Tourism & Scuba Diving returns to Thailand - tsunami 5 years on

Scuba Diving in Thailand has many rewards for Recreational Scuba Divers, and world class dive sites in Phuket and the Similan/Surin islands are recognised for their vibrant marine life, nutrient-rich coral reefs and clear blue, warm water. Adventurous tourists flocked to Thailand in search of palm fringed golden sand beaches, luxurious beachside accommodation, endless watersports and countless family activities, value for money that few tourists to Asia could resist. Late December 2004 saw an event that would scar the lives of so many people and my account of this tragedy is based on what happened on the Andaman Coast of Thailand, though I fully appreciate that other countries and continents were also affected.

In Thailand, more than 8,000 people were killed in the disaster, or have never been reunited with their families. This also included over 2,000 foreign tourists, most of which were taking holidays in and around Phuket. This southern province contributed approximately 40 percent of Thailand's annual tourism income. The Indian Ocean tsunami was triggered by an undersea earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and as the huge waves of tumbling water struck the Andaman shores, Phuket and its surrounding regions suffered raw nature at its worst. Phuket Scuba Divers who were actually under water at the time, recall a surge of water that pushed and pulled with all its might. Dive Boats were smashed, snorkelers were dragged along the beaches, and sunbathers were completely overwhelmed by a wall of water crashing overhead.

As you may expect, tourism in this region suffered tremendously, and has not yet fully recovered. Scuba Divers in Thailand are trying other diving destinations and during the last five years,  Scuba Diving in Pattaya  has seen a positive increase in the number of divers making a trip to dive in the Gulf of Thailand. The Pattaya Scuba Diving community are united in their efforts to attract more tourists and also to satisfy its expanding number of residing expats. The islands near to Pattaya offer divers and snorkelers a mixture of shallow calm bays sheltered from the strong currents, to deep dives around World War II US Landing Crafts that have been intentionally sunk by the Thai Navy, creating artificial reefs. Most of the Pattaya Dive Sites can be reached by a dive boat withing two hours and there are many PADI Dive Centers that offer daily Scuba Courses for beginners, Fun Diving Daytrips for certified divers and Snorkeling Tours for a relaxing day out to the Pattaya Islands.

Information, tips and advice for Scuba Diving in Pattaya

Most of the Pattaya dive sites have year-round diving and a good variety of diverse dive sites. From shallow coral dives to wreck diving, deep diving and drift diving, there are numerous scuba activities that can entertain beginners and even the most experienced scuba divers. The Pattaya Near Islands include Koh Sak, Koh Larn and Koh Khrok. Koh Larn means "Coral Island" in Thai, and the Thai's feel that Koh Sak and Koh Khrok resemble a mortar and pestle, so they named them after the kitchen tools that they use to crush peppers. The Pattaya Far Islands include Koh Rin, Koh Man Wichai and Koh Phai. Because these island dive sites are around 15 km from Pattaya, they tend to be less crowded by dive boats and water sport activities. The boat trip takes about 90 minutes to get there, but the clearer visibility and the vibrant marine life makes these Pattaya dive sites worth the trip.

Pattaya 'near' islands;
Koh Sak - A sheltered, shallow bay, which makes this dive site ideal for beginners, novice divers, and snorkeling in Pattaya. The maximium depth is around 11 meters, with lots of hard coral formations providing a home to Rabbitfish, Butterflyfish, Octopus, Morays, Stingrays, Wrasse, Angelfish and Damselfish.
Koh Larn - The Golden Bay on the western side of Koh Larn provides a variety of dive sites for divers of all levels. With hard and soft corals extending to 20 meters, this dive site is best known for spotting Tawny Nurse Sharks and blue spotted Rays.
Koh Khrok - A finger shaped island that is suitable for drift diving. Maximum depth reaches around 12 meters, with an abundance of sea anemones, clown fish, nudibranchs, and turtles.

Pattaya 'far' islands;
Koh Rin - Koh Rin has many diving areas, including two small satelite islands called North Rock and South Rock. With an abundance of hard and soft corals, coral whips and feather stars, divers will not be disappointed with the aquatic creatures on view around these dive sites. The dive needn't be deep here to see nudibranchs, sharks, razorfish, pipefish and morays.
Koh Man Wichai - Dives around this dive site in Pattaya can stretch down to 25 meters. There are two main dive sites, one being the 'Wall Dive' and the other being the 'Fingers'. Both areas provide a variety of corals including staghorn coral table corals, and here's where you're most likely to see larger fish such as Baraccuda, while you're in Pattaya diving.
Koh Phai - The beaches of this island are restricted because it is controlled by the Royal Thai Navy. The south of the island provides the best diving, with the small sheltered bay offering ideal conditions for beginner divers and those refreshing their dive skills. Close to Koh Phai is the wreck of the HTMS Khram, a WW II landing craft that was sunk in 2003 to create an artificial reef and a dive site for wreck diving.

