Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Why Dive Use A Dive Computer?

For years scuba divers used special dive tables to tell them how long they could dive at certain depths.  Today, the dive computer is fast replacing the dive table as the reference tool for safe scuba diving.  Today we will look at the advantages of diving with a computer.

Dive Computers Offer Longer Bottom Times:
Dive tables calculate all dives as if the entire dive was conducted at a given depth.  Since dive computers have a built in depth gauge and timer it can calculate exactly at what depth you are diving and can therefore give you credit for time spent at shallower depths.  This results in being able to stay down on your dives much longer then you can if you are diving with the dive tables.

Increased Dive Safety:
Scuba diving with a dive computer is safer then scuba diving on the tables.  In addition to the factors we just discussed when diving with dive tables you cannot change your dive plan underwater since your tables are usually not taken on the dive with you.  That means even minor changes in your planned dive profile can drastically alter your overall dive plan.  Dive computers keep track of the residual nitrogen that you have absorbed on prior dives so the information that the computer gives you is very accurate.  Built in alarms will also warn you should you go deeper then planned or stay longer then allowed.

Dive Computers Save You Money By Giving You Longer Dive Times!
Dive computers are far more expensive then the dive tables but they will pay for themselves every time you use them.  Lets say that a two tank boat dive costs you $75.00  and the tables might allow you 20 minutes on the first dive to 100 feet and 30 minutes at 60 feet on the second dive for a total of 50 minutes diving. By scuba diving with a dive computer you can work your way shallower on the dive and stay down longer.  One hour dives are very common when diving with a computer.  In this instance the same $75.00 boat fee would allow you up to two hours of bottom time or more.  As you can see you can make back the cost of the computer very quickly.

Since most scuba divers today dive with a computer it is not unusual for a dive boat to require all divers to use a computer to avoid large differences in allowable dive times enabling all of the divers to return to the boat around the same time.  It makes it easier for the boat to keep track of their divers.

Dive Computers Are Both Log Books and Dive Planners:
Since the dive computer tracks you recent past dive profiles they will accurately display how long you can stay down on a subsequent scuba dive.  This is known as the Dive Planning Mode.  If the time displayed is not long enough, simply relax a short while and check again.  The longer surface interval will result in longer repetitive dives.  This can also be accomplished with dive tables but requires calculations while the computer does it instantly.

Another nice feature of the dive computer is its Log Book Mode.  It will keep track and electronically record your scuba dives.  Many computers also allow you to download this information to your laptop computer in case you want a hard copy.

Know Your Computer:
There are many different brands and types of dive computers on the market.  While they are very similar many have slightly different functions and controls.  It is important to read your owners manual to make sure you know how to use your computer.  Also remember the basic rules you were taught when learning the dive tables.  The laws of physics do not change just because you have a computer.  It is safer to complete your deeper dives prior to shallower dives.  It is also safer and will allow longer dive times to start your dive with the deeper portion and to work your way shallower toward the end of the dives.

Many dive computer manufacturers like Aeris offer new computer purchasers a free video tutorial on how to use the computer.  PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors offers a Specialty Diver Course called Multi Level Diver, which covers the use of dive computers.  This is a popular course at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Scuba Dive Equipment in Northern Virginia: Proper Care For Your BCD

The purpose of your Buoyancy Control Device or BCD is to allow you to add or release air from your BCD.  This in turn makes you either more or less buoyant enabling your to maintain your position in the water with much less effort.  A truly well fitting and comfortable BCD not only makes diving a pleasure it is a true piece of safety equipment for the diver, and consequently it is very important to keep the BCD in proper working order.  Today, we will discuss a few tips on properly maintaining your Buoyancy Control Device or BCD.

1/   Rinse Your BCD:
After you dives rinse your BCD in fresh water.  Dunk it up and down in the water to remove sand, salt and any other deposits that may have adhered to it.   Let the BCD soak in the water for several minutes.

