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Top 5 Professional Careers in Scuba Diving

January 20, 2009 By

By Felix Tero

Scuba diving is not a regular sport or recreational activity. In fact, advanced and specialty courses in open circuit scuba diving have opened doors to established professional careers that require technical, underwater diving expertise. Engineers, scientists and environmentalists are also acquiring scuba diving skills to meet the demands of their occupation. The article lists a few professions that require scuba diving in the course of work.

  1. Underwater Engineering. Professional divers perform engineering work in lieu of the exploration and production activities of the oil industry. The job takes advantage of the skills of a scuba diver for the maintenance of submerged oil platforms. Civil engineering projects also hire professional scuba divers for the conduct of underwater surveys or when building harbors and bridges.
  2. Marine Biological Research. Scientists engaged in this field of scientific study submit to extensive scuba diving training to be able to conduct underwater research, particularly on the biodiversity of marine life. Meanwhile, environmentalists have also found scuba diving skills to be relevant in the protection of marine habitats; where frequent scuba diving is performed for the conduct of clean-up projects and periodic reef surveys.
  3. HAZMAT Diving. Short for hazardous materials diving, this is regarded as the most dangerous type of professional diving. The environmental conditions pertinent to the job pose a great health risk to the scuba diver. For this reason, employment is limited to highly skilled and experienced scuba divers who should likewise be in excellent physical state. For this type of diving, scuba divers go through a series of pre-medication treatments and are geared up only in specialized scuba equipment. Decontamination following work in polluted waters is also required. HAZMAT diving is commonly performed to repair pipelines, recover bodies and lost objects, and for the purpose of underwater pollution control as well.
  4. Underwater Photography and Film Making. Television and film producers invest part of their budgets to shoot underwater footages that may be relevant to a movie or documentary on production. Now this activity requires the services of professional scuba divers. This is one of the many jobs available that recreational divers can easily take on to earn extra income out of their scuba diving skills.
  5. Military, Navy and Police. The military and navy likewise train their personnel in the conduct of offensive operations such as underwater infiltration and demolition. In this case, scuba diving is significant in the recovery of underwater evidence for police profiling.

With the range of career options mentioned, learning how to scuba dive will come in handy to one intending to make scuba diving as an occupation. If you are planning to take recreational scuba diving to the next level (as a profession), invest on good quality scuba equipment. Start with the H2Odyssey Thruster Open Heel Fins which is designed to make you move swiftly underwater using minimal leg strokes. For a versatile dive suit, there is the Aeris Rio 3/2 Jumpsuit that offers you full protection and comfort while diving varied water environments.

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that's right for you at http://www.scubasuppliers.com

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Snorkeling in Akumal, Mexico

January 20, 2009 By

By Macon Gravlee

Akumal Bay is known for its assorted species of sea turtles which use the area for breeding, feeding and rearing their young. This provides an optimal chance to see the animals in their natural habitat, including the many colorful species of fish and plant life.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are perhaps the favorite activities to pursue during a trip to Akumal, but snorkeling is a less physically demanding and technical option. With a brief instruction course and a good area choice, snorkeling is relatively easy for even first-time beginners.

One popular area for snorkeling in Akumal is the Yal-ku lagoon. This area is an extremely rare environment where fresh water meets with salt water from the ocean. The combination of the two types of water is called a "halocline" effect.

Only very specific species can survive and prosper in this halocline bay, and the mixture of salt and fresh water supplies creates an changed appearance of the water itself. Many species found in this area are not found anywhere else in the world, and have been shown on many travel channel specials in recent years.

Casa Cenote is a lagoon featuring mangroves and unusual fish displays. Many snorkelers find the fossils in Cenote at Dosojos quite fun for a day of exploration. Many of the fossils seen at Dosojos date back to Mayan civilizations that once occupied the area.

Snorkel lessons are usually a good idea forfirst-timers prior to going to one of these sites. Although the activity is easy, some find that they are uncomfortable with the equipment or unsure how to best view the underwater scenery while safely using the equipment.

A popular activity for locals and tourists alike is night snorkeling. Typically, a flashlight is used in conjunction with traditional snorkeling equipment for this activity.

