. Well review some tips on the subject. (a) If your going to purchase a tank, make sure you pick a well known dive shop. Do not buy one sight unseen. (b) Tanks can expand in heat. Leaving your tank in a closed car or truck on a warm day, is not a good idea. Tanks can burst from pressure expanding and ruin your day. Keep tanks out of the direct sun whenever possible. (c) If renting or buying, make sure you inspect the tank, this is how. Remove the rubber valve protection cap and make sure the O ring is seated properly and isn't damaged. Secure the cap back on the valve. (d) Make sure the bouyanacy compensator is attached to the tank. If you don't know what this is, ask. (e) Always check your PSI gauge, if your a newbie, ask when you fill or rent your tank, what the PSI should be. (f) We'll talk now about 3 main things you need. BCD: Buoyancy Control Device SPG: Submersible Pressure Gauge Compass BCD is essentially a device that lets you breathe properly in deep water. It is the most important unit you'll need. So choose from a reputable dive shop. SPG is an item that keeps the pressure level, it's very important to say the least. Compass as we all know, is a device to tell what direction one is going. Just make sure it works before a dive.

Now for some more fun stuff, Lights, Camera, Action. Cameras: When you purchase a camera, for your pictures sake, read the owners manuel, and understand all the details of operation. Even experienced photographers do this. When your 20 ft down, you won't be able to stop and read the directions. All cameras are different. So do as the pros do, read the manuel. The first thing to learn from the manuel, is to know the point of focus for the primary lens and each accessory optic. You will know what I'm talking about, if you read the manuel. Use a flash: To restore the natural color spectrum to the otherwise blue world. Without a flash(strobe), most underwater photos will lack luster and seem drab. At only 8 ft, colors began to fade. Strobes will bring back the natural color, and illuminate the shaded areas. Balance your flash power to available sunlight to achieve a natural look, and never shoot down to get your photo shots against a fantastic blue background. Otherwise you'll get a black background, and backscatter from floating particles. You'll get alot of backscatter the further you are from the subject your photographing.

As light enters the water, it interacts with water molecules and suspended particles causing loss of light. The best time to shoot your photos is mid-day when the sun is overhead, providing there is a sun. Trying to shoot a photo on a cloudy day is impossible if you want to achieve exceptable pictures with true natural color. To produce a clear blue background, take shots at a slightly upward angle toward the surface whenever possible, to get an uncluttered photo. The basic rule of thumb for great photos, is if you can't touch it, don't shoot it. Of course dangerous creatures like sharks, barrarcudas, etc., my advise would be to keep your distance.

I hope some of the subjects I've covered will shed some light on your quest to become the best scuba diver you can be. It's never to late to persue the beautiful art of scuba diving. It's for the young and old. Just make sure you have the physical requirements and the ability to make sound judgement, and always take a buddy with you to dive. For your equipment needs, advice. tips and information on this great hobbie, visit my website at http://www.scuba-pro-tips.com Darrell Young

I have been scuba diving for 35 years, and into physical fitness.

So, you want to scuba dive? What to know before you start scuba diving.

2008-06-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

The earth is unique. it is the only planet in our solar system that can support carbon-based life, or life as we know it. The water covers more than two thirds of this planet, and is home to a huge part of its life. Unfortunately we know more about what happens on the surface of Mars, than in the depths of our oceans.

In fact the earth has so much water on it that we might as well refer to it as the water planet. However, vast tracts of this underwater world look much as the surface of Mars does. Barren and lifeless. While there are abyssal and pelagic forms of life in the oceans, the distances are so vast, and the oceans so deep that one does not often run across them. Luckily, the earth has oases of life in the shallower depths - coral reefs. These tropical reefs are an explosion of life and colour that leaves one breathless with their diversity and beauty.

For centuries people have made their living from these reefs, fishing from shore, or collecting shellfish. Then braver souls ventured into the water with spears, and spear hunting was born. Free diving for lobsters, crayfish or oysters and other shellfish is a strenuous and sometimes arduous activity. You also have very little time to observe and interact with the various forms of marine life. In order to be able to fully experience the rich variety of life under the surface of the water you need to be able to stay down for an appreciable amount of time.

A Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, or SCUBA allows you to stay down for longer periods and interact more naturally with the environment. Instead of being an intruder you become a guest in the underwater world.

Getting yourself certified as a scuba diver is a rewarding achievement that is accessible to anyone of average ability. No longer do we need to be super fit strong swimmers to be able to enjoy scuba diving. Being able to swim and stay afloat for a minimum period of time is sufficient for the recreational diver. As long as there are no medical contra-indications anyone should be able to scuba. Age is really of no concern, as long as we match our physical abilities to our level of exertion.

When we scuba dive we enter a liquid realm where the rules of gravity are, if not temporarily suspended, at least subtly different. Learning to move and operate in this environment is as important to the scuba diver as learning to walk is to the new-born, and therefore the choice of school and instructor is of paramount importance to having a long and successful scuba diving career.

Remember though, an Open Water Diver Certification is only your first step into a rich and rewarding pastime. Further training will allow you to explore this fascinating pastime more fully, and could even turn it into a profitable career.

If you would like to know more about scuba diving please visit http://www.squidoo.com/BluePlanet

What are you waiting for? Come on in, the water's great!

I am a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, a SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor, Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Instructor and NACD Certified Full Cave Diver. Check out Scuba Goodies for some cool scuba gear on Amazon.

Scuba Diving Computers: Types and Styles

2008-06-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

A scuba diving computer can be a divers best friend. It will allow you to stay down longer than if you were diving off of tables. There are many types and/or styles of dive computers you can choose from. Which one is best is really personal preference and is suited to the way you dive. The following are some of the choices you will have when purchasing your dive computer.

Console Dive Computer

A console dive computer is attached to the rest of the equipment via a hose. The console dive computers typically come with a pressure gauge. The readouts are typically larger than on a wrist dive computer so they can also be easier on the eyes.

There are also options for a scuba dive computer to be mounted on your hose (this is the type we currently use) or clip onto your BC. Choose whichever is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range.

Wrist Dive Computer

The wrist dive computer is very popular. These types of computers look like large watches and are worn on the wrist. They will tell you all you need to know at a glance. Some wrist dive computers are also able to be mounted in a console.

Sometimes the faces may be a bit small for all the information the computer can display, so make sure you will be able to read it underwater.

Unless they are air integrated and wireless (see below) wrist dive computers usually do not come with a pressure gauge. One small disadvantage here is that these can be pretty easy to misplace/lose.

Air Integrated Dive Computer

Air integrated dive computers are becoming more commonplace. An air integrated computer measures the tank pressure and then calculates how much more time you have left at the current rate of air consumpetion. The air integrated dive computer will tell you how much time you can spend at any exertion level.

An air integrated computer replaces the need for a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One downside of an air integrated computer is that if it fails, you lose information on how much air you have left in your tank. Dive over.

Nitrox Dive Computer

With nitrox diving becoming more and more common, so are computers that are nitrox compatible. Even if you aren't diving with nitrox now, if you are even thinking of diving with nitrox in the future, it is probably worth it to purchase a nitrox dive computer. This will save you the expense of buying a whole new computer in the future. However, if don't think you will ever dive with nitrox, then there is no reason to pay for this feature. A standard air computer is probably $100+ less than its nitrox counterpart.

Hoseless Dive Computer

The hoseless dive computer consists of the receiver (typically worn on the wrist or mounted on the BC) and a transmitor. The transmitor attaches to the high pressure port of the regulator first stage and then sends your air information, wirelessly, to the receiver. The receiver looks the same as normal dive computers.

This setup cuts down on the number of hoses you need. There are now even hoseless dive computers that can accept signal from multiple transmitors - so you can even keep an eye on your buddies air consumption. Of course, this capability is really for the more advanced technical divers who may use different tanks on one dive. And, of course, we are talking some pretty high price tags here.

So just think about how you dive and what capabilities you need. The right dive computer for one person can be completely wrong for another person. Choose one that you are comfortable with and one that is right for you wallet.

Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her complete guide to scuba diving computers as well as scuba diving watches and other equipment on her website.

Fiding scuba diving jobs

2008-06-10T03:29:00.000-07:00

When you find yourself tired of the same boring life you can start wondering how to begin a more exciting job and way of life. If you enjoy scuba diving, then the question is : why not working in the diving industry.

Finding a diving job is not very difficult, the key point is to know what sort of certifications do you need and how to apply for the vacancies around the world. To become a professional diving instructor you need to complete many scuba diving courses, get a lot of experience and dive a lot. It always help if you can speak another language of have experience in other fields, like First Aid, Management, boat skills, mechanics, etc.

To become a dive professional you need to do 2 vital courses the Divemaster and the PADI IDC . The Divemaster course will give you the option of working as a guide, this is a nice job, but the salary is usually lower that the salary a scuba diving instructor makes. To become a scuba diving instructor you need to do your PADI IDC course. One you complete these courses, you need to apply to scuba jobs around the world. Before you go straight to scuba diving jobsites, try to think carefull about your objectives and about the kind of employement conditions you want and the countries you are willing to travel. Not all the jobs are the same and working in Australia is very different than working in Honduras or Egypt. You need to be smart and think with your head, and work towards getting the best diving certificates that will give you the highest chances of finding that ideal dive job.

My best advice is to contact people by phone first, there is nothing better than speaking to people, and once you get the proper information then send your application via Scuba Diving jobsites or directly to the dive center. You need to remember that finding job is not impossible, but it can take time, and once you get the ideal dive job, you need to work hard to keep it.

Always be aware that sooner or later you will want to go back home,so when you travel to your diving location, have a plan B. Medical insurance, work insurance and current teaching status is important to improve your chances of finding job. Try to be patient and don't think your new diving job will be a holiday, some days can clearly difficult, but always remember that any day diving is much better than any day at the office!

So, I know what you are thinking... where to start? Well, like any other diving jobs, start by diving a lot, talking to people and check divers jobs websites, where you can get yourself a clear idea of where are the vacancies around the world. Central America, the Red Sea, Australia and South East Asia are great places to start your dive job hunting. So good luck and see you underwater

Gabriel is the creator of Dive Jobs the largest scuba diving employment board on the net, with more than 10000 registered scuba diving jobseekers and with over 1000 jobs available . He also runs the only PADI IDC website in the world

Wreck Scuba Diving Training

2008-05-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving is an underwater sport that has its own thrills and adventure. However, it is not advisable to undertake a diving expedition alone and unsupervised, least of all without the appropriate training. There are many locations in the world where experienced and professional guides conduct deep-sea diving tours.

These guides are well acquainted with the underwater terrain and know all the dangers, such as predator fish and underwater currents, that might be lurking in the diving area and how to combat them. Most of all, these supervisors are highly trained in life-saving exercises and mainly shark attacks. Some locations are famous for wreck scuba diving training as well and attract scuba divers from far and wide.

Importance of Wreck Scuba Diving Training Wreck scuba diving is a dangerous activity, and ample training must be imparted to the scuba divers before allowing them to undertake an exploration of an underwater wreck. A wreck is a ship that may have sunk off the coast or out at sea. The older the wreck grows, the more dangerous it is to swim among the sunken vessel. The parts deteriorate and may collapse at any time and trap the diver.

There may be weeds growing in the passageways of the wreck, which can trap a swimmer, and no one will be able to locate him or her in time. Wreck scuba diving training imparts all the knowledge one must have to survive in troubled times underwater. This includes the SOS signals one must use in order to attract attention and how to use the safety equipment, such as underwater flares and safety equipment.

Know Your Depth Many wrecks are mapped. This means that the divers are taught where to swim and dive and where to not venture. Some wrecks have safety signs and identifiers. If a diver gets stuck or trapped, he can signal his location to another diver and have rescuers on the way before long. Many wrecks are located at vast depths of the sea and oceans.

Divers must have the relevant knowledge of how deep they are allowed to dive and how long they can stay there. Deep sea diving has its hazards. Prolonged diving can produce symptoms of the bends, a very painful situation where the diver suffers from excessive nitrogen dissolving in the blood because of the pressure of the sea. It is a life-threatening situation, and divers must know the early symptoms of the bends and return to the surface well in time.

The sights of wrecks and the experience of wreck diving can captivate a diver who may lose track of the time spent underwater. Wreck scuba diving training makes divers aware of the dangers of the deep and imparts the necessary training they need to counter the dangers as well.