2/   Rinse The Inside of The BCD:
After rinsing the BCD in a tub hose down the outside with fresh water, then pour water down the oral inflation mechanism while pushing the oral release button.   Once water is inside the BCD orally inflate the BCD the rest of the way.  Swish the water around so that it can help flush the inside walls of the device.  Turn the BCD upside down and depress the inflation button allowing the water to drain.  Refill the BCD once more and swish.  Orally inflate the BCD and this time drain the device allowing water to exit by both the power inflation button and the remote exhaust.

3/  Inspect The Outside Of The BCD:
Once the cleaning is done inspect the device thoroughly.  Look at the corrugated hose and inspect it for nicks or cuts in the hose.  Check the cummerbund and any Velcro closures to make sure that they are clean and that the sides adhere to each other.

4/   Check The Integrated Weight System:
Carefully look at the integrated weight system if you have one.  Inspect the pockets to make sure that the sewn seams are intact and that all clips or Velcro pockets close properly.

5/   Check That The BCD  Seals And Operation:
Orally inflate your BCD and make sure that it is properly holding air and not leaking.  Pull on the releases to make sure that they are venting properly.

6/  Properly Stow Your BCD:
Once you have cleaned and thoroughly checked your buoyancy control device, orally inflate it until it is at least half full of air.  Now you can store the BCD and allow it to dry prior to your next dive.  Try not to store the BCD in bright sunlight, to prevent color fading.  By storing the BCD inflated it will maintain its shape and the inside walls should not stick together like they would if the BCD was allowed to dry without be inflated.

Your Buoyancy Control Device is an important piece of scuba diving equipment.  A little extra care will go a long way in extending the lifetime of the equipment.  Your BCD should also be serviced annually by your local dive center, just like your scuba regulator.  Taking the PADI Equipment Specialty Course will also show you tips for caring for your dive equipment.  By properly maintaining your equipment you will make your next dive a worry free Aquatic Adventure.

Scuba Diving Travel: Tips on Avoiding Sea Sickness

One of the most unpleasant things that can occur when scuba diving is to suffer from sea sickness.  It can really put a damper on what otherwise might have been a great outing.  Some of us are more prone to sea sickness then others.  Fortunately there are things you can do to prevent or lessen the likely hood of encountering this problem.

1/    Get a good nights rest prior to diving. Being well rested when going out on a dive boat will go a long way in helping you prevent sea sickness.  Since many cases of sea sickness are caused or initiated by vertigo, being well rested will help you and your eyes adjust to the changing conditions.

2/  Eat a good breakfast. An empty stomach is much more sensitive then a stomach that has food in it.  Food helps absorb stomach acid and in turn helps lesson feelings of nausea.  Avoid greasy or spicy foods prior to diving and instead focus on foods that are gentler to your stomach like pancakes rather then bacon and eggs.

3/  Be well hydrated. Not only is dehydration a major contributing factor to decompression sickness, it also has the same negative effects of diving on an empty stomach.  It makes it more likely that your stomach will react poorly to the wave action when sailing.

4/  Don’t forget sea sick medication. Many of us are more prone to sea sickness then others.  Given enough turbulence even the more experienced sailor can experience sea sickness.  There are many good over the counter medications that go a long way in helping prevent sea sickness.  They all work best when taken prior to the boat ride, not during.

5/  Stay in the fresh air. Many boat cabins are stuffy and many even contain minute amounts of  diesel or gas fumes which can make you very nauseous.  If you stay in a gentle breeze the fresh air will help dissipate any of the gas odors that might effect you.

6/  Stay amidships and focus on the horizon. We said earlier that vertigo was a major contributing factor to sea sickness.  The closer to the sides of the boat the more you will rock and see the wave action.  By staying in the middle and focusing on the horizon will lesson the effects of the boat rolling in the waves.

7/  Leeward not windward. If you do feel ill go to the down wind side of the boat.  Yes, there is more fresh air on the windward side but if you do get sick and have to feed the fish, the wind will blow your fish food back into the boat and on yourself and other divers.  If you are leeward you still get fresh air but are able to spare others of your problems.