Many species which are not seen during daylight hours can be seen when snorkeling after sunset. This is typically because they are night-feeders or resting during the day.

The octopus is a perfect example of this spectacle. Octopuses only come out to feed at after dark, and change color when a flashlight beam is focused on them. Virtually all of the life seen at night are safe for snorkelers, so night snorkeling is a safe activity as well.

Plant life and some types of fish are also luminescent at night. This creates greenish lights glowing either continuously or flashing at night - quite a view for one who is only used to snorkeling during the day!

M Gravlee is a retired newspaper publisher who spends several months a year traveling.

http://vacationsurfer.net/Mexico/

http://akumalvacation.com/

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Scuba Gear – Mask Cleaning and Maintenance

January 20, 2009 By

By Anne Clarke

Scuba gear, like many other forms of sport and exploratory equipment, requires care and maintenance in order to last. Ideally, these items will not only last many years, but will also continue providing service which is as good as new.

Although not the most complex article of diving equipment, a scuba mask is no exception. It is a vital item which allows for underwater vision, whether the diving is taking place near Maui, Hawaii or Yongala, Australia.

Here are a few tips for taking optimal care of these items and retaining clear and comfortable sight for many dives to come:

  • First time cleaning - Many new articles of scuba gear will come with labels which must be carefully removed. In addition to this, new masks in particular may have an oily residue or remainders of liquid silicone on their lenses or even their straps. Some of this material may be left over from the manufacturing process. The oily film may have been applied to the silicone to protect it during shipping. If left upon the lens, this film may cause the mask to fog up during dives. It may also prevent the mask from sealing to skin correctly, allowing it to slip off at inopportune times.
    To clear away these residues, there are a few cleaning solutions available. The first is a store-bought mask scrub. Be certain to read their instructions closely, as some are harmful for plastics. Other possibilities are to use a non-abrasive liquid dishwashing detergent, or even toothpaste. When toothpaste is utilized, it is important that a gel variety is not selected.
    Follow any of these treatments by rinsing the mask fully in clear and clean water before wearing.
  • Travel care - Scuba masks commonly come in a protective case. These cases are ideal for their storage. Replacement cases are often available. For traveling convenience, a scuba gear bag may be purchased with a special pocket intended for holding the mask.
    Before leaving for a vacation which involves diving, it is wise to inspect the mask and ensure that it fits snugly. It (and all other gear) should also be inspected for any wear and tear. Ensure also that the equipment is fully dried before it is packed away.
  • General treatment - Avoid leaving the mask in direct sunlight, which can be drying and bleaching. Also, do not place it face down as this may encourage scratches on the lens surface. Always clean the mask with freshwater after use.
  • Defogging tips - Saliva and a toothpaste rinse are simple and generally readily available remedies to prevent the fogging up of diving lenses. There are also many commercially prepared defog solutions available for only a few dollars at any dive shop.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on parenting, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on scuba diving, please visit Scuba Gear, home to useful information on Maui scuba diving and much more.

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Let's Talk Scuba Regulators

January 20, 2009 By

By Edward Price

Whether you're new to scuba diving or a diving nut, you want to be sure the scuba regulator you have is top notch. There are differences in any scuba regulator and tons to consider such as warm water regulators, cold-water models, and ones that will work for any dive. Let's look at what's new, what are musts for diving regulators, and what's a surprising alternative.

What's New in Regulators?

In 2008, we saw the technologically advanced carbon fiber regulator that was lightweight and claimed to be most wanted for years. Compact yet high in performance the carbon fiber regulator's second stage case came in sixty-five percent lighter than it's metal cousins-take a look at these, if for nothing else-your curiosity.

The Sherwood Gemini model became a star in the alternate inflator category and scored points with its ease for its breathing features and well designed and placed controls. Beyond the weight-it's light, nitrox-ready, and rated "excellent" at moderate breathing rates at both 132 and 165 feet.

What's a Must in Regulators?

Durability was what most divers want when it comes to regulators. Like the Sherwood Oasis, a good warm-water regulator, models were tested for durability, service hours, annual servicing, corrosion issues, and peak performance. With the advancement of diving regulators, especially since 2005, most were durable, and like any good piece of equipment, you should follow the manufacturer's recommended care procedures to ensure your model lasts.

