Why Do Divers Use Helium?
Find out the three reasons why divers use helium in their breathing gas to increase diving safety. Scuba agencies have differing policies on training for helium diving.
Read MoreWhy Do Divers Use Helium?
Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog
Articles for beginner to expert scuba divers
Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog
Articles for beginner to expert scuba divers
Situational Awareness: The Most Neglected Diving Safety Skill
Discover the key to safer diving: situational awareness. How can poor training diminish it? And what steps can you take to improve it?
Read MoreSituational Awareness: The Most Neglected Diving Safety SkillUltimate Solo Diver Guide: Independent & Self-Reliant Diving
Must-know advice for a pathway to being a safe solo diver. Honest dive pro insights on self-reliant training & independent diving abilities.
Read MoreUltimate Solo Diver Guide: Independent & Self-Reliant DivingThe USS New York Wreck, Subic Bay
Dive site details for the USS New York wreck in Subic Bay, Philippines. History, dive details and video of this famous shipwreck for divers.
Read MoreThe USS New York Wreck, Subic BayUndeserved Bends: The Facts and the Myths of Unexplained DCS Hits
Unexplained DCS hits can leave divers puzzled. Dive into the facts and myths of undeserved bends to understand and mitigate your DCI risks.
Read MoreUndeserved Bends: The Facts and the Myths of Unexplained DCS HitsThe Role of Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness in Diver Development
Learn how emotional intelligence and self-awareness contribute to the mastery of diving skills and the mitigation of dive safety risks.
Read MoreThe Role of Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness in Diver DevelopmentThe Dunning-Kruger Effect and Risk Judgment in Scuba Diving
The impact of Dunning-Kruger Effect in scuba diving risk assessment. Dive into the psychology of over-confidence & flawed diver judgment.
Read MoreThe Dunning-Kruger Effect and Risk Judgment in Scuba DivingScuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice Approach
Deliberate practice is a methodology for the most efficient skill development. Learn how to fast-track your diving competency with this guide.
Read MoreScuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice ApproachAltitude Diving Adventures: All You Need to Know
Altitude Diving Demystified: A complete guide to high-altitude underwater exploration. Expert tips & insights for unforgettable experiences.
Read MoreAltitude Diving Adventures: All You Need to KnowUltimate Buoyancy Control Guide: Dive with Effortless Precision
Unlock the secrets of developing perfect buoyancy control in this comprehensive step-by-step divers guide!
Read MoreUltimate Buoyancy Control Guide: Dive with Effortless PrecisionDiving Stress Management: Scuba Diver Panic & Anxiety
A realistic examination of scuba diving stress management. What does it REALLY take for a diver to overcome panic when a dive goes wrong?
Read MoreDiving Stress Management: Scuba Diver Panic & AnxietyPFO – Patent Foramen Ovale and DCS Risk in Diving
What every scuba diver should know about PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) and DCS risk. Is your heart putting you at risk?
Read MorePFO – Patent Foramen Ovale and DCS Risk in DivingScuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 Narcosis
Did you know that scuba diving anxiety can arise from CO2 narcosis? Learn why descent speed, gas density & exertion can affect your dives!
Read MoreScuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 NarcosisGrading Wreck Diving Restrictions
Defining grades of wreck diving restrictions. How to assess the severity of restrictions when planning your dives in backmount and sidemount
Read MoreGrading Wreck Diving RestrictionsScuba Diving Descent Speed: What You Need to Know!
This article has everything that you were never taught about scuba diving descent speed! What effects and issues does the descent rate have?
Read MoreScuba Diving Descent Speed: What You Need to Know!Skin Bends: A Guide to Cutaneous Decompression Sickness
A guide to Cutaneous Decompression Sickness, aka skin bends, that result from inadeqate deco, fast ascent, or PFO issues when diving.
Read MoreSkin Bends: A Guide to Cutaneous Decompression SicknessUnderstanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness (IEDCS) for Divers
A guide to understanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness, aka IEDCS or verstibular bends, that result from IBCD or PFO issues when diving.
Read MoreUnderstanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness (IEDCS) for DiversWhat is Fluorescence Night Diving? A Guide to Fluo Diving & Glow Diving.
Discover the magical world of fluorescence night diving. Dive into neon colors & biofluorescence with fluo diving! Tips, gear & the science!
Read MoreWhat is Fluorescence Night Diving? A Guide to Fluo Diving & Glow Diving.Showa L2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck | Subic Bay
The L2D Tabby aircraft wreck in Subic Bay. Dive site details, map, history and photos of the wonderful Tabby wreck in Subic Bay Philippines.
