June 24th, 2010
Diving Watches
The term diving watches are allocated for the category of wrist watches that are made with exceptional resistance to water. These watches are mainly used for purposes of diving and underwater exploration that needs to sustain extreme depths of water pressure.
Each watch comes with a specified limit of water depth that it can sustain as mentioned by the manufacturer seal at the back of the watch.
There are several famous watch manufacturing companies of the world that have ranges of diving watches in various designs and special features. They need to have underwater visibility for the diver. It is important for the different hands of the watch to be readable by the diver and thus highlighted or illuminated watch designs are vital in dive watches. The watch case is shock proof and also resistant to chemical and magnetic reactions. These will keep the watch from rusting and fungal growth.
Some of the noteworthy diving watch manufacturing companies of the world are:
- Seiko
- Rolex – Rolex Sea Dweller
- Longines
- Citizen – Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive
- Omega – Omega Seamaster
Scuba Diving Watches
The foremost feature of a scuba diving watch is it being waterproof resistance to water. The depth is usually specified by the manufacturer in the watch about the extent to which a watch can sustain the depth and pressure of water. There are several famous names in the world of watches that are into the manufacture of scuba diving watches. There are watches that are available in separate ranges for men and women. Popular manufacturers are as the following.
- Casio
- Citizen
- Seiko
- Omega
- Rolex
Ladies Diving Watches
The one thing that sets apart a ladies diving watch from that of a man is its design. Ladies diving watches are a range that is manufactured keeping in mind the different style that will be attached to it when worn by a woman.
The size of the watch dial may be comparatively less than that found in a dive watch for men even though the basic features of illuminated dial hands and numerical design will have to be similar. Other aspects of a dive watch like that of water resistance and shock proof will also have to be present.
Men’s Diving Watches
There are dive watches that are classified as Men’s watches more because of certain features that make them different from those worn by women. Primarily the watches that are worn by men are bigger in their dial size and visibility as well. This is owing to the fact that the physical buildup of men is oftentimes bigger leading to a wider and broader wrist formation. This would need bigger sized watch dial that would enhance underwater visibility for male divers.
Some of the best watch manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of men’s diving watches that are not only useful with advanced features but are equally fashionable in design too.
Some of the noted names of Men’s diving watch manufacturers are as follows.
- Breitling
- Casio
- Omega
- Rolex
Digital Diving Watches
There are watch lovers who apart from functional qualities also love to own classic watches. But for others who are only concerned with the functional approach of a diving watch a digital diving watch will be a suitable choice for them. The digital diving watch that has a water resistance of at least 200 meters under water and comes with an affordable price tag is a good choice for regular divers.
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June 24th, 2010
Diving Gauges
Diving gauges is part of the scuba gear. It is an equipment that helps in multiple functions when it comes to measurements of several things underwater with the diver. There are four aspects of measurements that are successfully taken care of by a diving gauge as stated below.
- Depth Gauge – The depth of the diver under water
- Submersible Pressure Gauge – The measurement of the supply of air to the diver
- Time Measurement – Underwater measurement of time
- Compass – Measurement of the diver’s direction of movements
- Temperature Measurement – Measurement of temperature of the water around the diver
Scuba Diving Gauges
The nature of a sport determines the types of accessories and equipments that it may require. The nature of an adventure sport like scuba diving will elaborate the need for scuba diving gauges. The entry of a human who is naturally unaccustomed to breathing in water and sustaining an underwater life for too long makes it imperative that he carries with him an equipment that can measure the depth where he can be located or enable him to know the temperature of the water that he is in. there are several purposes for which a scuba diving gauge may be used and each one is important by its own.
Diving Pressure Gauges
Diving Gauges Reviews
There are several makes of diving gauges that are available in the market. Here is a list of some of the products of different companies and the reviews based on popular opinion by users.
- Oceanic SWIV Console with Max Depth Indicator – Though there are certain good attributes among the features of this product there are also some points that are rated against it. Users are of the opinion that the glass cover needs protection.
- XS Scuba 3 Gauge Navigator Console with Max Depth Indicator – It is easily readable even in low light along with other advantages of a good performance and a comfortable fit.
- Genesis 3 Gauge Inline Console with Max Depth Indicator – It has a rare combination – a slim body and a high performance. The largeness of the panel view makes it easy to read and the streamline shape makes it easy to fit.
- Scubamax Pony Bottle Pressure Gauge – This is a cost effective and affordable gauge that would suit everyone. The wider face of the dial makes for easy viewing. It also fits inn easily.