Click here to check out places for scuba diving trips. It works out cheaper when you take a scuba diving package.

Bali Liveaboard Scuba Diving

2008-05-28T19:22:00.001-07:00

What can be a more adventurous and fulfilling scuba diving vacation experience than liveaboard luxury yacht cruising and scuba diving in the tropical islands of Bali?

Contrary to what many scuba divers think, liveaboard scuba diving may not be as expensive as you think. In fact if planned properly, live on board diving vacations may even save you money and inconveniences. Firstly, you will on transportation time and costs traveling to your dive operator's boat and then after your dive, returning to your hotel or resort lugging your cumbersome scuba diving gear with you and repeating the same process for the next couple of days during your vacation in Bali.

Next, you save money on hotel or resort accommodation because since that you are living on the dive boats, there will be no need for hotel or resort bookings. Furthermore, you do not need to hunt for expensive meals in your hotel or resort since all liveaboard scuba diving packages will include delicious meals which will also mean that you will be probably having very fresh and delectable sea food caught by the crew while you are enjoying your cruise or are scuba diving.

The highlight of your liveaboard Bali vacation is that you can dive in many exotic dive locations instead of only the dive spots near where you stay. This is because since that you need not return to your resort or hotel to retire for the day, the liveaboard dive yachts will cruise away to far flung scuba diving locations while you are sleeping. This again saves you time and best of all, you get to save more money by diving in more places for the same price.

Here is a typical example of a liveaboard Bali scuba diving itinerary. It is a 7 days Bali scuba diving excursion.

Day One - Visit one of Bali's most interesting street on the way to Pemuteran & Menjangan North West Bali which will also include a stopover in View Point Restaurant Sanda. You will scuba dive in Pemuteran House Reef & Reef Project or Secret Bay in Gilimanuk

Day Two - Your liveaboard boat will cruise to Menjangan Island. You will be diving at the National Park, Walls, Anker Wreck, Coral Garden, buffet lunch on the white powdery sandy beach of the island. The boat will then land and send you to the north coast and visit a well kept secret Waterfall and a hot spring.

Day Three - Scuba diving activities will be at Amed Tulamben or Secret Spot, Drop Off, Liberty Wreck Dive (American battle ship sunk during WW2) & some wall diving.

Day Four - Some land excursion to enjoy the view of Bali's world famous terraced rice fields in the morning. Then your liveaboard yatcht will take you diving at the Blue Lagoon & White Beach. There will also be a night dive at the Blue Lagoon.

Day Five - Continue your Bali vacation by cruising to Gili Mimpang & Gili Tepekong or Gili Biaha for fantastic dive sites.

Day Six - More scuba diving activities at Gili Biaha or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. The sea at these diving locations could be rough at times, so the dives would very much be dependant on the weather. However, if the weather allow, you will be scuba diving in one of the most breath taking underwater scenery in the world.

Day Seven - More scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, White Beach and the Channel and then off to Bali airport to your next scuba diving adventure.

So if you want to save time and money during your Bali scuba diving vacation, why not try liveaboard luxury boats instead?

Chris Chew loves diving. Read his blogs Bali scuba diving locations and Hawaii holiday cruises

Dive, Dive, Dive! Scuba Diving is Fun for Everyone

2008-05-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Scuba

Everybody knows what scuba diving is; it is the diver with the air tank on his back and a mouthpiece. The basic scuba set-up is a tank of compressed oxygen on the diver's back, with a line to a mouth piece. The oxygen is delivered through a mouth piece, allowing the diver to breath. Your carbon dioxide is then either released into the water, or, in self-contained systems or rebreathers, back into the tank. Few people actually know that scuba stands for something, however. The word 'scuba' is actually an acronym for "Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus". Scuba diving is, of course, different from unassisted diving. The history of scuba is quite recent. The biggest advance on the path to scuba diving came in the 16th century, when people started using diving bells to pump air from the surface to people underwater. Needless to say, things have advanced a fair bit since then, although the diving bell remained an important method for centuries. Scuba diving as we know it really came together during and after World War II.

Why is scuba diving such a popular sport?

It is hard to think of a sport or hobby more exciting or rewarding than scuba diving. First off, scuba diving gives you access to underwater life in a way nothing else can. The vast majority of the world is underwater and waiting to be explored! When you scuba dive, you become one of the few people to have ever ventured into this exotic world to any degree. The world's seas and oceans are some of the last few undiscovered places on our planet - that is why scuba diving is so awesome. There is also the fact that it can be absolutely beautiful under the water. If you have ever had the opportunity to go scuba diving off the coast of Australia along the Great Barrier Reef, you will know how amazingly gorgeous life under the sea can be. Scuba diving can even give you the chance to search for buried gold and treasure. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to the Great Lakes to the English Channel, there are countless shipwrecks waiting to be explored.

Risks associated with scuba diving

It should be noted that, despite being an amazing hobby or sport, scuba diving can be dangerous; after all, you are putting yourself under water and hooking your lungs up to a tube of air. If something goes wrong with your air or you become trapped, then you will experience obvious difficulties. The most common injury related to scuba diving is a result of changes in air pressure. As you go deeper underwater, the pressure around you increases. If the pressure becomes too much, you can rupture your eardrums or damage your sinuses. And if you come up from underwater too quickly, you can also get 'the bends', also known as decompression sickness.

How to become a scuba diver

Before getting into the water, it is important that you receive the proper certification from your national certification board to be a scuba diver. Indeed, many rental agencies will not rent you equipment without proof of certification.

Steve Dolan is a PADI certified scuba diver who loves to dive all over the world. Find out how to join in at Scuba Diving and Snorkelling. Need a cheap flight to get there? Cheap Tickets and Cheap Travel

Scuba Diving Computers Required

2008-05-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

More and more dive operators are making them mandatory. Some even include a wrist dive computer as part of the gear provided to their customers. This is especially true for live-aboard dive boat operations.

Of course that only makes sense for these "dive your brains out" deals. You're doing a ton of diving, spending serious time underwater, and a computer not only makes it easier, but helps avoid compromising safety.

And don't misunderstand, live-aboards are great. It doesn't get much better than five or so dives a day, and merely rolling out of bed to get to the site. Put that together with great food, pristine reefs off the beaten path, & falling asleep under the stars, and it's a super vacation recipe.

Aside from their obvious usefulness in the live-aboard world, dive computers make sense for most all diving situations. In fact, anyone serious about the sport shouldn't make another dive without one. From maximizing bottom time to calculating complex dive plans without compromising safety, these wrist computers are invaluable.

Even the dive operators who don't make them mandatory, will separate the computer divers from the non-computer divers, requiring those without personal dive computers to follow a much more conservative profile, which most often results in a shorter dive.

Now there's nothing wrong with being conservative, but not to the extent of cutting a dive needlessly short. And that's the whole point behind using a computer. It allows more time at depth and/or underwater while still helping you stay within safe limits.

There may be a handful of very experienced scuba divers who are so skilled with the dive tables, they can recalculate complex dive plans on the fly during their dive with some proficiency. But even they can't beat a computer in terms of speed and accuracy. And most, if not all those guys, still use a computer simply because they prefer to get the most from their diving.

Whether you need the full functionality of variable gas mixtures, extensive dive logging, complicated multi-level dive profiles, deep or decompression dives, etc., or just want to stay safe while allowing for slight changes to your dive plan, a good dive computer is an excellent investment.

They really should be considered required equipment. Prices have come down so far that cost just isn't an excuse anymore, especially when thinking about safety. Get the most out of your diving by making a wrist computer an integral part of your dive gear.

You can learn more about getting a wrist dive computer, along with finding other articles by John Allen on scuba gear and diving, at his website which sells dive computers and watches at http://www.mydivewatch.com.

Visit the authors site http://www.mydivewatch.com to find dive computers and watches, as well as diving news, faqs, and articles on gear.

Scuba Diving Equipment - an overview

2008-05-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving equipment is designed to overcome the limits of human physiology in the submarine world and although the number of items may seem daunting to the beginner, everything has a clear purpose. Below we look at the main items of scuba diving equipment used in recreational diving. Mask Divers wear a face mask for the simple fact that it allows them to see underwater. The human eye is not designed to see in water, which has a different optical density to air. By simply having an air space between eyes and water the mask allows the diver to see, although the optical density means that all objects appear larger or closer when underwater. Traditionally masks were constructed from neoprene, which tended to age relatively quickly. Today's scuba masks generally consist of a lightweight plastic frame, glass lenses and a silicone rubber skirt that seals against the face. Modern masks also allow a smaller volume of air between the water and the face, which is an advantage because it means it is easier to equalize the pressure in the mask and simpler to clear of water.

Wet suit While a wet suit is the most common type of suit worn in recreational diving, it is not the only type. Primarily to prevent the diver from losing body heat to the water, which conducts heat from the body at a much faster rate than air, a wet suit consists of a layer of low density neoprene which acts as an insulator and traps a thin layer of water between the neoprene and the diver's skin, also helping to minimize heat loss. The secondary function of a wet suit is to protect the diver from abrasions and other injuries, including stings and venoms.

When the water is too cold for a wet suit to be used divers can wear a dry suit, which as the name implies keeps the diver dry by sealing at the neck and wrists, while in warmer water divers can wear a lycra body suit which provides no thermal protection, but prevents against scrapes and stings as well as sunburn.

Fins In the same way that fish glide through the water by moving their fins, scuba divers are able to propel themselves through the water by kicking their fins. Usually made of neoprene for the foot and rigid plastic for the blade, there are two main types; full foot and adjustable. With the former the diver simply places the boot of the fin over the bare foot, while adjustable fins have an adjustable heel strap and are usually worn over wet suit boots.

Scuba tanks The scuba tank - also commonly known as a cylinder or a bottle - contains the divers breathing gas at high pressure. Usually the breathing gas is air, although in some circumstances other mixtures are also used.

The standard configuration in recreational scuba diving today attaches the tank to the BCD (buoyancy control device), often known simply as a jacket. The tank is attached to the rigid backplate with an adjustable strap and the BCD is then worn like a waistcoat and fastened at the front with a cummerbund.

As well as providing harnessing the scuba tank, the BCD is designed to allow the diver to adjust buoyancy in the water by either adding or reducing the amount of air held inside. Many modern BCDs also have pockets to hold lead weights, traditionally worn on a belt around the waist.

Regulators The first stage regulator is attached to the top of the tank and reduces the pressure from the tank to supply the second stage as well as providing the air for BCD inflation. The latter supplies the diver with air at ambient pressure and is located in the mouthpiece on most modern equipment.

Scuba diving computers Until relatively recently divers used tables to plan their dives, designed to reduce the possibility of decompression sickness. A depth gauge a dive watch were essential items to ensure the dive was within the limits of the table.

While divers are still taught dive table theory, most recreational divers quickly move on to buying a dive computer, which effectively calculates a custom table for each dive. More sophisticated models also connect to the air supply, so that they act as timer, depth gauge and air pressure monitor all in one.

David Leigh usually dives year round in the Costa Brava in Catalonia. You can find more information about scuba diving equipment at www.CostaBravaScubaDiving.com.

The Breast Implant Scuba Diving Connection

2008-05-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Although it may seem harmless at first, there is much danger to be had when speaking of the breast implants scuba diving connection. Many people don't immediately recognize the danger of breast implants when placed deep within water with hundreds of pounds of pressure applied to them however, they have the potential to cause severe harm. If you are interested in diving but have breast implants, it is imperative that you study and completely understand what the connections between breast implant dangers and scuba diving may be and what precautions, if any, you can take to protect yourself and ensure a healthy and enjoyable dive!

Breast Implant Scuba Diving Study

There have been several tests conducted to show the potential hazards of the breast implant scuba diving connection however, the type of materials used in breast implants can range vastly and the study that is spoken of here is strictly pertaining to the silicone, saline/silicone implants only.

With that said, the breast implant scuba diving study began by acquiring several breast implants and inserting them in a hyperbaric chamber to observe the results. However, before disclosing the results of this specific test it is imperative to recognize that these were conducted outside of a living body and there is quite a difference between being out in the open and being within a body that is sustaining many pounds of pressure from the water directly over the head.

