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.
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 MoreWhat is the Balanced Rig Principle in Diving?
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.
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!
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
CCR Review: Testing the Liberty Sidemount, KISS Sidewinder & Triton
Explore top CCR choices for 2024! Dive into Liberty Sidemount, KISS Sidewinder & Triton review by technical diving expert Lu "Yen" Rispoli.
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 neither of his regulators was delivering gas at depth. If you’d asked me previously whether…
Underwater Photography in Subic Bay, Philippines
Underwater Photography in Subic Bay, Philippines Welcome to underwater photography in Subic Bay, Philippines! Subic Bay is a world-renowned destination for wreck diving, but is often unknown by underwater photography enthusiasts. With its diverse range of rare marine life and…
The Ultimate Guide to Full Face Masks: FFM for Scuba Divers
Learn everything you need to know about diving with Full Face Masks (FFM) in this very comprehensive diver guide. Buyer's advice and pro tips!
The $1200 Budget Sidemount Diver
Kit yourself as a budget sidemount diver, no compromises, for less than $1200! Sidemount diving doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.
Top 5 Convertible Hybrid Sidemount Systems
The top 5 most popular hybrid sidemount systems. Sidemount systems easily converted to backmount singles or doubles configurations.
Hollis SMS100 Sidemount Modifications
Hollis SMS100 custom modifications. Get the best performance from your sidemount BCD; especially for warm-water & aluminum cylinders!
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.
Sidemount Review: The DiveRite Nomad LTZ
A review of the DiveRite Nomad LTZ sidemount. Expert equipment review by Andy Davis
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 in time for Christmas. This is my initial ‘unboxing’ review. A full diver review will…
Review: Deep 6 Gear Sidemount Regulator Package
My review of the Deep6 sidemount regulator set
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 and rebreather systems. This metalwork can enable sidemount divers to carry out some nice modifications,…
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 buttplate rails. Finnsub backplate options The FinnSub BCD can be purchased with either an aluminum…
Aquamundo Sidemount BCD Review
The Aquamundo Sidemount BCD I was pleased to be asked to conduct pre-release trials on the Aquamundo Sidemount BCD in Sept 2013 and this is my instructor’s review of the rig: The sidemount BCD is a complete system, designed on…
Technical Diving: Redundant Computers vs Backup Timer & Tables
Discover the pros & cons of redundant computers versus backup bottom timers & tables in technical diving. Which option is best for you?
Deco Sidemount BCD Review
My dive-tested review of the Deco Sidemount BCD. It's my favourite travel system for warm-water recreational sidemount.
The Best Sidemount Diving Regulators Set
Looking for sidemount regulators? This review features all the specifications for the best sidemount regulators sets on the market today!
Top 5 Sidemount Adapter Systems
A reviewed list of the Top 5 Sidemount Adapter systems for converting backmount wing systems for sidemount diving.
How To Rig A Deco Sidemount Harness And Wing Perfectly!
How to assemble a Deco Sidemount harness that allows permanent & reliable attachment of the wing. This step-by-step guide shows you how!
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, I created several homemade DIY sidemount configurations using what was available; typically converting backmount dive…
Scuba Diving FAQs: Common Dive Questions and Expert Answers
Scuba diving FAQs answered by an expert professional diver with 30 years of dive experience! Essential tips for safe & enjoyable dives!
XDeep NX Project Wing: Tested and Reviewed
Technical instructor review of the XDeep NX Project doubles wing. A truly innovative tech wing with some excellent and original features.
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 the full version was subsequently published in Cave Diving Group Newsletter, 121:2-5. by Richard L.…
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
Compression Arthralgia | Deep Diving Maladies
An overview of compression arthralgia | Hyperbaric deep diving malady | Compression arthralgia causes, symptoms, treatment | By Andy Davis
Wreck & Cave Diving Helmets
Everything you need to know about sidemount, wreck and cave diving helmets; including how to make your own DIY helmet.
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 marine salvage. With a rich maritime history, including lots of action during World War Two,…
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 /130 feet as the maximum depth for recreational deep diving. That seems inconsistent when my…
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 this a factor I should consider when scuba diving? Andy’s Answer: [no_toc] I know of…
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 underwater strobes to provide effective directional lighting for their underwater photography. With a basic point-and-shoot…
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.
A Guide to Narcosis Managment
A technical article by Barry Fowler, Ph.D. on narcosis management for scuba divers. Learn how to deal with narcosis on deeper dives.
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 original location at RebreatherWorld forum This article attempts to provide a basic framework for looking…
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 prematurely, reactive oxygen species can form which interfere with normal function and cause convulsions or…
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 Strategies by Eric Maiken – VPM Decompression Site by Eric Maiken – Confessions of a Mortal Diver by Richard Pyle…
Technical Diving Standard Gas Mixes
The technical diving standard gas mixes. These breathing gasses ensure risk mitigation and help standardize team tech diving.
Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving
Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving Welcome to an informative article on “Calculating No Stop Time for Scuba Diving” written by Erik C. Baker. This article is specifically designed for recreational divers who want to learn about the source…
Really Simple DIY Shearwater Petrel Bungees
How to improvise bungee straps for the Shearwater Petrel 2 technical diving computer. A secure method to improve Petrel configuration.
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 in Diving course. The online version of this course is self-contained, but also acts…
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, U.S. Navy (retired) It’s a fact: we need oxygen to live. It’s because of the…
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
Erik Baker's excellent article on 'Understanding 'M-Values'. Critical reading for prospective technical diving students.
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 here for educational purposes. Gradient factors explained by Matti Anttila Ph.d Remember your first diving…
Gradient Factors for Dummies
Gradient Factors for Dummies by Kevin Watts An explanation of gradient factors settings on your deco software.
ANDI Ascent and Descent Procedures | Diving Techniques
The ANDI ascent & descent procedures explained. Increase safety & promote team-cohesion. Rec & tech protocols | Advanced Diving Techniques
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 is simply referencing a condition that is above standard atmospheric pressure. Instead of breathing the…