Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
For Beginner: Scuba Regulator
Most of us know when we go for diving, we need to put on a set of diving gear, but what are all these actually? Today, I will touch on the most critical piece of equipment (in fact, all are equally important to me! :) ). Scuba Regulator.
Purpose
Make it possible to use the air in the tank. It reduces the scuba tank's high pressure air to match the surrounding water pressure, and it delivers air only on demand, when you inhale.
Regulator Parts
1. First Stage
Designed to release the gas at a constant rate from the cylinder despite the pressure in the cylinder becoming less as the gas in the cylinder is used. The first stage takes gas from the at pressures of 200 - 300 bar (3000 - 4500 psi) and reduces its pressure to 10 bar (150 psi) higher than ambient pressure in the medium pressure hoses.
2. Second Stage Second stage is basically a cup covered with a flexible diaphragm, a lever-operated inlet valve, a mouthpiece and an exhaust valve. When you inhale, you pull the diaphragm inward, which pushes the inlet valve lever to release air. when you stop inhaling, air pressure inside the second stage rises, and the diaphragm returns to its relaxed position, releasing the lever and allowing the valve to close.
3. Pressure Gauge or SPG Tell you how much air you have during a dive, which work similar to your fuel gauge telling you how much fuel you have.
4. Alternate Air Source
It also call octopus. It is simply a spare Demand valve (DV) for use by the diver's buddy. This alternate air source is usually longer than the second stage that the diver uses.
So remember to get yourself ready with all these terms before you start your scuba diving lesson.
Purpose
Make it possible to use the air in the tank. It reduces the scuba tank's high pressure air to match the surrounding water pressure, and it delivers air only on demand, when you inhale.
Regulator Parts
1. First Stage
Designed to release the gas at a constant rate from the cylinder despite the pressure in the cylinder becoming less as the gas in the cylinder is used. The first stage takes gas from the at pressures of 200 - 300 bar (3000 - 4500 psi) and reduces its pressure to 10 bar (150 psi) higher than ambient pressure in the medium pressure hoses.
2. Second Stage Second stage is basically a cup covered with a flexible diaphragm, a lever-operated inlet valve, a mouthpiece and an exhaust valve. When you inhale, you pull the diaphragm inward, which pushes the inlet valve lever to release air. when you stop inhaling, air pressure inside the second stage rises, and the diaphragm returns to its relaxed position, releasing the lever and allowing the valve to close.
3. Pressure Gauge or SPG Tell you how much air you have during a dive, which work similar to your fuel gauge telling you how much fuel you have.
4. Alternate Air Source
It also call octopus. It is simply a spare Demand valve (DV) for use by the diver's buddy. This alternate air source is usually longer than the second stage that the diver uses.
So remember to get yourself ready with all these terms before you start your scuba diving lesson.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Dive Site: Pulau Manukan, Sabah
This 51 acres boomerang shaped island is the second largest of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Manukan has good stretches of beaches on the southern coastline. The best stretch is on the eastern tip of the island. There is a trail system around the island. Ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming.
20 unit chalets, a clubhouse, restaurant, souvenirs and diving centres and recreational facilities, such as a swimming pool, football field, squash and tennis courts, and infrastructural support-water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar-powered public telephone are provided.
How to Get There
Depart from jetty at Jesselton Point (formerly Sabah Port Authority ferry terminal). The rental is charged per boat, which can range anywhere between RM100 and RM200. One boat can fit 4-6 people. A short 30-minute breezy boat ride will bring you here.
Dive information
General: A gently slope from 6m to 20m with soft corals, tables, staghorn, lettuce, bubble boulder and brain corals, encrusting corals, sponges, vase sponges, Christmas-tree and fan worms, nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, stonefish, parrotfish, catfish, sweepers and fusiliers, barracuda, groupers and turtles.
Average temperature: 26C
Average depth: 10m
Maximum depth: 20m
20 unit chalets, a clubhouse, restaurant, souvenirs and diving centres and recreational facilities, such as a swimming pool, football field, squash and tennis courts, and infrastructural support-water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar-powered public telephone are provided.
