Minimizing Lift Bag Risks
Divers generally use lift bags to raise submerged objects to the surface. The lift bag is filled with gas until the object exhibits neutral buoyancy so divers can bring it to the surface with minimal exertion.
Alert Diver Category: Gear
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.
It’s All About the Toys
Technological advances have greatly changed and improved the dive experience. Learn more about these advances.
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.
Diver Recall Systems
Whether for recreation, research, or commercial work, diving puts humans in a fundamentally hazardous environment. Visibility, pressure effects, and sound distortion limit communication between divers and surface teams, making real-time coordination difficult. Response time is critical in emergencies, and delays can be dangerous.
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.
Oxygen
Oxygen has long been recognized as the primary first aid for scuba diving injuries. In light of compelling evidence in favor of oxygen first aid, one of DAN’s stated missions is to ensure that oxygen first aid equipment and people trained in its use are at every dive site.
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.
Composite Scuba Cylinders
Composite, fiber-wound cylinders are making their way back into diving in rebreathers and other advanced scuba gear. The weight and lifespan benefits of these cylinders are attempting to challenge their previous cost barrier.
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.