Diving Digital Gauges Buying Guide
It is important to note a few things about the diving digital gauges before you buy them. There are certain features that are vital in function and their presence in the gauge is very necessary and the absence of these will render the gauge as not so useful.
- Readability – it is important to note if the gauge is easily readable even in low light.
- Weight – the gauge cannot be a viable buy it is very heavy.
- Rubber Cover – it is important that a gauge is well protected from any damage like scratches and saline water.
- Hose Length – the length of the gauge should be checked to see if it is appropriate and fits well.
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June 24th, 2010
Divers Insurance
Scuba diving is a specialized and trained job that needs prior preparation and training. There are scuba divers who venture in the water for fun but not without a proper prior training. This is also monitored further by experienced trainers who accompany them on their free water ventures.
However there is no telling when an accident or even a medical emergency may arise and for what reasons. In such cases immediate medical attention becomes imperative for the survival of a patient. This is why a diver’s insurance is a very important part of a scuba diving vacation or exploration.
There are certain aspects of scuba diving that require an insurance coverage and a primary subject of such coverage is the scuba diver himself. Apart from the general coverage of an insurance policy over the scuba equipments and travel arrangements of a person or a family it is of utmost importance too that a scuba diver is also covered for certain emergency medical assistance and treatment. This is especially necessary when you are in a foreign country or on a holiday.
Dan Divers Insurance
The term ‘DAN’ stands for Divers Alert Network. Dan divers insurance offer their members coverage for divers on several grounds as is listed below.
- You are covered for a diving trip
- You are covered in case of an accident related to diving
- Your diving equipments are covered
- DAN offers special packages for family insurance in diving also
The divers insurance policies provided by DAN for its members are comprehensive plans that take care of a multiple number of issues when it comes to diving expeditions and vacations.
DAN stands for all kinds of assistance to divers. Apart from providing training in diving Dan also offers emergency medical assistance and medication to its members. This is in addition to the insurance coverage policies that are offered in various aspects of diving.
Divers Security Insurance
Divers security insurance is a company that provides for comprehensive insurance policies in diving to all its members. This is a company that was founded in 1987 by divers who felt the need for a company that catered to the needs of divers.
As a division of the Capital Investors Life Insurance Company based out of Orlando, Florida in the United States of America, DSI has thousands of diver members from countries across the world.
There are 4 classes of the coverage that is offered by the company for its members to choose from.
- Class A – This policy covers all expenses of treatments in a decompression chamber.
- Class B – This policy covers all injuries that may have been caused during a scuba dive or snorkeling. It even includes cuts, bites and stings.
- Class C – This policy covers for all kinds of emergency evacuation or air ambulance services.
- Class D – This is a policy for all other types of water sports.
Divers Medical Insurance
There are several divers medical insurance policies that are offered by various companies and one of them will always fit your needs and budget. It is important to verify the amount of exact coverage that you are getting on your insurance policy. Usually the cost of a diver’s medical insurance is quite high and that also calls for a complete coverage of expenses at a time of emergency or need.
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June 24th, 2010
Dive Log Book
A dive log book is used by a scuba diver to record the details of his dives for future references. It helps a diver to store data that are related to the style and methods that he may have implemented for his dives. There are a number of innovations that have taken place in a regular dive log book and these are available in the form of digital computers that enable users to record all relevant data about dives of a scuba diver. However it is mostly observed that the pattern or format of data input storage is similar in digital versions as was present in the original books maintained by divers that were called a dive log.
Scuba Diving Log Book
There is a certain pattern that is followed in a scuba diving log book. There are a number of sections that are made to record the data appropriately. Here is a list of the names of each section found in a scuba diving log book.
- Headings – This has all the basic details of a diver along with the time date.
- Dive Profile – This records the data of a dive that includes the place and the style or nature of a dive.
- Equipments Details of a Particular Dive – The various equipments carried on a particular diving expedition and their purpose.
- Weather Conditions – There is a record maintained of the weather conditions both above water level and the underwater conditions.
- Observations and Notes – This is a mention of any particular observation that the diver may have made during his exploration. He may also place notes that were taken during the exploration mainly for future references.
- Authentication – There is a section where a diver takes a signature of his partner diver as a mark of authenticity of his exploration.
PADI Log Book
There are a variety of PADI logbooks that are available with a number of uses for each one of them.
