You are here: Home / Archives for scuba toys

Dive Computers

December 3, 2008 By Mike

Dive Computers

Scuba computers are compact digital devices that perform the task of nitrogen management without the need of dive tables. Scuba computers combine a timer with a depth gauge.  These computers run software that computes the absorption of gases within the divers body.  Many recreational divers use scuba computers. While it is essential during training that all divers learn about residual nitrogen and decompression using dive tables, scuba computers will enhance the divers experience as it will perform nitrogen management.   It is important that the diver periodically review the dive tables in the event of computer malfunctions.

It is important to understand that  scuba computer does NOT plan any dives for the diver.  The planning is the responsibility of the one diving  because dive safety must be planned by the diver and not the computer.    All dive certification agencies should promote dive safety. 

Dive computers keep track of the following:

  • depth and bottom time
  • amount of nitrogen present in the diver's body
  • alerts the diver if nitrogen levels are getting too high
  • informs the diver to make decompression stops if necessary

Traditional dive tables use only maximum depth and time to calculate absorbed nitrogen.   The calculation assumes the diver was at the maximum depth for the entire dive.     This is where we find the benefits of dive computers.   Dive computers do not calculate nitrogen in the same manner used when using dive table.   Dive computers accurately calculate and track the depth allowing the diver to have longer bottom time.   More bottom time means longer dives.

When shopping for a dive computer do consider the following:

  • Can the battery be replaced by the diver or must it be serviced to be replaced?
  • Can the dive data be uploaded to a computer?
  • Can the dive computer handle nitrox gas mixtures as well as air?
  • Can the buttons on the computer be managed while wearing neoprene gloves?
  • Is the computers interface to the diver's liking?
  • Does the dive computer support decompression management?
  • Does the dive computer support "time-to-fly" (time you must wait between your last dive and ascending to altitude or flying)?
  • Does the dive computer use a well-tested algorithm for calculating gas absorption and decompression?  (Mares-Wienke Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) Algorithm,  Buhlmann Algorithm, and etc.)

Always research the dive computer's brand and model before purchasing. Look for recognizable manufacturers and consult the diver magazines and consumer guides.

-Fin For Yourself

http://www.FinForYourSelf.com/store

Filed Under: Guides Tagged With: , ,

Diver Panic

October 25, 2008 By Mike

By James Costello

What is the most serious condition a diver can experience underwater?

DCS (bends), narcosis...?

It's probably panic, for the simply reason that once a diver starts to panic he/she looses all rational thought processes. In most cases the irrational thinking renders the diver giving self-help almost impossible. The diver is not able to 'think there way out of a problem'; below is an example:

You are diving a famous wreck in local waters, the depth of the wreck is at 40m and the visibility is around 10m. The pre-dive excitement and anticipation are high as you enter the water, once you and your buddy reach the wreck you are overwhelmed by its size... You both spend the next few minutes swimming around the wreck until suddenly you look around and can't see your buddy. Then your dive computer starts to beep as you run out of bottom time, you realize your some distance from the ascent line; so you make a made swim for it. In your haste to get to the ascent line, you don't see the mass of fishing line and it gets entangled around one of your feet/fins. The more you struggle the more you get entangled, with no one to help, you start to panic. No bottom time, limited air supply (at that depth on a single tank)...

It's easy to say, but not so easy to practice; BUT if you stop for just a few seconds try to calm yourself before you hit the panic stage. You can think about your predicament more logically... Relax and slow your breathing (to conserve your air and reduce CO2 build-up), which will make you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Look down identify the problem, maybe removing your fin will make it easier to untangle! If you have a knife or EMT shear (which are highly recommended), take them out and start cutting.

Even if you exceed your bottom time by a minute or two, your diving computer will still prompt you as to what to do (safety stop, ceiling etc); and obviously in this kind of situation it would be advisable to stop diving for a 24hr period if your no decompression limits are been exceeded.

A simple trip to break the circle of panic in a diver is to get them to perform a very simple task for themselves. This shows them that they are in control, and help clam and reduce the level of panic.

By James Costello, SDI Intructor Trainer #13056; visit my website Dolphin Dive Adventures & Services for more information about scuba diving.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Costello
http://EzineArticles.com/?Diver-Panic&id=1602263

Filed Under: Articles, Safety Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Importance of Dive Insurance

July 2, 2008 By Shannon

By Michael James Smith

So, you have finally made it. You mastered your Open Water SCUBA skills and finally received your C-card. Congrats! Welcome to the new and exciting world of SCUBA diving! Now, before you begin looking for that world class vacation, there's one other important thing to consider. You don't want to forget (or ignore) the purchase of dive insurance.

Diving is one of the most exhilarating ways to spend a vacation. As your Open Water textbooks explained, however, there are many inherent risks involved with the sport. Although the risk is generally very low if you follow all the rules for bottom times, ascent rates, safety stops, etc., things can still happen. Even if you follow all the rules to a "T", no one, even in the best of condition, can be completely guaranteed against the bends or any other accident.

Also, as we've been witnessing more and more lately, mother nature can rear her ugly head at very unexpected times. What if a big wave sweeps all your gear into the deep dark depths of the ocean? Dive equipment is far from cheap. Without an insurance policy which covers such things, it might not be so easy for the average person to go out and purchase another complete set of gear. You might think your items were covered by your home insurance, but this is rarely the case. The safest bet is to purchase a specific policy which caters to the diver's need. There are many choices when it comes to purchasing dive insurance. Which one you should choose depends on a variety of factors.First, you should check with your own primary insurance company to investigate your coverage in the event of a dive related accident. In particular, inquire as to what coverage is provided for hyperbaric treatment and emergency air evacuation in case of decompression illness. An uninsured ride to the chamber can cost you $10,000-$20,000. The hyperbaric treatments are thousands more than that. Equipment losses are another consideration. After you're familiar with what you already have, then comb through the benefits provided by the various insurance companies that have policies specifically for divers.

There are many companies which offer this type of insurance. Some of the biggest are Diver's Alert Network (DAN), Dive Assure, and Dive Safe, to name just a few. Each of these has its own caveats, so you must look through the policies thoroughly. Some are primary insurances, while others are secondary. Some have depth limit or technical diver restrictions. Some cover you at home, while others cover you after you've left the country. Some offer trip cancellation insurance in case of illness or inclement weather. In addition to providing insurance, DAN is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, and the wellness of divers. They provide a 24 hour hotline, staffed by medical personnel who are able to answer your dive related medical questions, in both emergency or non emergency situations. All are important considerations as you make your decision.The most important thing, though, is to make the decision. Getting caught abroad in a medical situation is scary enough. Getting caught without the appropriate insurance could be a life altering event. The financial ramifications could last long beyond the physical ones.

Are you a new or seasoned Scuba Diver looking for great deals on Scuba Equipment? Check out our Scuba Auction Store to find the lowest prices on Scuba Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_James_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Dive-Insurance&id=1289280

Filed Under: Articles, Safety Tagged With: , , , ,