Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling: How They Are Basically Done?

By Allyn Cutts

Some of the fundamental requirements for both Scuba diving / snorkeling don't vary greatly, except that scuba diving is performed by going deep into the under water and snorkeling is done on the surface of the water.

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In order to do scuba diving and snorkeling you need to know how to swim. It is recommended that you do the BSA swimming test.

The test consists of jumping feet first into water above your head, leveling off, and swimming strongly for 75 yards. You can use breast stroke, trudgen, side stroke or crawl. Turn and for 25 yards do an easy backstroke. 100 yards must be completed in one swim. No stopping! Resting is done by floating on the surface of the water.

Buddy system is recognized for both scuba diving / snorkeling.

Scuba Diving:

Evaluate your dive plans, check device, and review understanding of diving signs.

Working in water can be dangerous if you are not fit thus a diver needs to be fit and healthy. Have a physical examination with your doctor before any tiring exercise such as water activities.

Snorkeling:

Snorkeling can be much enjoyable and is not very complicated to learn. It will help you build confidence in crossing through the waters. Snorkeling is often the first step and a preparation towards learning to scuba dive.

The basic requirement for snorkeling is a mask, fins and a snorkel. To start with, you could hire equipment from your local club to learn how to use the equipment before buying.

When you're about to purchase, always look for quality gears.

Purchase a mask that fits correctly for comfort and with no leaks. Masks are made of plastic, rubber or silicone. Silicone is more expensive but offers better comfort and durability.

Mask lenses should be of tempered or toughened glass for eye protection and scratch resistant view of the underwater world. It is recommended to seek for professional advice at your sports shop in choosing the best mask. Buy the best you can afford.

Snorkels allow you to breathe at the surface of the water without lifting your head. It is a tube with a mouthpiece basically. In choosing your snorkel to use, you have to check and test different mouthpieces for a comfortable fit. Snorkeling club instructor is a good source for advice for proper care and maintenance of your mask and snorkel.

Fins can either be a shoe fin or an open heel fin. Take note, test different products for comfort and size.

Additional protection in warm countries is essential to protect exposed skin from the harsh sun while snorkeling. Wear a UV treated t-shirt and use water resistant sunscreen.

In cooler countries, you might like to invest in a wet suit which will provide warmth and protect against abrasions and stings from sea creatures. This would apply to both scuba diving / snorkeling.

Scuba diving / snorkeling can be tremendous fun. Such activities provide a fascinating sight to a whole wonder world and colors of marine life you may never imagine. This would truly be a memorable experience to share with friends and family. Just never forget to observe the basic precautions for safety. Always remember to take a buddy along and should never dive or snorkel on your own. - 31860

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving snorkeling, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba for you.

How To Become A Scuba Diver?

By Allyn Cutts

In order to become a scuba diver you have to complete a diving course given by certified instructors. You will be given a certification once you finished and passed the course to attest you have the required training to scuba dive.

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It's not only necessary to know how to dive but you must also have the knowledge on how to use the equipment. Diving is a high risk activity that is why there are strict regulations that needs to be followed. A diver must be trained to keep himself safe.

Never dive alone. This is one of the most important rules for a diver. A diver always has a buddy diver. These two watch out for one for another. Should anything unpleasant happen to compromise safety a buddy diver can come help the diver experiencing problems.

Most people start diving for a new experience. Diving gives a sense of fun and adventure. Those who join a diving club can interact with other divers where they can learn and discover something new. This is what keeps many divers involved and happy.

Not every scuba diver is in it for recreation. There are those who wants to become professional divers. Like any other diver you would begin as a beginner but then work your way up to advanced. Then you would undergo an instructor's course. When you attain a level of excellence you can start to work as a professional.

Professional scuba divers can find employment for the military, police or as instructors in exotic destinations. Many divers eventually launches their diving centers for the purpose of training others. Scuba diving is a network that allows divers to keep up with what is happening regarding career opportunities.

There are diving centers that take students from beginner all the way through to instructor's level that are run like any other college. Students can reside on campus and all the device and study material is included in the fees.

All divers need to understand the dangers involved in staying beneath the surface. It is for this reason divers are taught to be vigilant. They must take careful note of how their equipment operates, changes in the environment and how their buddy is faring. The slightest change should be regarded as potential danger.

