Diving in Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is located in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of the Anatolian Peninsula. By Mediterranean standards, Cyprus is one of the warmer islands, and as such tends to have a large influx of tourists throughout the year, especially from Northern Europe. The diving in Cyprus is also relatively good by Mediterranean standards, and although it has some relatively basic sites, there are also some intriguing dive sites available if you seek them out.

In particular, the wreck of the Zenobia is considered to be one of Europe's finest wreck dives and regularly attracts divers from all over the world. The Zenobia sank in June 1980, while on its maiden voyage from Sweden to Larnaca in Cyprus. The roll-on, roll-off ferry sank after two days of frantic efforts to save it following a malfunction on the automatic pilot. The Zenobia sank on June 7th with over 100 trucks still on board.

Today, the wreck of the Zenobia lies just outside of Larnaca Harbour, and stretches from 18 metres down to 43 metres below sea level. At over 165 metres in length, and with multiple passageways along her length, the Zenobia is worthy of a few dives in order to fully appreciate her.

There are a number of other interesting scuba diving sites around Cyprus, in particular around Paphos and Ayia Napa, and also around the north of Cyprus on the Akamas Peninsula.

Diving in Cyprus does not offer as wide a variety of marine life as many other destinations in the Mediterranean, but there are populations of Jacks, Wrasse and Parrotfish around the coastal waters. The wreck of the Zenobia, however, attracts a fair amount of local marine life, and it is also possible to spot Barracuda, Octopus and Morays Eels on the wreck.

Diving is possible all year round in Cyprus, although the warmer summer period of May to September brings the average water temperature up to a comfortable 25 degrees centigrade. Outside of these summer months, it may be advisable to bring a drysuit, which provides more thermal protection than a wetsuit, to use while scuba diving in Cyprus.

By Frances Van Den Berg

Frances wrote this article for Dive Time Diving in Cyprus "Divetime.com is the premier Scuba diving destination on the internet, with a unique offering of Scuba related information and services to divers everywhere"

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Are You Old Enough to Give Up the Idea of Scuba Diving?

The average age of active scuba diver, according to some sources, is 36, while many physicians believe that scuba diving after reaching the age of 50 can pose serious danger to a person's health and even life. From the other hand, there's a wonderful example of Jacques Cousteau, who kept scuba diving even at the age of 87, until the very end of his life. Although at that age the famous Frenchman had problems walking, upon his request he was being taken to the water by his friends and he said he couldn't still imagine his life without scuba diving.

Cousteau's example is rather often being referred to by older age dive addicts and advocates of the wonderful sport and hobby, which, undoubtedly, scuba diving is. Some of them have been diving for decades already, while others only made their first open water dive at the age of 70. In fact, the age of 70 is the upper age limit the majority of recreational diver training facilities set for enrollment to the courses they run for new students.

Anyway, this optimistic approach seems to be hardly shared by doctors and rescuers, whose attitude can be defined as rather reserved one, at least regarding people with no previous experience in scuba diving or those who made their mind to resume scuba diving after a considerable time gap after having practiced it for the last time in the past. Even if benefits from practicing recreational scuba diving for the sake of physical, psychological and social adaptation of elderly are evident, you can by no means neglect the fact that with this latest increased popularity of scuba diving rapid holiday courses, statistics in accidents covering older age scuba diver group has somewhat increased.

The bottom line is here: if well equipped, adequately trained and duly supervised when taking part in individual or group dives, elderly scuba divers, both freshmen and veterans, still can enjoy the pleasure of getting in touch with underwater world. But each such dive should be planned with much attention and always with safety in mind. If you are a beginner diver in older age group, it's highly recommended that you learn slowly until you feel you are both emotionally and physically ready to take your first open water dive at a desired scuba diving destination to satisfy your specific needs, your individual limits, and your personal diving experience.

By C. Dyson

C. Dyson is a long-time fan and advocate of recreational scuba diving. He offers practical advice on dive equipment, gear, and various aspects of scuba diving on his blog, which he has been running for quite a period of time. He welcomes everybody to ask questions, join discussion and contribute telling about your own experience, whether you are just considering scuba diving as a hobby or professional career, or have been in scuba diving for years.

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Diving in Mauritius

Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean just north of the Tropic Of Capricorn and about 500 miles (800 kms) to the east of Madagascar. Volcanic in origin, its landscape is both awesome and beautiful at the same time. The surrounding waters are also awe-inspiring and contain a wealth of different species of coral, which makes diving in Mauritius a memorable underwater experience. Mauritius is dominated by three peaks, of which the tallest, Piton de la Riviere Noire reaches over 828 metres.

Ownership of Mauritius has changed hands over the centuries. It was first discovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century, and was then handed over to the Dutch who in turn handed it to the French for the following three hundred years. It passed into British hands in 1810, and finally gained independence in 1910.

The climate of Mauritius is predominantly sub-tropical, but temperatures vary throughout the year. Temperatures range from 77 to 86 degrees F throughout the year, so it is possible to visit Mauritius all year round, however, the rainy season runs from January to March and cyclones are possible from November to February. The central plateau on Mauritius tends to experience higher average temperatures than the coastal areas and can experience as much as double the amount of annual rainfall.

The prevailing trade winds tend to keep the east side of the island cooler, a fact that was noted by the local islanders who predominantly settled on the west coast of the island. The water temperature can range from 28 degrees centigrade in the summer down to 21 degrees in the colder months.

It is estimated that approximately 430 difference species of fish inhabite the waters surrounding Mauritius, which are coupled with approximately 200 different species of coral, making Mauritius a haven for divers looking for a wide range of coral and marine life. Diving in Mauritius tends to be concentrated along the warmer west coast, particularly at the northern and southern tips of the island.

The East coast of Mauritius is exposed to the battering of the trade winds. Strong currents exist on this side of the island, and while there is still some good diving to be had here, it would be advisable to seek advice on the individual dive sites from local diving centres. At the north of the island, the current tends to deliver some of the more interesting pelagics to Mauritius, and sightings of Tuna, Wahoo and Marlin are not uncommon. However, more often spotted species include eagle rays and the multitude of turtles that inhabit the waters surrounding Mauritius.

For those who love to go wreck diving, there are an estimated 220 wrecks in the waters surrounding Mauritius, ensuring that even the most experienced divers will find plenty to occupy their time while in Mauritius. As is the way with the most islands with a more developed tourist industry, the majority of dive operators here are very professional, allowing people with all levels of experience to enjoy scuba diving in Mauritius.

By Frances Van Den Berg

Frances wrote this article for Dive Time Diving in Mauritius "Divetime.com is the premier Scuba diving destination on the internet, with a unique offering of Scuba related information and services to divers everywhere"

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Diving in the Maldives

While people from all over the world are drawn to the beauty of the fauna and beaches of the Maldives, it is the wonders that lie beneath the sea that attracts thousands of people every year to go scuba diving in the Maldives. Geographically, the Maldives stretch almost 500 miles in a north-south direction just north of the equator and south-west of Sri Lanka.

The natural beauty of the Maldives is a direct result of the unusual geological process that has occurred over millions of years in the region. The islands were born from the emergence of a submerged mountain range and were quickly surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. These stunning coral reefs, coupled with crystal clear waters, give the Maldives a unique, tropical feel that brings visitors back time and time again.

The Maldives' climate can vary throughout the year, but generally visitors can expect to find temperatures ranging between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius during the day, with the temperature dropping only slightly in the evening. Temperatures vary slightly between the northern and southern Maldives, with the South experiencing slightly more rainfall throughout the year and the North more extreme temperatures.

The Maldives also experience two monsoon seasons, which are split into the Northeast and the Southwest monsoons. The Northeast monsoon occurs December until March and brings with it drier weather, while the Southwest monsoon results in wetter weather during May to November.

Diving in the Maldives undoubtedly offers one of the greatest underwater experiences in the world. Beautiful corals are accompanied by a huge range of underwater wildlife, with large pelagics mixing easily with a variety of tropical fish. Such a large variety of diving opportunities ensures that novices and experienced divers will quickly feel at home in the Maldives.

The majority of dives sites in the Maldives tend to be found in the shallower reefs surrounding the islands, however some of the best diving can be found in the multitude of channels that are created by the Maldives' unique geological formations.

An increasing number of dive operators are offering people the opportunity to dive in the less accessible sites further away from the Maldives' shores with live-aboard diving. The majority of the live-aboards in the Maldives operate from the capital in Male. There are a large number of dive operators in the Maldives, the majority of which are affiliated with the island resorts. On the whole, they tend to be well equipped with a good knowledge of the atolls (ring -shaped) local dive sites and reefs. As a result, live-aboard diving in the Maldives is rapidly becoming a thriving industry.