How to Get There
Depart from jetty at Jesselton Point (formerly Sabah Port Authority ferry terminal). The rental is charged per boat, which can range anywhere between RM100 and RM200. One boat can fit 4-6 people. A short 30-minute breezy boat ride will bring you here.
Dive information
General: A gently slope from 6m to 20m with soft corals, tables, staghorn, lettuce, bubble boulder and brain corals, encrusting corals, sponges, vase sponges, Christmas-tree and fan worms, nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, stonefish, parrotfish, catfish, sweepers and fusiliers, barracuda, groupers and turtles.
Average temperature: 26C
Average depth: 10mMaximum depth: 20m
Sunday, December 9, 2007
4 criteria when you choose your mask
When selecting a scuba mask it is essential that it fits your face well to ensure that it is both comfortable and leak free. Without a good seal against the face you may spend much of your time clearing the mask of water, while an uncomfortable mask detracts from your diving experience ?both lead to enjoying your dives less but because they distract you from your environment they are also potentially unsafe.
Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple matter and can be tested with the following three-step procedure:
1.Place the mask on your face but with the strap placed out of the way.
2.Inhale slightly through the nose so that the slight vacuum holds the mask on your face.
3.Test the fit by gently moving your head and it should remain in place if you gently try and pull it away from your face.
At the end of this test you will have determined whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so now it is time to examine other features.
Style
Most masks on the market today have low internal volume, which means that the mask is more comfortable to use since the diver won't experience much mask squeeze during the dive. This style of mask is now usual and features a pocket for the nose that protrudes forward of the lenses and as well as low volume the large lenses allow for a wider field of view, but models to look for include Cressi Big-Eyes, although it is not suitable for all face shapes.
Colour
This is purely a matter of personal preference and you may not have any preference at all. The traditional colour for masks, and all dive equipment in fact, was black due to the use of neoprene. These days silicone is used instead for masks, which is more flexible and less susceptible to sun damage. Silicone can be supplied transparent or in a multitude of shades due to the use of colouring agents, but many people still choose black. However, some people claim masks made with transparent silicone give better visibility due to the greater amount of light allowed to enter.
Skirt
High quality scuba masks feature a silicone skirt that thins towards the edge, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit against the skin of the face. Often you'll see a second skirt inside the upper edge of the skirt that allows a better seal. Its absence at the bottom is to allow water to drain more easily from inside the mask.
Strap
There are many occasions when you'll need to adjust your mask strap and so ensure that you find the mask easy to adjust. If you wear gloves when diving then make sure you can adjust it quickly and easily with gloves on. And while on the subject of mask straps, remember to always carry a spare ?it is one of the more common equipment failures and the lack of a spare may mean you have to remain on the boat when everyone else is enjoying the submarine world.
Those are the most important factors to consider both when buying a new scuba mask or using rental equipment from a dive centre. By ensuring a good fit you ensure your own comfort and safety while a combination of the other factors will mean you get many happy years of service from your scuba mask
Finding a mask that fits your face well is a simple matter and can be tested with the following three-step procedure:
1.Place the mask on your face but with the strap placed out of the way.
2.Inhale slightly through the nose so that the slight vacuum holds the mask on your face.
3.Test the fit by gently moving your head and it should remain in place if you gently try and pull it away from your face.
At the end of this test you will have determined whether a scuba mask fits your face well or not, so now it is time to examine other features.
Style
Most masks on the market today have low internal volume, which means that the mask is more comfortable to use since the diver won't experience much mask squeeze during the dive. This style of mask is now usual and features a pocket for the nose that protrudes forward of the lenses and as well as low volume the large lenses allow for a wider field of view, but models to look for include Cressi Big-Eyes, although it is not suitable for all face shapes.
Colour
This is purely a matter of personal preference and you may not have any preference at all. The traditional colour for masks, and all dive equipment in fact, was black due to the use of neoprene. These days silicone is used instead for masks, which is more flexible and less susceptible to sun damage. Silicone can be supplied transparent or in a multitude of shades due to the use of colouring agents, but many people still choose black. However, some people claim masks made with transparent silicone give better visibility due to the greater amount of light allowed to enter.