8/  Diving is better then remaining on board. Often times a diver will feel sea sick and want to skip the dive.  That means staying on board and being effected by what caused the problem initially.  Once diving you are breathing on fresh clean air and do not feel the effects of the rolling boat while scuba diving.  If at all possible fight the urge to lay down and go down on that dive instead.  In the unlikely event that you do get sick while diving simply take one bite wing of the mouthpiece out of your mouth and press the purge button.  The force of the purge will blow your vomit away harmlessly and the air pocket will keep you from inhaling any water.  This is a skill often taught in the Rescue Diver Course.

Scuba diving is fun and diving from a dive boat will take you to dive locations you cannot reach from shore.  A few precautions like getting a good night’s sleep, eating a good breakfast, being well hydrated and taking your sea sick medication can help you avoid any unpleasantness and get more enjoyment during those next great Aquatic Adventures.

Learn To Scuba Dive In Northern Virginia: Tips on Saving Air

One of the very first things that you notice about an experienced scuba diver is how much longer they can stay down on every dive compared to the other scuba divers.  This actually becomes a badge of accomplishment among scuba divers.  It often takes quite a bit of experience to accomplish this, but there are a few tricks to help get you started.

Be Neutrally Buoyant When Scuba Diving:

Most new scuba divers, and many not so new divers where way too much lead when scuba diving.  Being over weighted makes it easier to go down, but is more then off set by many other factors.  First, when over weighted you have to put more air in your Buoyancy Control Device at depth.  This in turn creates more drag and resistance making you work harder.  Working harder makes you use your air faster.  Secondly, the extra air in your BCD means that your body position on the dive is more diagonal then horizontal.  This also creates additional drag causing you to use even more air.

Stay More Shallow On Your Dives:

You learned when you were first certified as a scuba diver that the deeper you go the more air you use with each breath.  If you make shallower dives or stay a little bit more shallow then the group you will use less air then if you dove deeper.  This in turn will increase your bottom times on the dives.

Breath Slowly and Deeply During the Dive:

When you breath, you take in 21% oxygen with each breath and exhale about 16% oxygen.  You are using a small amount of the oxygen you breath in.  The most efficient way to breath when scuba diving is to breath slowly and deeply throughout the entire dive.  This forces you to use more of the oxygen in the air that you breath with each breath.   This slow and deep breathing actually helps increase your bottom times on the dive since you are using your air more efficiently.

Own and Maintain Your Equipment:

You personal scuba equipment is your mode of transportation through the underwater world.  When you own your own scuba equipment it should have been personally fitted to you when you  purchased it.  The sales person at the Dive Center also made sure that what you purchased was suited to you personally and the type of scuba diving that you do.  Having your own equipment means you will be used to your equipment and not have to work as hard as you do when using rental equipment.

By maintaining your equipment in peak condition it will perform better throughout the dive helping you conserve your energy and improve your air consumption.  A regulator that is out of tune or a regulator or BCD that has even a small leak with waste air during your dive, shortening your bottom time.   If you use rental equipment when you scuba dive you have no control over the care that the equipment is given, nor any guarantee that it even fits you properly.

Scuba Diving Equipment: Wear Appropriate Exposure Protection or Scuba Wetsuit:

Many scuba divers do not realize the role that a wetsuit or proper exposure protection plays in bottom times.  Your body burns oxygen to help maintain its warmth.  A diver who is cold will go through his or her air faster then a scuba diver who is not cold.  Newer or less experienced divers may not feel cold since they are working very hard due to poor body positioning or just plain poor dive technique.  An accomplished diver does not generate his or her own heat since they are very efficient when scuba diving.  On your next dive vacation look at the Divemaster on the Dive Boat.  You will notice that the Divemaster is wearing a full wetsuit, since he or she is very efficient in the water and also knows the value in appropriate exposure protection.

Practice Good Buoyancy Control:

Good buoyancy control is something that is learned over time.  A good way to get started with good buoyancy is to take the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Dive Course.  This is a specialty that focuses on being properly weighted, having a streamlined body position in the water and having an efficient kick stroke.  During the Peak Performance Buoyancy Course you will also learn not to use your hands when diving.  Sculling or using your hands simple creates more drag and resistance in the water and causes you to use your air more rapidly.  The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Course literally puts the icing on the cake, so to speak about what we talked about above.  Good buoyancy control also comes in handy in many types of scuba diving, such as underwater photography or wreck diving.

