Are You A Prestigious Diver?
Are You A Prestigious Diver? The prestigious diver If you dive regularly, you’ve probably met a prestigious diver already. They’ve got the good gear. They’ve…
Technical Diving Articles
Performance Development for Technical Divers
Performance Development for Technical Divers Observe – Analyze – Adapt by Andy Davis As a technical diving instructor, a primary aspect of my work is…
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…
Mildly Bent: Decompression Stress and Micro-Bubbles
Explaining decompression stress, micro bubbles. Sub-clinical DCS may not merit a medical emergency, but it should be understood and respected.
What is the best technical diving computer? | 2023
My review of the best technical diving computer available in 2023. Full-size and watch sized computers with trimix decompression function.
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.
What scuba training agency is best for technical diving?
What scuba training agency is best for technical diving? This advice will help you the best scuba training agency for your technical diving training A…
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. There are 4 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.
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.
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
What is the best way to prepare for technical diving training?
What is the best way to prepare for technical diving training? Improve your success in technical diving training by following these steps to prepare yourself…
Subclinical DCS, Decompression Stress and Post-Dive Fatigue
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.
Top-10 tips on how to best prepare for technical diving training
Top-10 tips on how to best prepare for technical diving training Reduce the risk of failing technical diving training with these essential tips to prepare…
SEAC Sidemount BCD
SEAC Sidemount BCD The SEAC Sidemount BCD KS01 looks like a warm-water configuration. With ~20 lbs of buoyancy, it is in competition with the Hollis…
Wreck & Cave Diving Helmets
Everything you need to know about sidemount, wreck and cave diving helmets; including how to make your own DIY helmet.
Technical 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
Nitrogen Narcosis – Perceptions of Susceptibility
The greatest variation between divers is the individual perception of susceptibility to narcosis. This is the person's awareness of when, or if, they are suffering a decline in mental cognizance due to elevated nitrogen partial pressure.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
