Everyone knows, or should know, where to draw the line when it comes to what level of interaction with the marine environment is acceptable. The majority of divers know that they are visitors in another realm and try to observe without molestation. Sadly not all. There are would-be heroes who organise dive trips with a group of their adoring fans/customers and then proceed to give the worst possible example of how human beings should behave underwater.

I saw an American trip leader in Fiji chase an octopus into a hole and proceed to jam his pointer in every fissure in the rock to force the hiding creature out. Several desperate puffs of ink and a panicky retreat ensued. He then proceeded to collect shells and even give the “OK” or otherwise to his disciples regarding their choice of mollusks.

At one point he swam quite near me and threw to me, in the style of a basketball pass, a cushion star, only to be disappointed when I failed to receive it. Instead I responded with a hand signal that might have looked like the initial movements of ’scissor, paper, stone’. I am not sure whether this particular primate felt the need to entertain his gang so much that all his etiquette went out the window, or he simply didn’t give a toss in the first place. In any circumstance, the hands-on diver will cause much upset.

An honourable mention here must go to the underwater photographer for whom the relentless pursuit of that awesome picture comes at the expense of the marine environment. All photographers are guilty of this sin to some extent and it is not necessarily the inexperienced who are the most to blame. It may not be fashionable to say it, but photographers damage reefs! Many claim somewhat arrogantly that the consciousness-raising their images inspire among the great unwashed masses results in a net environmental benefit, but this excuse just doesn’t wash. The fact remains that many divers have witnessed more contact, interference and damage to the reefs by the sprawling limbs and equipment of role model photographers than the occasional stray fin kick of an open water diver.

I have been to resorts that ban gloves yet cater exceptionally well to photographers. To me that is a nonsense of the highest order. Yes, some may abuse the use of gloves but they are often worn for the same reason the rest of the body is covered: warmth and protection. There are times when currents require some form of holding on to a piece of rock, or a line or various other occasions when you may have to use your fingers, which are often softened and tender. Yet the mention of gloves leaves many in a state of apoplexy, whereas someone bearing a bus-size amount of hi-tech photographic equipment and almost certain to damage the reef, is given the red carpet treatment.

There seems to be such an atmosphere of ‘niceness’ in diving that people would often rather just let it go than cause any upset by giving voice to their woes. Indeed discretion is normally the better part of valour when diving with the same strangers several days in a row on your liveaboard holiday. What joy it is to be able to vent one’s splenetic juices from the safety of the keyboard!

Gavin Macaulay is Marketing Director of Dive The World which aims to help divers find the perfect scuba diving holiday in some of the world’s most exciting dive destinations. He offers opinions and advice on diving related topics based on his own experiences.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Macaulay

To the general public, the mere mention of the word “shark” conjures up imagery of a fierce marine animal with sharp jagged teeth able to tear into flesh and bone easily, constantly on the prowl in the sea, ever ready to pounce on the swimmer, snorkeler or scuba diver who has the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Thus, as a dive educator, besides instructing the total newbie diver on the skills and safety aspects of scuba diving, there is an added element of trying to reform misconceptions of the marine environment and sway traditional perceptions of dangerous marine animals, mainly sharks!

To simplify things, just put sharks into two categories, oceanic sharks and reef sharks. Oceanic sharks very seldom venture into shallow water coral reefs where it is warmer preferring the colder deeper open sea conditions. Reefs are too warm for comfort for these creatures.

Coral reefs are mainly in tropical zones and reef sharks thrive in this warm water conditions. Oceanic sharks are the type that fall into the more aggressive and unpredictable variety. Makos, Great White, Hammerheads etc. whereas reef-dwelling sharks are generally of the shy and docile type. Since a very significant part of dive activity is done in coral reefs, scuba diver’s encounters are usually with the reef sharks. To allay the anxieties of newly certified divers or for those who are in the process of diver certification training, when they go diving in a ocean environment, just be reminded of this fact.

Reef sharks are generally harmless. Encounters during diving are usually very brief before the shark swims off into the blue; they avoid encounters with people, mainly the annoyingly noisy scuba divers creating so much ruckus with their bubbles, in an otherwise tranquil setting. If they linger around slightly longer, its probably more out of curiosity towards the divers than aggression.

More on the Titan Triggerfish, gangster of the sea on my blog.

http://scubadiversions.blogspot.com/2009/07/triggerfishunderwater-thuggangster.html

I have been a freelance scuba instructor at a Malaysian island for approximately a dozen years,and have compiled a selection of articles about scuba diving for beginners,dive trivial for those who are just certified or those maybe considering signing up for a scuba course,articles inspired by the many frequent same queries from beginners through the years.Check out my blog to see if any of the articles can provide an answer to a query you may have regarding learning to dive or just starting out on your diving adventures.

