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.

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 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 Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: What is the Scuba Regulator Annual Service?

Everyone knows that your scuba diving regulator is your basic life support system when scuba diving.  As such it is important that the scuba diving regulator be serviced on an annual basis.  Just what does this annual service involve?

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 1 Bench Test
The first step in servicing your regulator is to attach it to a scuba cylinder and check it out.  The repair technician will check the regulator to see if it is functioning properly.  He will check the regulators internal pressure and how it breaths.  He will also note how the regulator and its accessories are configured.  This will give the technician important information as to what kind of problems to expect during the service procedure.

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 2 The First Stage
The next order of business is to completely disassemble the first stage.  The casing and insides are then inspected for wear and cleaned in either an ultrasonic cleaner or with detergents.  Several of the softer parts, like O Rings and the high pressure seat need to be replaced on an annual basis.  These parts are discarded and new ones are added to replace them.  This is designated by the manufacture.  Occasionally the manufacturer will designate that the parts be replaced on a semi annual basis.  In this case the parts are inspected for wear, cleaned and lubricated then used again if in good condition.  The first stage is then reassembled.

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 3 The Second Stage
The second stage is now disassembled and cleaned.  Parts are inspected and the annual service parts are replaced.  Once this is completed the second stage is reassembled.  If there is an alternate air source it is now serviced like the primary second stage was.  Only one stage at a time is serviced.

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 4 The Gauges & Hoses are Serviced
The regulator gauges are the next to be serviced.  If there is an analog submersible pressure gauge or SPG, the spool is taken out and the O Rings are replaced.  If it is a computer console the battery is checked and replaced as needed.  Hose O Rings and fittings are inspected and replaced as needed.  All of the hoses are checked for wear.  If signs of cracking are spotted the hoses need to be replaced.

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 5 The Regulator is Tested
Once all of the stages and parts are serviced the regulator is reassembled and tested.  It must perform to factory specifications.  The internal pressure is adjusted and the “cracking effort” or ease of breathing is tested and adjusted.

Scuba Regulator Annual Service: Part 6 The Final Test
Once the regulator has been completely serviced is undergoes a final cleaning.  The hoses and stages are wiped with disinfectant and polish.  The second stage mouthpieces are double checked for wear and replaced as needed.  The final check is completed by a second technician who tests the regulator and breathes off of it to verify the breathing effort is correct.  The air is then turned off and the airlines are purged of all air.  The technician then breaths off of the regulator again.  He or she should not be able to obtain any air since the lines are turned off.  If any air comes through that would indicate a leak.  If a leak is detected it is traced and sealed to prevent the diver from getting a moist breath when scuba diving.  The regulator is then wiped down once again and is now ready for use.

Learn to Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia: Shore Diving

Last week we discussed the advantages of scuba diving from a dive boat.  This week we are going to look at scuba diving from shore.  There are many areas in Florida, along the coast line or the Caribbean that offer beach access to the ocean or sea.  Being able to simple wade into the water and scuba dive along the shoreline offers easy access to many dive areas that are often over looked.  Since the water along the beach often has waves and perhaps even some currents it pays to take a few extra steps when shore diving to insure your safety.

Scuba Diving Equipment for Shore Diving: Dive Flags & Floats:
Many dive locations require by law that any scuba diver display a dive flag and float when scuba diving.  This is to warn boats in the area to realize that scuba divers are in the vicinity, and that they should take precautions to prevent running over a diver who may be on the surface or diving just below the surface.  When entering the water from shore, the float and dive flag should be kept between the diver and the shoreline.  If the float where out in front of the diver, waves could throw the float at the divers which could cause injuries.

Back into the Waves:
When wading into the water if there are any waves, place yourself so that your back is against the waves.  When a wave strikes lean into it and the wave action will straighten you.  If you face the waves the pressure from the waves can dislodge your mask causing problems.  It is also easier to be knocked over if you face the waves rather then back into them.

Keep Your Scuba Regulator Ready:
Always have your regulator second stage in your hand.  Should you be knocked down by a wave you will be able to simply put it in your mouth.  Many divers will enter the water with their snorkel in their mouth.  That is fine but you still need to hold on to your regulator in case you trip or fall.  Also make sure that your alternate air source is securely fastened in case you need to reach for it.

