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If the dive was a "No-decompression" dive then you are under no decompression obligation and it would be reasonably safe to skip the 3 minute safety stop. You should ascend SLOWLY as in a scenario such as a distressed diver on the surface, the reaction of many divers is to rush to the surface...

Wonder why it was banned...

Used to be a flyer until I met a photographer/videographer nearly ten years ago. I realised I was missing a lot by not being more of a looker.

You didn't indicate where this shop was but I'm assuming it's in the US - since most members on this board are based in the US. You had realistic expectations - not brand new gear. I don't know of too many places that provide reg bags and as for the BC, I hope it's in good working order...

It's not just the amount of affected coral that is worrying scientists in Indonesia (and other locations) but also the rapid rate of decline - speeds not yet seen. "The scientists found that 80 percent of some species have died since the initial assessment.." That initial assessment was in...

AND, I just recalled, when a neighbour of my mother over in Coquitlam dropped something in the lake behind his house, he contacted the local municipality to get some advice. Maybe the helpful staff at Squamish municipal government can lend you some brain power.

If you haven't done it already, try posting in the Western Canada region as well. The local divers may have some ideas or you might find someone able to help you. Western Canada - ScubaBoard Also, try a diveshop in the area, there might be a short-of-work instructor who wants the gig...

Hi Ian, If you have a good pair of fins that you are happy with, you really don't want to part with them just to be a few hundred grams lighter. I'm assuming you're referring to travel and issues of luggage weights? Fin efficiency depends on many things - design, use, technique etc. And...

The test requires either 200 metres/yards swimming or 300 metres/yards snorkel/fins swim. I've found that a lot of people prefer the snorkel swim. There is no time limit - you're only required to finish it in a reasonable amount of time. There is also a tread/float in deep water...

Like Vjanelle, I would advise that you seek help from a medical professional. I don't want to hazard a guess on whether it's technique or a problem with your ear that is giving you the difficulties. I would stress the advantage of finding a doctor/specialist with some knowledge of diving. In my...

Wherever you go, there is an element of "your luck on the day" if you're diving over a week/ten days. I was thrilled on my liveaboard in southern Red Sea because in of the dives, I saw an Oceanic Whitetip and a shoal of Hammerheads - all on the SAME DIVE!! On another trip, I may not have...

If balancing top-side attractions with the diving is of first and foremost importance, I would second TSandM and go with Australia. So maybe do Byron Bay for the Nurse Sharks then move onto Townsville to do the Yongala... OR Base yourselves in Cairns and you can do a short (3/4 day) liveaboard...

There really isn't a universal rule for dive professional and income. So many things depend on it. While in places such as N. America and Western Europe, instructors and DMs often work in diving as a supplementary income - almost a hobby for some - there are plenty of dive hubs in the...

Yes I've taken advantage of standby-rates and cancellation deals. Some agents and dive resorts will offer this option. I've had a few discounts on liveaboards by booking late. The idea is that while advanced bookings will ensure you have a place booked on a holiday/trip/flight, if you...

Actually, the BWRAF should cover computers and other miscellaneous equipment. The "F" as in final check is where you can consider the everything else you need for that particular dive. When I do the check with students and new(ish) divers, I cover in F: Are your fins with you and not still...

I think going by the acronym BWRAF is really useful to ensure everything is covered in the pre-dive check. To prevent equipment and procedures being forgotten in the period leading to the dive, do a BWRAF check well in advance. So if you're not sure if you've packed everything into your car...

I'm also surprised that the Saratoga wreck is not included in the list - and we know with wreck divers that size gets a lot of points. I do agree with everyone who stressed that favourites are always very subjective. Out of the four on the list that I've done, picking out the "best" would...

Thanks for posting. One thing I remember about the popular dive sites in the Red Sea like the Thistlegorm is that they can get incredibly crowded and the goings-on can get chaotic. I wondered how no serious mishaps occurred under these conditions (there were many non-threatening things such...

Hi Suziqu, From your description, I don't think what you're experiencing is unusual - especially at such an early stage of your diving life. A bit of anxiety or nerves before diving is normal and OK AS LONG AS it doesn't interfere with your ability to plan and execute the required tasks for a...

Thanks Asser, it's a really useful article on what is a really pressing topic for many new and not-so-new divers. Very often, I've had students asking me if there was the ONE THING they could do to instantly improve their air consumption. And every time, I've had to stress that there was NO...