It’s still a work in progress and will be added on with new articles relevant to the subject. Just follow the link. http://scubadiversions.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hwang

Obviously, we don’t want to be the ruin of the beautiful oceans that we’re so fond of exploring. Unfortunately, some popular dive spots have become ruined over time because of poor management and irresponsible divers.

Skills, training and knowledge

Responsible scuba divers possess adequate skills. This requires practice and training for good buoyancy control. This is important especially when diving sensitive environments like coral growths and shipwrecks. You should avoid disturbing marine life, touching them – unless you are certain it is safe and OK for both you and the marine life – and getting in entanglements. Many organisms are vulnerable to even the slightest brushes.

Planning and preparing for dives is vital – don’t put yourself or others in danger – not to mention marine life.

Dive within your means (training, ability and confidence level). You should be familiar with your equipment and know how to use it.

Your equipment should be streamlined. Dangling gauges and accessories are hazardous to you and to marine life.

Take specialist training – you need additional knowledge and training to dive overhead environments (such as caves and wrecks) or to venture to greater depths.

Responsibility and good practice underwater and on land

Do not take souvenirs and artifacts. You may – often unknowingly – be disturbing marine life by taking items out of the water. Collecting is also prohibited by law in many areas. Follow the popular saying: “Take only pictures and leave only bubbles.”

Learn about marine life in the areas you’ll be diving. Listen to professional guides, safety briefings and dive briefings.

Respect local customs and laws. If the reefs are out-of-bounds, there is probably a reason.

Do not litter or throw objects into the ocean. Litter is a hazard to marine life and to people. You can also help by picking up refuse and recyclables on the shore. Get involved in cleanup campaigns on shore.

Take advice from local professionals and follow their instructions.

Dive with responsible operators. Do some research. There are various national and international certifications and awards for dive shops, schools and resorts for good environmental practices.

Get involved with conservation projects – either in your local community or during your travels.

If you found this useful, please see Sea Forever, a website dedicated to oceans and green living at http://www.sustainablewaters.com.

Lou Kawakami is a consultant with a keen interest in the oceans and environmentally-friendly living. She has an extensive background in marketing, education and social policy. In addition, she is a scuba diving instructor who has travelled a bit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_Kawakami

1.) Good Buoyancy control is the most important skill for scuba diving. It avoids struggling to maintain the divers position on the surface and underwater. It helps you to stay clear of the bottom, reducing the risk of aquatic injuries and protects the underwater life as well from being damaged as your equipment.

2.) Proper Airway control allows you to breathe easy if you have small amounts of water in your snorkel or regulator thus avoids choking. Simply use your tongue as a splash-guard.

3.) Avoid dehydration. Dehydration can cause cramps even in relaxed dives with good visibility and no current. If a cramp occurs be aware of the cramp removal procedures. Get your Buddies attention, stop, rest (hold on to something if necessary), continue n a slower pace or abort dive and surface with your dive buddy.

4.) Handle problems with your air supply correct. There are several options to handle this kind of problems and dive students learn them upon entry level. Keep practicing them with your buddy from time to time at the end of a dive during the safety stop. If you are into solo-diving (not recommended by most dive association) carry a pony-bottle or a self-contained ascent bottle.

5.) Vertigo (loosing sense of orientation and balance) can occur on deep dives or in mid-water when you don’t have any reference and is an unpleasant experience, therefore you need to respond correctly before it becomes a serious problem. Vertigo can cause stress and nausea. When feeling disoriented you need to get your dive-buddies attention immediately. Try to make contact with a fixed object or your buddy. Hugging yourself may work also. Watch your bubbles for your up-and-down orientation.

Following these guidelines will help you in a self-rescue situation. Practice and fine-tune your dive-skills frequently or enroll in a refresher program if you have not dived for a while.

Maria has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Her interests are outdoor activities. So come visit her latest website that informs you about styles and functions to keep your kids safe and warm during wet outdoor activities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Santiago

A shipwreck is a haven of wonderful discoveries for the scuba diver. It is a historical relic filled with secrets carefully concealed by the ocean. Over the years, it has also been the home of various sea creatures and plants. Wreck diving is a rare opportunity for scuba divers to hone their diving skills, discover a significant heritage in history and be a part of an important archaeological find. This great opportunity however entails responsibility on the part of the diver. So here are a few guidelines to take note of before pursuing the dive:

Precautionary Measures while Diving

• Remember that a shipwreck has been underwater for quite some time and the superior find have been submerged for decades, or even centuries. Many sections of a sunken ship may be fragile and would disintegrate without notice, so bear in mind to keep those fin movements steady and slow. The possibility of encountering marine animal and plant species inhabiting the wreckage is highly likely, so exercise extra care so as not to disrupt their habitat.
• There is also the risk of entanglement with fishing nets or ropes, so bring along an emergency tool such as a Tech Dive Knife in hand.
• Keep extra lights handy just in case primary sources of light run out.
• A guideline may also be utilized to ensure the exit route of the wreck diver.
• Never overestimate the capacity of your cylinder tank. It is best to be safe than sorry. The rule of the thumb is to allocate 2/3 of the air reserve for use upon exit. As much as possible, carry a second tank or bring along a pony bottle.