The first major observation in the breast implants scuba diving study and connection was that the bubbles in the implants grew considerably, in fact up to four per cent! However, they did not grow large enough to rupture the breast implants and the bubbles worked themselves out after a period of time in the hyperbaric chamber.

Most people don't realize when understanding the breast implant scuba diving connection that silicone is heavier than water and when implanted within the walls of a human being and can potentially cause an alteration in buoyancy. It goes without saying that the larger the breast implants are, the more of a factor they play in the breast implant scuba diving connection.

In closing it is imperative to note that if you have breast implants and are contemplating taking up diving, it is essential that you visit your doctor and get professional guidance as to how you may be able to overcome these issues to ensure a safe dive.

If you want to learn more about Scuba Diving Courses please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba Diving - An Alternative to Classical Summer Vacations

2008-05-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

At the summertime when everything around you seems to be melting down, there's nothing more appropriate than bathing. But wouldn't you like to try something different this year? How about scuba diving?

Scuba diving refers to swimming underwater while using breathing equipment which is self-contained. Other swimming underwater activities such as free-diving or snorkeling use breath-holding techniques. Scuba diving implies having a compressed air source, which means that the scuba diver can remain submerged for a longer period of time and he/she is not hindered to a remote air source. Scuba diving is swimming underwater with fins which are attached to the diver's feet. However, there are other options for scuba divers to move around, such as the diver propulsion vehicle or sleds pulled by a boat. The latter are surface tethered devices.

The term 'SCUBA' is the acronym for "self contained underwater breathing apparatus". However, the term now refers to 'scuba apparatus' or 'scuba equipment'. The term goes back to World War II when it arose to refer to the oxygen rebreathers used by US combat frogman in underwater warfare.

It's worth mentioning that there are persons who confuse scuba diving for an extreme sport, and this false impression will be changed as soon as get to actually practice scuba diving. The divers wears a diving suit at all times, in addition to his/her breathing apparatus. This diver suit helps avoid skin cuts that could be caused corals, marine animals or underwater objects. They also prevent the loss of body heat. Scuba diving doesn't require a substantial physical effort on the part of the diver. Therefore, we could say that anyone who can walk a few miles can successfully complete a scuba diving session. Although it's underwater, scuba diving does not require swimming abilities, but some certified scuba divers may be asked to have swimming skills, just to check the extent to which candidates can adapt to water.

There are many reasons why number of people engrossed in this sport is constantly increasing. Here are some of the reasons why people go scuba diving. First of all, those interested in marine life can be close to it. The variety of underwater wildlife, coral reefs and the numerous species of colorful fish leave the scuba diver with a wonderful experience. Secondly, there's something different and unusual about each dive because of the numerous diving variations and the variety of marine life. Then, studies, researches and investigations are truly feasible with scuba diving. Marine biology, for instance, has experienced great improvement with the help of scuba diving. Not to mention that scuba diving is a relaxing activity, as it shows a soothing environment. This outdoor activity is also very educational, as the scuba diver combines fun with learning about marine life during a dive.

The terms scuba diving refer to various diving activities, such as recreational diving, technical diving, public safety diving, commercial diving, military diving and scientific diving. Technical diving includes cave and cavern diving, wreck diving, deep diving and ice diving. However, these are not the only categories that scuba diving is limited to, because it is still evolving.

For more resources about scuba or even about diving please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com

How to choose scuba diving equipment - selecting a scuba mask

2008-05-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

When selecting a scuba mask it is essential that it fits your face well to ensure that it is both comfortable and leak free. Without a good seal against the face you may spend much of your time clearing the mask of water, while an uncomfortable mask detracts from your diving experience - both lead to enjoying your dives less but because they distract you from your environment they are also potentially unsafe.

Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple matter and can be tested with the following three-step procedure:

1. Place the mask on your face but with the strap placed out of the way. 2. Inhale slightly through the nose so that the slight vacuum holds the mask on your face. 3. Test the fit by gently moving your head and it should remain in place if you gently try and pull it away from your face.

At the end of this test you will have determined whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so now it is time to examine other features.

Style

Most masks on the market today have low internal volume, which means that the mask is more comfortable to use since the diver won't experience much mask squeeze during the dive. This style of mask is now usual and features a pocket for the nose that protrudes forward of the lenses and as well as low volume the large lenses allow for a wider field of view, but models to look for include Cressi Big-Eyes, although it is not suitable for all face shapes.

Colour

This is purely a matter of personal preference and you may not have any preference at all. The traditional colour for masks, and all dive equipment in fact, was black due to the use of neoprene. These days silicone is used instead for masks, which is more flexible and less susceptible to sun damage. Silicone can be supplied transparent or in a multitude of shades due to the use of colouring agents, but many people still choose black. However, some people claim masks made with transparent silicone give better visibility due to the greater amount of light allowed to enter.

Skirt

High quality scuba masks feature a silicone skirt that thins towards the edge, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit against the skin of the face. Often you'll see a second skirt inside the upper edge of the skirt that allows a better seal. Its absence at the bottom is to allow water to drain more easily from inside the mask.

Strap

There are many occasions when you'll need to adjust your mask strap and so ensure that you find the mask easy to adjust. If you wear gloves when diving then make sure you can adjust it quickly and easily with gloves on. And while on the subject of mask straps, remember to always carry a spare - it is one of the more common equipment failures and the lack of a spare may mean you have to remain on the boat when everyone else is enjoying the submarine world.

Those are the most important factors to consider both when buying a new scuba mask or using rental equipment from a dive centre. By ensuring a good fit you ensure your own comfort and safety while a combination of the other factors will mean you get many happy years of service from your scuba mask.

David Leigh dives in the Costa Brava in Spain. For more information on diving equipment including scuba masks see http://www.CostaBravaScubaDiving.com.

Scuba Diving Boracay Phillipines

2008-05-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Boracay in the Philippines along with nearby Indonesia's Bali are consistently voted by scuba diving magazines and publications as amongst the top 10 scuba diving destinations and resorts in the world.

There are quite a few diving operators offer dive safaris to hard to reach locations in Boracay such as Sibuyan Sea, Tablas, Romblon and Semirara. Closer to Boracay are also some world class dive sites catering to divers of varying diving skills. If you are not a scuba diver, you will find snorkeling in Boracay just as exhilarating because of its rich marine life.

For example, Friday's Rock which lies close to the island's west shore you can find a variety of brilliant colored soft and hard corals, butterfly fishes, wrasses, damsel fishes, blue tangs, stingrays and snappers, often along with big scorpion fishes and lion fishes hiding in rocks and crevices.

There are 2 dive sites nearby called Punta1 and Punta2. Punta 1 is shallower dive which is a drop off to about 24m (80ft) Punta 2 starts at 30m and goes down to 50m (170ft). Groupas, trigger fishes, angel fishes as well as sweetlips, tuna, barracuda and the occasional reef shark populate these two interesting dive locations.

Just southeast of Boracay lies the Crocodile Island (so named because of shape of the island and not after the scaly reptile) which is a very popular scuba diving site. It is wall diving here of about 25m(80ft) in depth at its bottom. This diving destination is so rich in marine life that many species of fish and corals make its residence here. There are even a few poisonous banded sea snakes here and some are as long as two meters (6.4ft) long. Do be careful because all sea snakes are poisonous and their bites can be fatal.

Another excellent dive site nearby is the Laurel Island. This dive site is for the more experienced scuba divers as the undercurrent here can get quite strong. Because of this fact, drift diving can be a pleasure here. It is also these strong currents that encourage corals to open up their beautiful yellow and orange polyps to feed on microscopic planktons and marine creatures, festooning the walls of an 8m (25ft) tunnel at the tip of the island. You can also find big sponges and handsome gorgonian sea fans here.

At northern Boracay is Yapak, which is a deep wall diving starting at around 30m(95ft) and descending the depth of 60m (190 ft). Again, the undercurrent here can be rather tricky. This area is the domain of larger pelagic fishes such as barracudas and various species of sharks. Occasionally, a hammerhead shark will swim by and giant manta rays are also frequently sighted.

Other interesting dive spots in the Boracay are Carabao (buffalo), Cathedral Cave, Buruanga, Black Rock and Dog Drift. So if you are going to the Phillipines for a scuba diving vacation, why not try scuba diving in beautiful Boracay.

Chris Chew have been scuba diving for 3 decades. More articles at Scuba diving blog and Hawaii diving holiday vacation

2008-05-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, you've finally booked that exotic holiday to Thailand and now you're thinking about doing something really different? Why not get your PADI Open Water certification? It takes just a few days and will open up a whole new underwater world to you.

You'll find PADI is the most widely available certification with just a handful of shops offering NAUI and SSI certifications. There are dive shops all over Thailand, in places like Phuket, Khao Lak, Chumpon, Hua Hin, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangnan, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Phi Phi, Krabi and more.

Some dive shops are tied to resorts while many are their own businesses. You can do your PADI Open Water paperwork in your home country before you arrive and do your checkout dives in Thailand, or do the whole course in Thailand. You also have the choice of doing your checkout dives by daytrip or from a liveaboard vessel.

Where you go to take your course depends on what your preferences are. Each location has its own attractions and if you plan to spend more time above the water than below it, you might want to choose your destination for its other offerings. Likewise, not all dive shops or instructors are of the same quality.

You'll want to visit several dive shops where you are staying and meet the instructor that you would have if you did your Open Water course there. If English is not your native language, you may find a dive shop with an instructor speaking Dutch, French, Italian, etc. Dive shops in the more popular diving areas provide instruction and exams in several languages.

Equipment standards vary between shops as well. You'll want to make sure that the equipment is not too old and that it has been well maintained and stored, as well as cleaned properly. For instance, regulators go in your mouth and they should be well cleaned between users. Additionally, most people urinate in their wetsuits and these should be cleaned after each dive. All equipment must be cleaned of salt water or the crystallization can damage it.

Poorly maintained regulator, BCDs and dive computers can malfunction and cause a serious accident that may even lead to your death. Likewise, a poorly trained dive instructor or one who does not take his or her job seriously can get you killed too.

One of the most popular places to take PADI courses in Thailand is Koh Tao, known for its cheap diving and abundance of dive shops, and within easy reach of Samui. You'll have plenty of choices here and would be wise to take your time and visit as many shops as possible. Koh Tao is a good place to learn how to dive and to proceed through Advanced, Rescue Diver, Divemaster/Master Scuba Diver, and Instructor courses.

However, this island is not recommended for fun, recreational dives as the visibility and quality of the reefs is relatively poor. Koh Tao is most popular with young backpackers, although there are a few resorts for those who do not enjoy this scene. Phi Phi offers a similar scene on a smaller scale with better diving.

For quality diving, it's best to go to Phuket or Khao Lak, where you have easy access to the Similan Islands. These nine islands are part of Phang Nga province and located within a marine national park. They are pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in the world and the dive spots are some of the best in the world. Colourful reefs and boulder formations are a plus, with a variety of coral and marine life. Visibility is also good, varying from 30 to 50m.

The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you've completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand, usually with diving courses on Phuket. Note that in mind that the Similans are closed during the low season due to unfavourable boating and diving conditions. Additionally, sites have depths well past the recreational limit of 40m and some may have currents. It's advisable that you take courses past Open Water to become a stronger diver and be permitted to dive to the limit.

There are diving courses on Samui as well, and plenty of dive operators offering all levels of diving courses on Phuket, even a few in Krabi. In fact you'll find scuba courses in Pattaya, Koh Chang and other places, but with less choice of date flexibility.

Andy Burrows writes about Thailand and recommends using the following travel websites:
Phuket for adventurers
Thailand tourist guide

Scuba Diving Locations In Fiji

2008-05-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

The islands of Fiji are famous for its spectacular scenery and a world class attraction for sea sports such as big game fishing, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving. Fiji is a favorite scuba diving location for scuba divers from all over the world and its highlights include a fantastic variety of colorful soft corals, more than 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins.

There are also many scuba diving resorts in Fiji which cater to all kinds of budgets and divers. Alternatively divers can choose live aboard dive boats or if you are a tourist on vacation in Fiji do not know how to scuba dive, you can take up lessons there or simply go snorkeling off the pristine beaches.

