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.
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.
Scuba Q&A: Why Does I Feel Tired After Diving
Why Do I Feel Tired After Diving? The simple answer is; you shouldn’t feel tired after diving. If you find yourself inexplicably fatigued, malaised or sleepy…
Scuba Q&A: What Is Your Reason For Technical Diving?
Scuba Q&A: What Is Your Reason For Technical Diving? Q. What is your reason for doing technical diving? Answer: I look at it as “tools…
How Deep Can You Dive Using Air?
There are three governing factors which determine how deep can you dive using air. Understanding those factors promotes safe gas selection.
What is the biggest risk in technical diving (and how to avoid it)
What is the biggest risk in technical diving? ..and how to avoid it! The biggest risk in technical diving is, quite simply, not having…
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…
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.
RAID Instructor Cross-Over: My Course Review
Early in 2017, I made a decision to cross-over my scuba diving instructor rating to RAID. What I liked about RAID was that they were aiming for quality, not quantity. That was reflected in their syllabus, as well as having stringent and measurable performance standards at every level.
How To Set Goals For Your Technical Diving Development
How To Set Goals For Your Technical Diving Development Don’t waste time and money when developing as a technical diver. Use this advice to create…
Scuba Q&A: How Can I Make My Air Last Longer When Diving?
Scuba Q&A: How Can I Make My Air Last Longer When Diving? by Andy Davis Q. I normally finish my air before everyone else. How…
Is Solo Diving Safe?
Is Solo Diving Safe? Question: Is solo diving safe and recommended? What do I need to consider if thinking to go solo diving? Answer: Solo…
Choosing a Buoyancy Control Device BCD
Choosing Your Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) by Andy Davis Shopping for a scuba buoyancy control device (BCD) is like completing a jigsaw. There is…
Diving Equipment: Bungee Secured Safety Spool
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…
Scuba Q&A: Deep Diving Below Recreational Agency Depth Limits
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…
Scuba Q and A: Diver Stress, Relationships and Comfort Zones
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…
Top-5 Best Tropical Vacation Diving Fins 2023 | Scuba Equipment
When going on a scuba diving vacation to the tropics, you need lightweight diving fins that don't compromise on performance. Here is my pick of the best ropical vacation scuba diving fins
Scuba Q and A: Drysuit or BCD for Primary Buoyancy?
Scuba Q and A: Drysuit or BCD for Primary Buoyancy? by Andy Davis QUESTION: I need some advice; I have been told to use your BCD…
Scuba Q and A: When To Drop Your Weight Belt?
Scuba Q and A: Question: On my Open Water course, I was taught to drop my weight belt in an emergency. What situations would merit…
What is the best watch sized diving computer? | 2023
Choose the best watch sized dive computer for your needs; in-water and for daily life. They are a big investment, so it's critical that you have the right information to choose for your needs.
Sidemount Cylinder Boltsnaps | Gear Setup Tips
Sidemount Cylinder Boltsnaps Sidemount cylinder boltsnaps may seem a little insignificant in your list of sidemount equipment purchases, but they play a critical role in…
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.
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
A Logical Application of Gradient Factors Settings for Open-Circuit Tech Divers As an active technical diving instructor for many years, I see many tech divers…
Technical Wreck Course Report
Technical Wreck Course Report by Andy Davis A technical wreck (sometimes called ‘advanced wreck’) course is a pinnacle-level diving course for highly qualified technical divers…
The Secret to Diving Expertise: Experience versus Ability
The Secret to Diving Expertise: Experience Versus Ability by Andy Davis If you want to be an expert diver, then you need to practice. Obvious,…
Stress Management & Acute Panic Response in Scuba Diving
Stress Management in Scuba Training – What can be done about the Panic Reaction? by Andy Davis I’m not a psychologist, but I have noticed…
The Secret To Improving Your Air Consumption For Scuba Diving
The Secret To Improving Your Air Consumption by Andy Davis I encounter many novice divers who are dissatisfied, even frustrated, by their air consumption whilst…
How to Scuba Dive with ‘Insta-Buddies’
How to Dive with ‘Insta-Buddies’ by Andy Davis The term ‘insta-buddy‘ is popularly used within the scuba community to define a diver of unknown skill,…
The Changing Technical Diving Mindset
The Changing Technical Diving Mindset Technical diving went mainstream. It’s not a good thing in all respects by Andy Davis. Having been actively involved in…
What Is Deliberate Practice For Scuba Divers?
Deliberate practice is a methodology for the most efficient skill development. Learn how to fast-track your diving competency with this guide.
How To Build Your Own DIY Custom Sidemount Harness
How To Build Your Own DIY Custom Sidemount Harness It’s pretty easy (and cheap!) to make a DIY custom sidemount harness for yourself. Configure it…
Technical Diving Instruction: Finding Dolphins in the Desert
Technical Diving Instruction: Finding Dolphins in the Desert by Andy Davis As a general principle; ‘you don’t find dolphins in the desert‘. Applied to tech…
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?
