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.
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
Read MoreScuba Diving Buddy Separation Safety Protocols
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
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).
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!
Psychopathy & Technical Divers: How Adaptive Psychopathic Traits Benefit Divers
Elite technical divers with positive psychopathic traits excel underwater. Discover why these adaptive traits are advantageous for divers.
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.
Types of Decompression Sickness (DCS)
Decompression sickness types and symptoms. 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.
Using Your Hands Whilst Scuba Diving
Using your hands when scuba diving is inefficient for maneuvering. Learn how to break this habit and become a better scuba diver.
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?
Improve your success in technical diving training by following these straightforward steps to prepare yourself before the course starts.
Top 10 Benefits Of Learning Technical Diving
Boost competence, comfort, and confidence by learning technical diving. Discover 10 surprising benefits that raise your ability as a diver!
The Physics of Diving – Scuba Gas Laws Theory
An explanation of the Scuba Gas Laws for Diving. Boyle's Law, Henry's Law, Charles Law, Dalton's Law, Oxygen Toxicity & Partial Pressures.
Decompression Stress: Post-Dive Fatigue and Subclinical DCS
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.
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.
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.
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.
Using your BCD or a Drysuit for Buoyancy Control?
Should you choose your BCD or drysuit for buoyancy control? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each option in this article.
When To Drop Your Weight Belt On A Scuba Dive?
Learn when to drop your weight belt to survive a scuba diving accident. Tips and advice on weight belts and technqiues.
CO2 Narcosis and Hypercapnia When Scuba Diving
Did you know that mild CO2 retention (hypercapnia) causes acute CO2 narcosis symptoms when you are diving? Don't assume it is nitrogen!
Changing to an AIR-2 Octopus AAS
What are the pros and cons to changing to an AIR-2 regulator inflator octopus (AAS) system? What needs to be considered? Best AIR-2 systems?
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 many centuries of war and turbulence. The Bay has strategic significance as a protected deep-water…
How To Overcome Fear of Mask Removal When Scuba Diving?
Learn how to overcome fear of mask removal when scuba diving with these expert tips. Improve your skills and confidence underwater.
Scuba Diving Cylinders: Steel or Aluminium?
Understand the characteristics, benefits & drawbacks to scuba diving cylinders. This article helps you decide between steel & aluminum tanks.
Technical Diving Skills | Reaching Your Valves
This article, posted at DiveDIR, gives great advice on how to reach your valves when conducting valve shutdown procedures.
Sheck Exley’s Razor – The Nature of Diving Limits
A re-published article discussing Sheck Exley's 'Razor' and the consideration of limits for overhead environment and technical divers.
Nudibranch in Anilao Nudibranch – Philippines Underwater Photography
Anilao nudibranch: Philippines underwater photography from one of the prime muck and macro dive locations in the world.
The Complement System When Diving: DCS And Immune Response
The Complement System and Diving by Dr. Ernest Campbell. The role of the immune response in sub-clinical DCS & decompression stress issues.
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide To Choosing A Scuba Diving Wetsuit
Looking for the perfect scuba diving wetsuit? My buyer's guide for divers will help you learn about materials, sizes, features, care & more!
Risk Assessment in Scuba Diving: The Key Steps To Safer Dives
Learn a step-by-step process for risk assessment in scuba diving and why it is vital to ensure your safety as a scuba diver!
Top-5 Best Sidemount Fins 2024
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.
Advanced Wreck Diving: The Ultimate Guide
A comprehensive guide to advanced wreck diving techniques, equipment, skills and protocols. A must-read for wreck divers at all levels.
Dive into Fun: A Parent’s Guide to Youth Scuba Diving for Kids
Discover the joy of youth scuba diving for kids. A parent's guide to safe and thrilling underwater adventures for children and young adults!
A Simple Guide To Dive Computer Algorithms
Not all dive computer algorithms are created equal. Learn the differences and make an informed decision when buying your next dive computer.
Drysuit Gloves: An Ultimate Divers Guide To Dry Glove Systems
Everything about drysuit gloves! Dry glove materials, seal systems & thermal inners. Uncover the secrets to a comfortable cold water dive!
Tropical And Cold Water Diving: What’s The Difference?
Discover the difference between tropical & cold water diving. Learn the right dive gear & techniques for safe, enjoyable diving experiences.
A Guide to SMBs and DSMBs for Scuba Diving
Learn how to choose, deploy, and maintain surface marker buoys (SMBs) and delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) for safe scuba diving!
A Guide To Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) For Scuba Diving
Learn about Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for scuba diving. A divers guide to choosing, using, and maintaining a PLB for dive safety.
The Passion for Scuba Diving: Dopamine Hits vs. Serotonin Satisfaction
Learn how dopamine & serotonin reward mechanisms shape our enjoyment of scuba diving; impacting diver safety, proficiency & active participation.
The Essential Guide to Emergency Signaling Devices for Scuba Diving Safety
Level up your scuba diving! A guide to emergency signaling devices: types, features, proper usage, and maintenance. Dive with reassurance!
The Ultimate Guide to Blackwater Diving
Discover blackwater diving with this ultimate guide! Learn about gear, safety, techniques, photography, marine life & best destinations.
The 10 Best Muck Diving & Macro Photography Sites in the World
Explore the 10 best muck diving sites for macro photography in the world.