Information about Wreck Diving in Pattaya

HTMS Khram Wreck - Early in 2003, the Thai Navy sank a decommissioned U.S. Warship between Koh Phai and Koh Larn island approx 15 km from Pattaya. The ship lies in 30 meters of water in the Gulf of Thailand, and was intentionally sunk to provide a breeding ground for fish, and a wreck dive for scuba divers. The Thai Navy prepared the ship as a dive site, and it is free from arms, oil and most of the other hazards to divers. The large holes that were made in many areas allow penetration dives through the ships passages whilst remaining in natural daylight. The wreck dive is a scuba diving gift for fish lovers', with Baraccuda, Trevallys, Jacks, Fuseliers, Batfish, Turtles, Stonefish, Porcupinefish, Unicorn fish and Sharks to name just a few.
HTMS Kood Wreck - Thailand dive sites are diving gifts for all divers, but wreck diving in Pattaya is 'nautical' miles ahead ! In September 2006, the Royal Thai Navy sunk the HTMS Kood a short 45 minute boat trip from Pattaya Beach. The Kood World War II US landing craft, became the nearest wreck to Pattaya, available for recreational divers with a diving certification above entry level. A sister ship of the HTMS Khram, the Kood is another fine example of a thriving artificial reef offering another great dive site in Pattaya. Just to the northeast of Koh Sak, the bottom of the wreck lies at 30 meters and the top of the tower at 12m.
Hardeep Wreck - Originally an Indonesian-registered freighter, the Hardeep sank in 1943. More than sixty years of growth has seen the soft coral formations and tube sponge gardens firmly establish themselves, and the wreck provides a safe home for older and larger fish families. The fish life on the Hardeep Wreck includes Baraccuda, Angelfish, Jacks, Trevellys, Batfish and Butterflyfish. Laying on its starboard side in 27 meters of depth, the wreck is only 42 meters in length and contains some very large openings to allow divers a view of the engine room and crankshaft.
Bremen Wreck - The Bremen is an 88 metre long Thai cargo ship that sank in the 1930's following an engine room explosion. The wreck now lies on the sandy bottom in 22 meters between Sattahip and Koh Khram. Though the wreck is badly broken, the bow and stern sections are still relatively intact, but the center part is mostly mangled steel. Wreck Penetration is generally not recommended on this dive. Though the currents can be strong here, if you plan your dive appropriately, the highlight of wreck diving the Bremen, is trying to spot the large Eagle Rays that thrive in these waters. The Bremen Wreck is situated in open water and experiences strong currents for much of the year. The optimum time to dive the Bremen is from December to March.

Pattaya, as a diving destination, cannot realistically compete with the natural underwater beauty of the pristine coral reefs of Phuket, but its aim for the near future is to attract scuba divers by hosting a special wreck diving region, having up to 5 new wrecks in the Pattaya diving area and helping to conserve and improve its marine environment. These artificial reefs provide a home for new coral formations and aquatic life, with the added bonus of being 'off limits' to the local fishermen which encourages larger fish to inhabit the wrecks. As Thailand continues to recover from the tragedy five years on, there's little physical evidence of one of history's worst natural disasters, other than an occasional Tsunami 'Hazard Zone' sign. Phuket remains one of Asia's premier holiday resort islands, and although tourism is down, few people blame the tsunami.

Tourism is down ..... but is it because of the global economy ?

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If you're checking to see if it's legal, and how you plan to punish me, please allow me to explain. I'm a PADI Master Instructor of Scuba Diving, and I spend my working days teaching scuba in Thailand. One of the most rewarding experiences for my diving students' is shooting great photographs of aquatic marine life.

Making underwater photographs in Thailand has many advantages for divers searching for that 'perfect shot';

Clear blue water
Warm water averaging 28 degrees centigrade
Pristine Coral Reef formations
Established Diving Centers and Scuba Equipment Shops

 
The most popular tourist areas for scuba diving in Thailand are Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. These resorts offer great fun and excitement for beginners and certified divers. Whether it's vibrant fish life, colourful corals or sunken ship wrecks, the camera won't stop clicking while you're scuba diving in Thailand. I've captured pictures of Seahorses and giant Gorgonian Sea Fans in Phuket, Black tip reef Sharks in Koh Samui, and World War 11 ship wrecks in Pattaya.