Scuba Q&A: Diving Descent Speed and Decompression
Scuba Q&A: Diving Descent Speed and Decompression by Andy Davis Question: What happens if you exceed a deco algorithm maximum descent rate? ANSWER: If…
Scuba Q&A: Diving Descent Speed and Narcosis
Scuba Q&A: Diving Descent Speed and Narcosis by Andy Davis Question 1: Apart from the need to recognise narcosis, and the need to equalise, is…
Scuba Q&A: CO2 Narcosis and Hypercapnia
Scuba Q&A: CO2 Narcosis and Hypercapnia CO2 narcosis and the link with hypercapnia when scuba diving In this scuba Q&A article, I will address the…
Sidemount Skills: Problems With Fine Motor Movements
My thoughts on experiencing problems with sidemount skills performance; particularly fine motor movements.
Nitrogen Narcosis Sedation & Consciousness
The commonly taught model of alcohol-like intoxication fails to describe the nuanced cognitive effect upon the diver and, at worst, promotes divers towards a dangerous misbelief that they aren't mentally impeded by narcosis
Top-5 Tips to Perform Technical Diving Valve Drills
Top-5 Tips to Perform Technical Diving Valve Drills When learning technical diving, many students will remark that mastering backmount valve drills can be amongst the…
Scuba Q&A: Changing to an AIR-2 Octopus
Scuba Q&A: Changing to an AIR-2 Octopus What are the pros and cons to changing to an AIR2 type octopus? ANSWER: AIR-2 systems, also known…
Scuba Equipment Shopping | How To Get The Best Diving Kit
Scuba Equipment Shopping An important tip when considering diving equipment purchases When scuba equipment shopping it’s easy to waste money on dissapointing or inappropriate products.…
Scuba Q&A: Scuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 Narcosis
Scuba Q&A: Scuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 Narcosis Scuba diving anxiety effects many divers. It can be anticipated with beginners, but even very experienced divers…
7 Diving Buoyancy Facts 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.
Scuba Q&A:Why do tech divers use two dive computers?
Scuba Q&A: Why do tech divers use two dive computers? Technical diving requires redundancy of safety-critical equipment. If something fails, you still have to complete…
The History of Subic Bay
The History of Subic Bay A concise history of Subic Bay, charting 500 years of turmoil, conflict and occupation The history of Subic Bay reflects…
Scuba Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide?
Scuba Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide? Question: What is the difference between a Dive Guide and a Divemaster? Both…
Scuba Q&A: What is the value in taking more diving courses?
Scuba Q&A: What is the value in taking more diving courses? by Andy Davis Question: What is the value of doing more diving courses beyond…
Scuba Q&A: How To Ascend When Diving?
Scuba Q&A: How To Ascend When Diving? Q. How should a scuba diver ascend when scuba diving? Answer: Novice scuba divers are taught to ascend…
Underwater Photography | 5 Minute Photoshop Edit
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…
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.
Scuba Q&A: Overcome Fear of Mask Removal?
Scuba Q&A: How Can I Overcome My Fear of Mask Removal? Q. How do I get over my fear of removing my mask to get…
Scuba Q&A: Steel or Aluminium Cylinders?
Scuba Q&A: Steel or Aluminium Cylinders? Q. Do professional divers prefer aluminium or steel scuba tanks, or is it a purely personal choice? Answer: The…
A Performance Guide To Managing Narcosis | Technical Scuba Diving
Under The Influence: A Performance Guide To Managing Narcosis By Barry Fowler, Ph.D.* This paper was originally prepared for habitat divers using nitrogen-oxygen mixes, where…
Technical Diving Skills | Reaching Your Valves
Technical Diving Skills – Reaching Your Valves This article, posted at DiveDIR, gives great advice on how to reach your valves when conducting valve shutdown…
The Varying Permeability Model (VPM) for Dummies
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…
How Dangerous Is Tech Diving?
Discover the risks associated with tech diving and how they can be mitigated. Learn how to stay safe while exploring deeper depths.