By Frances Van Den Berg

Frances wrote this article for Dive Time Diving in the Maldives "Divetime.com is the premier Scuba diving destination on the internet, with a unique offering of Scuba related information and services to divers everywhere"

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How to Scuba Dive Safely

There are many things that you need to think about when it comes to safety and scuba diving. The ocean is an amazing place but there is an extreme amount of danger associated with it. Safety should always come first so you can have a good time and come home in one piece.

The first thing you need to consider is that you should never go scuba diving alone. Always have a buddy if you go scuba diving. This way if something happens to you there is someone to get you out of there. It only takes one good jab from the wrong type of fish or an octopus to bite you and you may not make it out alive. Many fish can disable you quickly and they may not even be attacking but you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Always go with a friend. If you don't have any friends that like to scuba dive then get online and join a network where you can meet people that would like to go with you.

Another thing to consider is that you should have a scuba diving flag. This flag will be visible to other boats and people. It is designed to alert people that there is a diver below so they need to be careful. This will tell people to stay clear and give plenty of room. These flags simply attach to the side of a boat.

Another device that is a good idea is an underwater signaling device so the person you are scuba diving can hear you. Obviously you cannot talk to them so you need a way to capture their attention. There is an underwater rattle designed for communicating and getting your friend's attention. This is a signaling device like a horn. You must have a way to communicate with the person you are scuba diving with and they need to be able to contact you. If you are around the corner and your partner is attacked by a sea creature you must have time to help them and get them out of the water.

If you are on a boat and you need to get another boat's attention because there is an emergency on your boat and maybe your boat isn't fast enough or maybe your boat is broken down in the middle of the sea then you should have a signaling mirror. A mirror is the best way to get another boats attention for help. This is a universal signal that you need help. Never shine a mirror at a boat if you are not in need of help.

There are many things that you need to consider when you want to go scuba diving and do it safely. Be sure you have techniques or methods of communicating with other scuba divers and other boaters. Never go alone and have a flag to alert other people on the water that there is a scuba diver present. These things will help ensure your excursion is successful and fun.

By Tatchayapong Dumnurnthum

For more practical tips and information, or looking for Dive Computer and Scuba equipments specification & reviews.

Visit scuba diving resource site at http://www.zDiver.com

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What a Scuba Diver Can Do if Attacked by a Shark

An unprovoked shark attack on military scuba diver that took place in February 2009 off the Australian cost in Sydney Harbor gave a new boost to the discussion, which must be as old as scuba diving itself is: what is the extent of danger posed by sea sharks for scuba divers and how big are chances to survive if you do get attacked? The young 31-years old diver lost his arm after being unexpectedly attacked from beneath by an unidentified shark specie, but managed to survive following a short battle with the predator who the brave man, though heavily wounded, had finally scared away.
The accident came as absolute surprise for everybody, even if Sydney Harbor is known for presence of all four species of dangerous sharks responsible for the vast majority of human-targeted shark attacks worldwide. But if taking an unbiased look at the the Australian Shark Attack File maintained starting the year 1792 by Taronga Zoo, it can be discovered that the total of the reported shark attacks on humans in Sydney Harbor has only outnumbered 30 occurrences in more than two centuries. The majority of those attacks took place before the 1940ies, while the last fatality took place this Australian summer, 46 years after the previous fatality in Sidney Harbor back in 1963.

Until this time, at least statistically, the Australian sea waters were not included to the list of the world's most dangerous locations sea locations with extremely high probability of shark attacks on humans, if compared to other destinations throughout the world. Such places traditionally included California and Florida regions in the North America, and ocean locations along the entire coastline of Southern Africa. Recently the situation seems to have changed. Wildlife officials explain that increased offshore sewage has encouraged some of smaller sea animals move closer to shore, and the sharks that feed on them followed them too.

Recreational scuba divers should know this: Sydney Harbor is divided into an inner estuarine region and outer oceanic region. If you dive in the inner estuarine area at popular dive sites where shark nets are set up, your chances of being attacked by a shark stay at a truly zero level.

Lots of people from all countries come to dive in Australia, whose marine life deserves travelling long distance to have a chance to be looked at and explored. I do not mean to discourage them by adding any unnecessary worries that might fuel speculations on recreational scuba diving becoming dangerous at known Sydney Harbor dive sites. Scuba diving in Australia is unforgettable experience, and the diversity of marine life there is fantastic, and it wouldn't be half as fantastic without... sharks. I would like only to make community better aware of some self-defense and shark attack prevention principles to be born in mind and never be forgotten should you find yourself diving in deeper locations off the shore, and closer to the habitats of sharks in general.

Sharks, as you might presume, love deep waters, and it's there that they spend most of their time swimming and looking for a pray. It is from the bottom that they attack their chosen target, therefore a diver should pay special attention to what's happening below him. In accident described at the beginning of this articled the diver too was attacked while swimming on the surface. A hunting shark relies upon its excellent smell, taste, and hearing abilities, rather than on sight, because all sharks don't see very well.

When it becomes clear that the shark is attacking you and that the attack is unavoidable, diver must immediately get ready to counteract in the following manner:

• Begin descending, while keeping eye on the attacker;

• Aim flow of air bubbles from your dive gear in the direction of the approaching predator;

• Scream as powerfully as you can - chances are the shark will realize it has mistaken you for a big fish or dolphin and will stop attacking. Actually, humans are not sharks' favorite food;

• If these failed to scare it away, hit the shark's head with a piece of your gear or accessory like camera;

But best of all, if you are recreational scuba diver, always dive in group and never dive at little known sites without being properly instructed by a local guide, or better guided by divemaster.

And finally, however frightful each shark accident description may sound, generally the chances of being attacked by shark while scuba diving are infinitely smaller than probability of getting hit by car while walking on the street. So, let not occasional shark attacks reports lead you to the idea of giving up scuba diving. If only every 1000-th street accident got half as much coverage from media, we'd all stop walking.

By C. Dyson

C. Dyson is an active guy who enjoys traveling to explore new places, meet new people, and who has tried lots of recreational activities including scuba diving. He helps to run the site of scuba diving club he is a sponsor of, and runs his own blog called Scuba Diving Adventures, where everyone can find lots of information regarding best dive destinations, tours, events and online contests which you can join for free and win nice prizes like a piece of scuba gear (underwater camera, wetsuit, diving mask, dive computer, or even a dive tour for two to popular dive destinations/resorts like Thailand, Caribbean, Seychelles, UAE, Red Sea etc.)

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Diving Zanzibar is a Delight

Zanzibar, also known as Spice Island, is a beautiful archipelago located just east of Tanzania. Although it is part of Tanzania, it has had many influences from different nations over the years, including Persia who colonized the island. Zanzibar remained a Persian colony until the late 1800's. Zanzibar's economy is supported in large part by International tourists, who choose diving in Zanzibar as their holiday activity of choice. Interestingly, Freddie Mercury, former lead singer for the rock group Queen, was born in Zanzibar.

There are no real camping sites on the island, and accommodation is restricted to guest houses, hotels and resorts. Accommodation is pretty affordable, so even if you are on a budget you can still easily enjoy all that the island has to offer. Diving in Zanzibar is at its best between October and March when visibility is still good before the rain hits. Water temperatures in Zanzibar are relatively stable and warm all year round, which is ideal for diving and other water activities.

The old style Persian houses and the narrow streets are a welcome break from scuba diving in Zanzibar. The Island is filled with reminders of the old days of cloves, gold and ivory and, of course, the slave trade. In 1964, the Island formed a union with the new United Republic of Tanzania, yet still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union.

The capital, Zanzibar city, is the location of one of the Islands old quarter's, Stone Town, which has become a world heritage site. Its features include circular towers, carved wooden doors and beautiful mosques, which reflect its Arab past and include the House of Wonders. The town of Kidichi is home to the hammam (Persian baths), which were built by immigrants from Iran. Stone Town is boasts Zanzibar's most famous dive sites, as well as spectacular hard and soft coral reefs.

One of the best scuba diving locations in Zanzibar is the Big Wall near Mnemba Atoll, and is recommended for experienced divers. The Great Wall is a deep dive ranging between 30 and 50 meters and boasts colorful coral reefs and a number of marine species. This site has some dominant brain coral. Napoleon wrasse, snappers, turtles and tuna are often seen there.

Zanzibar's gentle seas and moderate dives are perfect for divers who are still getting comfortable beneath the waves. In addition, diving can compliment many other activities water-based activities. Diving in Zanzibar offers an ideal solution for families looking for a vibrant holiday destination.

By Brandon Francis

Brandon wrote this article for Dive Time Diving in Zanzibar "Divetime.com is the premier Scuba diving destination on the internet, with a unique offering of Scuba related information and services to divers everywhere."