Muck Diving in Subic Bay, Philippines
Muck diving underwater photography in Subic Bay, Philippines. Experience the rare marine life to be found in this photographer's paradise!
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.
Shearwater Dive Computer Settings: A Guide to Gradient Factors
An illustrated guide to getting the best out of your Shearwater dive computer settings. Don't be intimidated by the advanced display options!
Technical Diving Valve Shutdown Drill Explained
Follow these 21 methodical and simple steps to effectively drill the technical diving valve shutdown drill for increased safety & proficiency.
Air Integrated Dive Computers with AI Sidemount Mode
AI sidemount mode differs from just having multiple cylinder transmitters. Discover the best air integrated sidemount diving computers!
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.
XDeep Stealth Classic Modifications: Crotch Bungee
A nice modification to create a removable XDeep Stealth Classic wing lower attachment.
How Can I Make My Air Last Longer When Scuba Diving?
Make your air last longer when scuba diving by following these simply tips. Read the solution to end frustration of high gas consumption!
Sidemount Air Integration | Ultimate Guide to AI Transmitter Setup
Sidemount air integration. An illustrated step-by-step guide to configuring AI transmitters optimally for sidemount regulators. Perfect setup!
Recreational Diving Limits: Assessing The Grey Area Versus Technical Diving
Recreational diving limits become increasingly blurred with technical diving. Why are limits required & how do divers need to consider them?
How To Best Ascend When Scuba Diving?
Three important tips on how to ascend when scuba diving. Read this to increase your safety and enjoy less fatigue after your dives!
Top-5 Best Books For Diving Instructors!
The best books for diving instructors to improve teaching ability & train better divers. None of this was taught in your dive pro courses!
What are the two styles of sidemount BCD design?
There are two styles of sidemount BCD: Mexican cave & Florida cave. Understanding the differences allows the best choice 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.
What is Diving Experience? Can it Define an Expert Diver?
Divers often talk about diving experience. But what does that mean? Learn the difference between an experienced diver and an expert diver!
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.
What is the Best Technical Diving Computer? | 2025
My review of the best technical diving computer available in 2025. All the specifications and critique you need to make an informed decision!
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.
The Best Ascent Speed for Scuba Diving
Learn the best ascent speed for scuba diving. Contrary to assumptions, slower is not always safer when it comes to diving ascent rate!
Why Do I Feel Tired After Diving? How To Avoid Post-Dive Fatigue
Do you feel tired after diving? Read this article to understand what REALLY causes post-dive fatigue & the simple steps needed to avoid it!
Pro Tips For Choosing The Best Scuba Diving BCD For Your Needs
Honest pro tips on how to buy the best scuba diving BCD for your needs. Learn about BCD features, functions, designs and suitability!
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.
Why Do More Diving Courses After Open Water Diver Certification?
What is the value of doing more diving courses after open water diver certification? It all depends finding a high quality course. Read how!
Problems Reaching The XDeep Stealth Dump Valve
There are 6 issues commonly causing problems reaching the XDeep Stealth dump valve. Read my simple advice to easily fix those issues!
Ultimate Guide to Diver Propulsion Vehicles: DPVs and Diving Scooters
Everything you need to know about DPV diving! Learn about the features, functions, price ranges, and suitability for different types of diving
How To Use A Long Hose Regulator Configuration For Recreational Single-Tank Diving
Discover the art of safe diving with a long hose regulator! Explore this comprehensive step-by-step guide for recreational single-tank divers.
Underwater Metal Detectors: Ultimate Guide For Treasure Diving
Underwater Metal Detectors add adventure to your diving! This guide explains how they work, their features, effective operation & safety tips!
Diving 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.
Diving Mask Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need To Know!
Learn the secrets to buying your perfect dive mask with this comprehensive divers guide. From features to fit, these pro tips will help!
Adaptive Diving: Redefining Scuba Diver Independence & Inclusivity
A comprehensive guide to scuba diving for people with disabilities through the liberating and therapeutic opportunities of adapative diving.
Solve Dive Mask Fogging: Your Expert Guide To Prevent Mask Fog
End the frustration of mask fog with my comprehensive guide! Say goodbye to dive mask fogging forever with this 100% working solution.
The Ultimate Diving Gloves Buyers Guide For Divers
Get the best diving gloves for your needs with this comprehensive divers resource. Essential information & pro tips for the perfect purchase!
Overconfidence in Scuba Diving: The Psychology of Diver Hubris
The psychology of diving overconfidence exposed. Learn how you are predisposed to overestimating your ability & how that lowers your safety.
Mastering Competency in Scuba Diving: The Path From Novice to Expert Diver
What is scuba diving competency? How does it differ from skills & experience? Learn how to improve your competency and why that matters!
Scuba Diving Risk Management: Heuristics And Dive Safety
Learn how heuristic thinking harms scuba diving risk management. Read this to safeguard against cognitive biases for safe & successful dives!
A Diving Hood Buyer’s Guide: Stay Toasty, Dive Cozy
Choosing the right diving hood has never been easier with this comprehensive guide. What you need to know to dive with warmth and comfort.
Diving Psychology: The Benefits & Applications For Divers
Learn about the science of diving psychology and how it can enhance your skills, safety, and enjoyment underwater.
Top-10 Tips: How To Prepare For Technical Diving Training
Technical diving training is HARD! Increase your chance of success with these top-10 tips on how to prepare for your tech diving course!