Fin Flippers

Scuba Diving

One of my favorite pastimes is to go scuba diving. I learned to scuba dive in 1996 receiving my open water certification through “NAUI” later receiving my advanced certification through “PADI” and my nitrox certification through ”SSI”

The feeling you get when you put on the tanks, strap on your mask, and buckle up your fins just waiting your turn to step off the boat is exciting. Your heart starts pounding with anticipation as you are going over you dive plans in your head. Did I forget anything? You are asking your self as you are rechecking your gear.

Finally you step off the boat and into the water as your head bobs under the water and back to the surface you turn and signal the boat you are okay and meet up with your buddy. You and your buddy do a final check on yours and his equipment before heading into your dive.
You slowly descend to the bottom where you come across some of the most colorful reefs you have ever seen. Then out of nowhere you see some beautiful fish that acts like you are in a zoo and swims all around you checking you out trying to figure out what kind of fish you are.

You realize that you are 60’ under the ocean with 100’ visibility you and your buddy seem to be the only humans in the whole ocean, completely weightless, you realize the worries of the world and every thing that had been bothering you is not even there. You have completely forgotten the whole world you left behind when you dropped into paradise.

You continue your dive as you and your buddy glide effortlessly over the reefs pointing out all the fish to each other and checking out all the different animals you encounter maybe even seeing a curious shark or two that don’t even act like they notice you.

Then comes the part of the dive you have dreaded long before you ever got into the water. With great sadness you signal your buddy to slowly head to the surface to return to the world you left behind. Once back on the boat you put up your gear and already start dreaming of the next time you get to know real peace.

If you have never experienced scuba diving I strongly recommend giving it a try you will be glad you did…

© FinFlippers.com - Written by: Brent Wilson

So You Want To Learn Scuba Diving.

Let me start off by saying that you can only learn scuba from a qualified instructor, that is right an instructor. You can’t read an article, have a friend show you, or watch divers and know enough to strap on a tank and go diving. Why Not? If not properly trained scuba diving can be a very dangerous sport.

When properly trained it can be one of the very best adventures you ever experience. Once you start your search you will hear a lot of opinions on which agency is best to get certified with. You will hear names like NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and SSI (Scuba Schools International) just to name a few. I have named these three because I hold a certificate from each of them for different levels of scuba diving (yes there is more then just one level of scuba training but more about that later). I am confident about each of these agencies for training and urge you not to pick training based only because someone says one name of a certifying agency is better then another.

When picking out where to get trained you should talk to the instructor (not just a sales clerk but the instructor). You need to get a feel of compatibility with the instructor, talk with him/her and ask them questions. If the instructor isn’t able explain your questions to where you can understand the answers or will not take a little time with you, then you might not be compatible with that instructor and will need to check out other instructors in your area. Your safety depends on the training you get; so do not be afraid to ask questions before, during and even after your training. The question not asked could be the one your life depends on.

What Is Scuba?

Scuba stands for (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). Breathing air is contained inside a high-pressure tank and is supplied to you through a regulator that reduces the high pressure of the air in the tank to the surrounding underwater pressure.

What Is A Scuba Certification?

A scuba certification signifies your knowledge and understanding of scuba diving. Without this certification or (C-Card) as you will hear it referred to, you cannot get your air filled or go on diving trips. To receive your entry level (Open Water) certification you will need to learn the basic fundamentals of diving and the effects that diving has on your body. You will also have to learn the different items that you will need for scuba diving and how to properly use them.

You will learn things like how to clear your mask underwater, how to achieve and maintain proper buoyancy, the proper way to breath underwater, and how to properly use your dive tables. All of which are needed for safe and pleasurable diving.

With this basic knowledge that you will only properly learn in a professional teaching environment you will be able to have many years of enjoyable diving adventures.

Like many, once you see just how great diving is you will want to continue your education to open up more exciting dives As mentioned earlier there is more then just one level of certification of scuba diving. The first certification will be your Open Water certification after that you choose the direction you would like your diving to take you. The other certifications are not mandatory but are specialty courses that will enhance your safety and your diving experiences such as Advanced Open Water, Underwater Photography, Nitrox, Dive Master, and Instructor just to name a few.

