Precision Diving

I was talking with a diving friend. He mentioned that during a visit to a local dive store, the employees were referring to 50% Nitrox as 50/50. They said that 50/50 was 50% oxygen and 50% air. Air is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Now, my fifth grade math may be a little rusty, but 50% + 21% + 79% = 150%. Unless this dive store has found a new gas law, it looks like a quick review of Dalton’s Law is in order. (more…)

Just got this notification from Diver’s Alert Network (DAN). Looks like a cool study.

DURHAM, NC – Divers Alert Network (DAN) is looking for divers and/or expeditions to get involved with in 2010 and to invite participants to take part in this observational, non-interventional field study. DAN will enroll adult volunteers, certified divers or students in the process of dive training and follow them during their regular field activities. (more…)

This information came from a PADI meeting in Pattaya, Thailand in which the PADI representatives discussed changes to their technical diving classes. At the time of this article, I do not know if these changes will be PADI worldwide or they are only PADI Asia. These are purposed changes and not currently the standard. The interesting thing I took away from this is that PADI, once again, is making it easier for people to enter their technical diving program. Instead of focusing on firming up their education, they listen to the marketing team. (more…)

I wanted to share my top 5 list of important scuba diving classes. The open water class is what gets us started, so let’s target the continuing education classes after our initial open water class. Here is my list and reasons. Keep in mind, this list is agency independent and does not promote one agencies classes over another. I look forward to your list.

1) Buoyancy – Peak Performance Buoyancy, Advanced Buoyancy, or whatever people want to call it in my opinion is the most important class a person should take right after getting certified. This class should teach students how to position their weights to achieve good trim, what is good trim, proper weighting, correct breathing patterns, and thoughtful movements through the water column. Propulsion techniques should also be added. (more…)

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