Read MoreShowa L2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck | Subic BayYour Ultimate Night Diving Guide: Dive into Darkness
Explore the thrill of night diving safely and confidently with this comprehensive guide. Learn the gear, techniques, tips and marine life!
Read MoreYour Ultimate Night Diving Guide: Dive into DarknessA Guide to Diving With Sharks: Thrills, Chills, and Safety Skills
Crucial tips for diving with sharks. Safety measures, statistics, types of shark diving, & the best global destinations for shark diving.
Read MoreA Guide to Diving With Sharks: Thrills, Chills, and Safety SkillsL2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck Photos | Subic Bay
More photos of the L2D Tabby wreck in Subic Bay. It is a Japanese Air Force wreck dating from WWII. The dive site is 45m/150ft deep.
Read MoreL2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck Photos | Subic BayWhat 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!
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide?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!
Read MoreAchieving Perfect Diving Trim: Your Path To Effortless DivesHow 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.
Read MoreHow To Maximize Enjoyment as a Scuba Diver!10 Traits of Highly Competent Divers: A Diving Mindset To Excel!
Want to excel as a diver? Discover the 10 common traits that define highly competent divers. Implement these concepts to enhance your diving!
Read More10 Traits of Highly Competent Divers: A Diving Mindset To Excel!Decompression Sickness Treatment & Recovery
Richard Pyle's educational account of his experience with decompression sickness, treatment & the recovery. A valuable read for divers.
Read MoreDecompression Sickness Treatment & RecoveryHow 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!
Read MoreHow To Find The Perfect Height For Your Sidemount Tank BandsChoosing 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!
Read MoreChoosing A Wreck Diving Instructor: How To Find Specialist Expertise!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.
Read MoreHow much experience is needed for technical wreck penetration?DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions
How to make a DIY sidemount helmet for wreck and cave diving. An illustrated and comprehensive guide.
Read MoreDIY Sidemount Helmet InstructionsWreck Diving Risks: Hazards, Dangers, and Precautions
What are the wreck diving risks & how can wreck divers avoid those hazards? This essential dive guide explains everything you need to know!
Read MoreWreck Diving Risks: Hazards, Dangers, and PrecautionsThe Lost Guideline Search Procedure in Advanced Wreck Diving
A detailed guide to the lost guideline search procedure for advanced wreck divers. Learn the best practices in this step-by-step explanation!
Read MoreThe Lost Guideline Search Procedure in Advanced Wreck DivingTechnical Scuba Diving Books You Must Read!
My shortlist of the best 'must read' books for advanced and technical divers. Lot's of knowledge and some good stories
Read MoreTechnical Scuba Diving Books You Must Read!Diving Certification: Do You Need To Get Qualified To Scuba Dive?
Learn the benefits of obtaining a scuba diving certification, including improved safety, access to more dive sites, & enhanced diving skills.
Read MoreDiving Certification: Do You Need To Get Qualified To Scuba Dive?Ultimate Guide: How To Set Up A Sidemount Harness
There are just a few simple steps to the methodical setup of a sidemount harness system. Knowing those right steps can save you lots of time and frustration.
Read MoreUltimate Guide: How To Set Up A Sidemount HarnessAn Evaluation of the Modern Scuba Diving Training Industry
An evaluation of the modern scuba diving training industry, focusing on diver commitment demographics & expectation management.
Read MoreAn Evaluation of the Modern Scuba Diving Training IndustryNitrogen Narcosis: Why It Is Hard to Know You Are Narked
How do scuba divers perceive nitrogen narcosis? Is it possible to gauge your susceptibility to narcosis & make sound judgments to manage it?
Read MoreNitrogen Narcosis: Why It Is Hard to Know You Are NarkedWhat are the Risks of Technical Diving?
Discover the risks associated with tech diving and how they can be mitigated. Learn how to stay safe while exploring deeper depths.
Read MoreWhat are the Risks of Technical Diving?Scuba Gas Planning: Gas Management For Divers
Learn scuba gas planning for your dives! A step-by-step guide to gas management for divers. Enhance your dive knowledge & safety underwater!
Read MoreScuba Gas Planning: Gas Management For DiversOptimizing Configuration For Your Backplate and Wing BCD
Discover how to perfect your backplate and wing diving rig with DIR and Hogarthian principles for the perfect diving experience!
Read MoreOptimizing Configuration For Your Backplate and Wing BCDAvoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Dive Gear
Honest expert pro tips to help prevent costly mistakes when buying your dive gear. Don't regret your scuba equipment purchases!