- PADI Diver’s Blue Log Book – This is a log book that is used by all those divers who have begun to venture in diving in open waters. It is a record of all their training details as well as their solo ventures.
- PADI Red Logbook – This red colored logbook is used to record all important and relevant details and information about diving ventures. Divers may find it interesting to note the unimportant details of their dives for later references also as there is enough space across pages.
- PADI Logbook Startup Module – This logbook is used for data storage of all those divers who are into the beginning of open water diving ventures. It also is a record of medical details and information too.
- CORDURA Logbook from PADI – This is an all inclusive logbook that has enough space to store important information as well as all those exciting adventure stories about diving expeditions.
- PADI Professional Training Logbook – This is a logbook that is used by trainers to record data about training sessions and the activities done by students in various sessions.
SSI Dive Log Book
The Scuba Schools International or SSI is a scuba diving school that teaches interested candidates. They have training centers and schools all over the world that enable divers with extensive training in different kinds of diving programs and styles.
The SSI dive log book is a well thought out format of maintaining records and data of diving expeditions as well as training sessions.
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June 24th, 2010
Oxygen Provider Training
Among all the important aspects of a scuba diving program medical alertness is an important one. This refers to medical alertness in case of any personal developments as well as those that may arise in case of others. There are several ailments or signs of sickness like that of decompression sickness or even a case of sudden and unexpected drowning that may take place during a scuba diving program. This may be easily treatable by the application of oxygen supply on the person. This is the reason behind the inclusion of an oxygen provider training in a scuba diving program. This enables a basic training of providing emergency oxygen to all learners in a scuba diving program.
Emergency Oxygen Provider
Scuba diving involves several illnesses like decompression sickness that may strike instantly and does not leaves one with much time to call or even reach registered medical attention. However these are all treatable by oxygen. It is with this aim in mind that the administration of oxygen supply to patients is taught to learners of scuba diving. It helps in an immediate attention to all related illnesses with immediate oxygen supply.
PADI Oxygen Provider Instructor
PADI oxygen provider instructor is a part of the scuba diving program whereby learners are taught about the basic of medical treatment and help that they might have to provide a fellow diver in times of emergency.
There are levels of treatment procedures that are there in the scuba diving programs – the primary and the secondary level of medical attention.
The Instructor of this program gives the learners a comprehensive knowledge about the equipment and its set-up during a time of emergency and the way to get it across to the waiting patient.
PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Course
The PADI emergency oxygen provider course is a l specialty program launched by the diving organization. Decompression illness or sudden drowning may happen at times when immediate medical attention will be necessary. At the same time there may not be enough time at hand to call or wait for a registered doctor to administer medication.
The PADI emergency oxygen provider course is a primary level course that teaches an absolute fresher the symptoms of diving illnesses and the easiest and the quickest detection and confirmation procedure so that immediate medical attention can be provided.
The course has no pre-requirements of qualification and experience. It is a simple process of the identification of a problem to be followed by the treatment procedure of oxygen supply to the patient. There is prior experience of CPR that is required as well. The PADI manual is provided to all learners that tell them adequately the ways of setting up of oxygen equipments and start the process so that it brings about immediate relief to the patients.
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June 24th, 2010
Fish Identification
One of the most interesting and breathtaking aspects of underwater exploration is to witness the variety of life species that is present there. However it is also important to know the various forms of fishes and sea creatures that are present to be able to identify one when you see them. There are also several species of endangered sea and water animals that may need conservation and thus divers need to be careful not to disturb them or be of any harm to them however unintentionally.
PADI Fish Identification Course
PADI is one of the leading diving organizations that train people in various aspects of scuba diving. There are nuances that are learnt here about diving to make the exploration experience an enjoyable and a fulfilling one.
PADI fish identification course begins with a primary focus on the major fish family categories and their individual characteristics. This helps the scuba divers to be able to identify a fish of the same category anywhere they see while scuba diving anywhere in the world.
In the course of training participants are also told about the ways of identification of the different species of fishes and their identification at any other place in the world based on some calculations.
Students will also be told about the various natural conditions like tidal waves and climatic changes that affect the course of fish movements. This will also determine the kind of fish that can be seen by a diver when he is getting in the water of a particular area at a particular point of time.
There are techniques to conduct an individual fish survey and maintain your own data and records.
There is also a provision of learning the fine skills of underwater photography that will help a learner to capture rare images of fishes and underwater life.