Get into the Water Before Donning Your Scuba Fins:
Fins were not designed to walk in, and doing so can cause a diver to trip or stumble.  It is best to walk into the water until it is deep enough to support you and then don your fins.  Usually, between knee and waist deep is an ideal depth.

Be Deep Enough Prior to Diving:
Once you have donned your fins you may need to back a little deeper into the water prior to actually scuba diving.  Follow the rules we listed above and when you can drop down a few feet to be under the waves do so.  It is then far easier to swim out underwater from that point.

Stay Close to Your Dive Buddy:
Scuba divers should always dive in buddy teams.  Waves and undertow can often move divers around.  To maintain your safety, stay together so that you can assist each other if needed.

Be Extra Careful When Exiting a Shore Dive:
Coming back into shore can be challenging if the wave action has increased during your dive.  Often winds or even tides will cause wave action to increase making it very difficult to stand up and remove your fins.  If necessary simply body surface into shore.  If necessary you can crawl out on your hands and knees with the regulator in your mouth.  It does not look very graceful but is far better then being knocked over.

Know When Not To Dive:
If it is very wavy and if the surf seems to be rising it might be better to call the dive off.  Scuba diving is fun.  If the surf action makes it difficult, take a moment to think about your safety.  Some days it is just better to call it a day and try again when the conditions are better suited to scuba diving.  Also you may be an experienced scuba diver but you need to consider the skill level of the other divers.  If they are novices and the weather is creating more challenging conditions  you may want to reconsider for your buddy’s sake.  As we mentioned earlier, scuba diving is fun, if your buddy is over exerting and not enjoying the dive it might be better to dive later, when conditions are better suited to safe scuba diving.

Learn to Scuba Dive in Virginia: Boat Diving Tips

Scuba Diving from a boat is very popular.  A boat will put the scuba diver right on top of the reef or ship wreck making diving far easier.  It also enables the scuba diver to get to areas that that are located beyond swimming or shore scuba diving distance.  Scuba diving from a boat is fun and very easy to accomplish.  Today, we will list a few common sense suggestions or tips that I am sure you will find helpful when diving from a boat.

Purchase a Good Dive Bag. Boats most often have very limited deck space.  By packing your scuba diving equipment in a good Dive Bag it will not only make it easy to transport but will help you keep your equipment contained into a very small area.  Another nice thing about a Dive Bag is that even though it might be quite roomy, its space is limited.  That means unless you are sure that you will need an item, then leave it ashore.

Select a Dive Set Up Area. A typical dive boat has space for several divers.  Once on board, select a spot.  I personally prefer a spot under any awning to minimize my exposure to the sun.  Others prefer to sit in the sun.  Many often like to be away from the boat motors to minimize noise or diesel fumes.  Which ever you select, put your scuba equipment in that area and then stay there to minimize any confusion or loss of equipment.

Listen to the Boat & Dive Briefing. Coast Guard regulations require that a boat briefing be given prior to a boat dive.  In addition a dive briefing is usually given prior to the dive.  The boat briefing will include important information the location and use of life jackets, first aid and oxygen equipment.  The Dive Briefing will include information on the dive, which includes depth, length of the dive and other important parameters.  Pay attention to the briefings and be sure to follow the instructions of the Divemaster.

Know Your Boat. Instructions on how to get into the water and how to exit the water when getting back into the boat are usually given as part of the Dive Boat or Dive Briefing.  Pay attention and follow the instructions carefully.  This is important to avoid injury or confusion.  In addition, make sure that you know what your boat looks like, particularly underwater.  At the end of the dive there may be more then one Dive Boat tied to a mooring.  You should be able to identify your dive boat from the bottom during your dive.  Details, like the number of engines, the type of ladder, etc will enable you to easily recognize your dive boat.

Boat Diving is fun.  It will allow you to dive in areas that you would not be able to reach otherwise.  Make sure that you keep it fun and safe by following these simple common sense rules.

