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
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/
The 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!
Technical 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
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.
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: 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?
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).
What 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.
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!
Optimizing 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!
Avoid 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!
What 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.
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.
Scuba 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!
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.
Why Do Divers Use Helium?
Find out the three reasons why divers use helium in their breathing gas to increase diving safety. Scuba agencies havie differing policies on training for helium diving.
Gas 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!
How 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
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!
10 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!
How To Use Less Air When Scuba Diving?
The question of using less air when scuba diving is one of the most pressing issues that a majority of newly qualified divers ask. 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.
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
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.
What 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.
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!
Accident Analysis: Christine Gauci Fatality | Malta 2020
Assessing critical learning points to help promote increased dive safety. In January 2020, Christine Gauci, a 35-year old technical diver tragically perished in a scuba diving accident in Malta.
Backplate & 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!
The 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!
UNESCO 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!
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!
RAID 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.
Technical 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
Top-20 Best Wreck Dives in the World
If you're a wreck diving enthusiast, you know that not all dive sites are created equal. I've put together the ultimate bucket list of the top 20 best wreck dives in the world that will take you on an unforgettable journey to some of the most intriguing underwater sites on the planet.
Diving Equipment: Bungee Secured Safety Spool
Originally posted 2018-11-05 06:10:15. Bungee Secured Safety Spool A configuration idea to setup a finger spool for safety use in wreck and cave diving Here’s my approach to configuring a very secure, yet easy to deploy safety spool for…
How 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!
Master 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!
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
Is Sidemount …? A comprehensive FAQ Guide
Answering the most common sidemount questions. Is sidemount...? What sidemount...? How sidemount...? A growing resource for quick answers.
Sidemount 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.
How 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!
Sidemount 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.
How 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.
Does 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.
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!
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.
A 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.
Technical 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!
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!
Bad 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!
How 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.
Choose 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!
The Scuba Diving Industry: Cost Versus Quality
Here's a contentious suggestion for the scuba diving industry; training agency affiliation can become a barrier to quality differentiation when trying to compete in the market on something other than offering the cheapest possible price.
Building Homemade Sidemount Equipment Setup
My thoughts and advice about attempting homemade sidemount gear projects. What does it take to create optimal DIY sidemount systems?
The 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.
Sidemount Skills: Problems With Fine Motor Movements
My thoughts on experiencing problems with sidemount skills performance; particularly fine motor movements.
Nitrogen Narcosis Sedation & Consciousness
Nitrogen narcosis sedation is diminished consciousness: not the alcohol-like intoxication many divers are taught.
Top-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!
What is Technical Diving?
Technical diving differs from recreational scuba in many ways. This detailed article explains everything you need to know about tech 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.
Tech 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?
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?
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.
Scuba 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.
The Desperate Dive Shop
Why do so many scuba dive shops struggle to profit or even go bankrupt? What are the mistakes they typically make?
Are 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?
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
Is Solo Diving Safe?
Is solo diving right for you? Explore the safety considerations. preparation & personal factors needed self-reliant underwater explorations.
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.
The 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!
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.
The Best Budget Dive Computers For Entry-Level Divers 2024
The best budget dive computers 2024. Get value for money by understanding the features & functions. Unbiased advice to help you choose!
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.
How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course
Don't pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving courses available.
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 Pro Guide to Buying Dive Boots and Wetsuit Booties
Looking for the best dive boots? My ultimate guide covers all you need to know, from insulation & sizing to sole design & foot support.
Ultimate Guide: Positioning Sidemount Cylinder Bands
If sidemount cylinder bands aren't correctly positioned you'll struggle to achieve reliable cylinder trim. This illustrated guide will help!
Performance Development for Technical Divers
To excel as a technical diver you need to create a feedback loop to enable continual development. This article explains exactly how to do it!
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
Buddy Separation. An effective diving safety procedure that will minimize the chance of buddy separation and missing divers underwater.
Streamlined Dive Gear: A Huge Diving Performance Boost
The benefits of streamlined dive gear and how to achieve it with your own scuba diving equipment. Small kit changes can have big effects.
The 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
Ultimate Pro Guide To Buying Scuba Diving Fins
Looking for the best scuba diving fins? My expert guide provides valuable insights and tips to help you make the right fin buying decision!
Equalization Made Easy: Pro Tips & Techniques for Great Diving
End your equalization troubles! My expert pro-guide provides proven techniques & tips to allow easy and reliable diving descents!
Sublime Scuba Diving: Achieving Flow State for Divers
Discover the transformative power of flow state in scuba diving. Dive into the zone and enhance your skills like never before. Find out how!
How to Nail Perfect Weighting for Your Dive: An Ultimate Guide
How to perfect your scuba weighting. Get this right & your buoyancy control will be much easier. Advice not taught in Open Water courses
Ten Essential Tips For Muffled Hearing After Diving | Ear Care For Divers
Expert advice for diving ear care. Know the important differences between ear infection, waterlogged ears & muffled hearing after diving!
Technical Diver Traits: Understanding Personality Factors and Dive Safety
Technical diver traits have a profound effect on dive safety and skill development. Learn about these traits and how to develop them!
Micro-Bubbles When Scuba Diving: Mild Bends And Sub-Clinical DCS
The effect of micro bubbles when scuba diving. Sub-clinical DCS may not merit a medical emergency, but 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.
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.
A Buddy System Strategy for Air-Sharing Diving Emergencies
Don't get gas mugged - The role of situational awareness in predicting and avoiding stressful air-sharing emergencies in scuba diving
What scuba training agency is best for technical diving?
Which is the best scuba training agency for your technical diving training? Understand the differences!
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.