The Fijian archipelago is encircled by a huge reef and therefore there are many shallow lagoons to swim, snorkel or frolick in. There are also thousands of scuba dive sites to choose from. Most dive locations are easy to get to with plenty of resorts offering scuba diving scattered around the Fijian islands.

The water temperature is just perfect for scuba diving with at its coldest at only 25C. On warmer days, it is about 30C. Water visibility in Fiji is excellent with superb visibility of up to 40m or 120ft is a norm rather than exception.

Mamanuca dive sites in Fiji is easily be accessible by boat from the Nadi Airport area on the main island of Viti Levu. Several resorts in the Nadi offer full diving facilities and there are numerous day packages for snorkeling and scuba diving. The diving landscape in Mamanucas consist of shallow lagoons with hollows and bommies and excellent marine life. There are some interesting caves to explore, especially in Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Group.

If you are in Fiji for a scuba diving vacation, you must dive in the world famous Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu in the Southern Islands. This dive spot has excellent hard and soft corals and abundance marine life. There are more soft corals along the north and south coast with some interesting caves to explore. Majestic drop-off can be found on the western tip of Kadavu.

Another excellent dive spot is the Beqa Lagoon to the north of Kadavu boasts of beautiful soft corals, reef bommies and passages. This dive location is famous shark feeding activities with many species of sharks including hammerhead sharks.

The Rainbow Reef in Northern Islands is another world famous scuba diving destination. If you are diving in the Rainbow reef, you will enjoy diving the Great White Wall and advanced drift diving through channels.

These are just some of the many excellent scuba diving sites in Fiji.

Chris Chew is a veteran scuba diver. More articles at Scuba dive Caribbean and Ski Breckenridge

Scuba Diving on Grand Cayman

2008-05-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Resting atop a submarine mountain of coral, the island of Grand Cayman offers some truly distinctive scuba diving opportunities. Off the shore, the coral walls that descend sharply into the Caribbean create some incredibly unique and challenging dives. Elsewhere around the island, there are plenty of dives perfect for all ages and skill levels. Regardless of where you dive in Grand Cayman, however, you are sure to encounter an unparalleled variety of underwater life. It also helps that the warm waters off the coast often boast visibility exceeding 100 feet - a fact sure to impress snorkelers, as well as scuba divers. With over 250 unique dive sites in all, Grand Cayman stands as one of the most diverse dive destinations in the Caribbean.

Many of the most popular dive sites on Grand Cayman are located off the western shore in an area known as the West Wall. Many of this area's dive sites are located just a short boat ride from the resorts lining Seven Mile Beach. At sites such as Armchair Reef, Wildlife Reef and Aquarium Reef, you will be able to spot numerous species of underwater creatures. Many of these reef dives are suitable for novice divers and snorkelers as well.

As Grand Cayman is known for its wall diving, you will definitely want to explore the deeper water of the western shore. At the first steep drop-off of 60 feet, you will find such sites as the Eagle's Nest and the Orange Canyon - named for its population of colorful elephant ear sponges. Another fun challenge is Bonnie's Arch, a unique site boasting a coral archway wide enough to swim through. All in all, there are more than 50 distinct dive sites located in the West Wall area of the island.

Though the North Wall is on the windward side of the island and features incredibly steep coral walls, one of the world's most famous shallow dive sites rests along the sandy beach. A good part of this popularity is owed to the fact that Stingray City is a perfect site for divers and snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. Once you are in the warm, clear water you will be able swim with families of gentle Southern Stingrays. With wingspans approaching four feet, many visitors find a great thrill in Stingray City while feeding and photographing these majestic animals.

Along the North Wall, you can also spot a large population of tarpons at Tarpon Alley. These large, strange fish are surprising friendly and will swim close to you if you move slowly. Along the coral wall, experienced divers can visit Eagle Ray Pass and the No Name Drop-Off for a glimpse of sea turtles, exotic fish and dense coral reefs.

While many dive tours only visit the South Wall when weather is poor off the western shore, there are plenty of pleasant dives for all skill levels in the shallow southern waters. At sites such as Japanese Gardens and Oriental Gardens, divers are promised an up-close view of colorful coral and sea creatures in calm water perfect for photography. Slightly further from shore, these "gardens" sink into an intricate maze of tunnels, arches and underwater canyons.

Adventurous divers will want to visit the eastern shore of Grand Cayman. Though there are only a few dive operators offering tours of this area, you are unlikely to find more pristine coral reefs anywhere. Within the first slope of reef, you will find a series of tunnels, underwater caves and arches. Sites in this area such as Grouper Grotto and Babylon are always teeming with fish, sponges and sea turtles.

Lastly, what would a Caribbean scuba diving trip be without a few wreck dives? The Balboa, a 375-foot cargo ship that sunk during a storm in 1932, sits at a modest depth of 30 feet in Georgetown Harbor. Today, the vessel is home to an assortment of the Caribbean's most photogenic residents. The most popular wreck dive in Grand Cayman is the Oro Verde, a coral-covered freighter resting in 60 feet of water off the shore from Seven Mile Beach. Additionally, Grand Cayman recently sank five vessels in various locations for both the enjoyment of divers and the ongoing research of environmental scientists.

There are over 40 experienced dive operators serving visitors to Grand Cayman, so finding a knowledgeable guide is a breeze. Even if you have never experienced scuba diving, you can become certified in Grand Cayman and then test your skills at some of the Caribbean's best dive sites.

Come to Grand Cayman and you will see why the island is celebrated by divers and snorkelers across the globe.

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Grand Cayman [http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/] for the Marriott Resorts.

How to Get Scuba Diving Certification

2008-05-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

It is highly imperative and in the best interest of the person wishing to go scuba diving to achieve proper certification because this is a very dangerous sport and should be approached with caution and a passion to learn. There are literally thousands of certification approved schools that can help you in achieving this necessary tool before you dive in, literally! Lets take a look at some of the avenues that you could seek scuba diving certification from before you plan the ultimate scuba diving adventure.

Who Certifies Scuba Divers?

There are hundreds of centers throughout the world including in vacation hot spots that have a program that can provide you with the necessary training to get you cerified as well as several conventional methods. They typically offer the very latest teaching in technology and diving techniques and are PADI approved.

When speaking and researching these certifications you will undoubtedly come across an agency called PADI and some should be mentioned about this organization because they are one responsible for governing laws and latest technologies that surround these training centers. PADI governs all of the training centers throughout the United States and the basic reason that they are there is to govern the facilities and ensure that they are teaching safe diving practices as well as using equipment that is up to date.

It is a tightly controlled industry due to the potential for harm that is present so scuba diving certification is not only necessary; it is an extremely helpful tool for your personal safety. If you are currently looking to get certified it would be wise for you to ensure that the agency you take your certification from is governed by PADI if you are in the United States and elsewhere, ensure they are a governed body for your own protection.

It is reassuring to know that if you are inquiring about getting scuba diving certification in the United States that most of the establishments are governed under PADI and in fact have more state of the art equipment and techniques than most developed countries. Also, it is imperative to note that if you are getting scuba diving certification for a potential career in this field, many scuba diving training centers offer job placement as part of the scuba diving certification program.

If you plan on obtaining a certification then following these key principles is a must. Make sure you write then down before going for your certificate.

If you want to learn more about Scuba diving vacation please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Scuba diving

Scuba Diving Equipment

2008-05-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

For external data that the diver should know, the assistance of a diving computer is essential. The diving computer provides information on the amount of time needed for decompression and even the depth of the dive itself. It also gauges data such as the levels of nitrogen content in the bloodstream, or decompression sickness that could be fatal to the diver’s life.

It would be wise to compare brands of diving computers before actually making a purchase. Aside from considering factors such as cost, quality and accuracy of the machine should also be weighed out. One effective way of doing this would be to search for reviews of the products and gather consensus of those who have bought and used it in their dives.

After buying one’s personal choice it would be prudent to study and understand the features and commands of the equipment. It should be known by heart, in the same way that a beginner is trained to deal with various situations that can happen to him under water. To get used to operating the product, it would be advisable to use its functions little be little in short-term expeditions.

Various unforeseen accidents can occur to a diver, especially when he is underwater. One trick is not to panic and to remain calm. Fear is a diver’s greatest enemy since it can blur out good judgment and training. Besides, another aspect that should be checked from time to time is the relaxed breathing of the diver. Panic can cause hyperventilation or worse, rapid ascent towards the surface can cause bubbles to form in the body’s tissues that could cause lack of sensation, immobility, or death.

Joe started his first scuba gear business in a small south Florida town in the early 70s. He describes it as the days when scuba was "Back in Black" because all the gear came in one color - black. Joe Diver carries quality BC models, wetsuits, wrist compasses,dive masks and whatever scuba equipment you need.

How to choose scuba diving equipment - selecting a scuba mask

2008-04-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple matter and can be tested with the following three-step procedure:

At the end of this test you will have determined whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so now it is time to examine other features.

Style

Colour

Skirt

Strap

David Leigh dives in the Costa Brava in Spain. For more information on diving equipment including scuba masks see http://www.CostaBravaScubaDiving.com.

Preparing for Your Scuba Diving Vacation

2008-04-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

Preparing for Your Scuba Diving Vacation

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a scuba diving vacation or at least go scuba diving on your next trip? If you have, it is advised that you start preparing for your scuba diving vacation in advance.

When it comes to preparing for a scuba diving adventure, many individuals wonder exactly how they can go about preparing for one. In all honesty, there is actually a lot of preparation that you can do. A few of the many steps that you may want to take to prepare for your next scuba diving vacation are touched on below.

Perhaps, the most important preparation step that you need to take before going on a scuba diving vacation is making all of your reservations. When it comes to taking a scuba diving vacation, you need to make sure that you make your scuba diving reservations. If you are vacationing in an area where scuba diving is a popular attraction, like Hawaii, you may want to make your scuba diving reservations in advance, to ensure that you are able to get a spot. It is also important that you book your travel arrangement, including your overnight accommodations and airline reservations.

When making your scuba diving reservations, it is important that you see if there are any requirements or restrictions imposed. Some scuba diving tour companies require that you have some scuba diving experience or even documentation of scuba diving training. If you need this documentation and do not have it, your scuba diving vacation may not turn out the way that you had originally hoped it would. That is why it is important that you not only prepare for, but plan out your scuba diving vacation in advance.

Even if you are able to find a scuba diving company that does not have scuba diving requirements, you may still want to think about taking a scuba diving training course or even just a refresher course. This may help to make sure that you are able to make the most out of your scuba diving vacation. Also, scuba diving tours often come in a number of different difficulty levels. By taking a scuba diving training course or refresher course, you may be able to enjoy scuba diving to its fullest extent.

When taking a scuba diving vacation, you will want to prepare by brining along any supplies that are needed. For starters, if you are required to show proof of taking a scuba diving training course, it is advised that you bring all applicable documents with you. If you are an experienced scuba diver or if this isn't your first time taking a scuba diving vacation, you may want to bring your own scuba diving supplies, like a wetsuit. However, you should know that many scuba diving companies have all needed supplies available for rent.

By keeping the above mentioned scuba diving vacation preparation tips in mind, you should be able to plan, prepare for, and have the perfect scuba diving vacation. By taking your time, when planning and preparing for your next scuba diving adventure, you will likely have a time that you will never forget.

Henry Cobb is a writer for Adventure Brat . com where you can find accurate information about a Scuba Diving Vacation and other related information.

Get scuba diving qualified while holidaying in Thailand

2008-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Andy Burrows writes about Thailand and recommends using the following travel websites:
Phuket for adventurers
Thailand tourist guide

Ambergris Caye Scuba Diving

2008-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ambergris Caye is the most popular spot in Belize for scuba diving. It offers a variety of diving such as reefs, walls, blue holes and more. If you've never been to Belize before, Ambergris Caye is a great place to start.

Geography

Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize and is about 25 miles long and 1 mile wide. So it's a small island and easy to explore. The town on Amergris Caye is San Pedro and lies near the southern tip.

San Pedro has 3 main roads that run parallel to the beach and reef. They have more tourist oriented names now but many of the locals still call them by their old names. The 3 main streets are Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street), Pescador Drive (Middle Street) and Angel Coral Drive (Back Street).

The barrier reef lies just offshore from Ambergris. It is about a half mile east from the shore so boat rides to most dive sites are short.

Location

Belize itself is situated on the Caribbean coast. It is bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Caribbean on the east.

