Thanks!

Hello all, quick question about buoyancy. First, I am 145lbs, I use 18 lbs of weight 9 in each pocket. I use an aluminum 80 and dive fresh water with a 7mm wetsuit. I have noticed lately that it takes about 10-15 “puffs” “taps” whatever ya call it, from my inflator hose to be neutrally buoyant. Does that mean I’m using too much weight? Would like 15-16 pounds be better?

I have a question for those that are members of AAUS. We are an organization looking to work with a partner organization that does not have AAUS certification - we have ours. They can not get it due to cost, but we want them diving with us. We're trying to think of ways to bring their staff, or the organization under our AAUS umbrella. Has anyone had experience with this, or know a way to make it work?

We are thinking of just putting their staff on our staff and for those days they get paid through us, with them later reimbursing us for the cost, but that seems thin. Other ideas?

It doesn't matter if I've gone deep or stayed above 30ft. I've used all sorts of rashguards and base layers (nylon/polyester, spandex/elastane) so I'm pretty sure it's not neoprene sensitivity. It's my shins and forearms that will start itching about 4 hours after I'm done diving for the day. I've showered in warm and cold water, used moisturizer, and used an anti-fungal cream after. Anyone else had this issue and found a resolution?

Hello everyone!

Sorry I’ve been bombing this subreddit with my posts recently 😅. Quick update on my OW certification in Oahu. There is only one NAUI shop on the island (Underwater Oahu) and their staff was amazingly friendly and knowledgeable about the situation as a whole. Sadly the price point is out of my budget because they are an hour from me and I am without a vehicle (thus the price of transportation breaks my budget). They were the only shop that actually offered to accept my referral, every other shop (Both SSI & PADI) turned down my referral and offered their full course instead. Most staff I talked too were still very kind, although I quickly understand why PADI is so popular. The NAUI shop talked to me for nearly half an hour about the situation and were very helpful in answering questions I had about the different organizations and shops all together. I don’t regret starting my course though NAUI (I will finished it when I get home), and I am well aware that PADI helped push scuba into the recreational space it’s in today. It just shocked me that I was turned down by every shop that wasn’t NAUI, and my only option was on the east side of the island. I loved learning about the history of NAUI, PADI, and SSI through older DIs and DMs that were willing to share with me. Thank you everyone for your help thus far and the recommendations of reaching out and finding shops! Honestly this was the last hobby I needed for my bank account, but it’s well worth it and I see myself diving much more in the future :)

I have a hybrid dsmb and when I last inflated it, it got some water in it. I drained most of it with the dump valve but I can’t seem to get the last bit out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I am interested in getting open water certified. I did a try scuba class and loved it but the issue I had was clearing the mask. I learned that you have to take it all the way off during the certification? Does anyone with long, thick hair have any tips for this? I’m worried that it may be tangled in the hair and me not able to get it untangled. Do you just not have to rush and take your time?

I've had a few dives where I was too buoyant and in the wrong position to use the deflate button, so I wanted to use the cords instead. Even though I know where they are, I often find it really hard to locate them when mid-dive and as a result I end up ascending too quickly and getting a bit of a squeeze in my ear. Any tips for how to reach them?

Hi everyone, does anyone have any experience or reviews to share about this drysuit? I’m looking at it as a first drysuit option. Please don’t suggest seaskin as an alternative since I don’t have the time for waiting unfortunately. Just looking to hear anyone’s personal thoughts on the bare.

Hey folks, my wife and I are planning on going to Australia for our honeymoon and of course want to include diving the GBR! The one issue is that we would only be able to go for the 2-3 weeks we feel like we would need in December, which is the wet season in Cairns. To what extent will we be risking getting rained out completely if we are there for say 3 days and have dives planned each day?

Hey there, Scubbitors!

I am working on my capstone project for a course I'm taking, and I would love your help. I'm developing an app, which aims to educate and engage users in marine conservation efforts, specifically from the perspective of scuba divers.

The app is dedicated to promoting marine conservation and sustainability, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources (you can learn more about it here).

As passionate divers, your insights are crucial. I’m looking for participants to take a survey to help shape the development of the app and ensure it meets the needs and interests of the diving community.

