What 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?
The $1200 Budget Sidemount Diver
The $1200 Budget Sidemount Diver You can be a budget sidemount diver – and not have to make compromises on equipment function or safety. Sidemount…
The Desperate Dive Shop
Many dive shop owners follow a very flawed business model. It's hurting them and makes them desperate. Diving consumers owe desperate dive shops nothing. That's the quintessential nature of the consumer-supplier relationship. It's the responsibility of dive shops to find a more profitable business model.
Are You A Prestigious Diver?
Are You A Prestigious Diver? The prestigious diver If you dive regularly, you’ve probably met a prestigious diver already. They’ve got the good gear. They’ve…
How to find the Optimal Height for Sidemount Cylinder Bands | Equipment Setup
How to find the Optimal Height for Sidemount Cylinder Bands by Andy Davis Here is a quick ‘how to’ guide to configure the optimal height…
Relocating a Lost Guideline | Skills for Wreck Divers
Relocating a Lost Guideline – Skills for Wreck Divers This article, by Jim Wyatt, was originally published in Underwater Speleology. I have reproduced the article…
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
Top 5 Convertible Hybrid Sidemount Systems
Top 5 Convertible Hybrid Sidemount Systems by Andy Davis My list of the top 5 most popular hybrid sidemount systems currently available worldwide. All of…
The 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.
Top-10 Tips For Wreck Penetration Diving Safety
Top-10 Tips For Wreck Penetration Diving Safety As a technical wreck instructor, it’s been my full time job for several decades to train and advise…
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Starting Scuba Diving
This guide has all the information you need for starting scuba diving & helps you get the most out of your underwater experience.
Best Liveaboards for Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in the Philippines
If you are planning a trip to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a liveaboard is the only way to experience the beauty of this underwater world. In this article, I will discuss the best liveaboards that are available for exploring the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Ultimate Guide to Sidemount Cylinder Trim
Sidemount cylinder trim is a headache for many sidemount divers. This illustrated guide will help you diagnose the problem & find the solution
Are You Ready For Solo Diving?
Examining the risks & personal factors that should be considered before attempting solo diving. Read this article before you dive alone!
The Best Diving Spots in the Philippines
The Philippines is a diver's paradise, with an abundance of stunning and diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks and crystal-clear waters
Guide To Advanced Wreck Diving
A comprehensive guide to advanced wreck diving techniques, equipment, skills and protocols. A must-read for wreck divers at all levels.
Are Some Scuba Courses more Equal than Others?
Are Some Scuba Courses more Equal than Others? Don’t pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba…
What is a sidemount pouch or pocket?
A sidemount pouch, or pocket, is used to stow ancillary diving equipment when sidemount diving. It clips to square D-rings on the read harness via two double-end boltsnaps.
Ultimate Guide: Positioning Sidemount Cylinder Bands
I observe lots of sidemount divers experiencing frustration with their kit; and it's often due to their sidemount cylinder band positioning. There's actually a very simple principle that determines band positioning.
‘Putting Another Dollar In’ – The Value of Progressive Scuba Training
The Value of Progressive Scuba Training – ‘Putting Another Dollar In’. by Andy Davis When I talk with divers and read the online scuba forums…
Performance Development for Technical Divers
Performance Development for Technical Divers Observe – Analyze – Adapt by Andy Davis As a technical diving instructor, a primary aspect of my work is…
Scuba Diving – Why The Need For Rules, Boundaries & Limitations?
Technical versus Recreational Scuba Diving: Why is there a need for Rules, Boundaries and Limitations? by Andy Davis There is currently a strong debate about…
10 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
Scuba Diving Buddy Separation Safety Protocols
Scuba Diving Safety Protocols: Buddy Separation by Andy Davis Losing your buddy is an easy way to ruining a good dive. Being alone underwater can…
No.9 | Streamlined Dive Gear
The benefits of streamlined dive gear and how to achieve it with your own scuba diving equipment. Small kit changes can have big effects.
No.8 | Balanced Rig Principle For Diving
The balanced rig principle for diving describes a calculated approach to the amount of weight which can be jettisoned in an emergency
No.7 | Diving Ascents and Descents
How to improve your diving ascents & descents for safer and more comfortable scuba dives. This article can change your diving.
No.6 | Breathing and Scuba Buoyancy
How to control your breathing & scuba buoyancy for more comfort, confidence and competency as a scuba diver.
How To Select The Best Wreck Diving Course
An honest guide to finding a high-quality wreck diving course to give you the skills, knowledge & proficiency for real safety inside wrecks
The Importance of Deep Stops by Richard L. Pyle
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…
No.5 | Horizontal Diver Trim
Stable diver trim is the foundation for good buoyancy control and efficient propulsion. It also helps conserve the marine environment.
No.4 | Perfect Scuba Weighting
How to perfect your scuba weighting. Get this right & your buoyancy control will be much easier. Advice not taught in Open Water courses
No.3 | Achieving Great Scuba Buoyancy Control
This is how you achieve great buoyancy control when scuba diving. There are a few key things to know, then you will find it easy
No.2 | Scuba Buoyancy Control Benefits
What are the buoyancy control benefits for scuba divers? The reasons why it is worth devoting time & effort to developing core diving skillset
No.1 | Scuba Buoyancy Control for Divers
The benefits of improving scuba buoyancy control & how it can be developed in training & practice.