Take some time to practice these tips and you will be surprised at how quickly your scuba diving improves and your bottom times along with it.

Scuba Dive Travel in Northern Virginia: Dive Boat Etiquette

Scuba diving on a dive boat is a luxury.  It will get you to an out of the way dive site that you might not be able to reach otherwise.  The captain and crew work very hard to insure your comfort and safety.  A few common sense rules to follow will help make your trip all the better.

1 Always Arrive At The Boat On Time:
Dive boats are often in use multiple times each day.  It is important that they depart and return on time or the subsequent dives will not be on time.  Divers should arrive at the designated loading area a little prior to the announced boarding time.  You need to allow ample time to double check your gear and to allow for any additional paperwork that might be needed that day.  If you are late in arriving you may literally miss the boat!

2 Do Not Board The Boat Until Asked Aboard By The Crew:
Dive boats need to be properly prepared prior to their departure.  Fresh dive cylinders, snacks, first aid supplies and even emergency oxygen need to be loaded on board or checked prior to casing off.  The crew needs adequate time and space to get ready for the days activities.  If you board too early you simply get in the way or even prevent the crew from completing their assigned tasks.  As soon as the boat is ready you will be invited aboard.  Once on board you should quickly and neatly stow your equipment and double check everything prior to departure.

3 Listen To The Boat Safety Briefing:
At the beginning of any dive boat trip a member of the crew will give a boat safety briefing.  Listen carefully.  The safety briefing will include not only important safety instructions in the case of an emergency but some common sense tips on what will work best on the particular boat from which you are diving.  Pay attention and do not distract the attention of others by talking during the briefing. 

4 Stay In Your Allotted Area or Space:
Dive boats with a load of scuba divers and dive gear can be very crowded.  For your comfort and the comfort and safety of everyone on board you need to set up in a confined area and keep you equipment there as well.   Pack you gear in a folding mesh dive bag prior to boarding the boat.  Set your equipment up in your area and stow your bag and any extra gear in the area beneath your bench.  It is not only good manners to maintain you gear in your own space, but it will prevent possible equipment damage or even divers from tripping over your items.

5 Be Safe – Heavy objects on the deck and Cameras on the Camera Table:
Even while at the dock, Dive boats can roll when waves brush up against them.  Heavy objects like weight belts can fall off of benches.  Weight Belts and other heavy objects should be safely stowed where they cannot fall and damage other equipment or even worse a diver’s foot.

6 Set Up Your Gear – Check To Make Sure You Have Everything:
Once your dive gear is on board immediately set up your scuba unit.  Check your air then turn your air off and purge the line.  Secure your unit with the ropes or bungees that the boat has in place.  Make sure you have everything.  Once the boat departs it is too late to replace a forgotten item.

7  Use the Proper Buckets:
Most Dive Boats will have a bucket to rinse masks and a separate bucket to rinse cameras.  Some boats will even have a third bucket for other gear.  Never put your mask in the camera bucket.  The defog that you use on your mask can damage the chemical coating on the camera lenses.  If you need to rinse your mask and their is no mask bucket dip your hand in the camera bucket and scoop some water out to pour into your mask.  Once you rinse your mask do not pour the water back into the camera bucket.  Regulators and wetsuits should never be put in a mask or camera bucket either.

8 Keep The Dry Area Dry:
Many divers will bring a towel, camera and even a log book on board.  These items are usually stowed in a “dry area” of the boat.  Please make sure that you keep this area dry.  Do not place wet gear or towels in this area.  If the boat has an enclosed cabin area it is important not to enter that area while wearing a wetsuit.  Water in that area not only creates a safety hazard for slipping but can cause mildew and odor in what is the living area of the boat.

9 Enter & Exit The Water Properly:
When divers are lined up to enter the water be ready.  Have your equipment appropriately in place and be ready to go when it is your turn.  Use the entry technique recommended in the Dive Briefing.  When returning to the boat wait your turn to use the ladder.  Hold the trail line until it is your turn.  Never get onto the ladder when someone is still climbing out.  If they were to fall they could land on top of you.  When it is your turn quickly move to the ladder and follow the technique recommended in the dive briefing.  Once on board move yourself and your equipment out of the way to make room for the next diver.

