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.
Read MoreWhy Do Divers Use Helium?
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
Scuba Diving
Normalization of Deviance: Insidious Drift Into Dangerous Diving
A must-read guide to normalization of deviance: the dangerous slide into irrationally justifying bad diving judgments & avoidable accidents.
Read MoreNormalization of Deviance: Insidious Drift Into Dangerous DivingExperience is overrated. Diving ability matters!
Diving experience isn't the path to mastery. Read this to learn what is really necessary to develop expertise as a scuba diver!
Read MoreExperience is overrated. Diving ability matters!Situational Awareness: The Most Neglected Diving Safety Skill
Discover the key to safer diving: situational awareness. How can poor training diminish it? And what steps can you take to improve it?
Read MoreSituational Awareness: The Most Neglected Diving Safety SkillUltimate Solo Diver Guide: Independent & Self-Reliant Diving
Must-know advice for a pathway to being a safe solo diver. Honest dive pro insights on self-reliant training & independent diving abilities.
Read MoreUltimate Solo Diver Guide: Independent & Self-Reliant DivingUndeserved Bends: The Facts and the Myths of Unexplained DCS Hits
Unexplained DCS hits can leave divers puzzled. Dive into the facts and myths of undeserved bends to understand and mitigate your DCI risks.
Read MoreUndeserved Bends: The Facts and the Myths of Unexplained DCS HitsThe Role of Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness in Diver Development
Learn how emotional intelligence and self-awareness contribute to the mastery of diving skills and the mitigation of dive safety risks.
Read MoreThe Role of Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness in Diver DevelopmentThe Dunning-Kruger Effect and Risk Judgment in Scuba Diving
The impact of Dunning-Kruger Effect in scuba diving risk assessment. Dive into the psychology of over-confidence & flawed diver judgment.
Read MoreThe Dunning-Kruger Effect and Risk Judgment in Scuba DivingScuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice Approach
Deliberate practice is a methodology for the most efficient skill development. Learn how to fast-track your diving competency with this guide.
Read MoreScuba Diving Mastery: The Deliberate Practice ApproachAltitude Diving Adventures: All You Need to Know
Altitude Diving Demystified: A complete guide to high-altitude underwater exploration. Expert tips & insights for unforgettable experiences.
Read MoreAltitude Diving Adventures: All You Need to KnowUltimate Buoyancy Control Guide: Dive with Effortless Precision
Unlock the secrets of developing perfect buoyancy control in this comprehensive step-by-step divers guide!
Read MoreUltimate Buoyancy Control Guide: Dive with Effortless PrecisionDiving Stress Management: Scuba Diver Panic & Anxiety
A realistic examination of scuba diving stress management. What does it REALLY take for a diver to overcome panic when a dive goes wrong?
Read MoreDiving Stress Management: Scuba Diver Panic & AnxietyPFO – Patent Foramen Ovale and DCS Risk in Diving
What every scuba diver should know about PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) and DCS risk. Is your heart putting you at risk?
Read MorePFO – Patent Foramen Ovale and DCS Risk in DivingScuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 Narcosis
Did you know that scuba diving anxiety can arise from CO2 narcosis? Learn why descent speed, gas density & exertion can affect your dives!
Read MoreScuba Diving Anxiety & CO2 NarcosisScuba Diving Descent Speed: What You Need to Know!
This article has everything that you were never taught about scuba diving descent speed! What effects and issues does the descent rate have?
Read MoreScuba Diving Descent Speed: What You Need to Know!Skin Bends: A Guide to Cutaneous Decompression Sickness
A guide to Cutaneous Decompression Sickness, aka skin bends, that result from inadeqate deco, fast ascent, or PFO issues when diving.
Read MoreSkin Bends: A Guide to Cutaneous Decompression SicknessUnderstanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness (IEDCS) for Divers
A guide to understanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness, aka IEDCS or verstibular bends, that result from IBCD or PFO issues when diving.
Read MoreUnderstanding Inner-Ear Decompression Sickness (IEDCS) for DiversWhat is Fluorescence Night Diving? A Guide to Fluo Diving & Glow Diving.
Discover the magical world of fluorescence night diving. Dive into neon colors & biofluorescence with fluo diving! Tips, gear & the science!
Read MoreWhat is Fluorescence Night Diving? A Guide to Fluo Diving & Glow Diving.Your Ultimate Night Diving Guide: Dive into Darkness
Explore the thrill of night diving safely and confidently with this comprehensive guide. Learn the gear, techniques, tips and marine life!