Ambergris Caye is located about 35 miles northeast of Belize City and 11 miles north of it's sister island Caye Caulker.

There is airport on the island with several flights a day from Belize City (Maya Island Air and Tropic Air). The flight is short, about 20 minutes, but beautiful. You can also reach Ambergris via water taxi from Belize City (or Caye Caulker). The ride from Belize City is about 75 minutes and is a fun way to get the island.

Weather

The average daytime temperature during the summer months is typically around the mid to high 80's F with temperatures in the 90's F not that uncommon. Things cool off a bit in the winter months with average temperatures closer to around 80F.

Belize and Ambergris Caye have a rainy season from June to November with the most rainfall occurring in the September-November timeframe. The island does get hit by hurricanes during the hurricane season (June-November also).

Reefs and Rides

Ambergris Caye Belize sits right off the second largest barrier reef in the world (the reef runs for 185 miles). The reef is only about a half mile offshore from the island so boat rides can be short. The visibility is typically in the 50-100 foot range.

If you go out to the reef, some dive sights are less than a 10 minute ride away. One of the most popular spots for diving is within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve which lies less than 5 miles from San Pedro. This is also the area where the popular Shark Ray Alley is located. Although it is a snorkel spot, it is fun and worth doing. There is alot of variety in Ambergris Caye diving. You can do canyons, tunnels, wrecks, blue hole, etc. Since it is the most popular tourist spot and dive destination in Belize, there are alot of dive operators to choose from. Most hotels usually have or are affiliated with/recommend a particular outfit.

So if you're looking for a spot with great diving and interesting topside attractions, Belize and Ambergris Caye may be for you.

Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website at www.scuba-diving-smiles.com. You can read her full report on scuba diving in Ambergris Caye as well as diving in Caye Caulker, Belize on her website.

Safety and scuba diving

2008-04-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

The ability to go underwater and enjoy the beauty of the world beneath the waves has encouraged ever increasing numbers of people to take up diving, and it is a popular activity in many coastal resorts the world over. After a short PADI course, almost anyone can go diving, and on the whole, it is a very pleasant and rewarding activity, which in the company of an expert instructor, is very safe to enjoy.

Because there are some risks involved in any activity in which you rely on equipment for your safety, there are precautions that anyone who wants to try out diving should take, and appreciating the value of safety and scuba diving equipment is essential if you are to enjoy the activity fully and minimise any risks involved.

The first thing to be certain of is that the organisation or Diving school that you use takes safety and scuba diving equipment maintenance and care very seriously. You should always test any equipment such as diving masks, and air tanks before you get into the water, and make sure that all the valves and dials are working properly.

A diving excursion booked through an approved and certified diving school will normally include the services of a guide who is fully trained to make sure that everything is working correctly. Make sure that they explain all the functions of your air system with you before you get into the water, because if things go wrong, or you run out of air while underwater, you could get into serious and even life threatening trouble.

Whenever you go diving, the safety and scuba diving equipment quality should be paramount to you. You should make sure that the gear is rated to the depth you are planning to dive down to, and ensure that both your main tank and the small reserve tank are completely full. The seals should be intact, and the batteries for your underwater torch should be fully charged.

Even if you are on an organised dive trip, you should still let people know where you are diving, and when you plan to return, so that if something should go wrong with the boat, you can rely on getting help.

As long as you take all the necessary precautions about your equipment and dive guides, scuba diving can become one of the most rewarding and safe experiences of your life, and open your eyes to the beauty of the world beneath the surface of the ocean. If you take risks however, it can quickly become a nightmare.

As well as Diving gear, dougals online store sells a large variety of other Extreme sports equipment and accessories.

Scuba Diving Travel in Africa

2008-04-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving is an amazing activity that allows your body and mind to be active in a wonderful way. Seeing the world that exists underwater transposes you in a dream world full of creatures' colors. If you are passionate about scuba diving and you are constantly looking for new places to go, Africa should definitely be one of your destinations at some point. You can find in Africa's waters anything from wrecks and sharks to whales and dolphins. Especially South Africa is one of the most visited places when it comes to quality scuba diving. The location is beautiful and you will surely feel like you are home because of local people's hospitality. The temperatures the water has vary so you can choose to dive in any kind of water you like. For example, in the Cape Province you can find cold waters, while in Mozambique the water is much warmer. In another area from Africa's waters, KwaZulu Natal, you can find exciting wrecks, turtles, beautiful coral reefs and dangerous sharks. In what concerns sharks, in the Cape Province you can get to see white sharks. Another great thing that you must see when you do scuba diving in Africa is represented by Rocky Bay, an amazing group of reefs. Anyhow, you should take care with that location as it is meant for experienced divers. Finger Reef, Butchers Reef and Cowry Reef are places where you can easily find strange species of creatures, in different colors and sizes, including lots of species of coral. At about 8 kilometers offshore you can find Protea Banks, which is also a place meant for advanced divers. There you can find a huge variety of sharks, including Tiger, Ragged Tooth or the Mako shark, depending on how deep you want to swim. Protea Banks is surely known for this wide variety of sharks that you can find when scuba diving there. You will get there in a semi rigid boat leaded by local people that are very familiar with that location. The visibility is very good, you can see even at 40 meters away in some cases and the water in never colder than 24°C during summer. Anyhow, as mentioned above, it is not recommended for you to practice scuba diving there if you are not experienced enough. Another great location in the waters of Africa is Sodwana, which can be found near Mozambique. Here, you will also benefit from a warm climate and, as a diver, you will benefit from a wonderful view underwater. Scientists identified over 1200 species in these waters. The species you will discover when scuba diving in these locations vary between different times of the year, depending on their existence cycle. There are many other places that can be taken into consideration if you are a professional or even amateur scuba diver. You should not only read this information but also go and visit these beautiful locations as you will definitely be amazed of the underwater magic you will find there.

Further information about more than 600 dive shops in Africa is available at scubish.com. Once you have decided for the destination you can either lookup travelguide information at the website or discuss your travel plans with other divers in the discussion forums.

Scuba Diving Equipment - The Completely Equipped Diver

2008-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

What constitutes the minimum equipment that recreational divers should have and use on every dive? To some degree, this will be a factor of the environment and the purpose of the dive. Divers in cold water require more thermal protection than divers in warm water. Divers engaged in activities, such as underwater photography or night, deep, wreck, ice or cavern diving, require additional specialized diving equipment that sight-seeing divers in shallow, open water may not need.

There is, however, certain equipment items that most experts believe recreational divers should have and use on every dive. The following is a brief overview of each of these items.

Mask, Snorkel and Fins

These are the most basic of all diving equipment. Masks allow divers to see underwater without distortion. Snorkels enable them to breathe at the surface without having to lift their heads from the water or use air from their tanks. Fins allow divers to move through the water with far great efficiency.

Exposure Protection

Divers require protection from both heat loss and abrasion. Heat loss is of particular importance, because water conducts heat away from the body 20 to 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Divers may become dangerously chilled in water that would seem uncomfortably warm, if it were air.

Thermal and abrasion protection may range from lightweight wet suits for warm-water diving to thick, highly insulative dry suits for cold water diving. Most divers also use some form of hand and foot protection. Wet suit boots are the most common form of foot protection. Hand protection may range from thick wet-suit mitts or light weight gloves.

Weight Systems

Depending on a diver's natural buoyancy and the buoyancy of his equipment, he may need to use some form of weight system to offset excess buoyancy. The most common type of weighting is a weight belt, although general options are available.

Scuba Systems

Modern scuba systems integrate several components, including primary and alternate air sources, buoyancy-control devices (BCD's) and instrumentation.

Air Sources

A diver's primary air source consists of a cylinder of compressed air and a two-stage regulator that reduces this air to the same pressure as the surrounding water. The most common form of alternate air source is an additional regulator second stage, similar to the one the diver normally breathes from. This extra second stage is for sharing with other divers who may run low, or out, of air.

Buoyancy-control Devices

A diver's buoyancy-control device (or BCD) is used for two purposes. When inflated on the surface, it allows the diver to rest or swim comfortably without having to struggle to keep his head above water. Under water, the BCD may be partially inflated to offset any decrease in buoyancy caused by compression of the diver's exposure suit during descent.

Gauges

The minimal instrumentation with which every diver should be equipped with includes: a means of monitoring air supply an accurate means of determining depth a means of measuring the time spent under water

I would also recommend that each diver have and use an underwater compass. This not only makes it easier for the diver to navigate, it also helps eliminate the need for long, tiring surface swims at the end of a dive.

Knife or Tool

Although the risk of becoming entangled under water is slight, it is recommended that all divers equip themselves with some form of cutting tool. Depending on its design, this tool may also be used for prying and measuring.

Log Book

Because certification cards only establish that, at one point in time, a diver met the minimum requirements for certification at that level, divers record their dives in log books. Log books provide a tangible record of the depth and breadth of a diver's experience. An increasing number of dive resorts and charter operations require that divers present both certification card and a log book before they will provide diving service.

Slate

The ability to communicate under water using hand signals is limited. So, to convey more-complex messages to one another, divers use specially designed underwater slates.

Using slates may eliminate the need to surface in order to talk and can add the convenience and enjoyment of the dive.

Ian runs Scuba Shack, an online scuba diving equipment store. For new and pre-owned scuba diving equipment visit http://www.scubashack.co.uk

An Introduction To The Scuba Diving Tank

2008-04-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

It is well acknowledged that the scuba diving tank is a canister that supplies air to the diver while underwater. But further to performing that apparently simple, singular role there is much diversity. For a plane metal cylinder, diving tanks have an astonishing number of variations.

With the exemption of certain exclusive models, all dive tanks are prepared from either aluminium or a steel alloy. Specialized sport diving, military applications and technical diving will occasionally use a chrome molybdenum alloy. All styles have their own positive and negative points.

Aluminium tanks are the lightest, although the notable difference below water is minimal. The disparity becomes more significant after taking into account the amount of effort that's involved in shifting them between dive trips. Aluminium air tanks also commonly have positive buoyancy that may need to be remunerated for with the addition of weights. This detail somewhat puts a stop to their lighter weight advantage verses that of the steel tanks.

Aluminium tanks are typically less costly than steel and more widespread, but the latter are likely to have a longer shelf life. Suitability maintained steel tanks can last thirty years or more. Many dive stores will decline to fill an aluminium tank over fifteen years of age.

Steel dive tanks were by tradition heavier, but a great deal less prone to rupture or puncture, denting or scratching. Modern-day steel tanks are to a great extent nearer in weight to aluminium ones, as they can be prepared thinner while maintaining ample stableness. More significantly, the threads on the neck of a steel tank are much less liable to get exposed from constant replacement of the regulator kit.

Although a steel cylinder can rust in the shape of iron oxide, aluminium can corrode as well, creating aluminium oxide. Neither is of serious risk to your health, but both ought to be maintained at regular intervals to abolish any contaminants. Aluminium will need this at less frequent intervals.

The vast majority of dive tanks hold approximately eighty cubic feet of compressed air. A variety of outsized models do exist, for those larger divers or anyone that needs an extra large capacity for extended dives.

Auxiliary tanks, most often referred to as pony tanks are needed as a back-up in case the main is emptied or fails. Auxiliary tanks can hold approximately sixty-five cubic feet of compressed air. Pony tanks tend to be secured with a separate belt.

Any scuba diving tank, suitably cared for, will last for many years of dependable service. Bearing in mind what actually depends on it; take the time to research your acquisition carefully.