Scuba Diving Equipment in D.C. Metro Area: Aeris A300ai Dive Computer – A Review

The use of Dive Computers progressed in the last few years.  The computers have become smaller, lighter and serve many more functions then in the past.  On October 30, 2012 we looked at the use of Dive Computers and the benefits of the  PADI Multi-Level Diver Specialty Course.  Today we will look at one of the newer dive computers to see what it has to offer.

The new A300 Dive Computer from Aeris is an air integrated dive computer that also contains an underwater digital compass.  An air integrated dive computer will not only calculate your no decompression dive time but will also calculate your air comsumption taking the guess work out of how long you can stay down on a particular dive.  The A300 dive computer is so sophisticated that is was awarded Scuba Diving Magazine’s SCUBALAB Testers Choice 2012 award

The A300 Dive Computer features:

• Advanced features for today’s technically-savvy diver, yet comes out-of-the-box-simple for new or less frequent divers
• Powered by Dual Algorithm® allowing you to choose the decompression algorithm that best suits your diving needs without compromising safety
• Patented Air Time Remaining Algorithm provides calculations in real time, allowing accurate gas management
• 3-Axis Digital Compass with Full Tilt Compensation
• Up to 4 Nitrox mixes – each with individual PO2 set points
• Deep Stop with Countdown Timer
• Intuitive user-interface with “Step Back” allows for easy settings preview and for settings to be changed while viewing the menus
• Customize your dive mode display with multiple data options
• Confirm common pre-dive settings – defined by the user
• User Replaceable Battery with Data Retention maintains settings and calculations
• Optional Quick Disconnect Hose
• Firmware Update Ready
• Complete FREE Online Tutorial when purchased and registered

The Scubalab review says that the A300ai computer has one of the most intuitive menu systems offered.    Dual Algorithms let you to decide on how conservative your scuba dive will be, you match your algorithm to the dive conditions encounter.  The underwater digital compass is unique in that it has a self correcting feature should you begin to drift due to current during your dive.  It even automatically calculates your reciprocal heading upon your return to the boat or shore.

We sell quite a few scuba diving computers at Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy, a PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Northern Virginia, and the new Aeris A300ai is going to be a very popular.  This is a truly unique dive computer and is worth looking at should you be ready to upgrade to the next level of scuba diving computers.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: The Dive Bag

Scuba equipment is bulky and sometimes heavy, especially when wet.  A scuba diving gear bag provides a sturdy container that makes it easier to carry, organize and protect your dive gear.  Whether you’re scuba diving locally or at an exciting vacation destination,  you will need a sturdy dive bag to transport your scuba equipment.

Most Popular Types of Scuba Diving Gear Bags: Regulator Bag, Gear Bag and Mesh Bag

Regulator Bag:
The scuba regulator bag is used to pack and carry your scuba regulator when traveling.  Many scuba divers prefer to carry their scuba regulator on board an airplane rather then check it.  This is to protect it from over zealous baggage handlers and to make sure that it arrives at your scuba diving destination when you do.  The regulator bag should be large enough to pack your regulator and gauges without sharply bending the hoses.  Ideally it should also be padded to provide extra protection for the regulator and delicate gauges or dive computer.  The regulator bag should be used for travel.  The scuba regulator should not be stored in the regulator bag for long periods of time.

The Mesh Bag or Duffel Bag:
The mesh bag or duffel is used to transport or to carry your dive equipment from your hotel room to the dive boat or dock.  The mesh is ideal for allowing the items in the bag to drain.  Many divers will even rinse their dive equipment after the dive by submerging the entire bag and it’s contents in fresh water.  The most popular type is the mesh backpack.  The backpack allows the diver to carry the gear on his or her back and still have hands free to carry other items, such as an underwater camera.  The mesh bag should be large enough to hold the majority of a divers gear.   The mesh should be made of a material that will stand up to carrying heavy items since scuba equipment can be quite heavy, especially when wet.  Reinforced seams and sturdy plastic zippers will prevent dry rot and rust allowing the bag to last longer.  A shoulder strap or backpack straps makes the bag easier to carry.