Read MoreYour Ultimate Night Diving Guide: Dive into DarknessA Guide to Diving With Sharks: Thrills, Chills, and Safety Skills
Crucial tips for diving with sharks. Safety measures, statistics, types of shark diving, & the best global destinations for shark diving.
Read MoreA Guide to Diving With Sharks: Thrills, Chills, and Safety SkillsWhat is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide?
When taking a scuba diving vacation it's important to know whether you have a dive guide or a divemaster. Learn the crucial differences here!
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between a Divemaster and Dive Guide?Achieving Perfect Diving Trim: Your Path To Effortless Dives
How to develop your scuba diving trim and become a more comfortable, confident & competent diver. Follow these simple tips for swift progress!
Read MoreAchieving Perfect Diving Trim: Your Path To Effortless DivesHow To Maximize Enjoyment as a Scuba Diver!
Getting the most enjoyment from your scuba diving. Turn gratification into passion! A philosophical & psychological path to diver fulfillment.
Read MoreHow To Maximize Enjoyment as a Scuba Diver!10 Traits of Highly Competent Divers: A Diving Mindset To Excel!
Want to excel as a diver? Discover the 10 common traits that define highly competent divers. Implement these concepts to enhance your diving!
Read More10 Traits of Highly Competent Divers: A Diving Mindset To Excel!Decompression Sickness Treatment & Recovery
Richard Pyle's educational account of his experience with decompression sickness, treatment & the recovery. A valuable read for divers.
Read MoreDecompression Sickness Treatment & RecoveryDiving 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.
Read MoreDiving Certification: Do You Need To Get Qualified To Scuba Dive?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?
Read MoreNitrogen Narcosis: Why It Is Hard to Know You Are NarkedScuba 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!
Read MoreScuba Gas Planning: Gas Management For DiversOptimizing 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!
Read MoreOptimizing Configuration For Your Backplate and Wing BCDAvoid 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!
Read MoreAvoid Costly Mistakes When Buying Dive GearWhat 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.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a safety stop and a decompression stop in scuba diving?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.
Read MoreThe Risks of Scuba Diving: Understanding the Hidden Dangers UnderwaterScuba 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!
Read MoreScuba Equipment Shopping: How To Buy The Best Dive Gear!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.
Read MoreMastering Horizontal Diving Trim: An Effortless Balancing ActGas 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!
Read MoreGas Density in Diving: Research, Risks & RecommendationsThe Truth About Diving Emergency SAC Rates
Are you underestimating your dive emergency SAC rates? Studies reveal far higher gas consumption than you'd expected!
Read MoreThe Truth About Diving Emergency SAC Rates10 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!
Read More10 Tips for New Divers to Rapidly ImproveHow To Use Less Air When Scuba Diving?
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.
Read MoreHow To Use Less Air When Scuba Diving?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!
Read MoreBackplate & Wing BCDs for Diving: Ultimate Guide To BP&WsUNESCO 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!
Read MoreUNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites That You Can Scuba Dive!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!
Read MoreImmersion Pulmonary Edema in Scuba Diving: Understanding The IPE Risk10 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
Read More10 Tips To Horizontal Hover When Scuba DivingMaster 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!
Read MoreMaster Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control Like A Pro!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
Read MoreTop-5 Best Vacation Diving Travel Fins 2024 | Dive Gear ReviewDoes 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.
Read MoreDoes Nitrogen Narcosis Impairment Persist?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!
Read MoreThe Secret To Improving Your Air Consumption For Scuba DivingBad 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!
Read MoreBad Dive Buddy | How To Create A Safer Buddy System Dive TeamNitrogen Narcosis Sedation & Consciousness
Nitrogen narcosis sedation is diminished consciousness: not the alcohol-like intoxication many divers are taught.
Read MoreNitrogen Narcosis Sedation & Consciousness7 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.
Read More7 Diving Buoyancy Tips That You Need To KnowWhat 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?
Read MoreWhat Are The Three Benefits Of Nitrox When Scuba Diving?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.
Read MoreScuba Diving, Dehydration and DCSScuba 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.
Read MoreScuba Diving and Self-Discipline FailuresIs Solo Diving Safe?
Is solo diving right for you? Explore the safety considerations. preparation & personal factors needed self-reliant underwater explorations.
Read MoreIs Solo Diving Safe?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
Read MoreHow to Choose the Right Dive Center: An Honest Pro GuideThe 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.
Read MoreThe Pro Guide To Scuba Diving SuitsThe 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!
Read MoreThe Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting Scuba DivingThe 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!
