Choosing Gifts And Apparel For Scuba Diving Buffs

When a birthday or holiday comes around, it is hard to shop for some people. But others have a hobby, interest, or job they love so much that picking out a gift is easy. Scuba divers are no exception. Vanity plates, stickers, photos, posters, cameras, and apparel make a scuba diving buff’s gift list.

Household Gifts

Unless you are a diver also, there is no way to know what kind of equipment your diver needs, like masks, fins, tanks, and all kinds of other things. However, you can pick a diving-themed gift.

Diving merchandise almost always has a red flag with a diagonal white stripe on it. This is the international “diver down” flag. When someone dives, they leave a buoy at the surface displaying that flag so that boaters stay out of the way.

Nice photographs of underwater scenes are also a good gift idea. If the diver has taken a picture he or she is especially proud of, consider having it professionally framed.

Wearable Gifts

Scuba diving apparel is a great idea for the diver in your life, and there are plenty of places to shop for it.

First, if you know enough about specialized scuba diving apparel, like wetsuits, you can always look for something newer, fashionable, or more comfortable for your friend to wear underwater. Staff at the dive store can help you pick out things that all divers need; you just come knowing colors and sizes.

At the shop, they will almost certainly have other scuba diving apparel – but not the kind anyone wears underwater. There are certainly more diving-related t-shirts, jackets, and hats than there are actual divers in the world. But nonetheless, many divers love to go around in a t-shirt or hat announcing their skills and their hobby.

Even stores that have nothing to do with water sports often sell scuba diving themed apparel. But for the widest selection, as usual, turn to the internet. T-shirts especially come with cheeky jokes like a pair of diving tanks with “lungs of steel” written underneath.

However, the most fun kind of scuba diving gift has got to be one that shows creativity and is especially for the diver in your life. Imagine your friend wearing a t-shirt down to the pier with a list of his or her favorite dives or some other personalized comment. It turns out to be a good conversation starter with other divers as well as eye-catching clothing.

Technical Scuba Diving Courses

There are a number of different technical scuba diving courses that one can take part in and these include for example: Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Extended Range, Entry Trimix, Advanced Trimix, Advanced Wreck, Overhead Environment/Cavern, and Introductory Cave, Cave, Nitrox Gas Blender as well as a few others. Though one cannot describe each and every one of these courses in detail a few important technical scuba diving courses may be mentioned briefly.

Nitrox is an entry level certification course that the recreational diver may want to undergo when he or she wants to use enriched air nitrox (EAN) as a breathing gas. The main aim of this course is to teach divers about the advantages, dangers as well as proper procedures regarding use of nitrox mixes from 22% to 40% oxygen content.

More Information

For the advanced Nitrox technical scuba diving course, the diver will examine using EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for best mixes to a depth of 130fsw/40msw. The aim of this course is to teach the diver how to use EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for dives that do not require staged decompression as well as to inform him or her about benefits, and pitfalls regarding the same.

Another technical scuba diving course is Decompression Procedures, which teaches the theory, methodology as well as procedures of planned stage decompression diving. The aim of this course is to teach the diver how to plan as well as conduct a standard staged decompression dive that does not involve diving to depths exceeding 150fsw/45msw unless and until it is taught together with Advanced Nitrox, Extended Range or Advanced Wreck Courses. Mostly, the equipment required, techniques of decompression as well as mixtures of decompression such as oxygen and nitrox, are taught in this course.

The Extended Range course gives the necessary training as well experience that is required off a diver to ably utilize air for dives that are of depths of 180fsw/55msw and that require staged decompression by also using nitrox mixtures as well as oxygen during decompression.

The Entry Level Trimix is a technical scuba diving course which gives the diver training that is required in order to adeptly and safely make use of breathing gasses that contain helium for dives that need staged decompression, using nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to depths not exceeding 200fsw/60msw.

And, the Advanced Level Trimix technical scuba diving course imparts the training necessary to expertly as well as carefully use breathing gases that contain helium for dives that need staged decompression by using nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to depths not exceeding 300fsw/100msw.

Scuba Diving Trip: The Ultimate Vacation

When deciding where to go on vacation this year, why not try a vacation spot that offers scuba diving as one of its perks. A scuba diving trip is not your normal vacation. With a scuba diving trip, you get to see all the wonders there are to see under the water. See exotic fish, plant life and more. You can often find a scuba diving trip for a great price. Most packages offer the trip as well as equipment rental so you get everything you need to have the time of your life.

