What is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide?
When taking a scuba diving vacation it's important to know whether you have a dive guide or a divemaster. Learn the crucial differences here!
Andy Davis
Passionate scuba educator, technical sidemount diving fanatic and wreck diving explorer. RAID, PADI, TecRec, SSI and BSAC qualified technical diving instructor. Subic Bay, Philippines. Former Royal Air Force officer. 30+ years of high-level global dive experience.
https://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/andy-davis-technical-diving/
Achieving Perfect Diving Trim: Your Path To Effortless Dives
How to develop your scuba diving trim and become a more comfortable, confident & competent diver. Follow these simple tips for swift progress!
How To Maximize Enjoyment as a Scuba Diver!
Getting the most enjoyment from your scuba diving. Turn gratification into passion! A philosophical & psychological path to diver fulfillment.
10 Core Traits of Highly Competent Divers
Want to excel as a diver? Discover the 10 common traits that define highly competent divers. Implement these concepts to enhance your diving!
Decompression Sickness Treatment & Recovery
This is Richard Pyle's account of suffering decompression sickness; the mistakes he made, the treatment he recieved and the long journey to recovery. Every diver should read this, because DCS isn't an urban myth.
How To Find The Perfect Height For Your Sidemount Tank Bands
Get your sidemount tank bands at the right height to preserve arm mobility & keep your tanks in perfect trim! Follow these 2 simple steps!
Choosing A Wreck Diving Instructor: How To Find Specialist Expertise!
Finding a legitimately expert specialist wreck diving instructor is critical for becoming a safe and proficient wreck diver. Choose wisely with this honest pro advice!
How much experience is needed for technical wreck penetration?
How much dive experience is necessary to do technical wreck penetration diving? An honest guide from a 20-year technical wreck instructor.
DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions
How to make a DIY sidemount helmet for wreck and cave diving. An illustrated and comprehensive guide.
The $1200 Budget Sidemount Diver
Kit yourself as a budget sidemount diver, no compromises, for less than $1200! Sidemount diving doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.
Top 5 Convertible Hybrid Sidemount Systems
The top 5 most popular hybrid sidemount systems. Sidemount systems easily converted to backmount singles or doubles configurations.
Hollis SMS100 Sidemount Modifications
Hollis SMS100 custom modifications. Get the best performance from your sidemount BCD; especially for warm-water & aluminum cylinders!
Sidemount Harness Options for Homemade Systems
Reviewing sidemount harness kits that you can buy to make a homemade sidemount rig. You'll just need to add a wing and your choice of bungees.
Sidemount Review: The DiveRite Nomad LTZ
A review of the DiveRite Nomad LTZ sidemount. Expert equipment review by Andy Davis
Deep6 Sidemount Regulators & Eddy Fins | Unboxing Review
Originally posted 2017-12-22 14:26:28. Deep6 Sidemount Regulators and Eddy Tech Fins: Unboxing Review I received the shipment of my new Deep6 sidemount regulator package and Eddy tech fins just in time for Christmas. This is my initial ‘unboxing’ review. A…
Review: Deep 6 Gear Sidemount Regulator Package
My review of the Deep6 sidemount regulator set
Custom Sidemount Hardware Upgrade With SUMP UK
Originally posted 2015-11-03 15:48:43. Sidemount Hardware Custom Upgrade With SUMP UK Andrew Goring, at Sump UK, has been busy designing and producing some clever custom hardware for sidemount and rebreather systems. This metalwork can enable sidemount divers to carry…
FinnSub ‘Fly Side’ sidemount BCD
Originally posted 2015-01-28 13:50:22. FinnSub ‘Fly Side’ Sidemount BCD Reviewed The FinnsSub Fly Side sidemount is a tear-drop shaped bladder based upon a DIR harness with metal backplate and buttplate rails. Finnsub backplate options The FinnSub BCD can be purchased…
Aquamundo Sidemount BCD Review
Originally posted 2013-10-12 22:23:22. The Aquamundo Sidemount BCD I was pleased to be asked to conduct pre-release trials on the Aquamundo Sidemount BCD in Sept 2013 and this is my instructor’s review of the rig: The sidemount BCD is a…
Technical Diving: Redundant Computers vs Backup Timer & Tables
Discover the pros & cons of redundant computers versus backup bottom timers & tables in technical diving. Which option is best for you?
Deco Sidemount BCD Review
My dive-tested review of the Deco Sidemount BCD. It's my favourite travel system for warm-water recreational sidemount.
The Best Sidemount Diving Regulators Set
Looking for sidemount regulators? This review features all the specifications for the best sidemount regulators sets on the market today!
Top 5 Sidemount Adapter Systems
A reviewed list of the Top 5 Sidemount Adapter systems for converting backmount wing systems for sidemount diving.
How To Rig A Deco Sidemount Harness And Wing Perfectly!
How to assemble a Deco Sidemount harness that allows permanent & reliable attachment of the wing. This step-by-step guide shows you how!
Some Options for Homemade DIY Sidemount Rigs
Originally posted 2013-07-27 12:23:31. Some Options for Homemade / DIY Sidemount Rigs When I was a new sidemount diver there weren’t many commercially sold rigs available. As a result, I created several homemade DIY sidemount configurations using what was available;…
Scuba Diving FAQs: Common Dive Questions and Expert Answers
Scuba diving FAQs answered by an expert professional diver with 30 years of dive experience! Essential tips for safe & enjoyable dives!
XDeep NX Project Wing: Tested and Reviewed
Technical instructor review of the XDeep NX Project doubles wing. A truly innovative tech wing with some excellent and original features.