Mildly Bent: Decompression Stress and Micro-Bubbles
Explaining decompression stress, micro bubbles. Sub-clinical DCS may not merit a medical emergency, but it should be understood and respected.
Which Sidemount BCD to choose?
Advice to determine which sidemount BCD will best fit your needs as a diver. Use these criteria to choose the most suitable dive gear.
What is the best technical diving computer? | 2023
My review of the best technical diving computer available in 2023. Full-size and watch sized computers with trimix decompression function.
Best Ascent Speed for Scuba Diving
Is there a best ascent speed for scuba diving or is it simply a case of slower is better? Here are the facts to help you improve dive safety.
Learning Scuba Diving Skills On Your Knees
Scuba diving skills taught in a kneeling position cause a plethora of problems for divers. Training in neutral buoyancy is very important!
A Guide To Expert Scuba Diving Skill Development
A 'how to' guide for scuba diving skill development. A systematic tiered approach to ingraining fluent & intuitive dive proficiencies.
DCS and the Immune System
DCS and the Immune System. How bubbles trigger an immune response that can make or break your body's fight against decompression sickness.
How to: air sharing in a scuba diving emergency | Don’t Get Gas Mugged!
How to: Air Sharing In A Scuba Diving Emergency Don’t Get Gas Mugged! I see lots of debate on scuba diving social media about optimal…
What scuba training agency is best for technical diving?
What scuba training agency is best for technical diving? This advice will help you the best scuba training agency for your technical diving training A…
AI Dive Computers | Using Air Integrated Transmitters for Diving
Are AI dive computers a valuable investment for divers? Honest pro advice on using transmitters with air integrated dive computers.
What is the Balanced Rig Principle in Diving?
Balanced Rig Principle: improve diving safety with a calculated approach to the overall buoyancy dynamic. Survive BCD failures without drama.
Types of Decompression Sickness (DCS)
Decompression sickness types and symptoms. There are 4 medical catagorizations of DCS, along with sub-clinical DCS, aka decompression stress.
Prepare For Technical Diving Courses | 5 Simple Steps For Success
It is vital to prepare for technical diving courses. Follow these steps for the best chance of success in your tech training.
How to Tie a Regulator Bungee Necklace
Technique and video showing how to tie a DIY regulator bungee necklace for your hogarthian or sidemount short hose regulator.
Basic Scuba Tips | Using Your Hands Whilst Scuba Diving
Using Your Hands Whilst Scuba Diving by Andy Davis Many novice divers wish to improve their air consumption during dives and increase their relaxation and…
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
How much experience is needed for technical wreck penetration?
Technical Wreck Penetration How much diving experience is needed? I often get asked how many dives should a technical wreck diver have before they…
Hollis SMS100 Sidemount Modifications
Hollis SMS100 Sidemount Modifications by Andy Davis I regularly have sidemount students bring the Hollis SMS100 for their courses. The SMS100 is a good sidemount…
Compression Arthralgia | Deep Diving Maladies
An overview of compression arthralgia | Hyperbaric deep diving malady | Compression arthralgia causes, symptoms, treatment | By Andy Davis
How to Judge Your Diving Ascent Rate Without a Dive Computer
Being able to judge your diving ascent rate is an invaluable safety skill if your computer or bottom timer fails. These tips show how!
What is the best way to prepare for technical diving training?
What is the best way to prepare for technical diving training? Improve your success in technical diving training by following these steps to prepare yourself…
The Physics of Diving – Scuba Gas Laws Theory
The Physics of Diving – Scuba Gas Laws A concise explanation of the critical scuba gas laws for divers by Andy Davis Scuba diving is…
Subclinical DCS, Decompression Stress and Post-Dive Fatigue
Sub-clinical DCS, decompression stress and post-dive fatigue. The impact of microbubbles on diver vitality and health.
Technical Diving Experience: The Complacency Paradox
The technical diving experience paradox - acquiring more experience increases the opportunity for complacency to creep in & decrease safety.
Gradient Factor Comparison: 60m Trimix Case-Study
Comparing three gradient factor settings on a 60m trimix dive plan to discuss off-gassing efficiency and DCS risk.
Scuba World Depth Records – Science versus the Human Factor
Perspective on scuba world depth records: human physiology versus the limitations of diving science and technology.
XDeep Stealth Tec vs Hollis Katana 2 | Reviewed
Comparative dive review of the XDeep Stealth Tec versus the Hollis Katana 2 sidemount BCDs. Specifications, features, options, prices, performance
Sidemount Training: How To Find An Effective Course
Sidemount training varies enormously in quality. Read these tips to identify the expertise and experience you need in a sidemount instructor.
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.
How To Use A Pony Cylinder For Diving
A comprehensive 'how to' guide to pony cylinder benefits, selection, gas planning and usage. Everything you need to know about pony cylinders.
XDeep Stealth Modifications: Low-Profile Waist Buckle
The benefit of adding a low-profile waist buckle to your sidemount system.