Get Some Lessons First

Before you take a scuba diving trip, it’s a good idea to get some sort of scuba driving lessons. These can be had at one of the many scuba diving schools all over the world. Scuba diving is so popular that, chances are, there’s a scuba diving school near you. With scuba diving classes, you’ll obtain your scuba diving certification, which states that you are well skilled in not only using the bulky equipment required but also what to do and what not to do once you’re underwater. You can enlist your whole family in scuba diving classes so that you’re all ready for your scuba diving trip.

You don’t necessarily have to have certification to go on a scuba diving trip but it’s a good idea. That’s because being underwater is like nothing else in the world. It’s easy to become disoriented underwater. Not to mention that you’re wearing all kinds of heavy, bulky equipment and you don’t want to panic underwater with all that equipment on in case something goes wrong. For this reason, it’s a very good idea to at least get some instruction before you take that plunge.

You can take a scuba diving trip anywhere that’s tropical where there’s water nearby. Many people take their scuba diving trip in places such as Hawaii or The Bahamas, however, anywhere tropical where there’s water nearby will be perfect for your scuba diving trip. There’s virtually no limit to the places you can go, you just have to search around for the best deal.

So, get yourself some lessons or enroll your entire family in some scuba diving classes so that you can take the entire clan on a scuba diving trip. They’ll love the different approach to the traditional vacation. Once you’re underwater and you’re able to breathe with the help of your oxygen tank, you’ll be amazed at all the different things you can experience once you’re finally underwater, making the most of your scuba diving trip.

Finding A Scuba Diving Resort For Summer Or Winter

Scuba diving is a popular hobby, but one that takes a good bit of commitment and practice. After you have taken lessons and plunged in, probably with nothing better to look at than the inside of a swimming pool, its time for a scuba diving resort vacation.

Many underwater sight-seers like to go to a resort with dedicated scuba diving equipment and guides to make the most of their experience. Knowing you do not have to lug your own tanks and suits to an unknown place is part of the luxury of a vacation.

Maybe the tropics are your thing. Any time of year is a good time to dive at sites near the equator in Africa, Central America, and Asia. If you happen to have a big budget, spend Christmas at the Great Barrier Reef and Easter at the Florida Keys.

Going to temperate dive sites takes a little more planning. Do you hope to see migratory fish? Will the water definitely be warm enough to dive by April? Remember, diving in cold water requires different equipment.

Do Your Research

Before dropping a few thousand dollars on a visit to a scuba diving resort check out what the guidebooks have to say, browse some magazines, and get reviews from other travelers. Set your budget, get an idea of what you want to see on your dive, and start making reservations.

First, a trip to the library is in order. Many libraries stock up-to-date travel guides, some dedicated to diving locations throughout the world. Or if you have decided on a locale, pick up a few travel guides for that country or state.

Next, go to a good bookstore or newsstand, and check out the recent magazines on dive sites. There are magazines that cover a huge array of scuba diving vacations at resorts, parks and islands all over the world.

By the time all this is done, you probably have narrowed the search to a few scuba diving resorts in a certain region. For the last step, use the internet to read reviews of the resorts you have in mind. One of the most extensive sites is thorntree.com, run by Lonely Planet. The site is free to use, and frequented by many serious and knowledgeable travelers. There are also sites just for scuba divers. Be sure to look for any complaints, especially safety oversights.

Scuba Diving Instructor Certification: A way to Explore and Experience the Wonders of the Underwater World

Getting a scuba diving instructor certification is a sure fire method of learning and being able to explore and experience the wonders of the underwater world, which would thus allow you to swim with the fishes and also allow you to get the exhilaration of being among the natural beauties present beneath the surface of the open waters.

How to get a Scuba Diving Instructor Certification

This scuba diving instructor certification may be obtained from International Diving Career Institute at Hall’s which provides that of state-of-the-art and progressive certification programs. One may receive their instructions in the classroom or at the pool or even in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, if they prefer.

Here, at the International Diving Career Institute at Hall, the ability to teach others any version of diving instruction no matter where it is in the world is available; the lectures at the Hall are copyrighted, and the study guides impart knowledge in such diverse subjects as equipment, environment as well as diving physics. Also taught are issues regarding such things as decompression, gas mixes, Nitrox and rebreathers.