Todays modern camera equipment has changed the way that scuba divers 'shoot' fish underwater. The traditional film camera is still used by many diving professionals, but digital underwater cameras have made underwater photography both accessible and affordable to the majority of scuba divers. Learning to Scuba Dive is not difficult for most people who are comfortable in the water, but snapping great photos under water takes novices some time to learn. One of the most important attributes is good buoyancy control. Apart from all the obvious advantages that neutral, relaxed buoyancy has for scuba diving, if you're trying to compose that image of the tiny yellow blob, commonly known as a Frogfish, being able to hover almost motionless just centimetres away from your subject is what sets you apart from the norm. Also, as recreational scuba divers descend, water absorbs colour. Starting with Red, Orange and then Yellow, and as you dive deeper, you'll lose Green and Blue. Strobe lights help to restore some of the colour that's lost, which is how the professionals obtain fantastic vibrant colours from their images.

I fully appreciate that not every diver has a passion for taking pictures of the new world that they've discovered. Many divers are more fascinated by ship wrecks, perhaps diving deep or making dives using nitrox (an increased amount of oxygen) but most of my scuba buddies have admitted that they are very keen to share the wonders on the underwater world by shooting pictures of fish and other marine life. With modern technology as a friend, it's now possible to store and share underwater images with your family, friends and even the general public via social sites and the internet. The dive may have been the most amazing experience that you've had, but it's so much more powerful to share the adventures with those for whom it may not be possibly to try scuba diving. PADI scuba courses teach student divers how to capture and share underwater photographs, and the Digital Underwater Photography course is now available to all scuba divers from the age of ten.

Private scuba lessons are becoming more popular now, especially in Thailand. Taking a dive course with you own private scuba instructor offers exclusivity, the personal touch, and usually more flexibility. So to enrol in the shooting fish course, otherwise known as the PADI DUP (digital underwater photography) course, you do need to be a certified diver of at least ten years old. But be prepared for some underwater fun that diving in Pattaya has to offer. The coral reefs are shallower here than other dive sites in Thailand, and the other advantage is that scuba diving in Pattaya is available year round because the Gulf of Thailand tends to be sheltered from the southwest monsoons that arrive in Phuket from June until October. Pattaya is not a famous diving destination, but beginners and experienced divers will be rewarded with some of the best wreck diving in Thailand. So, clean up the lens, replace the batteries and make sure that you have a watertight seal, because when you dive in Pattaya the camera never lies. You really can see Turtles, Seahorses and Sharks, and the wreck dives will leave you breathless (pardon the pun) as you drift along US Landing Crafts from the Second World War that were intentionally sunk by the Thai Navy for the local Thai divers and tourists on a scuba diving holiday in Pattaya.

Learn how to Shoot Fish in Thailand the passive and harmless way with a private scuba photography course from a Master Instructor at www.private-scuba.com

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Thailand's popularity as a leading dive destination is given additional credibility by the year round potential of good diving conditions. This situation is created by the Gulf and Andaman bodies of water having opposing seasonal conditions. When waters are murky in Phuket, then Samui is in its peak season and vice versa.

Most divers still head for the Similan Islands' clear blue waters as the true dive experts' number one destination. Live aboards from Phuket cost as little as 18,500 baht for a 4-day trip to the Similan and Surin islands. Phuket Adventure Tours, for instance, offer a price inclusive of onboard aircon accommodation, all meals and soft drinks as well as divemasters' service and shore excursions. There are few dive destinations that offer such value for money.

Koh Lak, being the nearest real jetty point for Similan's trips offers good diving and snorkeling conditions for those not having the time for a full 4 day jaunt. Ko Rang Nok and Koh Phota offer good coral and an abundance of fish near to the mainland. Accommodation at Koh Lak has increased over the last 5 years to be now quite extensive and progressively modern in appearance .This is also the base for the Sea Dragon Dive Company, a European managed operation operating 100 km north of the Phuket competition and perhaps giving better value for money.

The islands further south are still not particularly developed for full diving and places such as Koh Lanta and Turatao still rely on snorkeling as the mainstay for water sports. It would seem though that their days are numbered, especially with the number of new resorts appearing on Lanta Island.