A person who is medically inept cannot even attempt to dive or do a course. Being overweight is as dangerous as diving alone. A scuba diver needs to be physically fit. To remain a good diver it is required to keep up with the latest advances in diving and also diving equipment. Any improvement is beneficial to the safety and comfort of a diver.

Either a recreational or professional scuba diver, the only way to become a good one is to attend a reputable diving center. Here you will be trained to have good diving habits. The diver who sticks to good habits is the one who remains safe and is a strength to his buddy. - 31860

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on scuba, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice for scuba divers like you.

What Are Scuba Diving Basic Rules?

By Allyn Cutts

The essence of scuba diving is that you get close to nature. It can be remarkable fun and you find a lot of wonderful things about underwater life.

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Scuba can be done by men and women. Children also take to it easily. However, there some directives you should know before deciding to dive.

To be able to dive you need to be able to swim.

This kind of diving is not recommended to people with health problems. You need to be in good physical shape before embarking on a dive. Go for a physical check by a medical practitioner before starting and learning on a diving course.

Never dive if you have flu and wait until you are better.

Get right training and take a recognized course with a recognized diving instructor.

Get certified because this is your proof that you have received and passed training.

Know your margins. Avoid going too deep.

Dive with a buddy. Never dive alone. This is one of the basic rules that you must follow for safety.

When scuba diving with a buddy, watch out for each other.

Learn the basic signs which will be taught during your diving course. See to it that you understand them well. Learning diving signs could save your life.

It is important to know how to breather correctly. Breathe evenly and slowly and relax when you breathe. Never hold your breath nor take short shallow breaths. This may cause serious injury to your lungs.

Keep a scuba diving log book where you can record everything - all your dives, progress and any relevant information about your diving experience which may include the following:

Date

Time

Depth

Place

Description (for extra information)

While still on the process of learning, your instructor can examine your log book and give needed advice . It is also a record to share with friends when discussing your diving experiences.

It will be worth the effort if you spend time in planning your dive.

Do pre-dive checks and do it with your diving buddy. Together do a check of each others equipment.

Test out and see if all quick release catches are working properly.

Ensure proper connection of air and buoyancy compensator hoses.

Examine tanks and see if they are full and switched on.

Choose a mask that fits properly and is in good condition

Review your diving signals with your buddy

Discuss your dive plan and agree on it .

Don't dive without a buoyancy compensator or some other form of compressed life jacket.

Things to observe during the dive:

Fine-tune your buoyancy.

Equalize mask pressure when required.

Clear ears at times.

Stay close to your buddy.

Move with the currents when possible.

If you experience problems get your buddy's attention and take action.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Both your lives depend on it.

Keen an eye on your tank levels and maintain a good level of air (about 50 bars)

Lastly, relish your scuba diving. - 31860

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba diving for you.

Scuba Diving: What You Need To Know?

By Allyn Cutts

You have to be prepared to put in a great deal of effort to become a diver. Scuba is an activity that takes dedication and a healthy respect for the dangers and risks that could crop up at any moment.

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Having the pursuit to become a diver basically requires the ability to swim. This makes sense because you spend time and navigate through water. After which, you can take the next step of joining a diving center to start training. You must make sure you have a certified instructor who can in turn provide you with the relevant certificate.

Diving is so well regulated because it is regarded as a high risk activity. However, if you are guided by reputable diving center then the risks are greatly reduced. This is because you would have been taught good habits. The diver has his own choices whether or not he or she sticks to the rules and regulations so necessary for the safety of divers.

A diver (scuba) who is conscious of the dangers will see to it that he will never take unnecessary risks. Such a diver will only go for dive spot that he or she can handle. There are many ideal locations around the world where there is less risk. Such locations make perfect vacation destination for a diver. Scuba equipment can be hired on location.

Many boats and yachts owners also learn how to dive storing their equipment onboard. This is very fitting because they are prepared wherever they sail to. For those who don't have water craft, they can enjoy all the benefits from socializing with other divers to discounts on the latest gear through diving club memberships.

It may not be obvious but if you are experiencing claustrophobia you won't be able to spend time beneath the surface of water. It has the same effect on you as being in an enclosed space. Apparently it is especially obvious if it is dark. Those who suffer this condition also do not appreciate the feeling of the water pushing down on them.