10  Remember The Crew: Thank and Tip the Captain and Crew:
The boat crew goes out of their way to make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.  Be sure to thank them.  It is also customary to tip the crew.  If the crew went above and beyond the call of duty in helping you either spot critters, take care of your gear or even help you in or out of the boat it is nice to thank them with an extra gratuity.  Like a waiter or waitress, tips are a major part of their income.

Scuba Diving from a boat offers several advantages in addition to just being fun.  The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, PADI, offers a scuba diving specialty course entitled Boat Diver.  This is a great course to take and will make you not only a better scuba diver but a more courteous one as well.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Alexandria, Virginia the Boat Diver Specialty Course is offered on many of our Scuba Diving Vacation Trips.

Scuba Certification In Virginia: Discover Tec Diving

The PADI Discover Tec Experience is a Dive conducted in shallow water wearing technical diving gear. The experience is designed for certified divers who want to gain insight into what Tec Diving is about, but are not sure about signing up for a Tec Diving course.  In fact if you do decide to enroll in the next Tec Diving Course, this experience can be counted as Dive 1 of the  Tec 40 diver course by simply completing a few more skills when taking that next course.

Some of the gear you’ll use includes but is not limited to:

1. Two Cylinders that can be either back mounted or side mounted with DIN system connections – an alternative is a single cylinder with an “H” Valve.
2. Primary and secondary regulators where the primary has a 2 meter/ 7 foot long hose.
3. Technical Diving BCD (Wings) and harness or sidemount harness for sidemount.
4. Dive computer, or a timer, depth gauge and tables.

Prerequisites to take the Discover Tec Course:

1. Be a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent
2. Have a minimum of ten logged dives
3. Be at least 18 years of age

Are you curious about what Tec Diving is all about?  Want to sample it and not have to make a big commitment?  Then the Discover Tec Course might be just what you are looking for.

Scuba Certification: Scuba Diving Safety Tips-Part 2

Last week we discussed how Scuba Diving is a fun and easy sport to learn, and is also a very safe sport.   We discussed 5 common sense rules to help you prevent problems when scuba diving.   Today, we will look at a few more common sense precautions that will make your scuba diving safer.

Continue Your Scuba Diving Education:
The best scuba divers are those who do not stop learning at the Open Water Diver Certification.  The best scuba divers want to learn more and to be a better diver.  The Advanced Open Water Course teaches underwater navigation, diving at depth and works on other factors such as better buoyancy control.  The Rescue Diver Course makes divers more aware of potential problems and both how to prevent them and how to deal with them should they occur.  Specialty Diver Courses like Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, Multilevel Diver teach divers how to safely dive in deeper depths, around shipwrecks, and how to use dive computers to increase bottom times and safety.  Divers that know everything tend to get careless.  Those divers who want to be the best they can and who seek new scuba learning opportunities are far less likely to encounter problems in the water.

Keep Your Hands To Yourself:
New scuba divers tend to use their hands to swim while diving.  This creates drag and resistance and forces the diver to expend far more energy.  Experienced divers rarely, if ever, use their hands when diving.  In addition, waving your hands or sculling when diving scares the fish.  In some cases the fish thinking the diver is threatening them with their hand movements will bite in self defense.  The best divers keep their hands to their sides or in front of them holding their gauges or camera.  It is much more efficient, creates less drag, expends less energy and just plain looks more professional.

Never Dive Alone:
Scuba Diving has always been a buddy sport.  Divers should always dive in pairs or small groups.  In the event of a problem the dive buddy is present to assist with the problem.  This assures that the problem remains small and is easily handled.  It also has the advantage of allowing one diver to navigate or lead the dive while the second diver double checks to make sure that they are following the proper course or dive plan.

Listen to the Divemaster During The Dive Briefing:
Prior to most scuba dives the Divemaster on the boat will give a pre-dive briefing.  During this briefing he or she will describe the recommended depth and times for the dive.  They will discuss the best entry and exit techniques and anything to be avoided.  They will also point out any interesting things that may be encountered on the dive.  Even the most experienced divers should pay attention to this briefing.  It can add to the enjoyment of the dive and help them avoid anything that might be problematic.