A Different Type of Training RequiredThere are wreck program organizations that require scuba divers to take a PADI specialty course in wreck diving before they can join excursions. The course will orient the scuba diver on the advanced skills and scuba equipment necessary to maneuver in and out of wrecks. More importantly, the scuba diver will be able to learn the proper management of air reserves in the course of diving. Deep diving is a specialization required in the conduct of wreck diving trips; thus the wreck diver must be knowledgeable on the use of dive tables as well. Dive tables reveal what depths (at certain times) are safe to cruise without decompression. An Aeris XR-2 Wrist Dive Computer [http://www.scubasuppliers.com/site/1408308/product/10.2610] is a convenient gadget that will come in handy to alert the diver of safety parameters.

Safety is the biggest concern for all scuba divers but even more so for wreck divers. There is a risk of becoming trapped or lost in a wreck. Special training is available to scuba divers where they learn how to use special equipment. Reels of line are used to lay down a safe path through the maze of a ship wreck. Extra tanks of air are slung from the diver. Powerful underwater lights are required to light up the darkness. Wreck divers learn how to plan their dives so that they use one third of their air to reach the wreck, one third of their air to enjoy the wreck and return to the surface and hold the last third in reserve in case of emergency. Wreck divers have to especially cautious of hazards such as sharp and jagged metal.

Many recreational divers enjoy diving on artificial reefs. These are ships that have prepared and sunk on purpose in especially designated spots. Divers can practise their skills in the relative safety of a ship wreck that is well-mapped and sitting a safe depth. These ship wrecks are called artificial reefs because they soon become the habitat for corals, anemones and creatures of all kinds. Some artificial reefs will host up to four times their own mass in living creatures.

Most divers adhere to a policy of “non-disturbance” This means they do not interfere with the wreck or carry anything away. It is only fair to leave the ship wreck untouched so that other divers can enjoy it. But the environment soon starts to change the wreck. Breakers pound the metal or bust up the wood. Down deeper, currents carry away loose pieces and scatter them across the ocean floor. Even the creatures that make the wreck their home slowly start to break it down.

There is a compelling beauty to a sunken ship and great sense of adventure and challenge to learn the skills and become a wreck diver.

Rocky Boschman is a marine biologist and founder of Scuble.com. (http://scuble.com/) He has been actively promoting conservation for many years. Scuble.com is an online community and a great resource for information about the oceans. Join now, its free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rocky_Boschman

These guides are well acquainted with the underwater terrain and know all the dangers, such as predator fish and underwater currents, that might be lurking in the diving area and how to combat them. Most of all, these supervisors are highly trained in life-saving exercises and mainly shark attacks. Some locations are famous for wreck scuba diving training as well and attract scuba divers from far and wide.

Importance of Wreck Scuba Diving Training

Wreck scuba diving is a dangerous activity, and ample training must be imparted to the scuba divers before allowing them to undertake an exploration of an underwater wreck. A wreck is a ship that may have sunk off the coast or out at sea. The older the wreck grows, the more dangerous it is to swim among the sunken vessel. The parts deteriorate and may collapse at any time and trap the diver.

There may be weeds growing in the passageways of the wreck, which can trap a swimmer, and no one will be able to locate him or her in time. Wreck scuba diving training imparts all the knowledge one must have to survive in troubled times underwater. This includes the SOS signals one must use in order to attract attention and how to use the safety equipment, such as underwater flares and safety equipment.

Know Your Depth

Many wrecks are mapped. This means that the divers are taught where to swim and dive and where to not venture. Some wrecks have safety signs and identifiers. If a diver gets stuck or trapped, he can signal his location to another diver and have rescuers on the way before long. Many wrecks are located at vast depths of the sea and oceans.

Divers must have the relevant knowledge of how deep they are allowed to dive and how long they can stay there. Deep sea diving has its hazards. Prolonged diving can produce symptoms of the “bends,” a very painful situation where the diver suffers from excessive nitrogen dissolving in the blood because of the pressure of the sea. It is a life-threatening situation, and divers must know the early symptoms of the bends and return to the surface well in time.

The sights of wrecks and the experience of wreck diving can captivate a diver who may lose track of the time spent underwater. Wreck scuba diving training makes divers aware of the dangers of the deep and imparts the necessary training they need to counter the dangers as well.