The enjoyment of every diver is the feeling for a sense of freedom and peace during a dive. Diver scuba equipment is necessary for any diver who wants to have fun. Diving equipment is costly. Beginners start with the basic gears and then add on to their equipment as they progress. This also allows them to budget for specific items they need for every development stage.

Diving gear is constantly being reviewed and upgraded. Today, divers have a choice of many kinds of devices and also many different brand names. They also have a choice of purchasing new or used gear. Used gear must be in good working order to be safe.

All the gear is precisely shaped for divers protection. Scubaequipment consists of masks, snorkels, fins, belts, diving suits, gloves, boots, cylinders, BCDs and more. It takes all the essential equipment and training to visit the underwater world behaving in an eco-friendly way. - 31860

About the Author:

Want to find out more about scuba dive basics, then visit MyDiveBuddies site on how have your ideal scuba dive encounter and needs.

Why Snorkeling A Part of The Scuba Dive?

By Allyn Cutts

For thousands of years, what lies beneath the surface of the world's oceans and seas has been a fascination to mankind . Seventy five percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the landscapes beneath those waters are as abounding with life and varied as any on dry land. A scuba dive is the way to set eyes on it.

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The large bodies of water and the marine life in it are still vastly unexplored and remain a big mystery to mankind. While we are discovering what lies beyond our planet in the stars, we still have to discover everything that's underneath the waters of our own world.

Out of a desire to explore the waters and mysteries they hold, scuba diving originated. The first thing we know about scuba divers is they don't go very deep below the water. The ocean is stuffed with so much life it's not necessary to travel very deep in order to witness the marvelousness of it.

The majority of marine life can be found within the first two hundred meters of water below sea level. Most of these amazing animals gather within the upper forty meters of water, making it easy for scuba divers to explore and discover them.

Marine habitats include natural formations such as coral reefs and rocks that fend off the vibrant communities of smaller marine animals such as fish, crustaceans and mollusks from larger predators.

Snorkeling is a wonderful way to explore these habitats without having to worry about learning special techniques or handle heavy scuba dive equipment. Snorkeling requires no special training. All you need to know is how to swim and to practice breathing through a snorkel. It can be tricky at first for some but it becomes easier with practice. Soon you will be doing it like its second nature.

When going snorkeling, an experienced instructor will usually give you a few lessons or instructions for safety reasons. The lessons will teach you how to use the snorkel properly, basic safety precautions, what you're going to be looking for under the water and basic conservation instructions so as not to damage the fragile habitats of the underwater creatures.

For safety, it is recommended that you never snorkel alone but rather in a group or with a guide, the same as with scuba diving. Some places and locations require that divers wear floatation devices or inflatable vests with bright colors so they are easily identifiable on a scuba dive. It's also recommended these devices be adjustable in their buoyancy to allow for easy inflation.

But, some people choose to snorkel without flotation devices since these can hinder divers from going deeper or free diving to lower depths. On the other hand, wetsuits with proper thickness are recommended.

Suits also give some buoyancy with the proper coverage and minimal resistance as well as protection against the cold water and allows divers to dive deeper if they like. Keeping unharmed and safe by having proper pieces of equipment also means the diver finds enjoyment and has time to think carefully about the surroundings. Divers regard the snorkel as a component of the equipment for a scuba dive. - 31860

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on scuba dive, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba for you.

Scuba Diving: What Rules You Should Know?

By Allyn Cutts

The essence of scuba diving is that you get close to nature. It can be remarkable fun and you find a lot of wonderful things about underwater life.

The Newest and Fastest Growing Online Global Community For Scuba Divers

This type of diving can be done by men and women. Children also take to it easily. However, there some rules you should know about before deciding to dive.

To know how to dive you need to be able to swim.

It is not recommended for people with health problems to undertake this kind of diving. You should be in a good physical shape and have passed a physical check by a medical practitioner before starting a course for learning how to dive.

If you have flu hold off your dive until you are better.

Get right training and take a recognized course with a recognized diving instructor.

Get certified. This will attest that you have received and passed training.

Be aware of your limitations. Don't go too deep.

