Breaking into Backplates
Recreational divers are using highly customizable backplate-and-wing BCs to improve their trim and meet their needs in varying conditions.
Alert Diver Category: Gear
Invisible Crystals
Polymorphic crystallization inside hoses has recently emerged as a hazard divers should be aware of. Be sure to replace old hoses, limit hoses’ exposure to high temperatures, and follow manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations.
Oxygen Sensing in Rebreather Diving
Reliable measurement of oxygen is the technology that makes mixed-gas closed-circuit rebreathers (CCRs) possible. The first digital solid-state CCR sensor was made available in Spring 2017, and has greater accuracy and reliability.
Traveling Light
When traveling to dive, consider taking along any of your own gear that’s complex, such as your dive computer, or that enhances your personal comfort or enjoyment, such as your mask or fins.
Understanding Oxygen Kit Components
Oxygen is the standard of care for first aid in dive injuries. You do not need to determine if the injured person is experiencing decompression sickness (DCS), arterial gas embolism (AGE), or nonfatal drowning, as oxygen can be beneficial in all these situations.
Cylinder Safety
Users must operate cylinders within design parameters, such as filling only to the rated service pressure and having cylinders inspected by formally trained and qualified technicians and requalified by a reputable, recognized test facility. More than 90 percent of ruptures occur during filling, so diligent inspection during this process is critical. Cylinders should operate safely throughout their entire service lives if users adhere to design and operating conditions.
Do You Know What You’re Breathing
A rebreather diver respires an artificial atmosphere that changes dynamically with depth over the course of a dive.
Gear-Related Incidents
Faulty or improperly used gear can quickly change and impact a dive. Read gear-related dive incident reports and avoid these mistakes.
Accessorize Your Dive
Quality dive accessories exist to make diving not only safer but also simpler and more enjoyable. Get tips and the inside scoop on the best dive accessories you didn’t know you needed.
Compressors
Do you fully understand the origins of breathing gas? Learn more about the art and science of producing breathing gas.