Darren Lintern writes extensively for www.andallabout.com, a popular informational website that provides helpful tips, advice, and resources on many scuba diving topics including Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba diving career

2008-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

In case you have the spirit of adventure raring to get going and want a career that is exciting and challenging enough, scuba diving is what might suit you. Generally, the people who choose scuba diving as a career are those who have prior experience in scuba diving and want to pursue it professionally. Imagine having a profession that will relax you and rejuvenate you. In addition, you will have a workplace that is located in the heart of nature! All you have to do is master the art of scuba diving yourself and teach others the finer points of this art. You need not worry about deadlines, unhealthily competitive colleagues and rude bosses. The important thing, however, is a keen interest in scuba diving and the talent. To teach, you have to be really good in the stuff yourself. Although it is a lucrative profession that anyone would die to be involved with, you have to cultivate your diving skills properly before you embark upon a scuba diving career. All professionals begin as learners and scuba diving is no exception. Even the instructors begin with basics and then master the difficult aspects of diving. However, one quality that is essential is a passion for the sport. The instructors have to have a great love for diving that will enable them to teach others in such a manner that they will enjoy diving, rather than being scared of it. This love for diving is one thing that makes a good scuba diving instructor. If you want to seriously consider a scuba diving career, you have to develop this trait. Generally, we have the notion that the diving instructors have all the possible knowledge about diving. That, however, is not the case. Scuba diving is a sport that is continuously expanding its horizons. The military, scientists etc are doing a lot of research on this sport. Thus, although the instructors are experts, it is unfair to demand that they know everything under the sun about it. The scope of improvement and the constant developments in scuba diving is something that has increased the interest in scuba diving career. For the ones who are interested and want to explore the unknown territories and discover more about marine life, this is a great career for them. One of the requirements for being an instructor is the status of a dive master. You can attain this certificate from any scuba diving school. By the end of an instructor development course, you are expected to learn more than just the basics of diving. You will be taught about diving standards, safety and regulations and the scuba diving system as it relates to the law. Of course, you'll learn several techniques that you can employ to effectively teach your future students. The course will, apart from teaching the basics, give you a fair idea of the safety regulations and the stance of the law towards diving. In this course, you will learn enough to teach others and still, you always have scope for improvisation.

Want to discover the many benefits of scuba diving, then visit my blog where you can learn all there is to know about scuba diving, from beginners to advanced, to teaching, choosing the right equipment and destinations, plus loads more. visit http://www.scubadiving101.blogspot.com/

Scuba Diving In Fiji Islands

2008-04-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

The islands of Fiji are well known for its spectacular scenery and world class attraction for sea sports such as big game fishing, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving.

Fiji is a favorite scuba diving location for many scuba divers from all over the world and its highlights include a fantastic variety of colorful soft corals, more than 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins.

These are just some of the many fabulous scuba diving sites in Fiji.

Chris Chew is a veteran scuba diver. More articles at Scuba diving in Maldives and Bali Travel Guide

Scuba Diving Travel: Scuba Diving in Papua New Guinea

2008-04-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

One cannot talk about scuba diving without mentioning the diversity and exotic beauty of Milne Bay and Papua New Guinea. Located East of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea is made up of a series of islands and land masses sprawling between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. Slightly larger than California, Papua New Guinea is home to bio-diverse wildlife and marine life, varying cultures and languages, and active volcanic activity.

While scuba diving in Papua New Guinea, most tourists to this area dip into Milne Bay for their underwater adventures. Milne Bay is a marine province that encompasses more than 600 islands and more than 48 language groups. The diverse islands and cultures of the area give visitors a unique diving experience unlike that of anywhere else in the world. Breathtaking reefs and formations, wrecks, and exotic marine life make up only a fraction of the ooh’s and aah’s to be found while scuba diving in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.

The marine life to be found in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea is so diverse that some species frequently seen on scuba diving excursions in the area are new to science. This is because the numerous dive spots and rich underwater locations have made exploring every nook and cranny quite a challenge. In addition to rare marine-life finds, scuba divers will be thrilled by the abundance and variety of life to be found in Milne Bay. Beautiful species including the seahorse, Panda Clownfish, frogfish and several rare species of garden eel make Milne Bay one of the best scuba diving spots in the entire world.

In addition to abundant marine life, divers visiting Papua New Guinea will be thrilled to view several perfectly preserved wrecks lying on the ocean floor. Two of the most famous wrecks that are extremely popular among divers are the P38 Lightning, 90 feet submerged, and the B17 Blackjack, 145 feet submerged. The more popular of the two, the Blackjack, is considered to be one of the best wrecks in the world and is a favorite scuba diving location. The story surrounding this wreck involves a heroic US pilot who put down his fuel-starved plane with text-book precision during stormy weather. There is hardly a mark on the plane indicating that there was a crash. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you could imagine that the plane could be easily started and flown away.

Another popular scuba diving activity in Papua New Guinea includes shark diving. Milne Bay is teeming with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, pilot whales, orcas, marlin and eagle rays. Of course these sea monsters stick to their territory so you can avoid them easily by picking dive locations where they are not known to frequent.

After all of this excitement, it can be hard to believe that Papua New Guinea still has more to offer. But once you dry off and pack away your dive gear, you will find that life on dry ground is just as diverse as the sea life surrounding this great nation.

Lilah Tusko is a writer who loves scuba diving. To obtain your 2 FREE Gifts: Special Report "Insider's Guide to Scuba Diving Gear" and Special Report "Top 10 Ways to Make Money while Scuba Diving", go to http://www.thatdivesite.com and sign up for the FREE Gifts.

What benefits can you get from scuba diving?

2008-04-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving in Morocco is one such pleasure you just don't want to miss while on a visit to this magnificent North African country. Though the Atlantic Coast along the country and the Mediterranean are lesser known for diving adventures, but Morocco diving sites have their own story to tell. Scuba diving in Morocco is one such pleasure you just don't want to miss while on a visit to this magnificent North African country. Though the Atlantic Coast along the country and the Mediterranean are lesser known for diving adventures, but Morocco diving sites have their own story to tell..It's one of the rare countries of North and West Africa that has so much to offer, in terms of aquatic adventure, to the tourists.

One of the reasons why scuba diving in Morocco has a bright future is the occurrence of favorable geographical conditions in the Straits of Gibraltar, which facilitates some spectacular views of rich oceanic treasures. However, when it comes to finding a world-class scuba diving center in Morocco, the going gets tough, particularly if you are looking for a diving center in Morocco that also offers specialized training.

Terre Azur is one such diving center in Morocco that is well equipped with modern equipment and offers world-class diving services to the tourists in the country. It has dished out an elaborate curriculum for the first-time divers, which includes try dives, so that the initial fear of diving is taken care of by the professional trainers. The professional scuba diving courses are hallmarks of this diving center in Morocco. And the best part is the highly affordable price structure it offers on different diving experiences.

There are not many Morocco diving sites. Thus, you can be rest assured that you get to enjoy the heavenly beauty of under-sea life along with your trainer in an uncrowded manner. Though experience in diving is not a constraint while scuba diving in Morocco, there are still some sites that are suitable for experienced divers only. Of course, if you have trainers in tow, then there's absolutely no worry about the safety aspect.

Some of the magnificent attractions under water in Morocco plenty of fish species, like dolphins, grouper, conger eel, moray eel, sea bream, barracuda etc. Besides, the amazing natural architecture of under-water features is something that is so very unique to Morocco diving sites.

The government of Morocco has only recently realized the amazing potential of developing and promoting scuba diving facilities in the country. Resultantly, the tourists from around the globe now have another reason to visit this heavenly destination - Scuba Diving. The coming days will witness opening up of more Scuba diving centers in Morocco, but the early birds will always have the advantage of experience, if their services are already world-class. And in this regard, Terre Azur has definitely scored some crucial early points.

Boubker Badr is the author of a diving in Morocco web site dedicated to diving, scuba diving training and protection of local underwater fauna and flora in Morocco.

So, you want to scuba dive? What to know before you start scuba diving.

2008-04-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

If you would like to know more about scuba diving please visit http://www.squidoo.com/BluePlanet

What are you waiting for? Come on in, the water's great!

There's Nothing like a Scuba Diving Vacation

2008-04-03T00:10:00.001-07:00

It's vacation time again and you feel like trying something new this year, something that's both fun and educational. There are many options and many exotic places where we can spend your holiday, and if you haven't made up your mind yet, we suggest that you try a relaxing scuba diving vacation. Why scuba diving? As, we've said before, this is the best way to combination of fun and learning about the underwater life, which will never cease to amaze us with its variety. If you are interested in a marine life, a scuba diving vacation offers you the chance to be close to it. This sport will always provide a wonderful and unforgettable to those who practice it due to the amazing variety of underwater life. It's this amazing variety that makes each scuba diving vacation different from what you have experienced before. As a recreational form of diving, scuba diving beats any other type of seaside vacation by a long shot, as lying in the sun and bathing in the ocean pale in comparison with being in the middle of all those wonderfully-colored fish, coral reefs, and other underwater forms of life.

Scuba diving is not a dangerous sport either, as long as you wear the special scuba diving equipment. This sport doesn't require too much physical effort on your part, so it's safe to say that if your are in good shape and you can walk a few miles, you will also be able to enjoy your scuba diving holiday at its best. You don't even have to have excellent swimming skills. All it takes is that you feel comfortable in the water and adapt to it with no worries.

The scuba diving equipment is the essential element of this sport. A diver must be familiar with the scuba diving equipment and the way it works so that he or she can feel comfortable and confident while submerged. This equipment represents a simple, yet ingenious system, and certified scuba diving instructor will present it and the way it works, as well as the way it can be assembled. When wishing to purchase a scuba diving equipment, you must always ask for the assistance of a specialist, unless you're not one yourself. There are five essential elements in the scuba diving equipment which have to fit you perfectly, and this is the reason why you should ask for help from a specialist.

Should you hire a travel agent to care of your holiday, you'll find that your scuba diving vacation will be so relaxing and pleasant, that you'll definitely want to go back next year. Exotic destinations such the Hawaii, Cozumel, Fiji or Belize offer vacations that are hard to beat. You will enjoy the good food and the sound of the ocean. Your scuba diving sessions will show you the marvelous coral reefs, colorful fish, sharks, and mantas. You will be saved all the hassle, as the travel company will arrange everything for your scuba diving vacation, from flights and accommodation to diving packages. And the best part is that reservations can be made online. So you're only one click away from the scuba diving vacation of your dreams.

For more resources about scuba diving vacation or even about scuba diving equipment please review the following page http://forum.scubish.com

All Inclusive Caribbean Scuba Diving Vacations

2008-04-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

A vacation to an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean that offers scuba diving can be a great money saver. To decide whether this option is for you, there are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros

Don't have to worry about money while you are there

Usually cheaper than purchasing everything separately

Stress free: No decisions to make about where to go for drinks, dinner or diving

Usually a party atmosphere (can be a con too)

Security

Activities and entertainment are included (sometimes diving is included also)

Cons

Usually big resorts; grounds and dive boats can be crowded (ever have to go out at 6 am to reserve a lounge on the beach?)

No incentive to leave the resort and experience the local culture

Have unexpected expense of going out if you don't like the food and/or drink

Service is sometimes lacking since tips are already included (we always tip anyway, even if the policy is supposedly not to

Not all islands have all inclusives, so island choice is limited

You just have to decide what is most important for you. For instance, if you like smaller resorts and small dive groups, than an all inclusive resort may not be for you.

Most all inclusives include non-motorized water sports in the package. However, While most resorts offer scuba diving, you usually have to pay extra for it. If the resort does offer scuba diving in the price, you can save a significant amount of money.

If you pay for your diving at the resort, my experience has been that prices are pretty much market prices. If you do multiple dives you can usually get a discount, but that is typically the case for non-resort dive shops too.

Popular All Inclusive Destinations

Probably the most popular places (or at least those with the most resort choices) for an all inclusive Caribbean scuba diving vacation are the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, including the ever popular Cozumel. In my opinion, Cozumel is the hands down winner as far as diving.

High End/Low End

There is an all inclusive resort to fit every budget. You just have to decide what you want. What's more important to you? Would you rather have gourmet food and premium drinks or would you be happy with lower end offerings and more money in your wallet? The answer can be different for each trip.

No matter where you go and which level of service you choose, it is hard not to have a good time. So pick a place, pack your scuba gear and get going!

Have a great trip, Dianne from http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com

Dianne Rein runs a scuba diving website. You can read her complete article on all inclusive scuba diving vacations on her website. You will also find articles on scuba family vacations plus much more.

Using Scuba Diving Gear

2008-03-31T01:58:00.000-07:00

Just as a golfer has his clubs, and a skier dons his skis, scuba divers have their own set of scuba diving gear that is required to enjoy their sport. Scuba diving gear comes in many varieties and the choices between them depend on your level of skill, logistical needs, and frequency of use. But the universal truth is that scuba diving gear is designed to ensure the safest of dives for everyone – and everything – involved.