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Myths Busted About Dry Suits

Its time to bust some myths related to Dry Suits and give you a great understanding of what they are.

• Dry suits keep you warm - FALSE!
  The dry suit itself will not actually keep you warm, warmth is gained by what you wear underneath your dry suit. Typically people wear fleece or other garments to keep themselves warm.

• A dry suit can cause you to have an uncontrolled ascent - UNLIKELY
  Technically it is possible but quite unlikely, with proper training on the correct use of a wetsuit this should not happen.

• A dry suit will cause you dive 'feet up' - FALSE
  Air will raise to the highest point in the confined space inside the dry suit, but with the correct training divers are taught on controlling this. There are also products to assist in this such as gaiters.

• Dry suits are difficult to put on and remove - FALSE
  Dry suits are no different to wearing a full wetsuit and with practice this will be simple, learn from others on the simple methods and tips.

• Neoprene makes better neck/wrist seals - FALSE
  Neoprene seals are durable, they are much hard to get in and out of. When diving at depth neoprene compresses and will not provide as good thermal insulation as other materials. Using a high quality latex seal is the preferred material for most divers who use dry suits, as they are more comfortable and if looked after right will last for years.

• Dry suits are not suitable for beginners - FALSE
  This is not correct, if your trained from day one using a dry suit will come naturally and you will have no issue. Dry suits are used by a wide range of divers from professional to beginners and are used based on environment rather than skill level.

• If my dry suit gets a hole and floods, I'll be pulled to the bottom - FALSE
  This is not true as by using Archimedes's Principle, when the dry suit takes on water you will only loose a small amount of your total volume, your body/tank/etc will still displace plenty of water, meaning you'll be close to neutrally buoyant.

• A dry suit is not really dry, its semi-dry - FALSE
  There is really no such thing as a semi dry suit, you are either in a wetsuit or a dry suit. A dry suit is meant to keep you totally dry, only if its poor fitting will water enter.

• Dry suits require you to wear a lot more weight, and cause drag - FALSE
  The drag caused by a well fitted, modern wetsuit is almost negligible against the drag cause by all the rest of the diving gear being worn. The amount of weight will depend on the specific thermal requirements needed (i.e. how the undergarments etc).

• Dry suits are only for extremely cold water - FALSE
  A dry suit is for thermal protection, you can adjust its amount of thermal protection based on what undergarments you wear. So therefore it can be worn in a range on water temperatures.

By Simon N James

Simon James has been diving for 15 years and is an authority in the field so take a look at this website called diving solutions and led dive lights

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Let's Talk Scuba Regulators

Whether you're new to scuba diving or a diving nut, you want to be sure the scuba regulator you have is top notch. There are differences in any scuba regulator and tons to consider such as warm water regulators, cold-water models, and ones that will work for any dive. Let's look at what's new, what are musts for diving regulators, and what's a surprising alternative.

What's New in Regulators?

In 2008, we saw the technologically advanced carbon fiber regulator that was lightweight and claimed to be most wanted for years. Compact yet high in performance the carbon fiber regulator's second stage case came in sixty-five percent lighter than it's metal cousins-take a look at these, if for nothing else-your curiosity.

The Sherwood Gemini model became a star in the alternate inflator category and scored points with its ease for its breathing features and well designed and placed controls. Beyond the weight-it's light, nitrox-ready, and rated "excellent" at moderate breathing rates at both 132 and 165 feet.

What's a Must in Regulators?

Durability was what most divers want when it comes to regulators. Like the Sherwood Oasis, a good warm-water regulator, models were tested for durability, service hours, annual servicing, corrosion issues, and peak performance. With the advancement of diving regulators, especially since 2005, most were durable, and like any good piece of equipment, you should follow the manufacturer's recommended care procedures to ensure your model lasts.

Another Sherwood model, the Blizzard, good for cold-water dives and its ability to keep the moisture and icing out, was only part of this regulator's features. Exclusive to this model, a bubble deflector exhaust tee reduced the bubble size and performed great for line of vision.

The SR1 by Sherwood boasts a 360-degree swivel that works with both a yoke and DIN attachment. Good for all-weather diving, we were awed at the two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. A top pick for 2008, this scuba regulator had it all, but the 360 degree swivel was impressive and to us-a must.

An Alternative in Regulators

The alternate inflation regulators are extremely functional and are integrated into your power inflator, getting rid of the traditional octopus hose. These were a challenge to build because of their small housings geared at keeping them ergonomically correct-but with today's technology, they have built some good ones. Most inflation regulators on today's market have gotten a nod from some experts and we expect to see more advancement in these dive regulator models.

The Bottom Line

We looked at lots of models of dive regulators and we connected most with the Sherwood products, perhaps because they've been at it a while. In any event, a regulator is key to your aqua-lung when diving, so be sure to take the time to talk and ask a lot of questions before you commit to buy. Prices can range from a low $200 to highs at $600 or more. Depending on how serious you are in your scuba diving, your sports store should be able to tell you which ones will perform well for you.

By Edward Price

Copyright 2009 by Edward Price

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information a good scuba regulator, visit his scuba diving resource site now.

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Dive Equipment

The oceans and lakes of our planet contain some of the most fantastic and awe-inspiring creatures, plants and land formations. However, very few people ever actually get to see them. Surprisingly, funding for space-travel exceeds oceanic exploration, even though there are many underwater areas that have yet to be mapped.

Snorkeling is a fun recreational activity that provides limited underwater exploration (it also doesn't require certification.) However, it is impossible to explore the deep using only breath-holding methods. Scuba equipment, on the other hand, provides a diver with compressed air that enables deep diving-adventure opportunities!

With normal dive equipment, a diver breathes the compressed air through a mouth piece connected to the air tank on their back. Breathing out, the air goes out through a regulator into the water in the form of bubbles. While this is suitable for recreational diving, some divers do not want to their air-bubbles detected.

This is why military divers wear rebreathers. These advanced scuba devices allow a diver to breathe their own air over and over again.

Of course, due to the carbon dioxide a body exhales with each breath, rebreathing is not a simple process; these items must remove the hazardous gas. They do this through a canister of sodium hydroxide, which reacts with the carbon dioxide to form a solid calcium carbonate. Then, small tanks of pure oxygen replace what the diver has already consumed. Sometimes a mix of nitrogen-oxygen is injected back into the breathing cycle, which is just as safe as pure oxygen. Rebreathers also have built-in microprocessors that regulate the concentration of oxygen in the breathing cycle - too much oxygen can produce a state of euphoria that could impair a diver's judgment, which could be extremely dangerous at 100 ft below sea level!

These innovative pieces of dive equipment come in three types: closed circuit, semi-closed circuit and oxygen. Oxygen rebreathers only carry a canister of pure oxygen as the gas supply, but they are limited to depths that do not require intermittent decompression stops. The closed and semi-closed circuit versions utilize mixed gasses and allow divers to safely go to greater depths.

Besides their stealth-like qualities, rebreathers have several advantages over other dive equipment. For example, they have better gas efficiency. Standard tanks waste oxygen because we do not consume all the gas we inhale - rebreathers replace only the consumed oxygen. They are also lighter - conventional tanks mix oxygen with nitrogen (about 78 percent), which makes for a heavier gas. Rebreathers, on the other hand, don't utilize any nitrogen and are lighter with the same amount of oxygen. Nitrogen is also the major cause of decompression sickness (the bends), so without nitrogen, decompression is less complicated and divers can stay at depths longer than with conventional tanks.

Decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream. At those levels, the gas becomes constricted, but upon ascending, it expands - think of it like opening a can of carbonated soda. If a diver with excess nitrogen ascends to the surface too quickly, the nitrogen will expand. This causes extreme pain and, in some cases, even death. Proper education and decompression stops are required to prevent decompression sickness.

By Anne Clarke

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on scuba diving, please visit Dive Equipment, home to useful information on scuba diving gear and much more.

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How Does Scuba Diving Cause Pulmonary Embolism?

This was asked of me at a recent beach diving get together. I believe this is important to be aware of overexpansion lung injuries (from an uncontrolled ascent) and secondary pulmonary embolism (air in the bloodstream from insulted lung tissue).

Lung over-expansion injury occurs when a SCUBA Diver holds their breath when ascending underwater. This can be as little as a 1.5 meter ascent near the surface.

How it happens (The technical reason)
When using SCUBA equipment underwater, the diver is breathing compressed air at a pressure equal to that of the water around him/her. This means the air entering their lungs is at the same pressure as the water. When the diver ascends, according to Boyle's Law, the air expands due to reducing hydrostatic pressure, (the shallower the depth, the less the pressure) causing the lungs to over-inflate.