Still on the Andaman side is the up and coming dive destination of Ko Racha Yai where Kiwi Gary Halpin is resident dive expert with island accommodation at Baan Raya to thrill those in search of peace and quiet. Racha Yai is 23 km south of Phuket, just enough to stop the rat race, although a few Patong -based operators appear for daily jaunts. Racha Yai is one of the few places where weather conditions seem to not matter. If the islands windward side has squalls, it's a ten minute walk to the leeward beach for excellent diving. That's for real, as it's also one of the few places where divers simply walk in from the beach! With bungalows starting at bht 1600/nt it's worth the one hour boat trip from Phuket. And, good news- the island now has a telephone box to service its 50 inhabitants.

It's fair to say that most divers would now avoid Phi Phi which has become overrun with day trip snorkellers. However not far away are Krabi's excellent clear waters and there are many, many small islets to choose from for a diver's day outing.

Switching to the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is without doubt the leader of the pack with Ko Tao rapidly becoming the mainstay for serious divers. At last count there were at least 20 dive operators on Ko Tao itself. Although the waters around Samui, Phangan and KoTao are excellent, the big attraction is the Angthong marine Park, a 45 minute boat journey to the North East. With a small reef running from here  past Chumphon and as far north as Bang Saphan, the diving conditions are good and marine life is plentiful. The Sea Canoe and Blue Star Companies out of Chaweng now offer dive/snorkel alternatives for Angthong, some with overnight island camping. Chumphon Cabanas, a delightful mini resort just north of town offers excellent weekend dive trips.

With this reef running that far north excursions from Hua Hin and Bang Saphan are now operating. The northern end of the stretch is not as exciting but it makes a weekend dive trip from Bangkok via Hua Hin an affordable alternative to the eastern Gulf's Koh Chang option, especially when travel time from Bangkok is about the same and no boat crossing is required.

Koh Chang does however have the more longstanding reputation and diving facilities there have been in place for many years. Koh Yuak is the in place for skin diving at the moment. Just remember to go there when Phuket is in low season or you will be disappointed.

At the end of the day if all the above destinations are simply out of reach, one can still fall back on the experts at Larry's Dive, Sukhumvit Soi 22. There starter and refresher courses last 4 days and include pool coaching in Bangkok plus 2 nights in Pattaya with day and night dives - all for a lead in price of bht 12000. If you are an overseas visitor, expect to pay such a fee of under usd 300 for such a course anywhere throughout Thailand. There is the real enticement... value for money diving.

Tom Aikins is a Bangkok-based journalist who runs an Online Marketing Excellence business at http://www.marketingbangkok.com and does IT consulting at http://www.itready.co.th

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/favorite-thai-diving-spots-1632496.html

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Discovering the depths of the ocean has always been an enchantment to mankind. Below the waters lies a world as rich and diverse as our own above the surface. For humans, exploring the waters filled with beautiful and mysterious creatures in fascinating locations proves difficult and treacherous and requires scuba diving equipment.

Underwater is not our natural habitat. To help sustain in shallow waters, divers use basic equipment like snorkels but deeper diving becomes problematic. The rising pressure from deeper sea levels also proves dangerous for deep sea divers.

During 19th century, great developments has been made in the area of diving and equipment through scientific research. Technology like carbon dioxide scrubbers and compressed air pumps were developed making it possible for divers to stay under water for longer periods of time. Safe limits for compressed air diving and the effects of water pressure on the body were established.

Through this studies and technology that scuba diving and scuba diving equipment eventually developed. The term "scuba" started as an acronym, Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, during World War II when it was developed for underwater warfare.

The scuba set which is an independent breathing set supplying the diver with compressed breathable gas is the most important piece of scuba equipment . It is vital for breathing underwater during scuba diving.

Modern scuba sets can either be open-circuit sets or closed-circuit sets.

Open-circuit sets allow the diver to breathe in from the set and clear the exhaled gas into the surrounding water. The closed-circuit set, also known as a re-breather allows the diver to breathe in and to exhale into the set again where the air is being reprocessed.

Preventive measures are need to be taken for possible diving health risks and other hazards. Having the right scuba diving equipment will go a long way towards ensuring enjoyable and safe dive.

A breathing set is considered a fundamental piece of equipment for scuba diving. In some circumstances, it is recommended that a snorkel be used instead. Breathing set goes with a diving mask to protect eyes when submerged in water. Swimming fins for your feet help you for easier underwater mobility and to surface quickly when needed.

To keep your body warm and regulate body temperature, you will need a diving suit which is especially important in cold water. When body loses too much heat and temperature is unusually low, hypothermia sets in . A hood is as important as covering the rest of your body. Suits protect against cuts under water and possible stings from sea creatures.