The Best Scuba Divers Own Their Own Equipment:
Scuba equipment can be expensive.  As a result many scuba divers start out renting equipment every time they go scuba diving.  Rental equipment is usually not nearly as high quality as the equipment that scuba diver will purchase for themselves.  In addition, when you own your own equipment you become used to it and its characteristics.  When using rental equipment a diver has to spend the first few dives of a dive trip just acclimating  to the rental gear.  Lastly, many items of scuba equipment like the wetsuit , buoyancy control device or BCD are personally fitted. When renting such gear the diver is often forced to use equipment that just does not quite fit them.  When buying equipment at your local dive center you will have equipment that is properly fitted and adjusted for them.

Scuba Diving is a fun and safe sport.  It offers excitement and an opportunity to observe the undersea world.  Since we were not born with gills it is only basic good sense to take the time to learn the sport properly and to follow certain safety procedures.  If we do that we will be rewarded with years of great scuba diving opportunities.

Scuba Certification: Scuba Diving Safety Tips-Part 1

Scuba Diving is a fun and easy sport to learn, and is also a very safe sport.  Due to this ease and safety the minimum age to become a scuba diver is only 10 years old.  However, like anything else things can go wrong, and when they do it can be very problematic in a hurry.  Today, we will look at a few common sense precautions that will make our scuba diving safer.

Rule #1: Keep Your Skills Current
If  you have not been scuba diving in a while it is important to refresh your skills prior to going scuba diving again.  Most Dive Centers offer a Scuba Review or Refresher Course.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Northern Virgina, we offer a Scuba Review Course every month.  This course is designed for certified divers to bring their skill level back up to par prior to a trip or going scuba diving.  Dive Accidents statistics show that the vast majority of serious dive accidents occur on the first dive of a vacation or trip.  This is a clear indication of divers who have not kept their skill level current or up to date.

Rule #2: Have Your Scuba Equipment Properly Serviced
Scuba Diving is an equipment intensive sport.  A very high percentage of problems that occur involve scuba equipment that has not been maintained or serviced properly.  Your Scuba Regulator and Buoyancy Control Device or BCD should be serviced at least annually.   Proper maintenance of your scuba equipment will greatly decrease the chance of equipment failure that could lead to major problems on your scuba diving vacation.

Rule #3: Make Sure That You Are in Good Health
Scuba Diving while not an overly strenuous sport can be exerting at times.  Especially in the presence of strong currents or wavy water conditions.  About 25% of all diving deaths involve either a heart attack or circulatory problems.  The population of scuba divers is older today then it was 20-30 years ago.  It is basic common sense to see your physician annually and to make sure that you are in good shape to scuba dive.  Regular exercise will also go a long way to insuring that your vacation is an enjoyable one.

Rule #4: Make Sure That You Are Trained For the Type of Diving You Plan
Scuba Divers are trained in basic skills and to dive to a depth of 60 feet when they receive their initial Open Water Certification.  Diving to deeper depths, diving on ship wrecks, in caverns or caves requires further training.  A number of divers are lost each year attempting to scuba dive in conditions far beyond what they have been trained for.  It is only common sense to dive within your level of expertise and to obtain additional training and experience prior to diving beyond these limits.

Rule #5: Always Scuba Dive With A Buddy & Do A Buddy Check
Scuba Divers should always dive in buddy teams.  Diving alone may seem safe but you no longer have any margin of error when alone.  Divers are taught from their first class to always dive with a buddy and to conduct a buddy check prior to a dive.  Skipping either of these precautions is inviting additional risks that are unnecessary.  Every year some diver is seriously injured or lost due to skipping these simple precautions.

Scuba Diving is fun and exciting.  It is also a very safe sport if conducted properly.  The simple common sense rules we just discussed will go a long way to keeping your scuba diving safe and preventing you from becoming just another statistic.

Scuba Certification in Northern Virginia: Tips for Underwater Navigation

Last November we looked at the PADI Underwater Navigation Specialty Diver Course and why it was worth taking.  Today, we will look at some basic tips to aid in your underwater navigation.