The lung does not burst like a balloon when over-inflated, instead it tears. However the tear itself is not so much a problem as the resulting air entering the tissues and bloodstream. The result of such a rupture causes the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli to rupture mixing blood and air into the lungs usually causing the diver to cough up blood. (A definite alert sign) The rupture can also cause one of four injuries: Air embolism, pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, and subcutaneous emphysema.

Why it happens (The human factor)
The most common causes of lung over-expansion injury are panic and ignorance. Other less common causes are choking, nausea, carelessness, and even smoking. Smoking can destroy the surfactant which keeps the lungs from sticking shut when they are vented. This can cause the parts of the lungs to stick shut and simulate holding ones breath.

How to avoid
Never hold your breath while using SCUBA equipment.

• Never give a "puff" of air to a free diver when using SCUBA equipment underwater. The free diver may not be aware of the problem of lung over-expansion injury and ascend without releasing their breath.

• Avoid diving while having chest congestion problems (eg colds, flu's, etc).

• Smokers should not smoke for several hours before a dive. (Good luck convincing them of that! So do NOT dive if you are a heavy smoker and have had a cold or flu recently).

• See a diving-aware doctor before learning to dive, and if you have any injury to your lungs or chest, see the doctor again. What to do The most common, and biggest warning sign of a lung over-expansion injury is coughing up blood. Other indications include chest pains and difficulty breathing. If you suspect such an injury immediately consult an emergency medical specialist. If you want to know the nitty gritty more, please ping me at a local dive get together. All that medical school needs to be used somehow! Tevis

By Tevis Verrett

We are what a dive shoppe should be. Come in and feel unhurried, unrushed and a genuine gladness at your presence.

You see, we are grateful for your business, whether you come visit us at our offices in North Hollywood, or purchase from us at K2 Scuba. It is important for you to know, want to be treated with respect?

How can we take care of you today? We are Authorized Dealers for the following manufacturers:

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tevis_Verrett

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Shark Attacks and How to Avoid Or Survive Them

I've been fascinated by Sharks since I was a child. Especially Shark attacks on divers. Hans and Lottie Hass and Ron and Valerie Taylor were my heroes. I'll never forget seeing Valerie being bitten by a small shark. Surprisingly calm she climbed back on the boat showed her injury to the cameraman. It was a shocking gash and blood literally pumped from it.

It didn't put me off diving with sharks though and I've been lucky enough to dive with these magnificent creature in many parts of the world. It was while diving in the Coral Sea of Australia that I had my first up close and personal experience with a very large and aggressive Silvertip Shark. Excited by the bait the Dive Master was preparing for the Shark feed, it rushed at me and it was only when I looked it straight in the eye that the shark veered away.

There have been other situations where a shark has, let's call it investigated me and every time it's a real adrenalin moment. It was on a Shark dive in the Bahamas that the potential for serious injury was demonstrated. The Dive Master was briefing us prior to the shark feed and some of the group were not listening with enough respect. He stopped talking, rolled up his wetsuit to reveal where a chunk had been taken out of his arm. It was stomach turning and while he insisted it wasn't the sharks fault, his point had been made in a most memorable way. So memorably some divers changed their minds and refused to dive that day.

While many divers want to see a shark, it's vitally important that you follow the advice below and remember, even small sharks can inflict a fatal bite. So treat them with respect, don't touch them or attempt to ride one as one idiot did in the Red Sea. Feeding any wild animal carries some risk, with sharks you could be bitten in error. While it's true that shark attacks are rare, the fact is shark attacks are on the increase.

If a shark approaches, stay calm as possible. Sharks are curious creatures and will often investigate you then leave without incident.

If the shark becomes aggressive, possibly rushing at you, back hunched with it's pectoral fins pointing downwards - exit the water as soon as you can. maintain eye contact at all times as experts say that direct eye contact can deter a shark from attacking you and ascend with your buddy partner back to back.

If an ascent isn't possible, position yourself against the reef or structure that may be available, so the shark can only approach you from the front.

However an overwhelming majority of divers do not see the attacking shark before it strikes. It is dangerous and foolish to assume that just because you can't see any sharks swimming close by that there are none in the area.

In some cases an attacking shark will strike a diver only once, inflicting a devastating bite, leaving the victim to bleed and weaken. Only then will it come back to devour its prey. Stealth and surprise are its greatest weapon as a shark may only have one opportunity to bite the diver. Because once a diver realizes he is bitten, survival mode kicks in and he will do anything possible to escape from the shark.

So if the worst happens and you are attacked, fight back as violently as you can. Fend it off using anything you may have, a camera, dive knife, torch, speargun or your hands if nothing else is available. The eyes and gill openings of a shark are very sensitive - poke or claw these areas and try to inflict damage.

Once the shark has let go, exit the water as quickly as you can and be aware that with an aggressive shark a repeat attack is likely.

By Al Dickman

Although rare, shark attacks are devastating. Our innovative diving product makes diving with sharks safer and creates a more relaxed, confident diver. http://www.sharkproof.tv

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Dickman

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Mexico - Snorkeling

Adventures in Mexico snorkeling areas is a very popular choice among a large number of snorkeling enthusiasts that enjoy taking in the amazing sights and views that can be found beneath the surface of the oceans waters. There is a large variety of awesome locations in the beautiful Mexico waters that will ensure you and each of your family members of an eventful trip that you will be able to remember for many years to come.

Acapulco is one area that numerous individuals have found to be a great spot where they can easily explore various species in different varieties in fish and view the beautiful colors that can be found in many of the plants that are located on the oceans floor. There are also many other amazing spots that can be reached by means of a boat where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the time of your life in Mexico snorkeling beauty that is held below in the calm waters. Isla la Roqueta is another amazing area that numerous snorkelers have found to be a favorite spot to explore. You will have the opportunity to find an endless amount of fish species that are housed within the waters natural vegetation.

If you happen to explore in just the right spot, you may even find yourself catching a glimpse of the Lady of Guadalupe. Another popular spot that you might want to investigate would be Puerto Marques. This area provides the snorkeler with amazingly crystal clear and shallow ocean waters to enjoy a time of exploring leisurely. If you would like to feast your eyes on the spectacular sights that can be found in the ancient sunken ship of the Rio de la Plata, Zona Dorada where the beautiful waters of the Icacos is where you will want to explore. In Mexico snorkeling and the captivating beauty held within, you would surely not want to miss out on the astounding sight of the ancient sunken ship.

In selecting the perfect choices for your entire family to enjoy Mexico snorkeling you are sure to find many amazing areas that will create an endless amount of excitement and amazement that is sure to take your breath away. There are numerous visitors who return year after year because they simply are not able to get enough of the pleasures of marine and plant life that can be found in the beauty beneath Mexico waters.

By Angie Atkins

If you would like more information on Mexico snorkeling try my site. And I also have a page on Cancun snorkeling.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Atkins

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Hawaii Scuba Diving - An Experience to Remember

As long as you are near the coastline, you know that there is a diving spot that is waiting for you. But what matters the most is not the accessibility of diving, but the sights and sounds that empower the diving experience. Diving is not complete without the presence of coral reefs and beautiful sea creatures livening up the area. Environments like that can only be found in certain parts of the world or various islands and when it comes to islands. Hawaii diving should be the main focus for US residents.

Hawaii scuba diving is popular in the area due to the different diving spots found in the many islands particularly Maui. Crystal clear waters is a must for any diver to fully enjoy the experience and many of the scuba dive Hawaii spots have that clear visibility even in lower depths.

Memorable Scuba Dive Hawaii Spots for Beginners

With over 130 islands to choose from, it seems difficult to decide where to start diving in Hawaii. Try to think of it as 8 main islands and out of those 8 focus on checking out Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii, and Maui if you are just getting started with diving.

Beginners can start off on the second most popular shore dive on Oahu - Sharks Cove. Don't be intimidated by the name because it is not a shark infested area. It is rather a formation of rocks that resembles a shark. There are actually no sharks around, but what makes it memorable for beginners is that you get to explore some interesting sea life in the 50-100 feet depths including eagle ways, parrot fish, and turtles.

For some better sightings of the turtles, have a dive at Turtle Street and check out the coral just 25-30 feet below. If you head to the top of the shelf and go through the large crack, you can also see a school of porcupine fish. Don't forget to take some pictures of the tame turtles and lobster activity that hang out at Turtle Street.

Memorable Scuba Dive Hawaii Spots for Advanced Divers

Advanced divers will have a treat at the Hidden Pinnacle a Maui dive spot, if the currents are alright. This is the place to witness the leathery octo coral along with some amazing schools of pyramid butterfly fish. Just make sure you consult your dive guide before thinking about diving in this area.