The purpose of this article is not to teach you how to Scuba Dive but to help you to understand what scuba diving is and why proper training is needed.

© FinFlippers.com - Writen by: Brent Wilson

Getting Ready For The New Dive Season.

The new diving season is almost here. Don’t wait till the day of your first dive of the year to pull out your gear and get it ready to dive. The longer you wait to get your gear in to be serviced the longer it will take to get it done. When you don’t have any dives planned is the perfect time to be without your gear.

Some things to keep in mind are:

Regulators: Needs to be tested for leaks and damage to the hoses and housings. Is it time for your annual servicing? If your annual servicing time is during the peak of the diving season get them in early so you do not have to wait for them when you need them. Right now your LDS may have a one to two week turnaround.

BCD: Does the power inflator work correctly? Does it leak? Don’t wait till you are on the boat to find out!

Tank: Is the visual going to be out in the peak of the diving season? What about hydro? A scuba tank needing hydro could easily be out of service for a month or more. The LDS will need to ship the tank out for hydro and wait for it to come back to them.

Dive Computer: Does it need to be serviced? How old are the batteries? Your dive computer might as well be a paperweight when you are on the boat and it won’t even turn on.

Fins: Are your straps getting dry rotted? Do you have spare straps for your fins?

Mask: Does the mask skirt hold a seal on your face? Is the skirt getting dry rotted? Is the strap still in good condition? Do you have a spare strap or a spare mask?

Lights: Don’t forget to change the batteries. Fresh batteries are a small price to pay not to have to abort a dive.

Dive Knife: Remember it is not just a knife it is an important tool. Don’t have to leave it topside because your straps are old and break when you try to put it on. Inspect the straps carefully for any dry rot. Make sure that any latches that hold the knife in place works correctly. If you get entangled you will be glad you have it with you on your dive.

These are just the basic items. Make sure to handle, inspect, and test every piece of your dive equipment to insure that it is in good working order for the new season. Even though you do an extensive pre-dive season inspection it is still important to recheck all gear on every dive before entering the water.

If you wait until every other diver is ready to hit the water you might be sitting on the boat topside for three or four weeks waiting on your LDS to be able to get your gear done.

Swallowed By A Great White Shark

41-year-old Eric Nerhus was diving off the New South Wales coast when he swam head-on into the mouth of a 10 to 12 foot great white shark and lives to tell about it. When the great white attacked it crushed his mask breaking his nose and knocked his regulator out of his mouth. Mr. Nerhus poked the great white in the eye and was able to get free from its deadly grip. After replacing his regulator into his mouth Mr. Nerhus was able to make his way to the surface where he was able to get his son that was on the boat to get him out of the water.

Mr. Nerhus has punctures on his arm, back, and chest but he is in stable condition and able to talk about his ordeal.

ScubaPro Recalls

X650 Voluntary Recall

SCUBAPRO is conducting a voluntary recall of the X650 second stage regulator. A manufacturing error could cause the main housing of some regulators to change shape over time, and the cover and diaphragm to become dislodged. If this occurs, air flow will be interrupted and the regulator will no longer function.

For more information or to see if your regulator meets this recall please check out ScubaPro’s website at http://www.scubapro.com

MK 20 First Stage Regulators Recall For Service

Hazard: Over-tightening of the Yoke or Din retainer during annual servicing of these regulators could result in a stress crack and failure of the regulator. If this occurs during a dive, air supply could be interrupted, posing a drowning hazard.

For more information or to see if your regulator meets this recall please check out ScubaPro’s website at http://www.scubapro.com

Time For A Second Opinion

A couple months ago I took one of my scuba tanks into a dive shop for it’s annual inspection. After bringing my tank into the scuba shop I sat it down and asked the dive shop operator to do an annual inspection of the tank so I could get some air.