Skirt
High quality scuba masks feature a silicone skirt that thins towards the edge, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit against the skin of the face. Often you'll see a second skirt inside the upper edge of the skirt that allows a better seal. Its absence at the bottom is to allow water to drain more easily from inside the mask.
Strap
There are many occasions when you'll need to adjust your mask strap and so ensure that you find the mask easy to adjust. If you wear gloves when diving then make sure you can adjust it quickly and easily with gloves on. And while on the subject of mask straps, remember to always carry a spare ?it is one of the more common equipment failures and the lack of a spare may mean you have to remain on the boat when everyone else is enjoying the submarine world.
Those are the most important factors to consider both when buying a new scuba mask or using rental equipment from a dive centre. By ensuring a good fit you ensure your own comfort and safety while a combination of the other factors will mean you get many happy years of service from your scuba mask
2008 New Year e-card from Scuba.com
If you are thinking of sending out greeting card this year, why not try to do away with paper card. Instead, use e-card instead. Scuba.com has come out with a simple e-card for it's members and divers at large to use their e-card. You can start sending out this e-card today to all your divers or buddies around the world.
Click 2008 New Year e-card here.
Click 2008 New Year e-card here.
Scuba Photo: Lobster
Camera: Sea Life DC600, Lens , Film Speed: Digital,
Exposure Settings: , Location: Cozumel Mexico, Date Submitted: 11/23/2007 5:48:26 PM
Photo by:Sandi Kiser
Scuba Diving In South East Asia
This article describes some of the better dive sites in South East Asia. As a scuba diver, you will probably know that scuba diving in South East Asia has always been very popular because of its vast species of marine life and rich diversity of colorful corals.
Chris Chew owns a website about traveling in Asia at Bali Hotel Resorts and
Travel Indonesia
As a matter of fact, there are many world class dive sites in this region and with its excellent underwater visibility, South East Asia is indeed a scuba diver's haven. So, here are some of the top dive sites in South East Asia many of which I have dived in several times.
We shall start with Indonesia and of course, the island of Bali cannot be left out. Perhaps the most dived site in Bali is the Liberty wreck. The wreck was a US army logistic ship sunk by Japanese submarine torpedoes during the last world war.
Liberty wreck lies in the depth of about 10m (32ft) to 30m (100ft) over 120m (385ft) of the sea bed. Divers can see guns, toilets, ship anchor chain among other things of a typical shipwreck. The wreck is heavily encrusted with corals and brightly decorated with gorgonian sea fans and sea anemones.
Scuba divers will also encounter large schools of trevally and more than 400 species of marine fishes and even exotic colonies of elusive garden eels.
Similan island in Thailand is another interesting dive site. Similan is located off the coast of Khao Lak which was hit badly by a Tsunami 2006. Nine granite islands made up the Similan islands. These islands are covered by luxuriant tropical rainforests surrounded by pristine white beaches and turquoise blue water.
This area is a protected national park. Below the water lie a sprawling underwater garden of deep canyons, coral gardens, huge granite boulders, caves and walls. Liveaboard scuba diving is the norm here.
Sipadan Island in Malaysia was made famous by Jacques Cousteau's documentary entitled Ghost Of The Sea Turtles. This is an oceanic island which is not connected to any continental shelf that rises about 2000 ft on an awesome limestone pinnacle and mushrooms out at the surface.
Many dive magazines have named Sipadan as one of the best dive sites in the world and reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world. At Sipadan, scuba divers will encounter exciting drift dives, fascinating coral formations, turtles, lobsters, barracudas and even various species of sharks.
Manado, northen Sulawesi, Indonesia is the gateway to world class dive spots in the Bunaken National Park. Muck diving, meaning diving for little critters on the seabed in Manado bay is the norm here. In this part of Indonesia, you will encounter exhilarating wall dives, drop offs, huge napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and also another shipwreck.
Layang Layang in Malaysia is a breathtaking atoll. It is part of a shoal group in the South China Sea known as the Spratly islands. Here, massive numbers of barracuda roams the water, large pelagic fishes and sharks make this place home. Do not be surprised if you are investigated by a school of hammerhead sharks.
Article Source:
ArticlesMaker.com
Chris Chew owns a website about traveling in Asia at Bali Hotel Resorts and
Travel Indonesia
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