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I think previous comments mentioned equalisation difficulties and how common it is. I just wanted to mention the importance of equalising properly and safely. Do it: Early - I personally find it helpful sometimes if I pinch and blow out through the nose gently just BEFORE starting descent...

It's been a disasterous week for ocean conservation at CITES. The Japanese lobby - along with the fishing nations have sunk moves for conserving not only Bluefin but sharks and corals. We've seen Japan buying votes with Aid Money in CITES and other forums such as the International Whaling...

I did AOW when the night dive was still mandatory and found the course very useful. I think it was where my fondness for night diving started. I also liked the Drysuit Specialty - although most of my dives have not been in a drysuit. I do strongly think that the Rescue Course is probably...

PADI has a statistics page on certs. While its just one agency, it gives a fairly good idea of the split between men and women. Statistics, Graphs & History about PADI Scuba Diving Certification, Diving Instructors' Membership & Resorts There are massive discrepancies between...

I think this very commonly-used analogy does confuse a lot of people. They hear "bubbles" and "soda" and think back to their Open Water lectures.

It's more bad news from CITES. The Portbeagle decision has been reversed and so EVERY PROPOSAL for marine species protection HAS BEEN REJECTED. News and Views on the Environment, Oceans and Conservation | Sea Forever

Portbeagle sharks aren't safe yet. Because the margin for the Portbeagle vote was so small, it may be overturned on Thursday. The CITES meeting has been very disappointing for those of us concerned with the welfare of sharks and other marine life. It's now crucial to turn up the heat and...

32? Not too old at all! The oldest newly-turned pro I ever met was in his sixties (just retired and wanted to do something exciting for once in his life, he said) and there are many just in this forum who are a lot older than 32. I didn't do my professional certs until I was in my thirties...

Thanks! Looks really useful - along with the Critter Calendar.

I had some brilliant dives off Byron Bay with Grey Nurse Sharks as the highlights. The town was a great stop as well - loved the beaches. Damn I miss Australia!

Tattoos are nice and they áre a brilliant way to pay tribute to the ocean/diving etc (I myself sport several) BUT please, if you want to get tattooed to commemorate your OW certification - or for any other reason during a holiday, DO IT AFTER THE DIVES. I've seen some unfortunate incidents...

My favourite surface interval distraction would have to be the whale shark - a fair sized one, nearly as long as the little wooden dive boat I was on! - while teaching an Open Water Course in Thailand. It was a thrill for the students who were breaking after their first ever OW dive. They just...

Hi Dan, It sounds like your fears can be overcome by some practice - and further training as mentioned by another poster. Practice gives you confidence and good judgement always comes from experience. I have met very few people who get absolutely everything right when they are brand...

I found this really informative document from the Pew Environmental Group: http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Fact_Sheets/Protecting_ocean_life/English_CITES_sharks_all.pdf?n=4283 It outlines information for the species of sharks up for listing at the CITES meeting -...

Move by Maldives applauded by marine conservation and protection organisations. It is hoped that the actions will give strength to shark conservation efforts at the upcoming CITES Meeting. Maldives Ban Fishing of Sharks - NYTimes.com

First of all, if you are in doubt about medications and their possible effects, it is best to consult a doctor or a medical professional However, it isn't always convenient to do so for whatever reason - time limitation, can't be bothered etc. There are websites that can give you...

My most frightening encounters have been with the trigger fish and they can be very aggressive and persistent. But fortunately, they went for my fins most of the time. The most important thing is not to panic and do the first thing that comes into your head - bolt to the top and swim for the...

This brings up the important question of "What will be provided?" The provisions and services on liveaboards can range from the most luxurious to the adequate to the most down-right spartan. There are liveaboards with heated towells provided by staff after each dive and there are those who...

If you are prone to seasickness, appropriate remedies/medication. Depending on where you're headed out and on which boat you're on, it might get a bit rough. Other than that, a good sunhat and plenty of towels.

Hello, From what you describe, it sounds like you've done a considerable amount of diving prior to your break. My suggestion is for you to take a refresher/tuneup and see how you do. If after the refresher, you still feel unsure or not up-to-par in your diving, then take the Open Water...