Read MoreAvoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Dive GearWhat is the difference between a safety stop and a decompression stop in scuba diving?
The important distinctions between safety stops & decompression stops in scuba diving. Understanding no-stop limits versus mandatory deco.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a safety stop and a decompression stop in scuba diving?The Risks of Scuba Diving: Understanding the Hidden Dangers Underwater
Understand the potential risks of scuba diving and how to minimize them. Learn about the most common dangers and how to stay safe.
Read MoreThe Risks of Scuba Diving: Understanding the Hidden Dangers UnderwaterScuba Equipment Shopping: How To Buy The Best Dive Gear!
When scuba equipment shopping it's easy to waste money on disappointing or inappropriate dive gear. These honest pro tip helps avoid costly mistakes!
Read MoreScuba Equipment Shopping: How To Buy The Best Dive Gear!Mastering Horizontal Diving Trim: An Effortless Balancing Act
Stable diver trim is the foundation for good buoyancy control and efficient propulsion. It also helps conserve the marine environment.
Read MoreMastering Horizontal Diving Trim: An Effortless Balancing ActGas Density in Diving: Research, Risks & Recommendations
Discover how gas density influences diving safety. Learn about the latest research, risks to divers, & recommended limits for safe dives!
Read MoreGas Density in Diving: Research, Risks & RecommendationsThe Truth About Diving Emergency SAC Rates
Are you underestimating your dive emergency SAC rates? Studies reveal far higher gas consumption than you'd expected!
Read MoreThe Truth About Diving Emergency SAC RatesHow To Choose The Best Wreck Diving Course?
Detailed guidance for choosing the best wreck diving course. Wreck diving can be dangerous; so it is important to choose expert instruction
Read MoreHow To Choose The Best Wreck Diving Course?Single Tank Sidemount Diving: An Essential Configuration Guide
Learn how to configure for effortless single tank sidemount diving with my illustrated guide. Expert regulator setup & hose routing tips!
Read MoreSingle Tank Sidemount Diving: An Essential Configuration Guide10 Tips for New Divers to Rapidly Improve
Maximize your diving potential with these 10 tips for new divers to rapidly improve confidence, comfort and competency on your dives!
Read More10 Tips for New Divers to Rapidly ImproveHow To Use Less Air When Scuba Diving?
The best way to use less air while scuba diving is to address the root cause of higher air consumption, not to focus on the symptoms.
Read MoreHow To Use Less Air When Scuba Diving?What are the benefits of sidemount diving?
An honest explanation of the benefits of sidemount diving. The pros and cons of sidemount versus backmount gear for recreational, technical and cave divers
Read MoreWhat are the benefits of sidemount diving?The Changing Technical Diving Mindset: Issues in Technical Diving
Technical diver mindset: an analysis of change over two decades. Contemporary issues in technical diving and certification.
Read MoreThe Changing Technical Diving Mindset: Issues in Technical DivingWhat is the biggest risk in technical diving (and how to avoid it)
Risk in technical diving and the need for humility and self-awareness. The temptations to ego driven pitfalls and how that risks diver safety.
Read MoreWhat is the biggest risk in technical diving (and how to avoid it)Top-10 Tips For Safe Wreck Diving Penetration
Essential tips for safe wreck diving penetration. Don't risk your safety - learn how to avoid wreck diving dangers like an expert!
Read MoreTop-10 Tips For Safe Wreck Diving PenetrationBackplate & Wing BCDs for Diving: Ultimate Guide To BP&Ws
Backplate & wing BCDs demystified: A detailed guide on their pros, cons, setup, & why they're a top choice for beginners & serious divers!
Read MoreBackplate & Wing BCDs for Diving: Ultimate Guide To BP&WsThe Most Iconic Technical Wrecks: A Bucket List for Tech Divers
Discover the most legendary technical wrecks around the world with my ultimate extreme diving bucket list for tech divers!
Read MoreThe Most Iconic Technical Wrecks: A Bucket List for Tech DiversUNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites That You Can Scuba Dive!
Discover 29 stunning UNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites for your diving bucket list. Awe-inspiring dives that promote marine conservation!
Read MoreUNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites That You Can Scuba Dive!Immersion Pulmonary Edema in Scuba Diving: Understanding The IPE Risk
Learn the risks of immersion pulmonary edema (IPE) & understand its impact on divers. Understand the issues of this emerging diving concern!