Dive with a buddy. Never dive alone. This is one of the basic rules that you must follow for safety.

Watch out for each other.

Learn basic diving signs. This will be taught during your diving course. Make sure you know and understand the signs. Learning the signs could save your life.

It is important to know how to breather correctly. Breathe evenly and slowly and relax when you breathe. Never hold your breath nor take short shallow breaths. This may cause serious injury to your lungs.

Have your scuba diving log book where you can record all your dives, progress and any relevant information necessary during your diving experience. Your log book should record the following:

Date

Time

Depth

Place

Description (for extra information)

While still on the process of learning, your instructor can examine your log book and give needed advice . It is also a record to share with friends when discussing your diving experiences.

To spend time planning your dive will be worth the effort.

Do pre-dive checks and do it with your diving buddy. Together do a check of each others equipment.

Check all quick release catches are working properly

Ensure proper connection of air and buoyancy compensator hoses.

Tanks must be full and switched on.

Choose a mask that fits properly and is in good condition

Re-examine your diving signals with your buddy

Discuss your dive plan and agree on it.

Don't dive without a buoyancy compensator or some other form of compressed life jacket.

Things to observe during the dive:

Adjust buoyancy.

Equalize mask pressure when necessary.

Clear ears at times.

Stay close to your buddy.

Move with the currents when possible.

If you experience problems get your buddy's attention and take action.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Both your lives depend on it.

Keen an eye on your tank levels and maintain a good level of air (about 50 bars)

Last but not least, have fun and enjoy your scuba diving. - 31860

About the Author:

Learn more about scuba diving. Stop by MyDiveBuddies site where you can find out all about scuba diving and what it can do for you.

Basic Scuba Diving Equipment Needed For A New Diver

By Will Kerfoot

The art a scuba became a growing interest beginning in the 1950's. Up until the 1970's most gear was homemade by divers who loved to dive. As the 1980's came the love for scuba turned it into a sport and special scuba diving equipment began to evolve from the homemade designs of the past. The sport is now world wide and many enjoy scuba diving from holidays to regular divers all over the world.

There is some equipment that a first time diver needs to know about. Most of the time when you become interested in the sport you are renting this equipment or it is included with your lesson. If you are on holiday you will be most likely using tour equipment. Make sure you ask ahead of time if equipment is included in the lesson or you will have to rent it yourself.

You can expect to receive in your rental a regulator, a console and a depth gauge. All three of these items will be explained to you and how to use them. You will be a novice expert as you learn how important these items are to you when you are under the water.

Next you will need a dive tank cylinder. The instructor will teach you how to hook it up to the other items you have been trained to use and how they work together. The monitoring equipment is the key components in your experience in the water so make sure you understand how to use them from your instructor. If you do not ask questions until you do.

Next is the dive mask and it is essential in your dive equipment. The mask allows you to see under water. Without it you cannot see at diving depths. It should fit very snug around your head that no water gets in the mask.

Lastly you will be fitted with a wet suit. Depending on where you live, or where you are diving, you will be given a suit based on your needs of water temperature. Even tropical water can expel the heat from your body so don't be fooled by the outside temperature. All water takes heat from your body and the suit protects your body from this happening.

Once you know the basics you are ready to get some good training. You will want a certified instructor that is patient with you and explains how to use the equipment in details. With the right training and the proper scuba diving equipment you will enjoy a great experience with the sport of scuba diving. - 31860

About the Author:

Will Kerfoot is a PADI qualified scuba diver and carries with him the latest in scuba gear including the new dive flag which you can find out more about at http://www.thediveflag.com .

The First Ever All-Round Dive Computer

By Ed J Price

You should always consider the Suunto D9 dive computer when looking for quality scuba diving equipment that will help keep you safe underwater. We wish to provide you with useful information before you make your purchase, to help you make a well informed decision. The D9 has superior features and functions, even in its basic models. In fact, it is known for being the world's first all-in-one diving computer. Prices range between one thousand to two thousand dollars, depending on the options you chose and where it is being purchased. It is rated as a superior computer when compared with similar products in the same price range.