The student, during the scuba diving instructor certification course would learn to make presentations orally and as a Scuba Diving Instructor would need to make presentations in diving classes as well as for open water orientation. These presentations, the student would learn to make fun, lively and educational to make sure that the guest is given an unforgettable experience.

Water training is the most important aspect of the scuba diving instructor certification course at Hall’s and it has its own resort that allows the student to receive his or her own underwater training in a real diving environment and that too, in Florida Keys.

The Hall has a number of scuba diving instructor certification programs and these include Scuba Diving Instructor, Professional Deep Tech Instructor, Professional Rebreather Instructor, Professional Divemaster/Boatmaster, Diving Accident Response Technician as well as a few others.

Another place for obtaining a scuba diving instructor certification is Dive Tortola which offers a number of attractive scuba diving instructor certification packages including Resort Course, Open Water Referral Dives, Full Open Water Course, and Advanced Open Water Course. The first step would be to take the one day Resort Course and then to move on to Open Water Referral Dives that will help learns open water dives in the clear and warm waters of Tortola.

The next step would be to take the Full Open Water Course which lasts three to four days and is an internationally recognized certification. Finally, one may take the Advanced Open Water Course which is designed for increasing the student’s knowledge about Deep Diving and Underwater Navigation as well as three specialty dives including any three out of the following six: Multi-Level Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Naturalist, Fish Identification as well as Wreck Diving.

Use Scuba Diving Gear To Protect Yourself And The Environment

Scuba diving is a widely practiced sport by all age groups around the world; in fact, many take specific scuba diving vacations to explore unknown waters in different parts of the world.

The Importance Of Scuba Diving Gear

In scuba diving, probably the most important part is the gear that you equip yourself with, this will make your trip memorable or very unpleasant depending if you chose to gear yourself the right way or not. Let us explore together why scuba diving gear plays such an important part in this delightful sport.

The wet suit is an important item of the scuba diving gear because it has a thermal effect and maintains the temperature of your body no matter of the temperature of the water; this may actually save your life if the water is too cold, in which case your body could go into hypothermia, therefore, it is extremely important to wear it at all times.

A Face and eye mask is important because without them you will not be able to see or breathe in the water; the scuba booties and fin make swimming in the water easier and smoother, therefore, I suggest them at all times no matter how far below you plan to go and for how long.

Oxygen is an essential part of the scuba diving gear, without which you will not last any time at all as you will not be able to breath under the water. Different size oxygen tanks have different quantities of oxygen supply and that is something you must take note of, as you need to be back to the surface before you run out of oxygen. There are special watches available which have a bezel set on the outside part of the watch, which allows you to keep track of the time under the water.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Scuba diving gear is a precaution that is indicated in order to protect yourself and the underwater environment, which is very fragile. Scuba diving gear can be rented at stores located at scuba diving sites or you can acquire them if you get passionate enough about the sport.

There are online stores available with great bargains on scuba diving gear and some local ones as well. Checking the available options before purchasing is indicated, as some of the scuba diving gear can be very expensive however, worth every penny when you will get to know enjoy the sport.

The Importance of Scuba Diving and Travel Insurance

There are plenty of insurance companies providing scuba diving and travel insurance and most are designed specifically for divers providing very wide coverage at extremely competitive prices and giving the policy holder top notch value for their money. There are also different types of policies including Annual multi-trip and single trip policies.

The Annual multi-trip policy provides excellent protection throughout the year and at anytime that one goes on a vacation. This scuba diving and travel insurance will cover the policyholder for diving as well as for certain other sporting activities. For those who are recreational divers, the single trip policy helps them to take out an insurance policy for the odd single or double diving trip.

More Features

The salient features of these scuba diving and travel insurance policies cover cancellation and curtailment, personal accident, medical expenses, hospital benefits, baggage, personal effects, diving and winter sports equipment, money up to approximately US$1000, loss of passport, legal expenses, travel delay, missed departure, personal liability, dive pack, hire of dive equipment, and hi-jack.

It may also be noted that the prospective diver who wishes to have scuba diving and travel insurance is legally bound to disclose all material facts and failure in this respect will affect their rights under the insurance.

The meaning of material fact may be defined as being all facts that would influence the agent in the approval or appraisal of the insurance and that may include the state of the prospective policyholder’s health or those of close relatives.

When the person takes out a scuba diving and travel insurance policy the insurance company will give them an insurance certificate that is also known as a policy wording and it will contain all the details of the cover provided as well as spell out all the conditions and exclusions that apply to it.

