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Hi Everyone, I launched a scuba diving blog a few months ago. Most blogs I've seen are either random news items or more like an online dive log. I've tried to make this one a useful resource for all levels of divers. It's mostly articles of things I've been learning and tips I've picked up...

Most definitely, I'm just saying there are "core" skills that have been agreed upon for different certification levels. For instance, you'll learn how to clear a mask in a course from any agency. For PADI, go to this page, scroll down to see where they tout being standards-compliant. For...

This is incorrect. Several agencies agreed on a standard years ago. NAUI was not part of the process, but they are standards-compliant as of a few years ago. For basic Open Water, this standard can be seen here You may be familiar with ISO, the international organization for standards...

The big agencies follow the ISO standards for courses, and so will generally accept certifications from other agencies that follow those standards. SSI and PADI both do. I don't think there is a standard for AOW, but SSI and PADI are not far apart (both are specialty-driven), with SSI having...

Hmm. When I was diving in NZ last year the dive op required a medical from me, signed by a doctor. I can't remember if this was for regular diving or for my Rescue course, but in the states a doctor's signature isn't required for either.

If you have said "yes" for anything and have a doctors approval, then the dive op should be satisfied. What's the worst case? Something bad happens to you while diving and you (or your family) files a suit against the dive op. If they show that what happened to you was a result of the thing you...

I think Crowley hit it on the head. These are businesses like any other, with varying amounts of quality. It seems a shame you had such a poor experience. The more experience I get, the more I appreciate the training I received for my OW certification. They sold me mask/snorkel/fins, and said I...

You may want to contact dive shops and sign up for something inexpensive like a Discover Scuba course, with the understanding that you and your friend only want to work on skills. Even if they don't own their own pool, they must do their poolwork somewhere. Have any friends within driving...

I think those few times when verbal communication would be handy are not worth the time, expense, and overall annoyance of an underwater comm device. Although I have definitely considered picking up a sign language book and gradually learning diving-related words with my girlfriend.

Hi lavachickie, I enjoyed reading your experience in Cozumel. In fact, it is really making me want to go diving right now! I think you made a good call skipping out on the deep dive. There are two issues at play here. First is the irresponsibility of the dive op for sending beginners to 90ft...