Pay Attention to the Dive Briefing
Prior to the dive the boat Divemaster will usually give a briefing regarding the upcoming dive.  The depth and topography of the dive and any interesting critters or formations to look for will be discussed.  The Divemaster will also alert the divers to any potential problems that might arise.  By listening to this briefing you will be aware of the best course to follow and the dive parameters (depth, time, currents, landmarks, etc).  This will make your navigation easier.

Note Your Surroundings
Once you are on the bottom and ready to begin your dive take a moment to note your surroundings.  Look for any unusual corals or landmarks.  This is like checking the row number of where you park your car in a parking lot.  When you return to the same area at the end of the dive it will make it easier for you to note that you are near the boat.

Note Your Course
Take the time to notice where you are as you progress through the dive.  Note your depth and how long you have been diving.  Naturally, make note of how much air you have remaining.  When you are working your way back this will enable you to verify that you are on the proper course back to the boat.

Use Your Underwater Compass Properly: Keep It Level
Refer to your underwater compass frequently during the dive.  Note the direction you are traveling and how long you have been doing so.  Be sure and keep your underwater compass level when using it.  If it is not level the disk or needle can touch the glass surface preventing the compass from giving you a true heading.

Maintain a Reserve: Air & Time
The Divemaster will give you a time limit for the dive and will also tell you to be back on board the boat with at least 500 psi of air in your cylinder.  Always allow extra time and air in the case of a problem.  Start back a little early both time wise and air wise.  If the weather were to become choppy or windy the extra air in your cylinder would allow you to use your regulator on the surface instead of a snorkel, making it less likely for your to swallow water.

Plan for Contingencies & Trust Your Compass:
Allow for current when you plan your route.  If you are navigating to a wall a good trick is to purposely navigate to the right or left then turn to the side you purposely missed.  This makes sure that you do not accidently miss it and not know which way to go.

Lastly, if you hold your compass properly, trust it.  We sometimes get nervous when navigating and think that we have been diving longer then we really have.  Trust your compass, it you use it correctly it will take you there.

Learning good underwater navigation and safety techniques will make your dive more enjoyable and safer.  It will cut down on long, tiring surface swims and will help you return to the boat with plenty of time and air to spare.  Good underwater navigation is the only way to dive.

Scuba Diving Equipment: Dive Travel Check List

Scuba diving has become a very popular sport.   Accordingly, scuba diving vacations are also very popular.  At Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, we not only teach scuba diving but schedule scuba diving trips and vacations as well.  Nothing can ruin that long awaited and anticipated vacation faster then forgetting to bring an essential item of scuba diving equipment.  Today, we will discuss not only what scuba diving equipment to pack but some important accessory items as well.

Scuba Diving Equipment:

• Scuba Mask
• Snorkel
• Boots
• Fins
• Exposure Suit appropriate to the environment (wet suit)
• Gloves (if allowed in the area of travel)
• Scuba Regulator
• Buoyancy Control Device or BCD
• Dive Computer or Timing Device and Dive Tables
• Mesh Gear Bag to carry above items
• Certification or “C” Card

Scuba Diving Equipment Accessories:

• Mask Defog
• Dry Bag to carry on boat
• Dive Knife or Diver Shears
• Dive Light & extra batteries
• Back Up Dive Light
• Regulator Marker Light
• Surface Signaling Device (sausage & Whistle)
• Slate & Pencil
• Underwater Camera and Light if taking photographs

Scuba Diving Equipment – Spare Parts

• “O” Ring Kit
• Spare Snorkel Keeper
• Spare Fins Straps
• Diver’s Tool Kit or Diver’s Tool
• Silicone Grease
• Extra Lanyard and Clips
• Extra Regulator Mouthpiece
• Tie Wraps
• Pad Lock for dive locker

Non Scuba Dive Related Supplies:

• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Sunglasses
• Seasick Medication
• Ball Cap or brimmed hat to shade eyes and face

While this list might seem very simple and obvious, it is still a good idea to make a list and check it twice, so to speak when packing for that important dive vacation.  Forgetting an item is an annoyance at best but in some cases can really put a damper on your dive trip.