To utilize appropriate scuba diving equipment will surely aid in providing safe and enjoyable dive.

Looking to find the best deal on scuba diving equipment, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on scuba diving gear for you.

Allyn Cutts is a scuba diving enthusiast, traveling the globe with his wife checking dive destinations off thier bucket, list one at a time. He is also the Dive Master at www.MyDiveBuddies.com, a private social networking community specifically for scuba diving fanatics.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/how-important-is-using-proper-scuba-diving-equipment-1622738.html

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Experiencing the sensation of being underwater like one of its inhabitants during the first time dive is a great occasion for a new diver. Veteran divers never grow tired of spending time beneath the surface. Many take full advantage of the best diving spots all around the world. Before anyone can enjoy such pleasures of the underwater world, it is required to have and use the right diving gear.

If you plan to go for the best gear then you must be prepared to invest a substantial amount of money. Diving equipment is so expensive that many divers can't meet the expense of getting all the equipment at once. They have to gradually build up. A lot of divers purchase good used equipment. To get the best value for money on used items, a new diver asks for advice and suggestions.

When you become a member of a diving center or club, you'll have the opportunity to be in touch with many experienced divers who will be glad to give you advice on diving gear and other equipment. Nobody wants to spend money by buying items that won't keep or too used to be repaired and maintained.

Basic device for diving would consist of a mask, wetsuit, fins and regulator.

Good diving mask is necessary because it relieves the pressure exerted on you and allows comfortable breathing. Mask protects face and improves your field of vision. It comes in a variety of sizes and you must choose the one that is comfortably fit and snug. Divers who wear prescription spectacles will have to get a prescription mask.

A wetsuit also known as a diving suit is worn for entire body protection from cuts and scrapes possibly from equipment or pieces of coral or rock. The suit also protects against burns from certain sea animals. Wearing a suit that fits like a second skin allows efficient movement.

To make you swim faster and easier, fins are used. They come in different sizes and are designed to help preserve the diver's energy as well as saving body oxygen.

The regulator is an important tool that you can't dive without it. This item is not worn. The regulator is used to control the pressure flow of the air in the cylinders. It allows you to breathe easily.

Having proper gear is the only way a diver can keep safe. Even with the best and most cutting edge equipment a diver may only dive with a buddy. The idea is that the one will keep an eye on the other. If one diver encounters unexpected problems the other can either immediately assist or call for assistance. A sensible diver would never risk diving alone.

Anyone can practice diving and learn to be a safe diver. It all relies on the right education from a certified training center and well maintained equipment. Using the right diving gear would result for comfortable, safe and enjoyable dive.

Looking to find the best deal on scuba dive, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on diving gear for you.

Allyn Cutts is a scuba diving enthusiast, traveling the globe with his wife checking dive destinations off thier bucket, list one at a time. He is also the Dive Master at www.MyDiveBuddies.com, a private social networking community specifically for scuba diving fanatics.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/how-important-is-having-a-right-diving-gear-1622746.html

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Have you ever thought you might be interested in scuba diving? Scuba is a recreational sport that many people admire, and plan to explore, but too few actually take action and become certified. Many people are afraid the process will be too difficult, or too expensive. In reality, however, scuba diving is something that people of nearly all ages and physique can enjoy, and starting out is not really much more expensive than any other sport.

Getting Started
To begin enjoying your life as a scuba diver, everyone has to start by taking the basic open water diving course. In this course, you will learn all the basics and get a little bit of supervised diving experience before going out alone. A certified instructor will teach you safety signals, practices, and assorted precautions that all divers need to understand. You will also learn about common mistakes and potential injuries involved in scuba diving, and how to prevent injury to yourself and your dive buddies. Courses are taught and certified through one of several certification authorities. The major ones are PADI, NAUI, and SSI, but there are many others. You will encounter many people with all sorts of opinions on what agency is better and why, but realistically, you get the same information from whichever you choose. Typically, one particular scuba shop will only teach material from a single certification authority. Rather than focus on learning under one authorities curriculum, you should find a scuba shop in your area that you like, with friendly people, and then go with what they teach. You can find local shops in almost any town online or in the yellow pages.