First and foremost, the wetsuit is one of the prime pieces of scuba diving gear. Made from synthetic rubber, and lined with nylon fabric, the wetsuit offers a protective barrier between the scuba diver and the varying temperatures that can be found in the water. The primary role of the wetsuit is to keep moisture away from the skin and maintain the body’s temperature, thus protecting it from hypothermia in colder temperatures. It is most important that any wetsuit you use fits snug to your body at all times.

Obviously, the ability to breathe underwater is what makes scuba diving possible. Therefore, the most essential part of scuba diving gear, is the oxygen tank. Strapped to the diver’s back, the oxygen tank provides different amounts of oxygen depending on their size. Based upon the length of the dive you choose to make, you will carry an equivalent sized tank; most come equipped with gear that allows you to measure the amount of oxygen you have left so you can safely resurface when appropriate.

The oxygen is pumped directly into your face and eye mask - another essential piece of scuba diving gear. It is important that your mask fits snuggly over your face to ensure proper oxygen circulation and the ability to see without restriction. In addition, most divers will also don flippers as part of their scuba diving gear.

Diving safely and responsibility is the only way to scuba; so be sure to use appropriate scuba diving gear when heading underwater.

For easy to understand, in depth information about scuba diving visit our ezGuide 2 Scuba Diving.

Scuba Diving Basics

2008-03-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

The dive itself was amazing and exhilarating for me even though it was what is called a non-decompression dive, only to 40 feet. I had been a snorkel for years, but had never been that close to a reef and fish.

For those who crave more diving adventure such as deep sea diving and wreck diving which would take them much deeper in the water they would need much more training, and PADI certification.

It's easy to learn to dive. Not as hard as you might think. PADI certification can be obtained fairly easily, and at your own pace. There are books and videos that you can obtain to help you through the course. Your instructor will give you a short test at the end of each course. After you have completed what is called knowledge training you start diving. You first experience confined dives and then open water dives. Confined dives take place in a pool or a shallow body of water. The first time I put on the equipment and went in the water we were just waist deep. Once you have mastered confined dives and proven yourself to your instructors you will have the opportunity to go on open water dives with the instructor.

Where you will be diving will make the decision for you as to what type of equipment you are going to need. As my dive was in the warm Caribbean waters I didn't need any type of wet suit. I wore a BC vest. However, on deeper cold water dives you will want to make sure you are equipped with a dry suit that will handle cold.

You'll need a good mask. One that seals against your face well. A pair of booties and fins. You'll need a snorkel, a buoyancy compensator vest and a regulator with a gauge and a second mouthpiece.

You'll want to do a lot of research on equipment before buying. As with most things technology is constantly changing scuba equipment. You'll want to talk with friends and instructors as to their recommendations. There is a fairly large initial investment and you want to get the best you can for the money you spend. You also want to make sure that you're comfortable in all the pieces of your scuba gear. If your mask isn't tight enough and leaks, or if your fins are too tight and rub your heels that is what your mind will be on instead of the wonders of the sea.

To learn more about scuba diving please visit http://www.scuba-solution.info

Scuba Diving For Beginners

2008-03-26T01:56:00.000-07:00

If you want to join other scuba divers, it is important to find the best scuba diving instructor – one who is certified by a professional body like NAUI (The National Association of Underwater Instructors) or PADI (The Professional Association of Diving Instructors)– since scuba diving has some risks. Getting good instruction ensures that you learn scuba diving safely. Both PADI and NAUI can also provide you with the facts about scuba diving, and dive certification is required to dive at most resorts and dive operations.

When selecting an instructor, it is important to select someone with the right certification levels. Levels include Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, DiveMaster, Assistant Instructor, Boat Diver, Deep Diver, Drift Diver, Multilevel Diver, Night Diver, Search & Recovery Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigator, Underwater Photographer, Underwater Videographer, Wreck Diver, and others. It is important to select a scuba diving instructor with the credentials and certification that most meets your needs.

When you are just starting out as a scuba diver, you may be interested in travelling to one of the scuba diving hot spots –The Red Sea in Egypt, Malta, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, and others. These popular scuba diving destinations offer beautiful dives and plenty of instructions for the new scuba diver. These destinations also allow you to easily rent all the gear you need for scuba diving – including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, exposure suits (wetsuit or dry suit), buoyancy compensators, weights, and tanks. All this gear allows you to stay safe and control your decent into the water. For beginning scuba divers, it can make sense to rent this equipment, as scuba diving gear can cost more than $1000. For new scuba divers, renting also makes sense because it ensures that the gear is properly maintained and kept.

However you decide to approach scuba diving – whether locally or at an exotic destination, whether as a pleasant pastime or a regular hobby – joining the ranks of scuba divers worldwide is sure to be an eye-opening experience – and one that will create a life time of memories.

Diver Village - The Source For Dive Articles Article Submitted by That Article Guy

Go Scuba Diving In Maui

2008-03-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see a side of Maui like never before? Check out the beautiful island of Maui from a different view- underwater! There are many places in Maui where you can go scuba diving even if you have never been before. You can go on a guided tour, learn from an instructor or rent equipment if you don’t have your own. Below is more information about snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui.

Diving Trips

There are many different diving trips for you to choose from if you are staying in Maui. Many places offer small group SCUBA trips to at least two different destinations on each day of the week. Set out with other divers on a fully-equipped dive boat and enjoy comfortable seating and amenities (such as a bathroom) while you travel to your dive location.

There are knowledgeable crew members and diving instructors that can help you no matter what your level of experience and most dives are very affordable. If you are concerned with price, you might also look into package deals to save you money or go with a group.

There are also many specialty diving opportunities such as diving in caves or caverns. There are special excursions you can take with a professional tour guide to show you sights you probably never dreamed of before.

If you are a novice diver or if you are in a party with snorkelers, then you might want to take a different boat trip or tank dive trip. You will have to contact facilities that offer these to find out all the details. There are also many introductory dives and diving courses for you if you are new to the underwater world.

Snorkeling Trips

In addition to scuba diving, you might want to try snorkeling. There are many places that let you view gorgeous coral reefs and much more as well as the many exotic underwater living creatures of the Hawaiian Islands. Set out on a boat with many other snorkelers whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it forever. Head out to a nice snorkeling location such as a coral reef and friendly, knowledgeable crew will help you even if you have never done this before. There are “boogie boards” available to help you while moving through the water.

Even if you have been snorkeling before, you have likely never seen it like it is in Maui so it is well worth the time to go for at least one day and check it out. Snorkeling usually costs around $50 a day per person but you will have to call actual facilities since prices are subject to change. There are also group deals and discounts that you may be eligible for as well if you call and check into it.

Diving Courses

If you don’t know how to dive, you might want to look into getting some instructions first before you set out to go on a dive with people that know what they are doing. There are also many places that offer diving courses for those of you that may not have even been diving before. You can take classes on all the details of diving as well as go out on a boat with an instructor that will show you exactly how to do everything properly and safely.

If you are looking to find out exact pricing and diving schedules for different resorts and facilities, you will have to call them to find out all of the details. Equipment rentals can vary in pricing according to exactly what you need and what company you go through so you have to call to find out for sure. There are some places in Maui that offer trips and equipment that have their information available online and this may make it easier for you to plan ahead for your trip and find which location you want to use.

If you are going to be in Maui for vacation, you really need to take at least one day to go scuba diving or snorkeling and see the amazing underwater world in person for yourself. You might even want to take along an underwater camera to remember your adventure.

You can check into pricing, dive days and times as well as what certifications they have and what comes in their deals to help choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Chris W. Sutton is president of the Maui Travel Club. Maui Travel Club is a new concept in saving money on your next Maui vacation. It is very inexpensive but it will save you hundreds of dollars on Maui accommodations and activities.

Scuba Diving Classes

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These are three of the world's best and largest diving training organizations that offer scuba diving courses and classes.

PADI or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (www.padi.com):

In the recreational diving membership organizations, PADI is the world’s largest, with offices in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States. PADI started in 1967 and the main corporate headquarters is located in California, and is known as PADI Worldwide.

PADI offers Open Water Diver course, the most widely accepted and esteemed diving certification in the world. One of the popular entry level trainings PADI offers is the Discover Scuba Diving program, accessible at any PADI Dive Center or Resort. Basic concepts and scuba skills are taught here under the supervision of PADI Professionals in pool or pool-like conditions. Though minimum age requirement is 10 years old, younger kids can also attend the “junior” courses.

The entry level training emphasizes on practical safety issues instead of theoretical concepts such as the physics and chemistry of diving. The Discover Scuba Diving program is followed by the PADI Specialty Diver and PADI Rescue Diver programs for people who want to continue. These include advanced training and additional skills specific to personal interests. After each course is completed, a certificate is issued which is widely accepted throughout the world as proof of proficiency. PADI issues almost 946,000 certifications each year.

NAUI or National Association of Underwater Instructors (www.naui.com):

NAUI Worldwide was established in 1959 as a non-profit diving membership association, and organized solely to support and promote Dive Safety through education, which has now become the second largest diver training organization. Their training programs include Skin Diver through Instructor Course Director, with several number of specialty courses including Search and Recovery Diver, Scuba Rescue Diver, Nitrox and technical diving , to name a few.

NAUI also includes Technical courses, Leadership courses and Recreational courses. Recreational courses include Skindiver, SCUBA Diver, Experienced SCUBA Diver and Advanced SCUBA Diver. NAUI’s certification class is for people above 8 year-olds and you don’t have to be an accomplished swimmer. For younger kids, there is also a “Snorkeling for Kids of All Ages” non-certification class.

SSI or Scuba Schools International (www.divessi.com):

SSI is also a worldwide diving training organization that specializes in business support for dive businesses that was established in 1970. It is, in fact, the largest school-based training agency in the world with various regional centers, and its certification is widely accepted throughout the world. They have a SSI Facility Search feature on their website if you need to get region-specific information.

The beginner programs offered by SSI include Scuba Ranger, Try Scuba, Passport Diver, Open Water Diver, Snorkeling, and Scuba Skills Update. In order to reach SSI’s highest recognition level in diving - the Platinum Pro5000 Diver award, you have to go through a number of intermediary such as Stress and Rescue Diver, Specialty courses, Continuing Education Ratings, and advanced programs such as Dive Leader Education System, including Dive Control Specialist and Open Water Instructor.

Scuba Diving HQ. Articles, tips and information about scuba diving.

Scuba Diving Certification

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Open Water Diver Certification:

You have to be at least 15 years old to get the open water diver certification. Most open water certifications let you dive by yourself without an instructor present (if the charter does not make it compulsory). There is also Junior Open Water Diver Certification for people between ages 10 to 15. Before getting your certification, it is recommended by almost every center that you are in good physical health. Some centers may even require you to obtain a medical certificate before enrolling in a certification program. You also need to know how to swim though you don’t necessarily have to be good at it. However, you should be able to swim 200 yards using any stroke, and be able to float or tread on water for about 10 minutes.

Scuba Dive Centers for Certification:

There are numerous scuba dive centers around that can teach you the technical background knowledge and practical skills of scuba diving, but not all of them are completely reliable. Try to do a little research before registering yourself for a program. Also consider an agency that offers an internationally recognized certification card if you travel a lot.

Some of the most popular and biggest scuba diving certification agencies include PADI, NAUI, YMCA, Scuba Schools International, and PDIC. These organizations offer some of the best scuba courses and training instructors available. However, the training method, duration, lessons etc may not be the same with all of them. For example, NAUI courses are often more technical in the classroom than other programs but can’t be said better or worse than the rest. So, the outcome of the training and course will ultimately depend on your own effort and individual instructor.

Bubblemakers, Scuba rangers, and SASY are some of the popular agencies specializing in providing Junior Open Water Diver Certification for people between ages 10 to 15.

Course:

The duration of a scuba diving certification course usually depends on you and your schedule. Basically, it takes about two to three months to get a full certification which would cost between $175.00 and $250.00 and may include accessories such as books, tables, and rental equipment etc (you’ll have to buy or rent your own scuba diving equipment). A certification course normally includes classroom work, examinations, practical skills sessions, and four to five open water dives. Classroom work may be held once a week with more intensive weekends which include advanced reading, while open water dives typically take two more days.

