Archive for July, 2008
How do I find out about Scuba Diving?
Thursday, July 31st, 2008Safe And Effective Scuba Diving Equipment
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
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.
By: Michelle Bery
About the Author:
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.
By: Michelle Bery
About the Author:
For easy to understand, in depth information about scuba diving visit our ezGuide 2 Posted in Scuba Diving | No Comments »
Using Scuba Diving Gear
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008Just 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.
By: Michelle Bery
About the Author:
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.
By: Michelle Bery
About the Author:
For easy to understand, in depth information about scuba diving visit our ezGuide 2 Scuba Diving.
Do you need to be certified in scuba diving in order to go diving?
Monday, July 28th, 2008Just Me asked:
My husband and I are interested in scuba diving when we take a trip to Florida. Although we are both good swimmers and frequently snorkel, we have never tried scuba diving. We have looked in to taking classes and they are very pricey. To get certified in our city, it will cost us $500 and that does not include equipment. I think it is a little pricey especially since we might shell out all the money and not enjoy it as much as snorkeling. I see scuba diving excursions in Florida all the time, do you have to be certified to go on a beginner dive? Can we take a dive excursion that offers not certification but a quick beginner lesson before going out? My husbands ready to sign up for the certification classes but I’d prefer to try it out first. Any advice appreciated
Doyle
My husband and I are interested in scuba diving when we take a trip to Florida. Although we are both good swimmers and frequently snorkel, we have never tried scuba diving. We have looked in to taking classes and they are very pricey. To get certified in our city, it will cost us $500 and that does not include equipment. I think it is a little pricey especially since we might shell out all the money and not enjoy it as much as snorkeling. I see scuba diving excursions in Florida all the time, do you have to be certified to go on a beginner dive? Can we take a dive excursion that offers not certification but a quick beginner lesson before going out? My husbands ready to sign up for the certification classes but I’d prefer to try it out first. Any advice appreciated
Doyle
Is it okay to go scuba diving after having a tattoo for just over 3 weeks?
Friday, July 25th, 2008MIguel G asked:
I just got a tattoo on August 17th. Im going to Mexico and Im scheduled to go scuba diving for 2 hrs on September 8th. Is this bad for the tattoo?
Kenneth
I just got a tattoo on August 17th. Im going to Mexico and Im scheduled to go scuba diving for 2 hrs on September 8th. Is this bad for the tattoo?
Kenneth
Bali Liveaboard Scuba Diving Vacation
Friday, July 25th, 2008Contrary 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?
By: Chris Chew
About the Author:
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?
By: Chris Chew
About the Author:
Chris Chew have been scuba diving for 3 decades. More articles at Bahamas diving cruise and
Bali diving sites
Bali diving sites
Can you go scuba diving if you don’t have a spleen?
Friday, July 25th, 2008Jennifer W asked:
I had a splenectomy last year. Is it safe to scuba dive? I have heard that while diving you create more red blood cells, and the spleen is there to filter them out.
Sterling
I had a splenectomy last year. Is it safe to scuba dive? I have heard that while diving you create more red blood cells, and the spleen is there to filter them out.
Sterling
Does anybody have no scuba diving experience?
Friday, July 25th, 2008Scuba Diving Locations In Fiji
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008The 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.
By: Chris Chew
About the Author:
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.
By: Chris Chew
About the Author:
Scuba Diving Holiday Accommodation
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008Holidayrentalcentre.com assists owners of holiday accommodation in a variety of destinations and locations worldwide to rent villas, houses or vacation apartments, close to some of the best ‘dive sites around the world. View scuba diving holiday accommodation including property related articles and other advice. From these locations you can explore a relatively ‘new’ and previously unseen world beneath the oceans and get much closer to the sea-bed than you ever thought possible.
Scuba diving holiday holiday rentals enables you to explore the underwater world and to enjoy the sight of coral reefs, or the playful “Nemo” Clown Fish and other colourful tropical fish. In the Far East, Thailand offers some excellent diving in the islands around Phuket and further offshore in the Andaman Sea. In the U.A.E. around Dubai and Sharjah, the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf have wrecks teaming with Angelfish and Snapper! In the Mediterranean there is something for everyone from Spain, Italy, Greek islands, Turkey, Sardinia and also Majorca to Malta and Croatia to Cyprus. Just around the corner, scuba diving in Canary Islands offers some surprisingly good diving with their volcanic origins evident in the underwater landscapes. Heading West; some locations like Stuart Cove’s in Nassau, offer fish feeding experiences of Sting Rays and Reef Sharks as added attractions, whilst other dive sites in the Caribbean, such as the Cayman Islands, (Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac) are well known for close encounters with turtles or dolphins.