Limitless Possibilities!
Scuba diving is something people of nearly any physical build and age can engage in, and you can enjoy it in just about any state in the US. Obviously, ocean diving is the most popular, but lakes, natural springs, and quarry’s offer some great diving experiences nationwide, and even around the world! If you cover the basics, and find that diving is something that really interests you, there are certainly many more areas to explore. For example, you can expand your education to include cave diving, wreck diving, which is diving through wrecked ships, and even advanced techniques like rescue or forensic diving. With all of the possible angles, scuba diving is an activity that can be enjoyed for many years as a hobby, or pursued as a robust career.

M. Holland
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-diving-basics-1563090.html

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Travelers from across the world visiting Australia not only enjoy great sightseeing attractions and places but also varied adventurous activities. People who have come for tours in Australia do indulge in scuba diving, one of the most coveted activities in the country. There are numerous diving sites across the coastline of the country.

If you too love adventure diving and are heading to Australia for a fun trip, keep these diving tips in mind so that your experience turns out to be the best. Following the safety tips during the diving tours to Australia is important as there are a lot of risks that come tagged along with diving.

The first thing to do is to be properly trained so that you can dive more comfortably. If you are diving after a short resort course, you will have to take care not to go too deep. Diving in caves, wrecks and caverns is difficult and you should go to these places for diving if you have proper training.

Secondly, it is important to breathe and not hold your breathe. What you need to do is to take relaxed breaths and fully exhale. If you do not do this and take shallow breaths, it can even lead to lung injuries and something even worse than this.

A person, who is taking up scuba diving, needs to be fit. This does not mean that only the athlete type people can take up the sport. The person should at least be able to swim and able to cope up with diving stress. If you have some circulatory or heart problems, do not take up this sport.

The most important safety tip for people who go on diving tours in Australia is that they should never go for diving alone. You should take another person, may it be your friend, the trainer or a family member along and while you explore the sea, make sure that both of you keep an eye on each other. This can even prevent fatalities. Before you dive, check your equipments to see if they are working properly.

The weather conditions need to be perfect when you go for a dive. It is possible that the currents in the sea make you uncomfortable and you find yourself trapped in a big problem. It is ok to say no to your dive master if you do not feel like diving. Adventure diving is not an easy task and you have to make sure that you do not ascend too fast as it increases the risk of decompression sickness.

Remember not to down too long. Follow the dive master rules if on a dive trip. Do not dive too deep. Keep in mind that deeper you dive the smaller a period of time you can stay there. Shallower dives allow you to stay underwater for longer periods of time, and that is a good thing! The generally accepted depth limit for recreational divers is 130 feet.

Always be sure an authorized technician services your equipment regularly. Properly functioning equipment is crucial in scuba diving. Scuba equipment must be in good working order and respected. Remember, it is life support equipment.

Check with local diving clubs and shops for specific information about diving areas. Learn from the experience of others. Heed their recommendations and warnings.

Add zing to your tours in Australia by taking up adventure diving but keep these safety instructions in mind if you want to make your trip a memorable one.

Sophia Johnson is a freelance journalist whose major area of focus is travel. She has contributed various articles on adventure diving and tours in Australia guides on various online platforms.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-adventure-diving-safety-instructions-1566107.html

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Sea Hunt Lloyd Bridges Scuba Diving DVD Set Complete Series tv 155 episodes US $29.99

Gold Coated Lenses WILCOMP Scuba Diving Snorkelling Spearfishing Swimming Mask US $33.50

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Wenoka Deep See Scuba Gear Duffle Bag Backpack No Reserve Free Shipping US $39.95

Dacor Enduro BC Scuba Diving Vest No Reserve Free Shipping US $90.00

Dacor Scuba Diving Vest Buoyancy Compensator Medium Model 6567 00 US $60.00

Scuba Pro Knighthawk BCD with Air2 US $599.00

ARCTIC US Divers Cold Water SCUBA Gloves XS US $15.00

Diving Diver Scuba Cree XM L T6 LED 18650 Flashlight US $53.99

SWATCH SCUBA 200 original funky waterproof watch whale clear unisex kids EUC US $39.99

MENS TRIFOLD WALLET red SCUBA DIVING FLAG DESIGN new US $12.99

SDO100 Swatch 1994 Scuba Seaclip hands Glow Authentic US $9.99

WATERLUNG SCUBA REGULATOR NEMROD MOUTHPIECE US $50.00

1PC New Aomai Scuba Tank Torch Jet cigar Flame Lighter Gift US $.99

2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 3M WETSUIT MEDIUM SCUBAGOLD 9600 US $142.02

2 PIECE MENS FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT LARGE SCUBA SUR 890 US $165.12

2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT XL SCUBA SURFDIVE 9700 US $164.15

1 MM FULL WETSUIT SCUBA GEAR 6XL UNISEX 9011 US $66.24

SPEAR FISHING SCUBA MESH GAME COLLECTORS BAG WITH D RING AND DIVE FLAG ID CARD US $5.74

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Scuba season is over? I don’t think so!