The Importance of Deep Stops by Richard L. Pyle
Originally posted 2018-03-07 23:55:17. The Importance of Deep Stops: Rethinking Ascent Patterns From Decompression Dives An abridged version of this deep stops article was originally in DeepTech, 5:64; and the full version was subsequently published in Cave Diving Group Newsletter,…
High Pressure Nervous Syndrome | Deep Diving Maladies
An overview of high pressure nervous syndrome | HPNS | Hyperbaric deep diving malady | Causes, symptoms, treatment | By Andy Davis
Compression Arthralgia | Deep Diving Maladies
An overview of compression arthralgia | Hyperbaric deep diving malady | Compression arthralgia causes, symptoms, treatment | By Andy Davis
Wreck & Cave Diving Helmets
Everything you need to know about sidemount, wreck and cave diving helmets; including how to make your own DIY helmet.
Philippines Underwater Archaeology | Shipwreck Resources
Philippines Underwater Archaeology, Shipwreck and Salvage Resources This is my resource link page for useful information on Philippines underwater archaeology, shipwreck resources and information about marine salvage. With a rich maritime history, including lots of action during World War Two,…
Scuba Q&A: Deep Diving Below Recreational Agency Depth Limits
Originally posted 2018-03-07 23:56:52. Scuba Q&A Question: I was taught that “recreational divers plan all dives to be no stop dives” and also that most agencies consider 40m /130 feet as the maximum depth for recreational deep diving. That…
Scuba Q and A: Diver Stress, Relationships and Comfort Zones
Originally posted 2018-03-07 23:54:39. Scuba Q and A: QUESTION: I am a recreational diver and I dive mostly with my husband. Our relationship issues (bickering) caused me stress. Is this a factor I should consider when scuba diving? Andy’s Answer:…
Underwater Photography | 5 Minute Photoshop Edit
Originally posted 2011-06-01 16:32:43. 5 Minute Photoshop Edit for Underwater Photographers by Andy Davis, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC and SSI Instructor Many divers don’t have the luxury of using underwater strobes to provide effective directional lighting for their underwater photography. …
Scuba Q&A: Why Do Decompression Divers Use Nitrox?
Why do technical decompression divers use nitrox in the shallower part of their dive? Using nitrox and oxygen reduces deco time & DCS risk.
A Guide to Narcosis Managment
A technical article by Barry Fowler, Ph.D. on narcosis management for scuba divers. Learn how to deal with narcosis on deeper dives.
The Varying Permeability Model (VPM) for Dummies
Originally posted 2018-11-05 06:10:53. VPM For Dummies The Varying Permeability Model (VPM) for Dummies By Kevin Watts Blog editorial: I reproduced this article, for wider dissemination, from it’s original location at RebreatherWorld forum This article attempts to provide a…
Oxygen Exposure Management for Scuba Divers
Originally posted 2018-11-05 06:10:35. OXYGEN EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT by Richard D. Vann Oxygen metabolism is the primary energy source in higher life forms, but when oxygen enters the metabolic process prematurely, reactive oxygen species can form which interfere with normal function…
Decompression Theory Resources | Technical Scuba Diving
Originally posted 2018-11-05 06:10:34. Decompression Theory – Links and Resources Here is my selection of educational articles and resources for further reading on scuba diving decompression theory… – Bubble Decompression Strategies by Eric Maiken – VPM Decompression Site by Eric Maiken – Confessions of a…
Technical Diving Standard Gas Mixes
The technical diving standard gas mixes. These breathing gasses ensure risk mitigation and help standardize team tech diving.
Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving
Originally posted 2018-03-07 23:54:23. Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving Welcome to an informative article on “Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving” written by Erik C. Baker. This article is specifically designed for recreational divers who want to…
Really Simple DIY Shearwater Petrel Bungees
How to improvise bungee straps for the Shearwater Petrel 2 technical diving computer. A secure method to improve Petrel configuration.
A Review of the Human Factors in Diving Course
A Review of the Human Factors in Diving Course by Andy Davis I was recently given the opportunity to undertake the online Human Factors in Diving course. The online version of this course is self-contained, but also acts…
Oxygen Toxicity Dangers by Dr. E.D. Thalmann | DAN
DAN discusses the dangers of oxygen toxicity when using nitrox as a breathing gas. By Dr. E.D. Thalmann, DAN Assistant Medical Director; Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy (retired) It’s a fact: we need oxygen to live. It’s because of the…
Clearing Up The Confusion About Deep Stops | Erik C. Baker
Clearing up the confusion about deep stops, by Erik Baker. A good reading resource for prospective technical divers. Decompression theory
Understanding M-Values | Erik C. Baker
Understanding M-Values By Erik C. Baker In conjunction with an array of hypothetical “tissue” compartments, gas loading calculations and M-values compose the major elements of the dissolved gas or “Haldanian” decompression model. Through the use of widely-available desktop computer programs, technical…
Gradient Factors Explained By Matti Antilla Ph.d
Gradient Factors Explained I have reproduced this excellent article Gradient Factors explained by Matti Anttila in case the original website goes down. It is published here for educational purposes. Gradient factors explained by Matti Anttila Ph.d Remember your first diving…
Gradient Factors for Dummies
Gradient Factors for Dummies Gradient Factors for Dummies was written by Kevin Watts and first published on rebreatherworld.com. I have replicated it here because it now seems unavailable at the original site. Gradient Factors for Dummies by Kevin Watts (article…
ANDI Ascent and Descent Procedures | Diving Techniques
The ANDI ascent & descent procedures explained. Increase safety & promote team-cohesion. Rec & tech protocols | Advanced Diving Techniques
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)? ANDI International Hyperbaric Research Center 74 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport NY 11520 516-546-2026 Article reproduced courtesy of Bruce Konefe Hyperbaric is simply referencing a condition that is above standard atmospheric pressure. Instead of breathing the…