PADI Aware Fish Identification Specialty Course
The PADI aware fish identification specialty course takes the process of fish identification one step further.
In this program there is a basic identification training of all the main fish families and their characteristic traits. This enables a learner to recognize and understand the types of different fish that they might encounter while on their diving explorations.
Apart from this there is also an extensive training on the dangers posing the different kinds of fish and the classifications of endangered underwater animal species are also made. This helps the divers to plan and organize their exploration and record the data accordingly.
This will also lead to a diver getting a certificate of fish identification specialty from the PADI diving organization. They can also present their report on the dangers posing the living species of the water and the need for their conservation. They can also elaborate on the current problems and ways to solve them for future protection of the fishes and other living creatures.
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June 24th, 2010
The beauty of underwater is simply mesmerizing which makes for an unique and unforgettable experience for the people who choose to take the dive. No doubt that Scuba Diving has such a demand worldwide. But many people around the world are either having insufficient information or are completely ignorant about this adventure sports. Here we provide you with some relevant information for a happy dive.
Information about Scuba Diving
- An essential thing for scuba diving is good health of the diver. Though the activity does not demand a super fit condition, but you need to have a sound health to try this sport. You may not be allowed to scuba dive if you have any serious problem or are under medication. A medical checkup will confirm if you are fit enough to take the dive.
- You need to know swimming to try scuba diving.
- There are special provisions and trainers specialized in training physically challenged people. So physical disabilities cannot hinder you to experience this activity.
- You can scuba dive in many countries around the world. PADI has centers in 180 countries and NAUI has thousands of centers across the globe.
- You need certain equipments while scuba diving. It should also be noted that though some of these devices are general and can be used in all environments but some others may vary as per the environment and the warmth of the water.
- It is important to be aware of the problems you may have underwater and the ways of tackling them.
- There are around 5 fatality cases per 100000 diving in scuba.
Scuba diving information for kids
- Children can start training in scuba diving as young as 8 year old.
- Children can certify as Junior Open Water Divers at the age of 10. At the age of 15 one can be certified as Open Water Diver.
- If a child does not have enough co-ordination, focus, discipline, maturity or strength for other sports, he/she is not ready for scuba diving.
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June 24th, 2010
If you belong to that category who like thrill or being at the edge gives the feeling of some sort of fulfillment to you then Scuba diving is the right choice for you. For all those adventurous spirits who want to experience an altogether different and exciting journey, or for those who have already tasted the flavor of scuba diving, here are some really interesting and fun facts.
Facts about Scuba Diving
- Invention – Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus better known as SCUBA was invented in France by Jacques Cousteau with the help of Emile Gagnan in 1943. He named it Aqualung. It is an in-line open-circuit device which helps in inhaling the compressed air in it and exhaling it into the water.
- Light – Carry your own source of light to see the actual colors of things under the water, as everything beneath the sea seems to look bluish.
- Sound – Sound travels faster under water by five times than it travels in air.
- Record of longest dive – Richard Presley created a world record in 1992 for the longest deep dive which lasted for 69 days and 19 minutes.
- Nitrogen Narcosis – When someone dives below 30 meters under sea, he/she experiences Nitrogen Narcosis in which people have the same effect like alcohol intoxication. It can result in hallucinations, unconsciousness and eventually can lead to death.
- Wetsuit – A wetsuit helps keep your body warm and safe under water.
- Diving Instructors – Professional Association of Dive Instructors better known as PADI has 5300 dive centers in 180 countries. NAUI or National Association of Underwater Instructors also has thousands of centers across the world. So you are not limited to a certain place or area when it comes to diving.
- First Diving Suits – They were made of leather and used in France and England.
Fun facts about Scuba diving
Here are some enjoyable information about scuba diving.
- Leonardo Da Vinci, the great painter, had drawn the design for a leather scuba suit around 300 years ago, years before scuba was invented.
- A similar tool like scuba was created by an Englishman, Henry Fleuss, way back in 1877.
- Scuba diving often creates an addiction like thing among the people who experience it. Once you have tried it, you will crave to try it again and again.
- Some companies arrange for underwater weddings.
- Sharks are more scared of humans than we are of seeing them. At the same time sharks dislike the taste of rubber, which is what a wetsuit is made of that you must wear while scuba diving.
- Underwater all things appear 25% larger.
Scuba diving is a very dangerous adventure sport but yet millions of people around the globe love to experience the thrill and adventure involved in it. Considering the rising popularity and demand of this recreational activity, an organized industry has taken birth which is worth millions of dollars.