As the holidays speed towards us like a freight train, and the waters turn cold.  Many of our thoughts turn from Scuba diving to other projects and endeavors.  For many, the dive season has come to a close and their gear is dried and stored, waiting for that January trip to warmer waters.

Just because the temperatures outside are a little colder doesn’t mean we should lose focus on our passion for Scuba diving.  In fact, there are plenty of things that you can do to keep your head in the proverbial Scuba game.  After all, you don’t want those skills you developed over the summer to rust.

Following is a list of tips and ideas to keep you in the water (both mentally and physically):

Take a refresher course.  Dive shops offer group and private refreshers to keep folks in the water and their skills fresh.  Also look for open pool nights or demo nights as a way of keeping in the water at your local dive shop.

Buy a dry suit.  Dry suit diving is a great way to keep in the water throughout the year.

Take a non-diving course.  Even though you are not in the water, a non-diving course is a great way to keep your head under virtual water.  You are learning new skills and meeting future dive buddies.

Take a warm water vacation.  At least once, during the winter, I find my way to warmer climates and tropical reefs.  It’s a great way to recharge the batteries and do 10 or 15 dives.  Can’t take a week off in the middle of the winter, I am sure you can find a long weekend and a cheap dive boat within a two or three hour flight.

Start a workout regimen.  Being physically fit will help you improve your diving, air consumption and enjoyment. Not only that, but you will reap the other benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. Focus on cardiovascular and core exercises.  Be careful, if you lose too much weight, you may end up having to buy a new wetsuit in the spring.  A great fitness idea for Scuba is swimming.  Find a good gym, with a heated indoor pool.

Get social with other divers.  Many cities have shops or groups that host monthly dive club or meet and greet “get-togethers”.  Other social channels include online communities and “boards”.  These activities are a great way to learn what is happening in the dive community and meet new divers.

Read everything you can get your hands on.  There are many regional and national Scuba magazines, online news and media sites, training manuals, books and more.  The more you read, the more you learn.  Reading about Scuba will make you a better diver.  It will expand your horizons and your knowledge.

Make a plan.  Set some goals for the upcoming season.  Your plan should include; where you want to go, what gear you want to buy and what courses you want to take.  Also, start budgeting for these expenses.

Support your local dive shop.  It’s not just a slow time for you as a diver, but a slow time for most dive shops.  Their health is an integral part of our community.  Whenever possible, support your local dive shop.  If nothing else, stop in and visit with them.  Let them know you are still a customer and supporter.

Convince a friend or loved one to get Scuba certified.  Scuba diving is a very social sport.  Why not share it with someone you care about.  The more people you know that are divers, the more time you will spend below the surface.

Just because the regular dive season has come to an end, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about diving.  There is plenty to do during the off-season, to keep you in Master Diver shape.  Take some time every week to focus on diving and next season will be the most rewarding ever.

We, at the Academy of Scuba (http://www.academyofscuba.com) wish you a happy holiday season! 

Dive safe and have fun!

###

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.

Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/keep-your-skills-fresh-during-the-off-season-1565877.html

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Dacor Enduro BC Scuba Diving Vest No Reserve Free Shipping US $90.00

Dacor Scuba Diving Vest Buoyancy Compensator Medium Model 6567 00 US $60.00

Scuba Pro Knighthawk BCD with Air2 US $599.00

ARCTIC US Divers Cold Water SCUBA Gloves XS US $15.00

Diving Diver Scuba Cree XM L T6 LED 18650 Flashlight US $53.99

SWATCH SCUBA 200 original funky waterproof watch whale clear unisex kids EUC US $39.99

MENS TRIFOLD WALLET red SCUBA DIVING FLAG DESIGN new US $12.99

SDO100 Swatch 1994 Scuba Seaclip hands Glow Authentic US $9.99

WATERLUNG SCUBA REGULATOR NEMROD MOUTHPIECE US $50.00

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2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 3M WETSUIT MEDIUM SCUBAGOLD 9600 US $142.02

2 PIECE MENS FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT LARGE SCUBA SUR 890 US $165.12

2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT XL SCUBA SURFDIVE 9700 US $164.15

