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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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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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 - 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

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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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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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