Why Your Voice Matters:

• Your contribution is vital to our mission of protecting underwater environments.
• Sharing your insights and experiences in marine conservation, especially from diving, provides invaluable perspectives.
• Your feedback will be instrumental in creating a compelling resource that educates and inspires divers and ocean enthusiasts alike.

How to Participate:
Simply follow this link to the survey and answer a few questions. It should take no more than 10 - 15 minutes of your time. Your responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated and will help shape the development of my project.
If you have any further comments or questions, feel free to reach out.

Thanks so much!

Don't really see much out there about Haiti. I know it's still in chaos, but are there any diving opportunities there? Is it safe nowadays? Any Intel? Was planning a carribean dive trip and was just curious if this was even an option. Thanks!

Edit: I am NOT planning on going to Haiti! I realize it's dangerous. I was just wondering if there were diving options there if it were safe. Was on the DR about a year ago and knew the dangers then. Was hoping it was better now. Apparently not

Hello All!
I plan on getting my DiveMaster via PADI this year and want to begin the road to Instructor. I have been diving for 10 years and have enough dives and certs to do both (currently been rescue certified for 2 years).

I want quality training, I want to be a safe and confident instructor, but I'm not sure my best road. I was quoted 1.5-2 years to instructor from my local NAUI shop, which seems like quite long time... I know there are Instructor courses that are "intensives" from PADI that you can become an instructor in 6-10 weeks with day in/day out diving (IE that’s what you do for the entire time). Does NAUI not have something similar?

Also, is the cost exorbitant to switch up the cert once you are an instructor? IE if I got NAUI certified but found a PADI Shop I wanted to work at, would that be an issue or would I have to completely recertify and pay the costs? Or is it a test/shadow a course and a fee?

I so appreciate any help as I want to make an educated decision!

Hey guys, just connected my swift transmitter to my first stage and I’m not sure if I did it right. It is a hp hose and I used a hp swivel, but what kind of disturbs me is that the o-ring which was on the transmitter is still visible. Under pressure, no hissing, no nothing, connected to the computer instantly. Still would like to have your opinion on it. Thx in advance.

Just wrapped up an incredible liveaboard in Komodo.

La Galigo is a great boat with a very fun and attentive crew. The boat itself is well maintained and spacious. Honestly great value for money. It’s a classic wooden boat built in Indonesia and seeing some of the other boats alongside us I think we made the right choice. We considered a larger, more modern boat but we got the benefit of a smaller dive crew and less crowded dive sites with all the pluses of a comfortable, clean, boat with great hangout spots between dives.

Jacob, the cruise director, puts a lot of thought into finding great dive spots (at least one only they go to) and the timing of the dives. For example, they took us to Castle Rock when current was a bit less. Still all the sea life but closer to the reef. Incredible schools of fish. This is coming from our experience diving Palau, Sipadan, and Raja Ampat so we know what great dives look like!

The chef onboard is very skilled with a mix of both Indonesian and Western cuisine. The sambal belado (local Indonesian chili sauce) was done v well and accompanied every meal.

Dive guides are mostly from Monado and great at spotting everything from pigmy seahorses, to cowfish, to large manta.

We’re planning to book again in a year or two when we head back to Raja Ampat as long as we can get a cabin!

Hi,

long time reader but first posting.

Watching a lot of newer threads where there was some medical issues i would like your opinion on my topic.

Backstory: it's been a year almost, i had 2 dives which were very conservative and on the evening like 7-8 hours later after a shower i got a small itch on BOTH forearms at identical places ( underside part of forearm ).

Wierd thing it cuts at straight line where my wetsuit ends and my watch begins ( lighter part of upper arm ).

There were no pain, no other symtopms beside a itch, small red bumps and few liquid like "blisters" that we're kind biggger than the rest of bumps.

I went to sleep and it was 97% cleared by morning and the last percent by end of the day.

When i looked at some online photos it looks extremely the same like sun rash or PMLE.

But just wanted some input from you guys what you think?

