Breaking into Backplates

Recreational divers are using highly customizable backplate-and-wing BCs to improve their trim and meet their needs in varying conditions.

A Black diver is wearing fancy backplates to help them dive

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.

A new black hose is being held

Freediving Fins Reinvented

IN THE 1900s UMBERTO PELIZZARI was a young diver from Busto Arsizio, Italy, who was making headlines by breaking world records in constant weight and variable weight freediving. Needing an […]

Carbon fiber fins, safer freediving, Alert Diver magazine Q4 2023

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.

Masks, tanks, regulators and other rental gear stand by idly waiting for wearers.

Are 6351-T6 Alloy Scuba Cylinders Safe to Use?

After the rupturing of two alloy scuba cylinders, many wonder if they are safe to use? While cracking was documented in these cylinders, a major issue with their use is lack of consistent training and regulation in the testers, inspectors and fill-station operators.

A Black man inspects a cylinder with a tiny rope light

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.

Young man in blue shirt fills scuba cylinders.

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.

A rebreather diver poses in a cave and wears a blue and black wetsuit

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.

Woman in pink scuba gear swims near fish

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.

Diver holds up a few accessories

Compressors

Do you fully understand the origins of breathing gas? Learn more about the art and science of producing breathing gas.

Man holds an oxygen tank