It may even further be noted that making fraudulent claims would make the person liable for criminal prosecution. Property claims are settled on the basis of indemnity and not on new for old or even replacement basis unless specified in the policy. In a majority of the sections of the policy there will be set certain limits on the amount that the policyholder will be reimbursed by the insurer and these may also include inner limits such as for one item or for the total value of valuables.

The policy may also entail that the policyholder takes reasonable care to protect the self as well as their property.

Understanding the Importance of Pro Scuba Diving Gear

The ideal pro scuba diving gear should enable the diver to have unlimited bottom time and not ever having to worry about a dropping pressure gauge that tells the diver that his or her time is up. There is some pro scuba diving gears available which might consist of a Kirby Morgan band mask, for instance, as well as approximately 50 pounds of weight plus some 300 feet of air hose.

Of course, this is a special kind of pro scuba diving gear that only certain expert divers know about.

What Else is Important to Know?

In addition, there could be different versions of the Kirby Morgan 28 band mask and one such in particular has a fiberglass and stainless steel front plate which helps to place the head in a neoprene helmet instead of in a hard shell. Band mask is the term originating from the stainless-steel clamp that encircles the faceplate holding the seven mil thick hood to the mask.

The helmet on the inside has a neoprene gasket that completely surrounds the face and also has a breathing cup that seals the nose, mouth and chin. To equalize one has to manipulate a knob which in turn rotates a nose dam that is situated in the nose/mouth cup.

The faceplate is made of reinforced glass and rests approximately three inches farther out and the communications unit as well as a check valve is also house in the frame to allow one-way air flow from the main air supply hose. The helmet is also accompanied with a dry suit, a dive computer, knife, light, leather weight harness and also approximately 50 pounds of lead plus the bail-out bottle. It may seem to be very heavy but once the pro diver is underwater it feels much lighter and is also less cumbersome as compared to a scuba rig.

There is also some other not so extremely rugged pro scuba diving gear that is available, and this includes that of a regulator, Octo, BCD and gauges. One such pro scuba diving gear in particular is that of the Aeris Competition which has the Aeris A1 scuba regulator that is low profile and light in weight and is an excellent choice to get the added backup that the more experienced divers would not do without.

Its first and second stages are low profile and have one high pressure port plus four low pressure ports that can take care of most different types of arrangements of hoses. It is Nitrox compatible to 40% and is rugged as well as dependable and is designed through use of the latest 3-D computer modeling methods which allows better modeling as well as test performance while still in the early stages of development.

Scuba Diving Classes: Under The Sea

Scuba diving classes should be considered by anyone who is looking to pick up a hobby or activity that offers them a little something extra and different. Scuba diving classes teach you how to use all of the necessary equipment, what to do and what not to do, in order to have a great time underwater. Scuba diving is a very popular activity so there should be a scuba diving school near you. You don’t necessarily have to live near the ocean to participate in scuba diving classes. I know what you’re thinking. If you’re not near water, how can you learn what it’s like to be underwater with all that equipment. The answer’s an easy one to answer. There’s usually always an indoor pool nearby.

Indoor Pools Are Great Training Tools

Many scuba diving classes, if you’re not near the water, make use of indoor pools to show students how to act with all that equipment once they’re underwater. The instructors may make deals with local fitness clubs or indoor pool facilities so that they may use their pools whenever their members aren’t. Indoor pools are great places to have scuba diving classes. They show you exactly what it’s like to be underwater with all that bulky equipment and the instructors are able to show you exactly how you should act once underwater. Plus, it’s a controlled environment so indoor pools are very beneficial for both student and instructor.

Of course, if you live near the water, your scuba diving classes may very well be held at your local beach or pier. Instruction will most likely take place primarily in the classroom at first. This is how the instructors can engrain in your brain how to act and how to use the equipment without going into the water. Then, once you have the experience and training you need, your scuba diving classes will then be held underwater. There’s no instruction like experience, after all.

To find scuba diving schools near you, check your local yellow pages or do an internet search. The equipment will likely be provided for you. After your lessons, you can either purchase your own equipment or you can rent it, it all depends on how often you plan to go scuba diving.

There’s much to see underwater and the best way to see it up close and personal is to attend scuba diving classes. Get the instruction you need to see all there is to see under the big, beautiful sea.