Read MoreImmersion Pulmonary Edema in Scuba Diving: Understanding The IPE RiskRAID Instructor Cross-Over: My Course Review
My detailed account and insights of the technical diving instructor level crossover to RAID. Held in the Philippines in 2017.
Read MoreRAID Instructor Cross-Over: My Course ReviewTechnical Diving Development: Goal-Setting For Success!
Don't waste time & money when developing as a technical diver. Create the best training plan to succeed in your tech diving ambitions
Read MoreTechnical Diving Development: Goal-Setting For Success!Top-20 Best Wreck Dives in the World
Discover the bucket list wreck dives around the world, from the hauntingly beautiful SS Thistlegorm to the majestic shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon.
Read MoreTop-20 Best Wreck Dives in the World10 Tips To Horizontal Hover When Scuba Diving
The ability to horizontal hover when scuba diving is the benchmark of fundamental skills proficiency. These tips will help you master hovering
Read More10 Tips To Horizontal Hover When Scuba DivingDiving Equipment: Bungee Secured Safety Spool
Safety Spool: How to configure for wreck or cave diving to be secure, yet easy to access quickly in an emergency.
Read MoreDiving Equipment: Bungee Secured Safety SpoolHow to Choose the Best Sidemount Instructor
Learn how to select the best sidemount instructor to guarantee maximum performance & a high proficiency outcome! Don't waste money on cowboys!
Read MoreHow to Choose the Best Sidemount InstructorMaster Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control Like A Pro!
Achieve effortless diving with these expert step-by-step tips. Master breathing, weighting, trim, & more. Use less gas & increase your safety!
Read MoreMaster Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control Like A Pro!Top-5 Best Vacation Diving Travel Fins 2024 | Dive Gear Review
Lightweight diving fins that don't compromise on performance! Here is my pick of the best vacation travel scuba diving fins
Read MoreTop-5 Best Vacation Diving Travel Fins 2024 | Dive Gear ReviewIs Sidemount …? A comprehensive FAQ Guide
Answering the most common sidemount questions. Is sidemount...? What sidemount...? How sidemount...? A growing resource for quick answers.
Read MoreIs Sidemount …? A comprehensive FAQ GuideSidemount Cylinder Boltsnaps | Gear Setup Tips
Sidemount cylinder boltsnaps may seem insignificant but are critical for cylinder trim. Choose the right boltsnap with this quick guide.
Read MoreSidemount Cylinder Boltsnaps | Gear Setup TipsHow to Make a Sidemount Break Away Hose Connector
Learn how to make a sidemount break away hose connector in just 4 easy steps! This DIY guide shows you how to make one cheaply!
Read MoreHow to Make a Sidemount Break Away Hose ConnectorSidemount Regulator Configuration
Discover the 3 types of sidemount regulator configuration. Learn the pros & cons of each setup to choose the best solution for your needs.
Read MoreSidemount Regulator ConfigurationHow To Set Up Sidemount Loop Bungee
How to set up sidemount loop bungee : an illustrated step-by-step guide by Andy Davis. Take the guesswork & frustration out of kit setup.
Read MoreHow To Set Up Sidemount Loop BungeeDoes Nitrogen Narcosis Impairment Persist?
A new study on nitrogen narcosis challenges the long held presumption that nitrogen narcosis impairment dissipates immediately on ascent from depth.
Read MoreDoes Nitrogen Narcosis Impairment Persist?Is Sidemount Diving Technical Diving?
Sidemount diving has soared in popularity since 2012, but some still debate whether it is technical level diving or exclusively suitable for only specific diving niches. Let's explore that debate!
Read MoreIs Sidemount Diving Technical Diving?Working as a Technical Diving Instructor
My thoughts on working as Technical Diving Instructor after two decades teaching tech, trimix & overhead diving as a full-time pro.
Read MoreWorking as a Technical Diving InstructorA Logical Application of Gradient Factors for OC Tech Divers
My systematic method for assigning effective gradient factors settings on recreational and technical open circuit dives.
Read MoreA Logical Application of Gradient Factors for OC Tech DiversTechnical Wreck Course: What Is Advanced Wreck Training Like?
A technical wreck course is among the most challenging courses for scuba divers. Read this descriptive account of advanced wreck training!
Read MoreTechnical Wreck Course: What Is Advanced Wreck Training Like?The Secret To Improving Your Air Consumption For Scuba Diving
The secret to improving your scuba diving air consumption explained: it's probably not what you were told! Start making a real change today!
Read MoreThe Secret To Improving Your Air Consumption For Scuba DivingBad Dive Buddy | How To Create A Safer Buddy System Dive Team
A bad dive buddy is stressful & dangerous. Follow this advice to develop a harmonious buddy system and boost your diving safety & enjoyment!