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June 24th, 2010
Scuba diving is fun, thrilling, exciting, adventurous and dangerous. It is one of the most sought after adventure sports in the current times, which has given birth to an organized million dollar industry. But it poses certain risks which can be fatal. So before you plunge into this activity it’s necessary to be aware of the dangers and risks that this recreational activity can threaten you of.
Common Risks of Scuba Diving
- Hypothermia or Loss of body heat – Water absorbs 25% more heat from the body of the diver than air. This may be dangerous. Though wearing a wet suit helps in avoiding such a condition.
- Currents – The risk of strong currents under water sweeping away the diver always exists. So keeping information of the current of the water where you are diving is important.
- Injuries – Injuries from sharp metals such as a fishing line, ship wrecks or other sharp things under water like rocks or coral is common.
- Risk from marine life – There are many hostile underwater species and an encounter with them can be deadly. Octopus, jelly fish, eels, urchins, stingrays and sharks are some of the most dangerous marine species. Though attacks from large fish are rare but nevertheless it is one of the biggest dangers associated with underwater diving.
- Drowning – This is one of the most obvious risks of diving. It may also be caused for running out of air.
Scuba Diving Health Risks
Scuba diving has certain risks related to health but with proper measures taken, they can be avoided.
- Barotrauma –The increase in air pressure due to the weight of water can cause certain painful injuries, such as splitting the ear drum or damaging the sinuses, which are termed as Barotrauma.
- Decompression Sickness – Also known as “the bends”, is caused when gas bubbles are formed in the body tissues. There are various sorts of effects of the different sorts of decompression sicknesses which may be not so dangerous skin irritations to the pain in limbs or paralysis of limbs, severe headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, heart pain to even grave issues like coma and death.
- Nitrogen Narcosis – It happens in case of deep diving, when after a certain depth the diver feels similar to alcohol intoxication. Dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations occur under this condition and can even lead to death.
- Oxygen Toxicity – The increased pressure, due to the depth, after a certain limit makes the pressurized oxygen in the breathing gas tank toxic directly affecting the nervous system, causing convulsion.
It is important to be aware of the possible dangers and take training from a certified professional before you jump into the water for that deep dive which will take you to a different world altogether. Though there are risks involved with scuba diving but they can be avoided or taken care of by maintaining certain rules and precautions.
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June 24th, 2010
Junior Diving
There are several techniques and methods of scuba diving and underwater movements that need to be understood well and even practiced with professional trainers before setting foot into it alone. No matter what the level of interest and curiosity might be it will in the best interest of your child to learn these prior to and experience of the real kind.
PADI Junior Courses
If there is one way that your child of 14 years of age or more is interested to learn the nuances of underwater exploration and the art of diving the PADI junior courses may be the right place for you and your child.
There are three stages of learning the art of scuba diving in the PADI junior courses. These are as follows.
- Scuba Diving Theories – This is the stage of theoretical learning. This is where students are told about the science scuba diving, the gear and the equipments accompanying it. Participants are told about the principles that should be followed while diving and the important rules that need to be remembered. They are also made aware of the emergency situations that may arise and the specific rules that need to be followed in such situations.
- Training in Diving – This is the part of the training where professional train the children in restricted waters. This is a practical session where all the theoretical knowledge is implemented in real water situations.
- Open Water Exploration – This is the final session of the junior scuba diving course. The open water exploration signifies the phase of the course where the children are exposed to the waters of the seas and ocean fronts. They get to understand the feel of what a real exploration and scuba diving is all about. It also enables the children to take a closer look at the underwater habitation and all that they may encounter on an exploration apart from the incredible natural beauty. Since this is also done under the supervision of trainers and experienced divers it is safe for the children as well.
Junior Diving Certificate
There are PADI courses for various levels of diving programs designed for children of different age groups. These are complete with an array of activities that are suited for a particular age group of children.
PADI certification cards and scuba diving credentials are recognized the world over for its specialized training programs. It teaches children the techniques of underwater breathing as well the ways and methods of using different equipments of scuba diving gear.
The eligibility criteria for a PADI junior diving certificate is an age group 10 years and older among children for the regular program and a minimum of 13 years in case of an e-Learning program.
The curriculum of the diving program will expose the children to at least 5 dives in the restricted pool area and another 5 dives during the course of the open exploration site. All these will be done under the supervision of a trained and experienced trainer diver.
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