Those looking for a real sea life experience should head out to The Cove found in the east coast of Molokai. This is basically a real life view of those realistic aquarium screensavers that you've seen because you'll be seeing the lemon butterfly fish complete with coral trees, hawkfish, puffers, and even some sharks and Manta rays so it's really for the advanced diver. This is the perfect spot too for diving during the night so you can see different species of lobsters.

Whether you are an experienced diver or someone getting the feel of it, diving in Hawaii should be in your trip guide because of the various islands to explore and different places to dive in with varied difficulties. It has enough sea life and fresh corals to make it an experience to remember.

By Edward Price

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information, visit his scuba diving resource site now. http://www.scubasoul.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Price

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Be Safe When Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun and healthy way to spend a vacation or holiday. You don't need a lot of money or a lot of specialized gear to enjoy the undersea world that most people never get a chance to see. All you really need is a mask and snorkel. However, flippers can make it easier to maneuver underwater and you will be able to swim farther distances with flippers.

Remember so safety tips about snorkeling and you will have a much more enjoyable time.

1. Always tell someone where you are planning on going! If you are at a resort by yourself, let the front desk know and have them check to make sure you check-in with them again.

2. Know your limitations. Don’t swim in deeper water or stronger currents than you can handle.

3. Check the weather. In the ocean, storms can approach very quickly and a calm and sunny day can turn into a tempest in a matter of minutes.

4. Have proper safety gear. This may include a diving knife and a wetsuit to prevent scrapes from coral.

That being said, snorkeling can be enjoyed from almost any beach where there is a coral reef and swimming is safe. Try to find an area with snorkeling within about 150 feet from shore. If the best places to see fish and aquatic life are much farther out than that, it may be too safe to swim that distance. In that case, use a boat to get to the destination. There are boat trips available where you can visit many of the coral reefs and popular spots for diving. You will find different charters available that will take you out on 1/2 day or full day excursion to a few unique snorkeling areas. In some cases, all of your gear is included in the price of the charter. This allows beginners with no equipment or gear to try their hand at diving.

Snorkeling can be a great alternative to scuba diving. Sometimes you don't yet have the training or equipment to scuba dive. It can be a fun adventure for adults and children. Anyone that is comfortable swimming can master snorkeling in the ocean, this includes children.

By Dean Novosat

Dean Novosat writes about scuba diving and snorkeling at http://www.snorkelingpro.com Snorkeling and scuba diving at Scuba Diving

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Novosat

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Scuba Diving in Malaysia

Malaysia has an array of fantastic diving destinations which beckon the divers all over the world. Sipidan Island and Layang Layang are the two most sought after places. Memories of scuba diving in Malaysia keep on delighting the visitors even after months have passed. Every diving spot in the country has something of its own, and together, they make the experience unparalleled.

Diving Spots

Most diving spots in Malaysia are located in Sabah. Apart from it, some popular scuba diving destinations are Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas, Mabul, Kapalai, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Tenggol. Scuba diving here gives one the opportunity to enjoy fantastic coral and marine life. Varying depth of ocean around Sabah makes marine life here different from the waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Expert divers prefer to head for Pulau Sipadan or Layang Layang.

Variety of Diving Experiences

Malaysia arranges a variety of experiences for the visitors. One can enjoy muck diving in Pulau Lankayan, Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai. Muck divers dive in coral rubble areas seeking out coral creatures. Recommended places for reef diving are Pulau Talang Talang and Turtle Rock off Sarawak coast. Malaysia has several places for wreck diving too. Several vessels capsized in Malaysian waters during the Second World War and have now become the places of effusive coral growth.

Sipadan Island

Any mention of scuba diving in Malaysia is incomplete without Sipadan Island. As one of the top scuba centres in the world, Sipadan is a must visit for any scuba diving lover. Sipadan is a well-known name in diving circles. Its name is synonymous with hammerhead sharks, colorful reef fish and sea turtles. The huge drop off in Siapadan is the destination of many a diver all over the world. Water conditions and facilities are fine.

Layang Layang

The island, located off Borneo, presents wonderful diving opportunities. Thanks to the coral atoll situated by deep waters, one can enjoy outstanding wall diving. Any time, one could meet species like hammerhead sharks. There is astounding variety of corals, both hard and soft. Creatures like turtles, triggerfish and manta rays are found in the reefs. Diving season in Layang Layang is between March and August.

Mabul

Mabul, located just 25 minutes off Sipadan, is another preferred place for scuba diving. The island's reputation rests as one of the world's best muck diving sites. The term is used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites. Muck diving offers one the opportunity to watch some unusual marine life. Macro photographers love to visit Mabul.
By Dinesh Patairya

Dinesh Patairya is a seasoned traveler. He has been writing on travel and tourism for years for several online and offline publications. Malaysia is one of his favorite countries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dinesh_Patairya

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Scuba Diving in the Red Sea, Egypt

People traveling to Egypt do not do so only to view the many fascinating historical sites stretching up and down the Nile River. They also come to take in the glories of the far Western Desert and its five large oases. Visitors also enjoy trekking and exploring through the Eastern Desert and the Sinai Peninsula as well. Currently, however one of the strongest reasons that people from around the world plan a visit is to enjoy the scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt.

Scuba diving in Egypt? Absolutely! In fact, the eastern coast of continental Egypt and the southernmost point of the Sinai Peninsula (which is a territory of Egypt) are frequently referred to as the "Red Sea Riviera". This is for several reasons, but primarily due to the charming towns and villages that have grown to accommodate the enormous number of visitors who make a point of scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt.

The waters are famous for their remarkable conditions and sea life. Travelers to any of the popular towns and resorts along the coastal areas can learn how to snorkel, scuba dive, kite sail, surf and many other activities in this excellent region.

Scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt has become so popular in fact that the government has deemed most of the area as a protected region. Because the bulk of the waters off of Egypt's Red Sea coast are protected many visitors hoping to enjoy scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt will have to book passage with a diving company or private guide service. While this may sound like an annoyance, the reality is that divers frequently comment on the uncrowded conditions and the peaceful environment in which they experienced the diversity of wildlife and scenery beneath the waves.

The popularity of scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt has created an enormous range of accommodations from which visitors may choose. This includes many all inclusive resorts, with luxury amenities and diving certification courses. It also includes vacation rentals, which provide access to a private home or condominium in the town or nearby harbor. Finally, there are traditional hotels which deliver excellent service with Egypt's traditional and famous hospitality.

Additionally, the large numbers of tourists who choose to enjoy their scuba diving in this area have also motivated some small fishing villages to develop into significantly larger towns. Some provide incredible shopping and dining, while others are known as excellent spots to enjoy international night life. Clearly, scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt is a great way to plan an excellent vacation.

By A. Mahallati

Virtual Egypt Travel Guide provides you access to everything Egypt. Through scuba diving in the Red Sea, Egypt, you can explore and experience everything the Red Sea and scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh have to offer. For more information on scuba diving in Hurghada, visit the Virtual Egypt Travel Guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Mahallati

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Scuba Diving in Malta

I often get questions about scuba diving in Malta from friends and colleagues and this article is an effort to provide an overview of Maltese diving. I will write about some of the areas covered in more detail in separate articles. Let me start off with the most common misconceptions: Malta does not have any coral reefs and it is not tropical diving at all. While the water may be warm enough in summer, the temperature drops down to 12 degrees in the winter making coral growth impossible. This also means that the pictures distributed by various dive centres and tourism authorities of happy divers in shorties is only partly true - I usually dive in a dry suit large parts of the year.

So, how can you summarize Maltese diving then? I think it is relatively simple - the main characters are:

• Good visibility

• Interesting underwater topography (including caverns)

• Wrecks

If this is what you are after you will not be disappointed. Let me also point out that Malta is made up of a couple of islands with Malta, Gozo and Comino being the largest ones. With the exemption of a handful of people on Comino, only Malta and Gozo are inhabited. Malta is the most hectic island with the best wrecks and Gozo has more dramatic scenery and often better visibility.

Visibility

Visibility is often very good or even excellent. In some areas anything below 20 meters can be considered bad. In the harbours it is of course less good and I would say that around 10 meters is rather normal on wrecks like HMS Maori and X Lighter. Visibility changes throughout the year and the best visibility is found in autumn and winter. Summer is the worst time for visibility (and other aspects such as crowds, marine life, heat etc).

Underwater topography

I didn't quite appreciate this factor until I dived in Malta but nowadays I think it is very important. What I am referring to is simply how a site looks and if there are any special features such as drop offs, boulders, caverns etc. There are many steep drop offs in Malta and Gozo (Zurrieq, Dwejra, Blue Hole, Inland Sea to mention a few) and there are also plenty of caverns and a few caves. Many people have an image of Malta as a good cave diving destination but I would disagree with this. Few caves are deep enough to be considered anything but a cavern. That said - they still make very pretty dives. Some interesting caverns are Anchor Bay, Ghar Lapsi, Blue Hole, Cathedral Cave and Billinghurst Cave. I recommend a Cavern Diver course to safely explore these - people have dies in these caverns so be very cautios.