Another Sherwood model, the Blizzard, good for cold-water dives and its ability to keep the moisture and icing out, was only part of this regulator's features. Exclusive to this model, a bubble deflector exhaust tee reduced the bubble size and performed great for line of vision.

The SR1 by Sherwood boasts a 360-degree swivel that works with both a yoke and DIN attachment. Good for all-weather diving, we were awed at the two high-pressure ports and five low-pressure ports. A top pick for 2008, this scuba regulator had it all, but the 360 degree swivel was impressive and to us-a must.

An Alternative in Regulators

The alternate inflation regulators are extremely functional and are integrated into your power inflator, getting rid of the traditional octopus hose. These were a challenge to build because of their small housings geared at keeping them ergonomically correct-but with today's technology, they have built some good ones. Most inflation regulators on today's market have gotten a nod from some experts and we expect to see more advancement in these dive regulator models.

The Bottom Line

We looked at lots of models of dive regulators and we connected most with the Sherwood products, perhaps because they've been at it a while. In any event, a regulator is key to your aqua-lung when diving, so be sure to take the time to talk and ask a lot of questions before you commit to buy. Prices can range from a low $200 to highs at $600 or more. Depending on how serious you are in your scuba diving, your sports store should be able to tell you which ones will perform well for you.

Copyright 2009 by Edward Price

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information a good scuba regulator, visit his scuba diving resource site now.

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Scuba Diving Computer Suunto D9 – James Bond Would Want One

January 20, 2009 By

By Edward Price

Posing as a wristwatch when not underwater, the feature packed diving computers offer many functions that would leave James Bond envious of their technology. This neat little wrist-watch computers can do everything from log depth and dive time, to handling air integration. In scuba diving technology, these newest dive computers are loaded into mini, portable gadgets.

Dive computers are primarily used for nitrogen management by combining a timer, depth gauge and software that computes absorption of gases. All divers should know about residual nitrogen and decompression and some may use manual dive tables. The scuba diver computer is becoming more popular as an automated way to help keep track.

Suunto D9 is a feature packed dive computer:

The Suunto D9 diving computer is a good example. This dive computer has many features and a streamlined look. This diving computer offers the following:

• Allows you to log depth
• Keeps track of Dive time
• Temperature
• No-decompression limits over multiple dives working with air and nitrox
• Can be used in gauge and free-diving modes
• Can be switched between metric and imperial
• Can be adjusted for altitude diving
• Using the optional Suunto D9 Wireless Transmitter, it can act as a SPG
• Multiple transmitters can monitor multiple tanks, such as diving instructors monitoring students
• Can handle up to three different mixes of 21%-100% oxygen and allows you switch gases during the dive.
• Can be used at depths up to 660 feet
• Has a digital compass
• Comes with a USB Interface and PC software for dive logging
• Contains a complete package of dive gauges in the wrist-watch sized computer

Things to Consider for Diver Computers:

There are certain things you should know about diver computers, such as the brand and model's reputation, ease of battery change and is it easy to read and backlit. What type of algorithms does it use for calculating, and does it have the options you need are other things to consider. You want to see if it handles different air mixtures for versatility.

All of these things are up to the diver to consider, as the computer does not plan the dive, but keeps track and computes the amount of nitrogen present. The scuba diver still has to plan a safe and healthy dive that is within the proper guidelines.

Take Care of Your Scuba Dive Computer:

You need to read about the care of the individual brand of dive computer that you choose. The most common recommendation is that you thoroughly rinse any dive computers or underwater scuba diving cameras in fresh water. Some also allow you to soak them for an extended period of time, especially after saltwater diving. Just be sure to thoroughly dry your underwater camera before you open it.

In conclusion, scuba dive computers have become sophisticated and some look great enough to wear with a three piece suit.There are several good ones on the market, such as the Suunto D9 or Oceanic Atom 2.0. James Bond would be jealous.

Edward Price has had a keen interest in scuba diving for many years. For more practical tips and information, visit his scuba diving resource site now: http://www.scubasoul.com

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