Numerous Functions

The Suunto dive computer D9 can be worn as a watch on land and at any given time for any occasion, but when you are diving it has the gauges you need to keep track of depth, time, temperature, and no-decompression limits for several dives. There is an option that lets you switch from gauge and free diving modes. You can also choose from metric and imperial. This dive computer has a digital compass that lets you store several headings. This makes it better than a regular compass because of the memory.

The D9 is capable of handling three gas mixes, which makes it attractive for deep and technical dives. You can switch gases during the dive and oxygen mixtures of 21 to 100 percent, can be measured. Since it can be used in depths up to 660 feet or 200 meters, the Deep Stop RGBM allows you to add safety stops for these switches. In testing, it is reliable and still very capable, even after hundreds of dives.

Wireless Transmitter Features

The first stage regulator can be connected to an optional wireless transmitter which converts the D9 into an SPG. Multiple transmitters to monitor the pressure of more than one tank can be used, however, it is only to be activated before the dive starts, or else you have to return to the surface to activate it. The D9 Suunto divers computer has a USB interface and the necessary software which is PC compatible, with which your dives can be easily logged and get a complete dive profile because it can store all of the relevant data, including photos from the dive. It is very interesting to compile information from individual dives, which also includes the sites, conditions and any other information you may want to store as notes.

Other Things to Note

The only real drawbacks we found with the Suunto D9 software is that it will not work with Mac systems and the need for an expensive battery replacement which requires it to be returned to the service center or an optional wireless transmitter feature, must be activated on the surface. As a whole, this dive computer supplies deep divers with any thing they could possible need in a wristwatch style computer. The all-in-one features are perfect for deep dives and technical dives. You should consider the D9 if you are seeking a superior option for dive computers. - 31860

About the Author:

Ed J Price has had a keen interest in the sport of scuba diving for countless years. For further details, particularly on the Suunto D9 and other top quality dive computer brands, check out his online web page now.

Importance of Diving Gear

By Allyn Cutts

It is impossible to be a diver if you are not sufficiently equipped. You must be equipped with the right training and equipment. You must understand the importance of using the necessary gear to keep you safe and comfortable. Sensible divers gradually build up a collection of the best gear they can afford.

Going on a dive for the first time and experiencing the sensation of being underwater like one of its inhabitants is a great occasion for a new diver. Experienced divers never grow tired of spending time beneath the surface. Many take full advantage of the best diving locations all around the world. Before anyone can enjoy the pleasures of the underwater world you must have the right diving gear.

If you want to use the best gear for diving then you must be prepared to invest a sizeable amount of money. This kind of equipment is so expensive that many divers can't afford to get all the equipment at once. They have to gradually build up. A lot of divers buy good used equipment. To get the best value for money on used items a new diver may need to ask for advice.

Becoming a member of a diving center or club will put you in touch with many experienced divers who will be only too happy to give you advice on diving gear and other equipment. Nobody wants to lose money by investing in items that are not going to last or too used to be repaired and maintained.

Basic gear for diving would consist of a mask, wetsuit, fins and regulator.

A mask is essential because it relieves the pressure exerted on you and allows you to breathe easily. This item also provides protection to your face and it improves your field of vision. Masks come in a variety of sizes and you must choose the one that is snug and also comfortable. Divers who wear prescription spectacles will have to get a prescription mask.

A wetsuit also known as a diving suit is worn to protect your entire body. This piece of diving gear is responsible for protecting you from cuts and scrapes. This can happen from equipment or pieces of coral or rock. The suit also protects against burns from certain sea animals. Wearing a suit that fits like a second skin allows efficient movement.

Fins are items used to make you swim faster. They come in different sizes and are designed to help preserve the diver's energy.

The regulator is an important tool. This item is not worn. The regulator is used to control the pressure flow of the air in the cylinders. This is such an important function that you can't dive without a regulator. It is this item that allows you to breathe easily.

Having the right gear is the only way a diver can keep safe. Even with the best and most cutting edge equipment a diver may only dive with a buddy. The idea is that the one will look out for the other. If one diver gets into trouble the other can either help out or call for assistance. A responsible diver would never risk diving alone.

Anyone can learn to dive and also to be a safe diver. It all depends on the right training from a certified training center and well maintained equipment. The right diving gear is essential for safety and enjoyment. - 31860

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Diving Gear, then visit MyDiveBuddies.com to choose the best Scuba Equipment for your needs.