Wrecks If you like wrecks and don't like to have too much fish disturbing the view you will be in heaven. Malta has several really good wrecks and most of them are rather accessible. Some of the wrecks are from WW2 and even WW1:

• HMS Maori

• X Lighter

• Blenheim Bomber

• Bristol Beaufighter

• Margurite (or Odile as it is also called)

• HMS Southwold

• Schnellboot S31

• Hellespont

• Eddy

• HMS Sant Angelo

• Le Polynesien

There are of course many more but this a selection of the most famous. In addition to this, new ones are being scuttled as attractions for divers. Here we have:

• Rozi

• Um el Faroud

• 10

• St Michael

• P29 Boltenhagen

• Xlendi

• Karwela

• Comino Land

• Imperial Eagle

Many of these dives are rather deep or perhaps I should say that few are shallow enough for beginners. Out of these I would say that only HMS Maori and X Lighter are suitable for Open Water divers. Some of the wrecks requires good experience and training - for example Imperial Eagle which has a max depth of 41 metres. Some dives are technical dives (Le Polynesien, HMS Southwold for example).

Marine life Don't come to Malta if your main interest is fish. There are much better destinations for fish spotting (Red Sea, Thailand etc) but that said, the marine life here is actually much better than one could expect. The number of species is not very impressive but there are some really interesting things to be seen.

• John Dory

• Bonitos

• Flying Gurnard

In addition to this, I have seen both Dolphins and Eagle Rays while diving here and friends of mine have seen Sunfish a few times. There is also a healthy growth of sponges and soft corals. One of my favourites is the Neptunes Lace which can be found in abundance in the caverns.

Dive Centres in Malta Malta is very well set up with dive centres for the visiting diver. There are up to 60 dive centres in Malta, Gozo and Comino of varying quality and ambition. Be careful when choosing your dive centre - many of them have sub standard equipment and strange price structures. There are of course good ones as well. Most dive centres don't dive by boat at all but simply drive to the dive site which is ok in winter when the sea is rough but not nice at all summertime. Traffic in Malta is awful so try to find a centre that focuses on boat diving - you will get a better selection of dive sites and a much more pleasant overall experience.

By Magnus Grinneback

If you have any specific questions about dive centres, feel free to email me - webmaster@independentscuba.com

Magnus Grinneback has been diving since 1990 and has many years of experience in the dive industry. Today he lives in Malta and has no commercial interest left in the industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Magnus_Grinneback

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The Best Places to Scuba Dive in Boracay

If you are off to Boracay to learn how to scuba dive, you are on the right track. Boracay is endowed with first-class scuba diving sites. Scuba diving learning centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Boracay's scuba diving trainers are also known for being good instructors. Boracay is one of the best places to make that first plunge.

As a beginner, you usually start your diving lessons in dive spots near Boracay's beaches. Though it may take some time for you to fully learn the skills in scuba diving, there is a motivation to learn fast, so that you could be allowed to explore the other diving spots and witness more breathtaking views underwater.

In most cases you may also get your diving certification once you complete a short diving course or when you finish a series of training sessions. Getting your diving certification could serve as your goal as a beginner. However, if you only want to experience the basics and learn the guidelines in scuba diving like breath-holding, one day is enough for you.

On the other hand, if you already are a professional diver, the diving sites in Boracay will let you have a good time. With Boracay's clear blue waters and dive sites located at the south and north end of the island, it is just the perfect place to be when you feel the urge to dive. Boracay's diving sites are filled with breath-taking views of marine life that will delight your sight and give you an excellent diving experience.

Here is a list of the best scuba diving locations in Boracay:

1. Yapak 1 and 2 will give every scuba diver an exhilarating dive because of its rich coral reefs and reef walls. The famous 2 walls of Yapak are known to challenge experienced divers because of rough waters.

2. Baling Hai Beach is on the list because of its Acropa table corals. Baling Hai Beach is for skilled divers only because of its strong currents.

3. Bel-at Beach has stony corals and colorful wall reefs that make the dive site scenic.

The strong currents may be intimidating even to experienced divers, but the view is definitely worth taking the plunge.

4. The Friday's Rock diving site is famous for its reef creatures like moral eels, Pincushion starfish, and lagoon rays. Divers prefer Friday's Rock when they want to feed fishes when diving.

5. Punta Bonga possesses marine life that comprises sea stars, angelfish, sea cucumbers, and butterfly fish among others. Punta Bonga offers an easy dive spot because its bottom is made of soft corals.

Whether you are a beginner attempting to learn for the first time or an experienced diver looking for more adventure, you will find scuba diving in Boracay a fulfilling experience. Visit these top diving sites and see for yourself. Get away from the beach crowd and witness nature from a different perspective. The sea and its creatures will welcome you with open arms.

By Christine Powell

Christine Powell is a native of Boracay Island, Philippines. She has watched the island transform from a hidden gem into an idyllic retreat for foreigners and locals alike. Besides it's year-round warm tropical water, the powdery white sand continues to mesmerize her. While not exploring, kitesurfing, scuba diving, or sharing her insights about Boracay with travelers, she can be found at http://www.boracaynation.com/, her online Boracay home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Powell

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Getting To The UK's Best Dive Sites

Somewhat of a closely guarded secret, the scuba diving in the UK is superb - with a coastline of thousands of historical shipwrecks to discover, encounters with playful seals, beautiful drifts though glorious underwater scenery full of soft corals and plentiful marine life.

One of the hotspots for UK diving is the Orkney Islands - the harbour at Scapa Flow is visited by divers from all over the world to explore the sunken World War 1 battleships of the German fleet - puposefully scuttled under command of the German admiralty in 1919 to avoid surrendering the ships to conquering British forces. From the Orknies it is also possible to dive St Kilda, well known for its birdlife, and the underwater marine life is no less spectacular.

There are at least 10 locations in the UK where it is possible to dive with seals, but the most popular has to be the Farne Islands off Northumbria. Here you can pretty much guarantee an encounter with a playful seal or two and experience the thrill of diving through gullies, along underwater cliffs and through fields of atmospheric life supporting kelp forest.

The soft corals and sponges that adorn the cliffs of the Farnes can be seen all over the UK. There are beautiful dives in particular around the south west coast of the UK which the Gulf Stream keeps supplied with plenty of nutrients. The Manacles in Cornwall has reefs, drop offs and pinnacles covered with jewel anemonies and colourful fish, and I haven't even mentioned the Scillies with wrecks, reefs and walls decorated with corals, sea fans and sea squirts. Similarly divers come from all over the world to visit the Skelligs in southern Ireland with its consistently clear waters perfect for underwater photography.

Larger marine life is out there - some divers are lucky enough to witness the annual migration of the basking sharks, or the occasional dolphin or sunfish. For me personally an encounter with a seahorse off the coast of the Isle of Wight was a moment I will never forget.

By Catherine Darton

So how do you access these dive sites? Dive charter boats on divesearch are waiting to take you there, visit the clickable map to find one and research the useful links you need to plan a trip and refresh your diving skills or start from scratch. And did I mention 10% off teepee holidays in Jersey with BleuSoleil when you book through divesearch?

Catherine Darton
Discover fabulous UK diving and friendly skippers near you at http://www.divesearch.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Darton

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The Added Benefits of a Wetsuit

The wetsuit was originally designed to protect the wearer from hypothermia, a condition which the body heat drops below that which is required to maintain normal metabolism and body function, this can even occur in warmer water. The wetsuit benefits described here are based upon the insulation of the wearer, where a layer of water is trapped in the suits material, which is warmed up by the body heat and thus serves as a layer against the surrounding water. The predominant material used for this is that of neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber.

If one is participating in a sport, such as waterskiing or wake boarding, the wetsuit benefits the wearer from hard falls against the water when the skier or boarder falls. This comes in handy as the speeds that they travel at make the water feel as if they are falling onto a concrete slab. Hence with the help of the material, the wearer will enjoy a little more protection from the stinging fall than that of an individual not wearing a suit.

Scuba divers utilizing wetsuits enjoy a variety of wetsuit benefits in that they are offered a degree of protection from scraping against coral reefs when they are diving amongst the reefs. The users of these wetsuits are also protected from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, and hence the use of sunscreen is reduced over those parts of the body that are covered by the suit.

The wetsuit benefits are not without controversy though, as those who utilize a suit in open water swimming events and triathlons believe that they enjoy a competitive advantage over those not wearing a suit. It is believed that a wetsuit benefits the wearer in terms of buoyancy and hydrodynamic curve, the later term basically meaning that the individual gets a distinct advantage from the more streamlined effect, as well as additional water forces aiding the wearer. In some triathlons the competitors are not allowed to wear a wetsuit and one should inquire as to whether this is allowed or not prior to entry in such a triathlon, as this may result in disqualification from winning any prizes in the competition.

