In February, Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, Northern Virginia Dive Center that specializes in Scuba Diving Trips completed its Winter dive trip to Grand Cayman.  We stayed at Sunset House where we completed two boat dives daily.  We also had unlimited shore diving so we were able to dive to our hearts content.  The weather in Grand Cayman was great (it snowed in Washington, D.C., during our trip), and the diving was incredible.

We are now preparing for our Spring dive trip to Curacao, which promises to be another great dive opportunity.

We have included a few of our underwater photography pictures for your enjoyment.  Our Caribbean dive trips are a great for completing that Open Water Scuba Certification, the Advanced Open Water Certification, continuing your Scuba Specialty Diver Education or just plain diving for fun.

Check out our Travel Schedule to see what other great trips that we have scheduled.  Whether you are considering a group trip or just a personal vacation, at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy we can help you schedule that next great Aquatic Adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Learning to Scuba Dive:

Ever since the advent of such TV Shows like Sea Hunt, Nature, and the Jacques Cousteau series of TV specials people have been enamored with Scuba diving.  Many of us are ready to try it but have several questions about it prior to jumping in.

Having been a PADI Scuba Instructor for over 25 years, and owning a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center.  Aquatic Adventures is in Northern Virginia,  I have seen and heard a lot of misconceptions about scuba diving.  Lets look at some of these questions:

Do I need to be an expert swimmer in order to scuba dive?
Not at all.  You should be able to swim non-stop for 200 yards using any stroke or combination of strokes that you prefer.  We also ask that you be able to tread water or float in place for ten minutes.  It is not necessary to be an Olympic swimmer, just that you not be afraid of the water.

Do I need to have a physical examination before taking scuba lessons?
Once you have enrolled in your scuba course you will be given a student folder with a “Medical History” questionnaire.  If none of the conditions listed pertain to you, then no further action is necessary.  If, however, you answer, “yes” to any of the questions, you will be given a “Medical Release” to take to your physician.  It is required that this release be signed by a physician prior to starting your pool or open water training.  The purpose of the “Medical Release” is for your safety, to ensure that you would not be putting yourself at risk.  Should you need to obtain a Medical Release you can obtain one from the Dive Center where you are taking your Scuba Course.

Where do I start – what course do I take first?
The beginning certification course is called the Open Water Course.  This course, which consists of both class, pool and open water dives teaches you the basics of Scuba diving.  You not only learn the basic skills, but about the Scuba equipment that you will use (regulator, tank, buoyancy device and wetsuit) when Scuba diving and even about places to dive.

How long does my certification last?
Your certification card has no expiration date.  It is, however, recommended that you stay proficient in regards to your scuba skills.  If you have not scuba dived in awhile it would be prudent to take a “Scuba Review Course” to refresh both your scuba knowledge and skills.

What equipment will I need for the class?
Most Dive Centers will require you to have your own personal Dive Equipment.  This is your own mask, snorkel, boots and fins.  You will use these every time you go diving and they are a good investment.  Some Dive Centers or Instructors may offer to loan you personal equipment but having your own is far better.  It will save you money versus renting them in the future and most people are far more comfortable in their own personal equipment.  If you are not comfortable you simply will not enjoy your dives as much.

What do I learn during the pool sessions of my Open Water Course?
Besides learning some basic Scuba skills, you will learn most what I call “What Ifs.”  What if something went wrong, like what do I do if my mask fogs up underwater and I cannot see out of it?  By learning these potential problems you will take steps to prevent them (use defog prior to your dive) and should they occur you will not be in a panic since you will have practiced what to do ahead of time.  You will learn and preform these skills under the direct supervision of your Scuba Instructor.

What happens during the Open Water Certification Dives?
The Open Water Certification Dives are not a test.  You can only accomplish so much in the limited space of a swimming pool.  The Open Water Dives are an opportunity for you to experience the vastness of open water and simultaneously perfect your scuba skills.

There are four dives for the Open Water Certification.  While all of the dives are fun, the first dive is strictly a “fun dive.”   You are taken on tour by your Instructor so that you can see what scuba diving really is.  The next three dives will start with a few of the basic skills that you learned in the swimming pool.  You will not be asked to do anything that you have not done before.  After completing the few skills you will again go on a “fun tour” of the dive site, being accompanied by a trained professional Scuba Instructor.

What is the first piece of Scuba equipment I should purchase after becoming a diver?
Once you become certified, you will naturally think about purchasing you own equipment.  If you will dive more than once or twice a year it is probably worthwhile in purchasing a complete set of equipment.  If finances or the number of times that you will dive dictate otherwise, start with the items that are most personally fitted.