Read MoreBad Dive Buddy | How To Create A Safer Buddy System Dive TeamHow To Build Your Own DIY Custom Sidemount Harness
It's pretty easy (and cheap!) to make a DIY custom sidemount harness for yourself. Sidemount diving tips and 'how to' advice.
Read MoreHow To Build Your Own DIY Custom Sidemount HarnessChoose Wisely: Technical Diving Instructor Location
Discover the impact of technical diving instructor location on your training quality. Choose wisely for the most rewarding tech diving course!
Read MoreChoose Wisely: Technical Diving Instructor LocationThe Scuba Diving Industry: Cost Versus Quality
Does the scuba diving industry actually empower the pursuit of quality?
Read MoreThe Scuba Diving Industry: Cost Versus QualityBuilding Homemade Sidemount Equipment Setup
My thoughts and advice about attempting homemade sidemount gear projects. What does it take to create optimal DIY sidemount systems?
Read MoreBuilding Homemade Sidemount Equipment SetupThe History of Sidemount Diving
A complete guide to the history of sidemount diving: how it evolved and the principles that were shaped from differing environmental needs.
Read MoreThe History of Sidemount DivingSidemount Skills: Problems With Fine Motor Movements
My thoughts on experiencing problems with sidemount skills performance; particularly fine motor movements.
Read MoreSidemount Skills: Problems With Fine Motor MovementsNitrogen Narcosis Sedation & Consciousness
Nitrogen narcosis sedation is diminished consciousness: not the alcohol-like intoxication many divers are taught.
Read MoreNitrogen Narcosis Sedation & ConsciousnessTop-5 Tips to Perform Technical Diving Valve Drills
Technical diving valve drills can be a problem on tech courses. These top tips will help you avoid some common errors!
Read MoreTop-5 Tips to Perform Technical Diving Valve DrillsWhat is Technical Diving?
Technical diving differs from recreational scuba in many ways. This detailed article explains everything you need to know about tech diving.
Read MoreWhat is Technical Diving?7 Diving Buoyancy Tips That You Need To Know
Divers often struggle with their buoyancy. These essential tips are game-changing to set you on the right path for consistent improvement.
Read More7 Diving Buoyancy Tips That You Need To KnowTech Diving: Perceptions of Toxic Culture, Elitism & Clique Mentality
Uncover the contrasting views on toxic culture, elitism & clique mentality in technical diving. Is it ego and arrogance or misunderstanding?
Read MoreTech Diving: Perceptions of Toxic Culture, Elitism & Clique MentalityWhat Are The Three Benefits Of Nitrox When Scuba Diving?
The three benefits of nitrox as a breathing gas for scuba diving. Is it worth the cost of training and more expensive cylinder fills?
Read MoreWhat Are The Three Benefits Of Nitrox When Scuba Diving?Scuba Diving, Dehydration and DCS
Stay hydrated, stay safe:how to prevent dehydration and DCS in diving. Explore the impact of fluid balance on decompression illness.
Read MoreScuba Diving, Dehydration and DCSScuba Diving and Self-Discipline Failures
Uncover the psychology behind how failures in self-discipline occur when scuba diving. Learn about Ego Depletion & how it affects you.
Read MoreScuba Diving and Self-Discipline FailuresThe Desperate Dive Shop
Why do so many scuba dive shops struggle to profit or even go bankrupt? What are the mistakes they typically make?
Read MoreThe Desperate Dive ShopAre You A Prestige Diver?
Let's take a look at diver motivations. It's easy to get side-tracked into superficial motivations. Who is the Prestigious Diver?
Read MoreAre You A Prestige Diver?Is Solo Diving Safe?
Is solo diving right for you? Explore the safety considerations. preparation & personal factors needed self-reliant underwater explorations.
Read MoreIs Solo Diving Safe?How to Choose the Right Dive Center: An Honest Pro Guide
Discover the ultimate insider secrets to finding the perfect dive center! An honest proguide on how to pick a high quality dive shop or resort
Read MoreHow to Choose the Right Dive Center: An Honest Pro GuideThe Pro Guide To Scuba Diving Suits
Discover the importance of diving suits for underwater exploration. From material to design, learn about the key features to look for.
Read MoreThe Pro Guide To Scuba Diving SuitsThe Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting Scuba Diving
This beginners guide has all the information you need for starting scuba diving & ensures you get the most out of your underwater experience!
Read MoreThe Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting Scuba Diving