Pony Cylinders and Redundant Air Sources for Wreck Diving
What is a pony cylinder? Why are they recommended for wreck divers? This article answers your questions.
Nylon-Braided Regulator Hose Diving Emergency
Nylon-Braided Regulator Hose Diving Emergency On Wednesday, 22nd July 2015, I had to complete a real-life diving emergency air-sharing ascent with a technical diving student because…
XDeep Stealth Classic Modifications: Crotch Bungee
A nice modification to create a removable XDeep Stealth Classic wing lower attachment.
What are the two styles of sidemount BCD design?
The history and evolution of Mexican and Florida cave sidemount BCD designs. Understand these principles to choose the right sidemount gear for your needs,
XDeep Stealth Modification: Redundant Buoyancy
This XDeep Stealth modification adds redundant buoyancy to the Classic, Tec or Rec sidemount BCDs. It is a simple oral inflation system.
A Guide to Modern Sidemount Diving
A comprehensive guide to sidemount diving. What it is, the history, the equipment styles, how it is configured, gear setup and everything else you need to know.
Deco Sidemount BCD Review
My dive-tested review of the Deco Sidemount BCD. It's my favourite travel system for warm-water recreational sidemount.
Deep Diver Courses: What You Really Need To Know!
An honest appraisal of the training given on recreational Deep Diver courses versus the risks that exist on deeper dives.
Avoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Dive Gear
Expert tips to help prevent costly mistakes when buying dive gear. Don't regret your scuba equipment purchases!
Scuba Diving Regulator Buyers Guide
This honest and impartial scuba diving regulator purchase guide will save you money. Avoid making costly mistakes when buying expensive dive gear.
What are the risks of deep diving?
Deep diving risks are badly educated on many dive courses. This article is a comprehensive guide to the hazards of deeper recreational diving.
Top-10 tips on how to best prepare for technical diving training
Top-10 tips on how to best prepare for technical diving training Reduce the risk of failing technical diving training with these essential tips to prepare…
The USS New York Subic Bay Wreck
Dive site details for the USS New York wreck in Subic Bay, Philippines. History, dive details and video of this famous shipwreck for divers.
Top 5 Sidemount Adapter Systems
Top 5 Sidemount Adapter Systems Sidemount adapter systems are one solution for diving sidemount if you already own a backmount wing, but don’t want to…
SEAC Sidemount BCD
SEAC Sidemount BCD The SEAC Sidemount BCD KS01 looks like a warm-water configuration. With ~20 lbs of buoyancy, it is in competition with the Hollis…
Grading Wreck Diving Restrictions
Defining grades of wreck diving restrictions. How to assess the severity of restrictions when planning your dives in backmount and sidemount
Some Options for Homemade DIY Sidemount Rigs
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,…
Showa L2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck | Subic Bay
The Tabby Aircraft Wreck – Subic Bay Diving the Showa Nakajima L2D Tabby One of five aircraft wrecks in Subic Bay, I identified the Tabby…
Problems Reaching The XDeep Stealth Dump Valve
I occasionally hear sidemount divers report having problems reaching the XDeep Stealth dump valve. There are some simple solutions to this problem...
L2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck Photos | Subic Bay
L2D Tabby Aircraft Wreck Photos Subic Bay, Philippines Here are some L2D Tabby aircraft wreck photos taken on 45m technical dives in Subic Bay. For…
Scuba Diving Trim
How to develop your scuba diving trim and become a more comfortable, confident & competent diver. Follow these simple tips for swift progress!
Wreck & Cave Diving Helmets
Everything you need to know about sidemount, wreck and cave diving helmets; including how to make your own DIY helmet.
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.
DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions
How to make a DIY sidemount helmet for wreck and cave diving. An illustrated and comprehensive guide.
Technical 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
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.
An Evaluation of the Modern Scuba Diving Training Industry
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the scuba diving training industry and how can that effect both dive profesionals and divers? The aim of this article is to take a look at the modern scuba diving training industry and hopefully induce some debate on what's right, and bad.
Nitrogen Narcosis – Perceptions of Susceptibility
The greatest variation between divers is the individual perception of susceptibility to narcosis. This is the person's awareness of when, or if, they are suffering a decline in mental cognizance due to elevated nitrogen partial pressure.
A Fatal Attempt: Guy Garman | Doc Deep World Depth Record Fatality 2015
Analysis of the individual and team psychological factors defining the fatal world depth record attempt by Guy Garman (Doc Deep).
Top-5 Best Sidemount Fins 2023
Choosing the right set of sidemount fins is an important decision. They have a profound effect on diver trim and control. With that recommendation in mind, here is my pick of the top 5 warm-water sidemount fins.
Why Do Divers Use Helium?
Divers use helium for three reasons. Breathing mixtures that contain helium are commonly referred to as "trimix". Trimix is a mixture that contains three different gasses; helium, oxygen and nitrogen. It is commonly used by technical divers, although recreational trimix courses are becoming more popular over recent years.
What is the best wreck diving course?
What is the best wreck diving course? What to know so that you get the best quality wreck diving course In this article I will…
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.