However, there are also wrecks both old and new to explore; some with an unknown history behind their sinking and others with a story to tell. Barbados has a long history as a port, with many easy wrecks to dive in Carlisle Bay, or the SS Stavronikita a.k.a. “The Stav.” sunk in the marine park on the West coast and is now a home to many fish and soft corals. There is also the attraction – however unlikely – of diving a previously undiscovered wreck and discovering treasure! For many SCUBA divers, wreck diving offers the best of both worlds as they effectively become artificial reefs and become a home to reef fish, soft corals and sponges.
For more information on specific scuba diving beach accommodation locations, reviews and reports – by region – from around the world.
The basic SCUBA qualification is the Open Water Diver course, where you study both the theory and learn the skills needed to safely enjoy the sport. Then it’s off to Open Water to demonstrate your competence and comfort to qualify for your “C” (certification) card. It is possible to do the Open Water course during your holiday, but getting the qualification before you travel leaves you free to enjoy your vacation. Once you’ve qualified, there are many specialities available to help such as www.divehorizons.co.uk/courses.html who can help you enhance your underwater experiences. Like many adventure activities it is also important to keep your skills up to date, so if you’re thinking of looking for scuba diving holiday rentals, taking a refresher session in the pool is a good way to prepare for your trip.
By: Paul
About the Author:
Scuba diving holiday holiday rentals enables you to explore the underwater world and to enjoy the sight of coral reefs, or the playful “Nemo” Clown Fish and other colourful tropical fish. In the Far East, Thailand offers some excellent diving in the islands around Phuket and further offshore in the Andaman Sea. In the U.A.E. around Dubai and Sharjah, the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf have wrecks teaming with Angelfish and Snapper! In the Mediterranean there is something for everyone from Spain, Italy, Greek islands, Turkey, Sardinia and also Majorca to Malta and Croatia to Cyprus. Just around the corner, scuba diving in Canary Islands offers some surprisingly good diving with their volcanic origins evident in the underwater landscapes. Heading West; some locations like Stuart Cove’s in Nassau, offer fish feeding experiences of Sting Rays and Reef Sharks as added attractions, whilst other dive sites in the Caribbean, such as the Cayman Islands, (Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac) are well known for close encounters with turtles or dolphins.
However, there are also wrecks both old and new to explore; some with an unknown history behind their sinking and others with a story to tell. Barbados has a long history as a port, with many easy wrecks to dive in Carlisle Bay, or the SS Stavronikita a.k.a. “The Stav.” sunk in the marine park on the West coast and is now a home to many fish and soft corals. There is also the attraction – however unlikely – of diving a previously undiscovered wreck and discovering treasure! For many SCUBA divers, wreck diving offers the best of both worlds as they effectively become artificial reefs and become a home to reef fish, soft corals and sponges.
For more information on specific scuba diving beach accommodation locations, reviews and reports – by region – from around the world.
The basic SCUBA qualification is the Open Water Diver course, where you study both the theory and learn the skills needed to safely enjoy the sport. Then it’s off to Open Water to demonstrate your competence and comfort to qualify for your “C” (certification) card. It is possible to do the Open Water course during your holiday, but getting the qualification before you travel leaves you free to enjoy your vacation. Once you’ve qualified, there are many specialities available to help such as www.divehorizons.co.uk/courses.html who can help you enhance your underwater experiences. Like many adventure activities it is also important to keep your skills up to date, so if you’re thinking of looking for scuba diving holiday rentals, taking a refresher session in the pool is a good way to prepare for your trip.
By: Paul
About the Author:
Dive”>http://www.divehorizons.co.uk”>Dive Horizons is owned and run by Nick Valentine, an SSI Advanced Open Water and ITDA O2 and Medic First Aid Instructor. Nick’s aim is to provide quality training in a safe, fun environment using SSI state of the art training materials.