I dont seek medical advice cause this happend a year ago but just some thoughts.

https://preview.redd.it/x6wbcbu2f29d1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e650c86a05f5c3f4140b2f5ad3e9c3533a38211

Family members just completed a referral in Bora Bora and the dive shop surprised us with $100 processing fee at the beginning of day 2. We were captive at that point. Was I just bombbozeled?

Compulsory eagle ray photo added.

gonna visit within the next two months and looking to spend $100-$200 for like a half days worth of scuba

edit, anywhere within like an hour of Miami

Hey guys I've been looking at getting a go pro style action camera for this dive trip I have coming up. Ive been having a hard time finding dedicated reviews for diving and underwater performance. I think I've narrowed it down to Akaso V50 vs the brave 4 pro . Does anybody have any experience with these cameras ? Or any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Going to be in Greece next week on a non diving trip with my non diving wife, but may want to sneak away for some underwater therapy for a morning. I have dove in Greece before, but different islands, so I have no expectations for amazing diving.

Between Milos and Paros which may have the most interesting dive sites as to wildlife or structure? As to shops all I care about is rental gear that is not crap (didn't bring anything besides a mask and my computer on this trip). Nitrox availability is a plus but can live without. Happy to just be underwater. Any recommendations?

Does anyone know about the Diverite XT4? I am trying to invest in a side mount setup and I am looking for a regulator I won’t have to replace any time soon. The XT4 XT1 package for sidemount seems like a good deal, but i could not find any reviews. Does anyone have any opinions or other options. I am doing my sidemount course soon.

First dive: ears hurt because I didn’t equalise right away, but overall, I was calm and enjoyed the scenery despite the murky water.

Second dive: started equalizing as we defended and it felt much better.

I’m an advanced open water and nitrox diver with 60 dives logged. I’ve always had more difficulty equalizing my ears than most people. I ruptured both eardrums on my initial open water checkout dives but after visiting an ENT he said I should be ok. He couldn’t find any anatomical issue that would prevent me from diving. He said it seemed to be more of a technique issue than an anatomy issue (although he said I probably do have narrower Eustachian tubes).

So after I healed up, I began doing exercises to train myself to equalize more easily. I rescheduled my checkout dives and completed them without issue. Same for my next almost 60 dives.

Then this week I went down to Key Largo for 3 days of diving. First dive, about 2/3 of the way into the dive I felt one of my eardrums tear again. Almost the same s/s as the first time.

For some more context: I’ve only been able to get out diving once in the last 20 months or so - just a couple of weeks ago in preparation for this trip.

Has anybody else had repeated tears and been able to overcome it and continue diving? Or am I functionally done for?

edit

It seems people are misunderstanding my question. I’m not trying to bypass medical evaluation. I’m wanting to hear from people who have had issues with ear drum tears/ruptures, and been able to keep diving once healed. I’m trying to get a feel for how likely it will be that I will be able to continue with the hobby.

I’ve been renting out Shearwaters from my LDS until I can buy my own - I’ve gotten a Teric with AI and while I love being able to see my tank PSI and SAC, I noticed the AI is off - on the end of one dive, my SPG was showing 600psi, while the AI was pointing at 484psi. Is this normal or no?

Currently have my go pro on an extendable selfistick like attachment but I'm getting a ton of motion in my videos. Looking to move to a tray setup w/lights and would be interested in any recommendations from those who have done this. Also what is the best way you have found to secure your camera w/tray to optimize trim and go hands free when entering/exiting the boat? Thanks! 🫧

Long time listener, first time caller.

I recently got my PADI AOW and Nitrox certifications after getting about 20-ish dives under my belt. As I was setting up the classes, the dive shop mentioned that I wouldn't be actually diving with Nitrox, and that the E-Learning along with an in-person check would be enough. Essentially, all I had to do was take an O2 meter and test the tank for the right % mix.

Is this normal? Considering the additional variables with Nitrox (depth limit, % mix, etc.) I would have expected at least one dive. Or am I just expecting too much?

Hi,

Reading a lot of skin bends stuff and last few questions about the same topic i’m wondering if and when do bubbles can come out of skin or is that not possible ?

Like in theory, presume you got hit and dont do anything about that, where do they go out from body?