The basic scuba diver certification permits you to dive from 60 to 100 feet below the surface, while an advanced scuba diving certification allows you to take deep dives of about 130 feet. The advanced scuba diving certification concentrates more on safety, physics, navigation, night diving, physiology diving and the dive tables.

Scuba Diving HQ. Articles, tips and information about scuba diving.

How To Get Certified In Scuba Diving

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There are about 1,900 professional scuba dive centers in North America alone and your local ones should definitely be checked out. Most will run basic certification programs on a regular basis. These centers or shops should be listed in the yellow pages and you can also check with websites of some of the major scuba diving certification agencies such as PADI or NAUI as they will also have listings. Sometimes scuba diving courses are offered at universities too.

Make sure that the course you are interested in taking as well as its instructor are certified with one of the major scuba diving training agencies. This will ensure that you get proper, safe training for both the technical background knowledge and practical skills required for certification as a scuba diver. You also want to end up with an internationally recognized certification card if you want to go scuba diving at various locations around the world.

Some vacation resorts offer ‘resort’ courses lasting a day or two which offer beginners some very basic training in order to try out scuba diving. These are not certification programs. Full certification programs involve classroom work, exams, practical skills sessions at a pool and usually about four open water dives in the sea (lake or ocean). The duration of the classroom work and pool sessions vary from a very intensive weekend (with advance reading) to once a week over several weeks. The open water dives will usually take two more days. Dive centers located in the tropics also offer basic certification programs that last several days to a week. Although the intensive weekend programs are quite feasible, many feel that basic scuba diving courses spread out over a few weeks will help beginners learn the skills better. Scuba diving does involve new skills and to learn them all during one full weekend may be too much for some people.

As for which scuba diving certification training agency is the best, there isn’t any one recognized organization that is better than another. PADI is the most popular in the world but not necessarily better than NAUI or SSI. NAUI course are often more technical in the classroom than those offered by PADI but both will adequately train you to be a scuba diver. The more important factor would be the individual instructor and your own effort during training/studying. In fact, many scuba diving instructors have certifications from several training agencies.

For people living in the more northern regions, there are a few possible routes to take in order to obtain certification. One can travel down south to the tropics and do the entire basic certification course down there in warm weather. However, this will take up a good portion of a vacation since reading, classroom, pool sessions and open water dives all must be done during that time period. A second option is to take the entire course including the open water dives back in home territory. This usually offers beginners the most time since courses can be spread out over a few weeks. However, the water up north is not as warm as in the tropics and the scuba diving could be seasonal. A third option is to take all the classroom and pool sessions back home and then go down south to do the open water dives in warm waters. Many people have taken this route. Your instructor back home will give you a referral letter to bring down to an instructor located down south who will oversee your open water dives. This is a good combination of taking ample time back home to practice the skills in the pool plus getting the classroom work out of the way followed by having nice warm water to dive in for the open water dives. One thing to be aware of if considering this option is to make sure that your travel to the tropics for your open water dives is not too delayed after finishing up with your pool sessions at home. If too much time has elapsed, one could easily forget the skills learned in the pool by the time a vacation comes along.

The underwater world has so much to offer and only a small percentage of the world’s population will ever have the privilege to see it in person rather than on television. Become one of these individuals who will have the honor of exploring the oceans by getting certified in scuba diving.

The Scuba Equipment You Have To Have

2008-03-16T01:53:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to venture into the world of scuba diving, one thing you should definitely not do is be unprepared. Contrary to popular belief, scuba diving is not just about diving deep underwater in order to see the wonders of the sea. Scuba diving is something that requires much knowledge before it is put into action. Therefore, it would be best if you endow yourself with the proper tips and guidelines in diving before venturing into the deep. As with the proper tips and guidelines in scuba diving, you should equip yourself with the basic knowledge of scuba equipment. Scuba equipment is very important in scuba diving, inasmuch as breathing is vital to your existence – a diver cannot survive without it.

Scuba Equipment for Breathing

Otherwise known as the Rebreather, the Aqualung is the most important item you must have in your scuba equipment. Without it, breathing underwater is not even possible. If there’s one thing you should know, that’s the danger of scuba diving. Without equipping yourself with the proper breathing machine for underwater, you are in great danger. Therefore, you must not take risks. Be sure that you have this most important scuba diving item in your scuba equipment. After all, scuba diving is not scuba diving without an aqualung.

Scuba Equipment for Alternative Breathing

Though right now the Aqualung is the most widely used scuba equipment in breathing, there are other scuba tools you can use for underwater breathing. The most recent innovation is the liquid breathing system. Although not completely developed yet, the liquid breathing system can prove to be an innovative integration to the experience that is scuba diving. With liquid breathing system, divers can dive to totally deeper pits of the water, hence, allowing a more unique and fun diving experience. If you are not planning to dive too deep under the sea, then you can go for the simple but effective snorkel which allows you to breathe in oxygen from above the surface of the water.

Scuba Equipment for Water Movement

Scuba diving is not scuba diving if you are constantly restraining yourself while moving underwater. If you really want a scuba diving experience that is exhilarating and fulfilling, then you ought to have the appropriate scuba equipment for underwater movement. First in the list is the scuba diving dress. Make sure that your scuba diving dress does not let water seep in and, at the same time, does not restrain your bodily movement. Make sure that, in picking your scuba diving dress, you never compromise quality with the price. If you do, you are henceforth putting your own safety and enjoyment in the line. Fins are also a simple but most important factor in your scuba equipment. This allows you to project your movements underwater. If your scuba fins are too small or too large, it will definitely show when you are already diving underwater. It can either exaggerate or hold back your feet while you are swimming. These are both instances you will want to avoid, so you better pick the best scuba fins.

Scuba Equipment for Water Navigation

What could be worse than knowing that you are lost underwater? This can be a painful situation for you, which is exactly why you better include the important tools in water navigation in your scuba equipment. Such includes the underwater compass. Definitely, it is harder to have a sense of direction underwater than in land, so you better be sure that you have an underwater compass in your scuba equipment, lest you be lost underwater. Also a must in your scuba equipment is a depth gauge, which will tell you exactly how deep from the surface level you are.

Peter Hansson runs a popular site when he sells cheap, used scuba equipment. Please come by, hang out and check out what you can get for a fraction of the normal price. Scuba Equipment

The Best But Used Scuba Equipment

2008-03-14T01:52:00.000-07:00

The phrase ‘best but used scuba equipment’ might sound like an irony, but believe it or not, such is entirely possible. However hard finding the best but used scuba equipment might be, it is still something that is feasible, given your combined efforts and time. What you need to understand about scuba diving is that it can be so expensive. But why should you curtail your love for the sport just because of lack of money? Fortunately, you can get to experience your favorite sport with, at the same time, the best scuba equipment. The best part with having the best scuba equipment, also, is that it comes for a very cheap price. Indeed, all these you can have – only if you know when, where and how to look.

Why should I buy used scuba equipment?

The first step in scuba diving is having the scuba equipment you need to have in order to plunge yourself into the sea. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to own your own scuba equipment in order to scuba dive. An option you have is to rent out in a scuba diving store, which, more often than not, also offers free tutorial services. There’s nothing wrong with this. However, if you are already halfway toward being an amateur scuba diver, then you might have no need for a tutor in scuba diving. And if you are, really, an amateur scuba diver, then you must have already realized how much the scuba diving store is earning for your scuba equipment rental. Compute the total money you have paid them for renting their scuba equipment, and to your realization, you might find out that the money you have spent can well be spent already on used scuba equipment!

Early on, you have to realize just how far you are willing to go for scuba diving. This will determine your decision of whether or not to buy used scuba equipment. If you have rented scuba equipment one time too many but are not planning to be a hardcore scuba diver, then you should just as well buy used equipment. This will save you the money in the long run.

Is there such a thing as best but used scuba equipment?

Buying used scuba equipment is one thing, but buying the best but used scuba equipment is an entirely different thing. You ought to understand, however, that both are entirely possible, though in varying concentrations. Used scuba equipment can be found everywhere – from your nearest beach to even your next door scuba diving fanatic neighbor. The question, however, is this - what are the chances that the used scuba equipments that they’re selling are fantastic and has no hidden defects?

The preceding question might have only increased your fear in buying used scuba equipment, but be totally unafraid. If you look hard enough, you can find the best but used scuba equipment deals around the corner. Yes, there is such a thing as best but used scuba equipment. These can be determined by the length of time used and the quality of the actual equipment. You, yourself, can determine this through your senses.

What used scuba equipment should I purchase?

But not all used scuba equipment should be purchased. For one, buying a used swimsuit or mask is close to unacceptable. However shortly used the scuba mask and suit is, if it is used and had been worn and torn even for just a short period of time, then don’t even reconsider. You might put your own life in danger in the end.

But there is best but used scuba equipment which you should look out for. This includes the scuba tank, scuba gauge, scuba regulator, and many others.

Peter Hansson runs a popular site when he sells cheap, used scuba equipment. Please come by, hang out and check out what you can get for a fraction of the normal price. Scuba Equipment

Tipping Etiquette For Your Scuba Crew

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Don’t ask. The answer is a resounding "Yes"! You should tip. When you go on a chartered and chaperoned dive through a commercial diving shop, it is customary to tip both the Captain and the DiveMaster. Gratuities are voluntary, incumbent on your generosity. Even so, it is appropriate to offer a tip for your scuba crew.

If you are going out for one day, it is important to bring some cash on the boat for tipping. If you are diving with the same DiveMaster and Captain for an entire week, it is acceptable to offer a tip at the end of the week.

If you are arranging a variety of dives through a dive shop, you may not have the same Captain or DiveMaster on each dive, so daily tipping is a better idea unless you are certain that your crew will be consistent for the entire duration of your stay.

One perspective is to compare the roles of Captain and DiveMaster to other industries where tipping is expected. Your Captain is analogous to a taxi driver, transporting you safely to and from your scuba destination.

An acceptable tip for a taxi driver is 10% to 15% of the fare; a similar rate for the Captain is appropriate. On a single-tank dive for $65, your tip to the Captain should be between $6 and $9 USD.

Your DiveMaster should be more generously tipped with 15% - or more, if the service was exceptional. On a $65 single-tank dive, tip your DiveMaster between $8 and $12 USD.

Do not skimp your tip due to variations in the local currency. If you are traveling in an area with an embarrassingly favorable exchange rate, do not lower your tip just because the local economy is cheap. To a boat Captain in Florida, $15USD is an acceptable token of gratitude for a nice trip.

To a Captain in rural Honduras, $15USD is a generous gift. Give your generous gifts where they are most needed – to DiveMasters offering good service in economically challenged regions. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and sometimes nearly all, of their income from gratuities. Stay cool, and keep on diving!

Ian Scott is an experienced diver who has recently discovered the joys of cold water diving. He is also a contributing writer for http://www.thescubaguide.com/

Visiting A Scuba Diving Resort

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When it comes to vacationing, nothing equals the ability to customize a trip to your very personal ideas of fun and relaxation. For scuba enthusiasts, visiting a scuba diving resort can be the epitome of a vacation, where they can relax, enjoy themselves, and participate in as many scuba related activities as they want. A scuba diving resort offers a chance for divers to focus exclusively on what they love to do and there’s no greater vacation than that.

Scuba diving is popular worldwide; the experiences differ depending on the region you visit. Choosing a scuba diving resort begins with your regional preference. If it’s winter where you live and you’re craving the warmth of the sun, then head to any of the multitude of places that are conducive to scuba year round; the Florida Keys, South America, and the Caribbean.

Be sure to examine the scuba diving resort in which you are interested to determine if they have the features you require. For instance, if you want to have a certified scuba professional guide you through a particular dive, then you need to seek out a scuba diving resort that offers that service. If you want to rent scuba equipment rather than bring your gear, then find a scuba diving resort that offers rental services.

The Internet is clearly a great place to start when it comes to doing comprehensive research. You can find listings of resorts, the amenities they offer and their range of prices. In this way you can comparison shop to ensure you get what you want while staying within your budget guidelines.

Scuba-related magazines may also offer tips on finding the perfect scuba diving resort. You’ll undoubtedly find first-hand reports by scuba enthusiasts that examine the benefits of particular resorts. Whichever scuba diving resort you choose to visit you will surely have an experience to remember.

For easy to understand, in depth information about scuba diving visit our ezGuide 2 Scuba Diving.