Most divers will start with a wetsuit appropriate for the areas that they will be diving.  Having your own suit is not only more comfortable but more hygienic as well.  The second piece of equipment should be the buoyancy control device.  Both of these items need to fit perfectly to be 100 percent effective.  Most of us are not models and having our own would make our diving not only safer but also more enjoyable.

After obtaining my Open Water Certification, what course should I take next?
No question, take the Advanced Open Water Course (AOW) as soon after as you can. The AOW course is not restricted to advanced divers; it is a continuation of the Open Water course and is perfect for the newly certified diver.  It is only one night of classroom and five dives under the supervision of your instructor.  In one short weekend you will not only double your experience, but you will encounter new types of diving.  Underwater navigation, night diving, deep diving and other areas of diving interest, such as photography and wreck diving await you.

A whole new world awaits you underwater.  You can learn to Scuba Dive in only two weekends.  Get out and enjoy the underwater world.

Scuba equipment is expensive.  We buy it because we know it has quality, makes us both better divers and safer Scuba divers.  Taking care of that equipment is just plain common sense.  The PADI Equipment Specialist course is one way to learn how to care for your equipment.

All Scuba Diving Equipment
After diving all scuba equipment should be rinsed thoroughly. If possible soak the equipment for several hours or overnight. Frequent water changes will help in dissolving salts, sand, and grit, the number one enemy of diving equipment. All scuba equipment should be stored out of direct sunlight. Sunlight causes silicone and neoprene to discolor and become brittle.

Mask & Snorkel
After rinsing, your mask should be stored in a protective box or mask bag. Store out of direct sunlight. If mask strap is made of silicone or rubber, and the mask will not be used for a long period of time, remove the strap. This allows the strap to better retain its natural shape, and will lengthen its life expectancy. Frequent cleaning of the inside of the lenses with Sea Buff Mask & Slate Cleaner or toothpaste will help keep the mask from fogging.

Scuba Fins
After soaking be sure no salt or sand remains on the buckles. Brushing the buckles with a toothbrush may be necessary to remove all sand and grit. Fins should be stored out of sunlight. The foot inserts that came with the fins should be placed in the foot pocket when fins are stored. They will help maintain the proper shape of the foot pocket. Store fins flat. Storing them on the fin blades can cause the blade to change shape.

Buoyancy Control Device (BCD):
Your BCD needs to be washed both inside and outside. Soak the entire unit as above. Also run fresh water inside the unit through the oral inflator mechanism. Shake the unit well then drain the water thoroughly. Unit should be stored half full of air. Hanging unit from a hook or special BCD hanger in a dark closet is best.

Your BCD should be serviced annually by a professional. It should be flushed with BCD Cleaner/Conditioner. The inflator mechanism is also dismantled and inspected. “O” Rings should be replaced and the low pressure inflator adjusted. This will add years to the life of your BCD.

Scuba Regulators
Scuba regulators and gauges are delicate instruments. They should be handled carefully. Avoid jarring them. It is recommended that when traveling by air, you carry your regulators on the plane, rather than subject it to the abuse that it might receive if checked with the rest of your luggage. Never leave your regulator in the sun. If your gear is left out between dives, cover your gauges with your BCD or your wetsuit. Sunlight can dry out the oil inside of your gauges, compass, or the LED display of your computer. Rinse your regulator in clean water after diving, but do not soak the first stage. The dust cap does not adequately keep water out.

Your regulator should not be hung to dry. Hanging the regulator by the first or second stage and allowing unit to dangle causes stress on the hoses. Store entire unit lying down. Always carry the regulator in a protective bag, but do not store in one. When storing for a long period, lay your regulator flat on a shelf or in a drawer.

Scuba regulators must be serviced at least annually. More often if subjected to hard use or abuse. This is both for safety purposes and to maintain the warranty on your regulator. When serviced the unit is completely dismantled. All parts are inspected and many may be replaced. The unit is cleaned, disinfected, reassembled and adjusted.

Wetsuit & Neoprene Accessories
All neoprene products need tender loving care. They must be stored out of direct sunlight. Folding neoprene products causes a breakdown of the nitrogen bubbles within the rubber. This in turn causes the product to lose its insulating properties. If a wetsuit must be folded for travel, it should not be stored with anything on top of it, nor packed too tightly. It should be unpacked as soon as possible. After washing, store your wetsuit on a wide hanger, or lay it flat. Hanging the suit inside out when wet, then reversing it when dry will help cut down on mildew. Lightly lubricating the zipper with a “zipper stick” will protect the zipper from contaminates.