1 MM FULL WETSUIT SCUBA GEAR 6XL UNISEX 9011 US $66.24

SPEAR FISHING SCUBA MESH GAME COLLECTORS BAG WITH D RING AND DIVE FLAG ID CARD US $5.74

Seapro Scuba Buoyancy Vest with AT Pac US $29.95

Sea Hunt Lloyd Bridges Scuba Diving DVD Set Complete Series tv 155 episodes US $29.99

Gold Coated Lenses WILCOMP Scuba Diving Snorkelling Spearfishing Swimming Mask US $33.50

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It is a wonderful thing to get ready for scuba diving vacations.  Denver residents can get out of the winter cold and head out to a sunny locale for the best in scuba diving.  But before you do that, you may need to get some appropriate diving equipment.  Denver divers will find that they can shop easily online as well as at local stores for the equipment they need for their next scuba diving adventure.

The type of Denver diving gear you need will in part depend on where you plan to take your scuba diving vacations.  Denver divers that will be vacationing in areas of the world where warm water is the norm may not need any wet suit at all or may opt for a nylon wet suit or a short wet suit to provide the warmth and protection that they need.  If the plan is to vacation where the water temperatures are colder, then a full body wet suit or a dry suit might be in order for your diving equipment.  Denver swimmers will find all of these, plus accessories such as hoods, boots, vests and gloves, available at better retail diving shops.

Another important piece of Denver diving gear is your buoyancy control device, or BCD.  This unit, which also goes by the name of buoyancy compensator, keeps you at the appropriate depth in the water and is a necessary part of your divers equipment.  Colorado divers will find buoyancy control devices suitable for wear by men and women.

You will also need a breathing apparatus as part of your divers equipment.  Colorado scuba divers have options in terms of compressed air or Nitrox, and the type of cylinder that you will use.  Divers also need to use a regulator with their diving equipment.  Denver divers know that the regulator helps to control the pressure of the air in the tank so that it is breathable by you by the time it reaches you.  You will also need a snorkel so that you can conserve air in your cylinder diving equipment; Denver divers also know that they need a pony tank so that you are covered in the event of an emergency.

There are other vital pieces of divers equipment.  Colorado swimmers will also want a compass and a dive computer.  Other information gauges keep track of air pressure in your tank and your depth as you are underwater.  You will also want a mask and fins, and maybe a whistle or air horn and a flashlight that is waterproof, called a dive light.  Your local dive store can offer reliable advice about your needed divers equipment.  Colorado divers can check in with them prior to taking off on scuba diving vacations; Denver swimmers will then make sure they have all the appropriate Denver diving gear needed for their next scuba trip.

Wayne Hemrick writes about--scuba diving vacations denver.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/a-wide-variety-of-denver-diving-gear-available-1429807.html

SPEAR FISHING SCUBA MESH GAME COLLECTORS BAG WITH D RING AND DIVE FLAG ID CARD US $5.74

Seapro Scuba Buoyancy Vest with AT Pac US $29.95

Sea Hunt Lloyd Bridges Scuba Diving DVD Set Complete Series tv 155 episodes US $29.99

Gold Coated Lenses WILCOMP Scuba Diving Snorkelling Spearfishing Swimming Mask US $33.50

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Wenoka Deep See Scuba Gear Duffle Bag Backpack No Reserve Free Shipping US $39.95

Dacor Enduro BC Scuba Diving Vest No Reserve Free Shipping US $90.00

Dacor Scuba Diving Vest Buoyancy Compensator Medium Model 6567 00 US $60.00

Scuba Pro Knighthawk BCD with Air2 US $599.00

ARCTIC US Divers Cold Water SCUBA Gloves XS US $15.00

Diving Diver Scuba Cree XM L T6 LED 18650 Flashlight US $53.99

SWATCH SCUBA 200 original funky waterproof watch whale clear unisex kids EUC US $39.99

MENS TRIFOLD WALLET red SCUBA DIVING FLAG DESIGN new US $12.99

SDO100 Swatch 1994 Scuba Seaclip hands Glow Authentic US $9.99

WATERLUNG SCUBA REGULATOR NEMROD MOUTHPIECE US $50.00

1PC New Aomai Scuba Tank Torch Jet cigar Flame Lighter Gift US $.99

2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 3M WETSUIT MEDIUM SCUBAGOLD 9600 US $142.02

2 PIECE MENS FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT LARGE SCUBA SUR 890 US $165.12

2 PIECE FARMER JOHN 7M WETSUIT XL SCUBA SURFDIVE 9700 US $164.15

1 MM FULL WETSUIT SCUBA GEAR 6XL UNISEX 9011 US $66.24