The wetsuit normally represents an investment in ones interests, in terms of the sport or hobby that one pursues. It also provides additional benefits as described above and therefore one should ensure that proper care is taken in terms of the storage and maintenance of the item. There are a number of practices that you should follow when allowing the wetsuit to dry, such as rinsing out and hanging up correctly. One is advised to follow the instructions in washing and storing the wetsuit, as per the manufacturers instructions, in order to retain all the wetsuit benefits and features that these unique accessories offer the purchaser and wearer.

By Chris Kennelly

Wetsuits offer a number of benefits to the wearer. Some people, however may even struggle with their wetsuits, why not pop through to Baby Wetsuits for more info and advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Kennelly

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Scuba Diving - Choosing Your Diving Wear

Diving suits are designed to insulate the diver from the chilly temperatures of the depths. Consequently, some wetsuits perform the dual function of protection and serve as the first line of defense against abrasion from corals, jellyfish stings and extreme exposure to the sun when cruising warm water environments. Wetsuits come in different styles, designs and sizes to match a diver's fit and preference. But instead of confusing the reader with the materials and stitching that goes into the manufacture of a wetsuit, allow us to give you an overview of its functionality along with a few tips on the selection and maintenance of this important piece of scuba gear.

How does the wetsuit keep the diver warm? Made of synthetic rubber foam called neoprene, the scuba gear traps a thin film of water between the garment and the pores of the skin upon descent. With the confined water consequently warmed by body heat, key to its insulation properties is the wetsuit's snug fit over the arms and below the thighs. Otherwise, a loose wetsuit will accumulate excessive amounts of water in said areas, displace body heat and defeat the purpose of insulation.

How thick should the wetsuit be? Wetsuits are primarily categorized in terms of the millimeter dimension of its torso and limb sections which ranges from 2 mm to 9 mm. The thicker the wetsuit, the better insulation it can provide. Nonetheless, thicker wetsuits (6 mm up) have the tendency to be bulky to restrict movement and affect diver comfort.

Diving conditions, particularly climate and water temperature, should be the major consideration in the purchase of this scuba gear. As benchmark, use a 2 mm thick wetsuit when diving water temperatures above 70 degree Fahrenheit. Meanwhile use the thicker wetsuits (3 to 5 mm) for dive vacations in temperate and freshwater locations where temperatures cold drop to as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

I'm a beginner, what type of wetsuit should I buy? Again, the dive profile of the location matters in the selection of this scuba gear item. Shorties are fit for use in tropical waters while full suits are required when diving waters with chilly temperatures. Farmer Johns can be used in warm water environments but it would be good practice to wear it over a skinsuit if the diver succumbs to cold easily. The advantage of pairing a wetsuit with a skinsuit (as undergarment) is the benefit of easy donning. The neoprene material easily slips into the lycra fibers of the skinsuit when directly donned over the body.

What about using a skin suit instead? The skinsuit only protects the body from abrasion and does not offer insulation. Said scuba gear is best used in tropical waters.

How do I clean the wetsuit after the dive? Proper care and maintenance should be expended on the wetsuit in order to extend its serviceable life. Dip and hand wash the garment in a tub filled with an enzyme based cleaner to rid perspiration, odors and also urine from the garment. Also apply a desalter to remove traces of salt sticking on the material. After rinsing, allow the wetsuit to dry under the heat of the sun but be careful not to store it under direct sunlight when storing.

By Felix Tero

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that's right for you at http://www.scubasuppliers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felix_Tero

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Shark Attacks and How to Avoid Or Survive Them

I've been fascinated by Sharks since I was a child. Especially Shark attacks on divers. Hans and Lottie Hass and Ron and Valerie Taylor were my heroes. I'll never forget seeing Valerie being bitten by a small shark. Surprisingly calm she climbed back on the boat showed her injury to the cameraman. It was a shocking gash and blood literally pumped from it.

It didn't put me off diving with sharks though and I've been lucky enough to dive with these magnificent creature in many parts of the world. It was while diving in the Coral Sea of Australia that I had my first up close and personal experience with a very large and aggressive Silvertip Shark. Excited by the bait the Dive Master was preparing for the Shark feed, it rushed at me and it was only when I looked it straight in the eye that the shark veered away.

There have been other situations where a shark has, let's call it investigated me and every time it's a real adrenalin moment. It was on a Shark dive in the Bahamas that the potential for serious injury was demonstrated. The Dive Master was briefing us prior to the shark feed and some of the group were not listening with enough respect. He stopped talking, rolled up his wetsuit to reveal where a chunk had been taken out of his arm. It was stomach turning and while he insisted it wasn't the sharks fault, his point had been made in a most memorable way. So memorably some divers changed their minds and refused to dive that day.

While many divers want to see a shark, it's vitally important that you follow the advice below and remember, even small sharks can inflict a fatal bite. So treat them with respect, don't touch them or attempt to ride one as one idiot did in the Red Sea. Feeding any wild animal carries some risk, with sharks you could be bitten in error. While it's true that shark attacks are rare, the fact is shark attacks are on the increase.

If a shark approaches, stay calm as possible. Sharks are curious creatures and will often investigate you then leave without incident.

If the shark becomes aggressive, possibly rushing at you, back hunched with it's pectoral fins pointing downwards - exit the water as soon as you can. maintain eye contact at all times as experts say that direct eye contact can deter a shark from attacking you and ascend with your buddy partner back to back.

If an ascent isn't possible, position yourself against the reef or structure that may be available, so the shark can only approach you from the front.

However an overwhelming majority of divers do not see the attacking shark before it strikes. It is dangerous and foolish to assume that just because you can't see any sharks swimming close by that there are none in the area.

In some cases an attacking shark will strike a diver only once, inflicting a devastating bite, leaving the victim to bleed and weaken. Only then will it come back to devour its prey. Stealth and surprise are its greatest weapon as a shark may only have one opportunity to bite the diver. Because once a diver realizes he is bitten, survival mode kicks in and he will do anything possible to escape from the shark.

So if the worst happens and you are attacked, fight back as violently as you can. Fend it off using anything you may have, a camera, dive knife, torch, speargun or your hands if nothing else is available. The eyes and gill openings of a shark are very sensitive - poke or claw these areas and try to inflict damage.

Once the shark has let go, exit the water as quickly as you can and be aware that with an aggressive shark a repeat attack is likely.

By Al Dickman

Although rare, shark attacks are devastating. Our innovative diving product makes diving with sharks safer and creates a more relaxed, confident diver. http://www.sharkproof.tv

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Dickman

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How to Choose a Scuba Diving Mask

Scuba diving requires quite a bit of gear, and the most important of all is your diving mask. This single piece of equipment can literally make the difference between a great dive or spending all your time exhaling water. The same thing goes for snorkeling masks. So how do you choose a good mask without testing it in the water? I have listed below the techniques I have used to literally help hundreds, maybe thousands of people find the right scuba mask.

Types of scuba masks

There are basically two types of scuba masks, a single lens mask and a two lens mask. Each has it's own benefit.

Two lens mask

A two lens mask allows the mask to sit closer to your face, allowing for a lower volume. This means less effort to equalize and also makes it easier to clear water from the mask. Since the lens sits closer to your face, you will also generally have better peripheral vision. Depending on your face shape, some people may notice the center piece.

Single Lens Mask

The advantage of a single lens mask is that you have one unobstructed vision. As they tend to be larger, they are generally the preferred choice for anyone who may feel a little claustrophobic. Since the overall volume is larger, single lens masks do take more effort to clear.

The materials

Any quality mask should be made of crystalline silicone. Almost all masks from any major manufacturer now use this type of silicone. It should feel very soft and flexible. Lower quality masks (such as those sold at sports stores, Walmart, target, etc) generally use a vinyl silicone that is not nearly as durable or as flexible. You can generally recognize vinyl silicone by its lack of clearness. These type of mask should not be used for scuba diving as the frames can crack under pressure.

How to fit the mask

1. Set the mask on your face (without using the strap).

2. Gently inhale into the mask until it sucks onto your face (you should not have to use any force to push the mask onto your face).

3. The mask should stay on your face with the initial suction you created. If you have to continuously inhale then there is not a good seal and the mask does not fit well.

4. Most masks have an inner and outer seal. Look into a mirror to make sure that both of these seals are sitting firmly against your face.

5. Make sure that there is nothing uncomfortable about the mask. If it bothers you now, it will be amplified when you dive.