Read MoreThe Best Budget Dive Computers For Entry-Level Divers 2024Best Liveaboards for Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in the Philippines
The best liveaboards for Tubbataha Reef. A liveaboard is the only way to experience this underwater treasure; find the right one for you.
Read MoreBest Liveaboards for Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in the PhilippinesAre 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!
Read MoreAre You Ready For Solo Diving?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
Read MoreThe Best Diving Spots in the PhilippinesHow 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.
Read MoreHow To Find The Best Scuba Diving CourseUltimate 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.
Read MoreUltimate Pro Guide to Buying Dive Boots and Wetsuit BootiesScuba Diving Buddy Separation Safety Protocols
Buddy Separation. An effective diving safety procedure that will minimize the chance of buddy separation and missing divers underwater.
Read MoreScuba Diving Buddy Separation Safety ProtocolsStreamlined 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.
Read MoreStreamlined Dive Gear: A Huge Diving Performance BoostThe 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
Read MoreThe Balanced Rig Principle For DivingA 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).
Read MoreA Fatal Attempt: Guy Garman | Doc Deep World Depth Record Fatality 2015Ultimate 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!
Read MoreUltimate Pro Guide To Buying Scuba Diving FinsEqualization 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!
Read MoreEqualization Made Easy: Pro Tips & Techniques for Great DivingSublime 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!
Read MoreSublime Scuba Diving: Achieving Flow State for DiversHow 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
Read MoreHow to Nail Perfect Weighting for Your Dive: An Ultimate GuideTen 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!
Read MoreTen Essential Tips For Muffled Hearing After Diving | Ear Care For DiversPsychopathy & 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.
Read MorePsychopathy & Technical Divers: How Adaptive Psychopathic Traits Benefit DiversMicro-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.
Read MoreMicro-Bubbles When Scuba Diving: Mild Bends And Sub-Clinical DCSLearning 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!
Read MoreLearning Scuba Diving Skills On Your KneesA 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.
Read MoreA Guide To Expert Scuba Diving Skill DevelopmentDCS 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.
Read MoreDCS and the Immune SystemA 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
Read MoreA Buddy System Strategy for Air-Sharing Diving EmergenciesAI 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.
Read MoreAI Dive Computers | Using Air Integrated Transmitters for DivingWhat 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.
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.
Read MoreTypes of Decompression Sickness (DCS)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.
Read MoreUsing Your Hands Whilst Scuba DivingHow 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!
Read MoreHow to Judge Your Diving Ascent Rate Without a Dive ComputerThe 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.
Read MoreThe Physics of Diving – Scuba Gas Laws TheoryDecompression 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.
Read MoreDecompression Stress: Post-Dive Fatigue and Subclinical DCSHow 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.
Read MoreHow To Use A Pony Cylinder For DivingHow 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.
Read MoreHow Deep Can You Dive Using Air?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.
Read MoreUsing your BCD or a Drysuit for Buoyancy Control?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.
Read MoreWhen To Drop Your Weight Belt On A Scuba Dive?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!
Read MoreCO2 Narcosis and Hypercapnia When Scuba DivingChanging 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?
Read MoreChanging to an AIR-2 Octopus AASThe 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.
Read MoreHow To Overcome Fear of Mask Removal When Scuba Diving?Scuba Diving Cylinders: Steel or Aluminium?
Understand the characteristics, benefits & drawbacks to scuba diving cylinders. This article helps you decide between steel & aluminum tanks.
Read MoreScuba Diving Cylinders: Steel or Aluminium?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.
Read MoreSheck Exley’s Razor – The Nature of Diving LimitsNudibranch in Anilao Nudibranch – Philippines Underwater Photography
Anilao nudibranch: Philippines underwater photography from one of the prime muck and macro dive locations in the world.
Read MoreNudibranch in Anilao Nudibranch – Philippines Underwater PhotographyThe 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.
Read MoreThe Complement System When Diving: DCS And Immune ResponseThe 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!
Read MoreThe Ultimate Buyer’s Guide To Choosing A Scuba Diving WetsuitRisk 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!
Read MoreRisk Assessment in Scuba Diving: The Key Steps To Safer DivesWhat is the Best Watch Sized Diving Computer? | 2024
A comprehensive buying guide to the best watch sized diving computer in 2024. Explore the details & specifications to for the best informed decision!
Read MoreWhat is the Best Watch Sized Diving Computer? | 2024Dive 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!
Read MoreDive into Fun: A Parent’s Guide to Youth Scuba Diving for Kids