The Cargo or Wheeled Dive Bag:
The largest of the three most common dive bags is the cargo bag.  Most divers prefer a cargo bag that has wheels to make it easier to transport.  This bag should also have large corrosion proof zippers.  Extra pockets are helpful to stow gear in a way that is easy to organize and to find.  Drain holes with grommets will allow the bag to air out when it contains wet dive gear.  The material should be strong and durable and preferably made for scuba diving equipment.  Many good bags from high end manufacturers do not hold up well to wet gear, that is why most scuba divers will purchase their dive bags at their local Dive Center.

Lastly, make sure that the bag comes with a warranty and that it is large enough to hold all of your important dive equipment.  Don’t forget to weigh your cargo bag when you pack it to avoid any over weight charges by the airlines.

Dive bags make if far easier to travel and transport your scuba diving equipment safely.  Good quality dive bags will hold up for many years of use and will make traveling far less taxing.

Learn To Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia: Night Diving Tips and Techniques

Earlier when we looked at the PADI Night Diver Specialty Course and again when we looked at Dive Lights, we agreed that some of the very best scuba diving can be found at night.  Some of the most fascinating sea creatures like lobster, octopus and moray eels are nocturnal and are easier to spot at night then during the day.  Today we will discuss a few techniques and tips for better night diving.

Dive a familiar Dive Site
The first rule is to dive a site that you have dived before during the day.  Being familiar with the site is important for both practicality and safety.   Having dived the site before means that you are familiar with the area and know what to expect.  Being familiar with the area also means that you are less likely to get disoriented or lost.   Seeing an area at night that you have seen during the day also adds interest when you see how it changes at night.

Be Familiar With Your Scuba Diving Equipment
If you took the PADI Night Diver Specialty Course you learned that a night dive is not a good time to try out the new piece of diving equipment.  Practice with it during the day prior to using it at night.  This will allow you to know exactly how it works so that you are less likely to become confused by its operation at night.

Keep the Dive Shallow
Night Dives are typically shallow dives when possible.  It is only natural to use more air at night then during the day due to the increased excitement of diving at night.  By staying shallow you will use less air then you would on a deeper dive thus affording you more bottom time and the opportunity to see more.

Start at Twilight
If you start the dive at twilight it will still be somewhat light.  As the dive progresses it will get darker.  By starting at twilight you eyes an excitement level can slowly adjust to the darkness.  This is also know as a transition time.  Many of the diurnal animals are just finding a spot for the night and the nocturnal animals are just beginning to come out.  As it gets darker you will slowly see the reef come alive again with all new critters.

Remember – Three Dive Lights
It is important when diving at night to carry three lights.  One is your primary light.  The second is a back up dive light should your primary light fail or dim during the dive.  The third light is a marker light that you attach to your regulator behind your back.  This is a safety light so that if your back is turned to your buddy, then he or she can see the marker light making it less likely that you may become separated.

Be Observant
During the day many of the reefs inhabitants are asleep or hiding in small crevices, making it difficult to see them.  At night they are often out and about.  When you shine your dive light over the reef be aware of small golden dots.  Shrimp and other creatures have eyes that will shine when light reflects off of them.  When you see these golden dots stop and look at them.  You may find an assortment of critters that are fascinating to watch.  From time to time, cast your light out over the reef away from the wall or coral head.  You may spot some larger fish like tarpon, sting rays, or even a shark to two cruising around.

Don’t Forget to Frequently Check Your Gauges & Compass
Take the time to look around as you go and observe your surroundings.  Be sure and check your compass regularly to avoid becoming disoriented.  We said earlier that you use your air faster at night to frequently check your gauges to avoid surprises.  Plan a little extra air for that safety stop.  Of course you and your buddy spent a little extra time prior to the dive to discuss parameters like how long the dive will be, who will navigate, hand signals and what to do if separated…

Do Something Different
Sometimes a night dive can be enhanced by doing something a little different.  Stop and turn off your dive light for a few minutes.  You will be amazed at how well you can see at night without lights.  Shake your hands and observe the bioluminescence in the salt water environment.  Consider making a predawn scuba dive.  As the sun comes up the nocturnal animals will move out and the diurnal animals will emerge.  The sun rising over the water in the early morning also casts some beautiful light rays.

Night Diving is fun and exciting.  Take a few minutes and put the tips to use and an entirely new world awaits.