6. Now that you have the mask on, look around and check your vision.

The Price

In general, a good scuba mask should cost around $40-$80. There are masks that go above this, but in most cases the difference in performance does not warrant the difference in price. If you find a mask below this price, then make sure you are getting a good deal, and not just a lower quality mask.

Take your time

Be sure to try on several masks. The more you try on the more you will start to figure out what you like and don't like. Be sure to take you time with each mask. Make sure that it feels very comfortable and fits your face well. Since the mask will be your most important piece of gear, don't purchase one unless you can first try it on.

By Nick Lancaster

I have been scuba diving for over ten years and worked in the industry for over 7 years. The majority of my diving has been on the California coast, but also includes warm water locations such as Mexico and Japan. I started The Scuba Island: http://www.thescubaisland.com/ as a way to try and offer some of the information I gained and to keep learning myself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Lancaster

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Diving El Salvador

There are so many beautiful places to visit in El Salvador and among the endless, exciting things to do there is scuba diving. Diving in El Salvador is not restricted to ocean waters; you have the option of open water diving and crater lake diving, exciting!

Open water diving:
The warm coastal waters of Los Cóbanos, in the department of Sonsonate are excellent for diving and exploring the underwater world.

Los Cóbanos enjoys a rich bio-diverse eco system and has been declared a Natural Marine Protected Area in the country. Needless to say, the area boasts amazing underwater rock formations, reefs as well as shipwrecks, making the diving experience all more exciting.

Open water diving tours are available in El Salvador between October and May (the dry season) as this is the time when the waters are nice and calm.

Crater lakes:
Because there is a volcanic range in El Salvador, several crater lakes have been created making crater-lake diving another option here. Two of the most popular lakes for diving in El Salvador are Coatepeque and Ilopango. Night diving tours are also offered to these 2 lakes, so you can see the fish asleep!

Lake Coatepeque in the department of Santa Ana was created by a volcanic eruption and it's about 120m deep. The waters are clear, warm and with rich volcanic surroundings it is a haven for underwater creatures. As a side note; very close to Lake Coatepeque is the Cerro Verde National park, a must-see beautiful park that can be visited after a diving trip.

Lake Ilopango is about 20 minutes east of San Salvador city, also created by a volcanic eruption (actually by several eruptions that date back thousands of years) is the largest lake in El Salvador. Ilopango lake has an interesting edgy and rocky topography which makes it great for exploring the rock formations and is about 230 m deep.

Ilopango lake is the most popular lake among locals so it is quite busy during weekends and holidays, therefore it's best to schedule diving trips during the week. Many restaurants and other facilities are readily available in this area so it is a very comfortable place to visit.

Scuba diving training:

There are several scuba diving shops in El Salvador that are fully equipped and PADI certified. They offer training, diving gear, repairs, maintenance and diving tours to all the diving spots in El Salvador. It is best to arrange diving tours with these agencies as they are run by locals who know the area.

The best thing about diving El Salvador is that because it is not a well known diving destination, there are relatively few tourists which means that there is no overcrowding of these places. Most of all, for the same reason, the locals treat visitors more like friends instead of tourists which makes for a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

So diving El Salvador is a really awesome adventure and a visit to one of the local archaeological ruins is also a great idea for a more rounded experience.

By Vanessa Henriquez

There is more to El Salvador beaches than diving, do you enjoy surfing, fishing or kayaking... this can all be part of your El Salvador adventure. Check out this website http://www.explore-beautiful-el-salvador.com/ElSalvadorBeaches.html for other fun and exciting things to do in El Salvador.

Are you interested in diving in other areas of Central America? There are also many other beautiful places to visit, all with their own unique and enchanting characteristics. Visit http://www.adventure-travel-tales-and-tips.com/latin_america.html for ideas and travel tips for other countries of Central America

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Henriquez

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Dive Safely With Proper Scuba Insurance

Dive safely with diving insurance UK - the ultimate diving insurance for you

With the one-of-a-kind experience that scuba diving offers, there is no doubt that so many individuals love to do just this on holidays. With growing interest among many people especially EU citizens many are asking about scuba diving insurance. And why not? Lunging into the water is absolutely great yet you have to make sure that you are safe. This can make diving insurance essential for you and your diving buddies.

Exploring and admiring the magnificence of the underwater is something that is truly worth doing. And with that, many people engage in scuba diving not only in nearby places but in other diving destinations around the world. As mentioned earlier, the United Kingdom is among the top countries in the world that takes you to its exquisite diving destinations. Whether you are an amateur or a pro diver, the UK takes you on a great experience right under its water surfaces.

DIVING INSURANCE AND MORE

Here's one thing to remember though. Scuba diving is not only limited to having the right gears, being with the finest instructors and encountering the undersea wonder. You also need to be sure that you are diving safely especially when you go diving within the favorite diving spots of the UK. Being safe means getting yourself, as well as your fellow divers, a guaranteed diving insurance that will ensure your safety not just when you are in the water but during your entire diving trip.

Diving insurance is not limited to just diving itself but it can also cover your diving equipment. It also covers the possible dangers which you might run into while doing such activity. Other things which can be encompassed by your diving insurance UK - personal things you brought along and plausible medical expenses while abroad. Surely, you don't feel like worrying about all these things when you are enjoying on a holiday.

Diving Polices

In general, diving policies cover various diving depths. Some policies can cover extended depths yet others require no depth limit. The choice is up to you. Say for instance, you are a regular diver in which you do the activity more than once per year, you can opt for the so-called multi-trip insurance policy. Usually, standard policies do not give fix prices. That is because the fee varies in terms of destination, duration and your country of residence. These policies are accessible for the residence of different countries.

This is just a brief run down of common diving insurance policies. Purchasing the policy is not that hard too. Simply go online and visit diving insurance sites, choose the site that you prefer for yourself and choose the country of your dwelling. If you are in UK, you can visit diving insurance UK. This website brings fail-safe insurance policy suitable for your need. It's that easy.

By securing a proper diving insurance on any of your travels, you can be definitely ready for an awesome vacation.

By Edward Price

Ed J Price has had a marked interest in scuba diving for a number of years. He is well versed with all areas of scuba diving including locations, equipment and safety measures. For more relevant information on scuba diving insurance visit his excellent online resource page.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Price

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Let's Talk Scuba Regulators

Whether you're new to scuba diving or a diving nut, you want to be sure the scuba regulator you have is top notch. There are differences in any scuba regulator and tons to consider such as warm water regulators, cold-water models, and ones that will work for any dive. Let's look at what's new, what are musts for diving regulators, and what's a surprising alternative.

What's New in Regulators?

In 2008, we saw the technologically advanced carbon fiber regulator that was lightweight and claimed to be most wanted for years. Compact yet high in performance the carbon fiber regulator's second stage case came in sixty-five percent lighter than it's metal cousins-take a look at these, if for nothing else-your curiosity.

The Sherwood Gemini model became a star in the alternate inflator category and scored points with its ease for its breathing features and well designed and placed controls. Beyond the weight-it's light, nitrox-ready, and rated "excellent" at moderate breathing rates at both 132 and 165 feet.

What's a Must in Regulators?

Durability was what most divers want when it comes to regulators. Like the Sherwood Oasis, a good warm-water regulator, models were tested for durability, service hours, annual servicing, corrosion issues, and peak performance. With the advancement of diving regulators, especially since 2005, most were durable, and like any good piece of equipment, you should follow the manufacturer's recommended care procedures to ensure your model lasts.

Another Sherwood model, the Blizzard, good for cold-water dives and its ability to keep the moisture and icing out, was only part of this regulator's features. Exclusive to this model, a bubble deflector exhaust tee reduced the bubble size and performed great for line of vision.

The SR1 by Sherwood boasts a 360-degree swivel that works with both a yoke and DIN attachment. Good for all-weather diving, we were awed at the two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. A top pick for 2008, this scuba regulator had it all, but the 360 degree swivel was impressive and to us-a must.

An Alternative in Regulators

The alternate inflation regulators are extremely functional and are integrated into your power inflator, getting rid of the traditional octopus hose. These were a challenge to build because of their small housings geared at keeping them ergonomically correct-but with today's technology, they have built some good ones. Most inflation regulators on today's market have gotten a nod from some experts and we expect to see more advancement in these dive regulator models.

The Bottom Line

We looked at lots of models of dive regulators and we connected most with the Sherwood products, perhaps because they've been at it a while. In any event, a regulator is key to your aqua-lung when diving, so be sure to take the time to talk and ask a lot of questions before you commit to buy. Prices can range from a low $200 to highs at $600 or more. Depending on how serious you are in your scuba diving, your sports store should be able to tell you which ones will perform well for you.

By Edward Price

Copyright 2009 by Edward Price

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information a good scuba regulator, visit his scuba diving resource site now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Price

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