Scuba Tank

Scuba cylinders should also be rinsed after diving. Filled tanks should never be left in direct sunlight, or in a hot car trunk. Excessive heat can expand the air inside the tank and cause a rupture of the burst disc. The heat can also weaken the metal and shorten the life of the tank.

When storing a tank for long periods most of the air should be nearly drained. Steel tanks should be stored with only 50-100 PSI, aluminum tanks should be stored either full or with only 50-100 PSI, and both in a standing position. Be sure it is against a wall or some support so that it will not fall.

Dive Knife
All dive knives are made of stainless steel. They will still rust over a period of time. Your dive knife should be washed after every dive. Any rust spots should be removed immediately. “Never Dull” or fine steel wool will remove most rust spots. Coating your knife with scuba grade silicone spray will leave a protective coating over the blade and lessen any rusting.

Dive Light
Your dive light will last much longer if you take a few extra precautions. If using your dive light for the first time in a long while, check the “O” ring prior to your dive. If it seems dry, lightly lubricate the “O” ring with silicone grease. Use only enough grease to make the “O” ring shine. Too much grease will cause your light to attract grit and possibly flood. Make sure the light is closed tightly before going into the water.

Do not use the light on land unnecessarily. When changing the light bulb, do not touch it with your bare hands. Dive light bulbs get very hot, grease from your hands or using the light on land can cause the bulb to burn out. Periodically cleaning the battery contacts with a pencil eraser will also prolong the life of your dive light.

Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy for Scuba Equipment: What to Buy and Where to Buy it

The decision on whether or not to buy scuba equipment and if so what to buy, is one that very often causes us many hours of worry and anguish.  The real key to deciding whether or not to buy equipment and if so what to buy also includes how to find someone who is knowledgeable about scuba equipment and  whose opinion you can trust.  These are very often major decisions and by having professional guidance, you can often avoid making costly mistakes.  The Scuba Instructor who taught your initial open water course, the Assistant Instructor or Divemaster who assisted in the course and the staff at the Dive Center where you took your course are all good places to start.

During your Open Water course most of the equipment was provided for you.  Once you get certified it is best to start looking at getting your own equipment.  Why?  Just as the Advanced Open Water Course will make you a better diver then just having the Open Water Course alone, having your own equipment will improve your diving as well.  Rental scuba equipment is usually lower in quality and you use what ever size equipment is available, often losing the benefit of proper fitting or better quality scuba equipment or gear.

When you buy your own Scuba Equipment it is best to buy it where you can try it on and have it professionally adjusted to you.  This is in your local Dive Center.  Then you know it fits properly and the better Dive Centers will instruct you on the use and how to get the most out of the equipment.  This will in turn make you not only a better diver but will increase your safety as well.

What to buy is an often asked question.  In a perfect world you would buy your Scuba Diving Equipment all at one time.  However, due to cost considerations many of us cannot do that.  In that case start with the items that are personally fitted such as your wetsuit or buoyancy control device or BCD.  While selecting your equipment talk to the staff who is assisting you and tell them about yourself and your diving plans.  Where you will dive, how often and what type of diving you do or expect to do in the future.  They can then help you select what is correct for you. When buying your equipment if the staff does not ask you these questions it is a sign that they are not as experienced or knowable about the equipment and how to fit it.

If you buy your equipment on line it does not come adjusted to you.  It often comes not assembled and little things like custom sized hoses, mouthpieces, clips, etc are often ignored.  While on line equipment may be the same as what you receive in a Dive Center, equipment assembly and testing is not included on line.  You also do not know who locally can service your equipment in the future. If you do purchase your equipment on line you should take it to a local Dive Center and have them check it out prior to using it.  The extra cost is for your safety.

As for price, Scuba Equipment from major manufacturers today, are priced similarly on line and in the Dive Center.  Most manufacturers of Scuba Equipment have pricing standards that authorized dealers must follow.  Buying your equipment at a Dive Center should not cost more but the extras in assembly, testing and service are invaluable. 

At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, we assemble and test all equipment leaving our store.  We stand behind what we sell and we even offer discounts on routine service for regulators and buoyancy control devices (BCD) purchased at our Dive Center.  We pride ourselves in helping you select the Scuba Equipment that is best for you and the diving that you will do.