Your Computer Fails: Now What?
What do you do when your dive computer fails? With the right backup instruments and techniques, you can keep diving safely. Learn more.
Alert Diver Category: Gear
The Boat Left Without You: Now What?
Signaling gear is incredibly useful in a variety of situations — including when the boat leaves without you. Here’s how to purchase signaling gear and what to do.
When Gas Goes Bad
Breathing gas is incredibly important to divers and just as important as quantity is quality. Do you know the signs of breathing gas contamination?
Underwater Communications Systems
Communication systems are a niche product for recreational and tech divers. If you’re wondering whether your next diving project might benefit from vox (voice) communication, it’s worth learning a little about the technology, its implementation and use.
Hand Protection
Gloves are one of the most overlooked and individualized pieces of dive equipment. When choosing gloves, consider the kind of diving you plan to do and what you expect from your hand protection. When selecting gloves, consider the following factors: thermal protection, fit, dexterity, hazard protection, impact resistance and materials.
Air and a Spare
No matter which alternate air source you choose, learn to calculate your air consumption and regularly practice emergency procedures. There are many ways to configure each type of redundant breathing-gas supply, but make sure your setup matches your training, gear arrangement and dive objectives. If a naysayer thinks your equipment choice is unnecessary, let them know that the difference between a fatal accident and an embarrassing incident could come down to a breath or two. Any redundancy is better than none.
Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks
Oxygen units include various delivery systems, including oronasal masks, nonrebreather masks and bag valve masks, so divers should know the appropriate mask to use in each situation.
Customize Your First-Aid Kit
What is in your first aid kit? Beyond bandages and an ointment, are you prepared for any and every situation? Here are some expert tips on how to customize the perfect first aid kit.
How Old is Too Old
Dive computers and BCDs are expensive, which can make it very tempting to keep using the ones we own year after year. Remember that this is life-support gear, and it won’t last forever.
DIN Connectors Are No Yoke
Pick the valve or connector that best suits your diving lifestyle, and always stay within your limits: Equipment is no substitute for training.