Click here to check out places for scuba diving trips. It works out cheaper when you take a scuba diving package. Also find places that offer scuba diving lessons here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Falaq_Arsendatama

And as long as humans have ventured under the oceans, we’ve been trying to get down to these sunken ships to take a look.

In recent history, we’ve been intentionally sinking unused and outdated vessels and calling them “artificial reefs”. There is a measured benefit to both marine life and local economies when “artificial reef societies” intentionally put a ship on the bottom of the ocean. In Nanaimo, BC, Canada, the local Chamber of Commerce reports that the two artificial reefs, the HMCS Saskatchwan and HMCS Cape Breton, located in the Nanaimo harbour, have produced a four million dollar a year increase in tourism since 2001.

The HMCS Yukon contributes more than five million dollars annually to the San Diego, CA region.

Scuba diving on artificial reefs require special care, training and sometimes equipment. Local dive shops provide training and certification for “wreck diving” and provide the special equipment required to safely dive around artificial reefs.

On May 17, 2006, the retired aircraft carrier Oriskany became the largest vessel ever to be “reefed”. At 910 feet in length and with visibility averaging between 60 and 100+ feet, the “Mighty O” is an impressive site to divers. Her flight deck is sitting at 145 feet – considered a technical dive – but her island can be approached at 78 feet.

Overtime, an artificial reef will re-create its own biomass underwater becoming a home to countless species of fish and plants and an attraction and destination to scuba divers.

Rocky Boschman is a marine biologist and founder of Scuble.com. http://scuble.com/

He has been actively promoting conservation for many years. Scuble.com is an online community and a great resource for information about the oceans. Join now, its free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rocky_Boschman

The UNEXSO dolphin dive is a single tank trip only available on certain days and fills up quickly so it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance. The divemasters suggest that all divers add on an additional two pounds to what they normally use on their weight belt. This is because the majority of time spent during the dolphin dive will be kneeling on an open sandy surface at the bottom of a chosen dive site. After all divers are onboard, the dive boat goes to the dolphin facility minutes away where the dolphins stay. Once there, a dolphin trainer at the facility gives a briefing about the specifics of the dolphin dive as well as dolphins in general. Two dolphins are pre-selected for each dolphin dive. After the briefing, both the dive boat and a second boat carrying two dolphin trainers head out to the dive site with two dolphins following. During the trip out to the dive site, the two dolphins ride the wakes of the boats and make numerous leaps out of the water along the way giving lots of photo opportunities.

Once at the dive site, the divers are instructed to get in the water quickly and head to the bottom which is about 50 feet. The request for the rush is to get the interactions going before the dolphins lose interest. It is emphasized that the dolphins are never forced to interact with the divers and are free to swim off anytime they want. Therefore, interactions with the dolphins are never guaranteed by UNEXSO. Luckily for the divers, the dolphins seem to enjoy interactions with humans as well as the free food. Once at the bottom, the dolphin trainers now in scuba diving gear, direct the divers to space out in a wide circle. The trainers, equipped with a bucket full of food, are in the center of this circle. This is where they direct the various types of interactions that the divers will get to experience with the dolphins.

The first interaction is usually having a dolphin rest in front of each diver. This is when the divers are allowed to touch and stroke the dolphins while avoiding their fins, eyes and blow hole. The second interaction involves a dolphin kiss. Divers are instructed to take their regulators out of their mouths upon a signal given by the trainers. The trainers then point towards each diver. The dolphins would approach each diver and ‘kiss’ each one in the mouth with their snout. A third type of interaction is like a human spinning top. One at a time, the divers are asked to adjust their buoyancy and stay up about five feet off the bottom with arms fully outstretched. The dolphins then push each diver by the hand with their snouts spinning them around in circles. All of these interactions are captured on camera by a UNEXSO staff divemaster. Of course, the photos are available for sale back at the UNEXSO dive shop. At the end of the final interaction, both dolphins make one more pass while waving one of their fins to bid each diver goodbye. Of course, the divers wave back with smiles through their regulators.

What is really unique with the dolphin dive is that scuba divers get to see the dolphins at depth rather than just at the surface of the water. This is in the natural environment of the dolphins. It is really magical to watch from the bottom as the dolphins swim up to the surface for air sometimes leaping right out of the water followed by a dramatic diving re-entry. They move like torpedoes with grace, agility and speed. The divers can’t help but marvel at the abilities of the dolphins. Dolphins do not require gradual ascents and safety stops like us scuba divers do. For any scuba diver who loves dolphins, the UNEXSO dolphin dive is a wonderful diving experience and well recommended.

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com, an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Also numerous articles on scuba diving.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clint_Leung