Oxygen Exposure Management for Scuba Divers
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…
Decompression Theory Resources | Technical Scuba Diving
Decompression Theory – Links and Resources Here is my selection of educational articles and resources for further reading on scuba diving decompression theory… – Bubble Decompression…
Technical Diving Skills | Valve Shut-down Drill Explained
Technical Diving Skills – Valve Shutdown Drill Explained This article, posted at Dive DIR, provides a very clear explanation of valve shutdown drills for isolated…
Technical Diving – Optimal Gas Mixes
Technical Diving – Optimal Gas Mixes Knowledge of optimal gas mix selection is critical to the technical diver. The graph below simply correlates bottom depth…
Sheck Exley’s Razor – The Nature of Limits
Sheck Exley’s Razor – The Nature of Limits By R.D. Milhollin (Blog editor’s note: This article was first published in the March-April 1995, issue of Underwater…
Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving
Calculating ‘No Stop Time’ by Erik C. Baker, P.E. The following is an explanation about calculating the “No Stop Time”: Starting out with the basic Haldane…
Really Simple Bungee Straps for Shearwater Petrel 2
Shearwater Petrel Really Simple DIY Bungee Straps for Your Shearwater Petrel 2 by Andy Davis I was recently shown this very efficient way to add…
Nudibranch in Anilao Nudibranch – Philippines Underwater Photography
Anilao Nudibranch – Philippines Underwater Photography A gallery of colourful Anilao nudibranch photos, taken by Andy Davis, during a 1-week training expedition to Anilao in…
One day and an Evening in Subic Bay – Philippines Underwater Photos
One day and an Evening in Subic Bay – Philippines Underwater Photos Several days spent teaching an ‘Intro to Doubles’ course in Subic Bay.…
Muck Diving / Critter Photos – Subic Bay, Philippines
Following the start of an artificial reef construction program at Arizona Resort Dive Center, coupled with a nice long spell of dry weather, we enjoyed a…
More muck diving critter photos from last week in Subic Bay
More Muck Diving Critter Photos from last week in Subic Bay Another installment of photos showing the huge diversity of macro critters we spotted on…
Sidemount Review: The DiveRite Nomad LTZ
Sidemount Review: The DiveRite Nomad LTZ The DiveRite Nomad LTZ is the improved successor to the old Nomad LT Extreme. Made with even more robust…
Deep6 Sidemount Regulators & Eddy Fins | Unboxing Review
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…
Review: XDeep NX Project Wing
Review: XDeep NX Project Wing by Andy Davis Shortly before Christmas 2016, I received the new XDeep NX Project technical wing for testing and review.…
Review: Deep 6 Gear Sidemount Regulator Package
Deep 6 Gear Sidemount Regulator Package by Andy Davis. Deep 6 Gear is rapidly making a name for itself for their very economically priced advanced-diving…
The Best Sidemount Diving Regulators | Scuba Equipment
A greater number of scuba equipment manufacturers are now offering dedicated sidemount regulator sets. Here is my guide to some of the best sidemount regulators sets available.
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…
Torch Review: Tovatec Sports Tec ST2000
Torch Review: Tovatec Sports Tec ST2000 The Tovatec Sports Tec ST2000 is a really useful multi-purpose torch at a good price. I bought one on a whim…
DCS & Immune Response | The Complement System When Diving
The Complement System and Diving by Dr. Ernest Campbell. The role of the immune response in sub-clinical DCS & decompression stress issues.
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,…
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…
Custom Sidemount Hardware Upgrade With SUMP UK
Sidemount Hardware Custom Upgrade With SUMP UK Andrew Goring, at Sump UK, has been busy designing and producing some clever custom hardware for sidemount…
Sidemount Diving | Book Release | Rob Neto
Sidemount Diving – The Almost Comprehensive Guide book release by author Rob Neto Rob Neto, the highly regarded sidemount and cave instructor is releasing his…
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…
APEKS WSX-25 Sidemount
APEKS WSX-25 Sidemount Pre-Release Review Apeks are due to soon release the WSX-25 Sidemount BCD and harness. Early promotional photographs and details of the rig…
FinnSub ‘Fly Side’ sidemount BCD
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…
Sidemount Divers Going ‘Back’ To Backmount by Steve Martin
Sidemount Divers Going ‘Back’ To Backmount A re-post of Steve Martin’s excellent article on the state of current sidemount training provision, initially published on Scubaverse.…
Amphibian Gear – Sidemount Transformer
Amphibian Gear – Sidemount Transformer The Amphibian Gear Sidemount ‘Transformer’ comes from Russia. It is a modular system, similar to the OMS ‘Profile’ adapter, whereby an anti-taco…
Gradient Factors for Dummies
Gradient Factors for Dummies By Kevin Watts (Article from RebreatherWorld.Com) Gradient Factors for Dummies attempts to provide a user’s view of gradient factors, an Erik…
Aquamundo Sidemount BCD Review
Aquamundo Sidemount BCD – New Release Oct 2013 I was pleased to be asked to conduct pre-release trials on the Aquamundo Sidemount BCD during Sept…
Tech Diving | Turn Pressure Calculator
Tech Diving – Turn Pressure Calculator Use this spreadsheet to help calculate your turn pressure on technical/overhead dives: turn_pressure_calculator
ANDI Ascent and Descent Procedures | Diving Techniques
ANDI Ascent & Descent Procedures – Open Circuit Diving During all ANDI training courses, students are taught to follow a set system of procedures for…
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…