The dive shop operator took one look at the outside of the tank to see when the tank was first made. After seeing that the tank was made in October of 1975 he informed me that he has never seen any tanks that old passing a visual inspection then he asked me if I was sure I wanted to have it inspected. I informed him that I did want the tank done and that I have never had any problems with that tank passing in the past.

Needless to say after a quick inspection he failed my tank. Oh no, my tank that I have taken care of all these years is now letting me down. I have always made sure to store it with air in it and keep it in a special made tank rack so it can’t get bumped or knocked over. The dive store operator informed me that I had a crack in my threads.

That brings me to today. I needed to go get a tank sent off for hydro testing and decided to give another scuba shop a try that I had never been to, because a friend of mine told me I really needed to try them out.

So I loaded up a couple of my tanks and decided to bring my tank that failed with me.

After getting to this new dive shop, “Blue Clear Divers” in Knoxville Tennessee, I spoke with Bobby. I had him inspect one of my tanks before sending it off to be hydro tested. Needless to say after about a five-minute inspection I had another tank fail because of the threads. Bobby informed me that the visual plus machine that he used to test the tank had indicated a problem and he was able to locate the problem in my threads. He had a really neat magnifying glass that screwed into the tank and let you see the threads really good and there it was a crack going right up the threads.

I got to talking to Bobby about my other tank that had failed and informed him that I felt that it was only failed because of it’s age and not that there was a defect in it .I told him that this tank supposedly had a crack in it’s threads and asked him if he could take a look at it, or if it was a case that once one shop had condemned a tank that they all stood by that. Bobby told me that he would be glad to take a look at that for me.

He took the tank back to his inspection room and stuck that really neat magnifying glass down into it and took a really good look at it trying to find the cracks in my threads. He called me to look at it and informed me that what the other shop must have seen was the tool marks from where the threads were made. Bobby finished up the inspection on my tank and it passed with flying colors. Bobby informed me that this is not the first time he has seen tanks condemned that should still be in use.

If you have a tank that does not pass the visual inspection and you feel that it should of passed don’t be afraid to go to another shop and have a second opinion. If I would have listened to my inner voice and took it to another shop earlier then I would have been able to dive with my tank instead of renting a tank every time I went diving over the last few months.

Remember this is a second opinion. If your tank truly fails inspection then don’t try to get someone to pass it unsuspectedly. These tanks can be very dangerous and even deadly when they become defective that is why we need them inspected each and every year. Once one becomes defective it is in everyone’s safety to discard that tank and start using another one. When you bring in the tank for a second opinion be forth coming with the fact that the tank had failed and the reason that you were told.

Steve Irwin �The Crocodile Hunter� killed in a diving tragedy

Steve Irwin Born Feb. 22, 1962, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia, died on September 4, 2006 at 44 years old. He was killed while filming an underwater documentary by a stingray barb through the chest while diving off Port Douglas. Friends believe he may have died instantly when struck by the stingray.

"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said John Stainton who is Irwin's friend and producer.

Steve Irwin, who runs the world famous Australia Zoo, is survived by his wife Terri and their two young children, Bindi Sue and Bob Clarence.

He will be sadly missed.

Rhea's Upcomming Loch Low Minn Trip

Rhea's Diving Services, INC.

LOCH LOW-MINN CAMPOUT WEEKEND AUGUST 26TH & 27TH
Join us for a fun weekend of local diving at Loch Low-Minn Quarry Saturday & Sunday, August 26th & 27th. The conditions are great with good visibility and warm water! Campout and participate in a night dive! Carol will be offering an Advanced Open Water course for anyone interested; please sign up ASAP to reserve your space. Rental equipment, especially tanks, are going fast. Reserve yours now to guarantee what you may need. There will be a group assembling at the dive shop at noon on Saturday. You can join in anytime on either day. We hope to see you there!

Rhea's Diving Services, INC.

If you have never dove Loch Low Minn before, It makes for a great local dive here in eastern TN. Below are a couple links to be able to check out the diving at Loch Low Minn.

Loch Low Minn Has good visibility and plenty of under water things to explore.