The most common diving related injuries to divers are buoyancy related. Uncontrolled ascents, marine life injuries, ear and sinus trauma, and more can be prevented by simply learning to better control your buoyancy during a dive. Remember, practice makes perfect so if you are not perfect the first time you try, don't give up, just try again!

Poor buoyancy control can result in descending deeper than you intended or ascending more quickly than is safe. By adjusting the amount of air in your BCD you can help minimize this problem
Having to make constant adjustments in your BCD uses air more quickly which will impact the amount of time you have to dive.

Ear and sinus injuries often result from poor buoyancy control. During descent, if a diver feels uncomfortable they should stop the descent immediately and ascend until the pressure resolves, attempt to equalize again, and then continue to descend if everything equalizes. The same is true on the way up. If you feel pressure upon ascent, descend until the pressure subsides, equalize, and continue the ascent slowly. Without proper buoyancy, this can be difficult to impossible.

Most marine life injuries happen because of accidental contact between the diver and the marine life. Proper buoyancy helps keep distance between the diver and the marine life to minimize the risk of injury.
Your diving experience should be a comfortable and pleasurable experience. Maintaining proper buoyancy can help ensure that you have a good time exploring the underwater environment!

Never stop developing your diving abilities. The more you learn the more comfortable and prepared you will be as you explore the underwater world. There are many different things you can learn from first aid to diving in new environments such as caverns, wrecks, and caves. Each environment comes with its own excitement and adventure so get trained and explore them all! No matter where your diving adventures take you, make sure you are equipped with the proper training!

• Your certification only qualifies you for a set diving environment. DO NOT DIVE BEYOND YOUR TRAINING!
• As you continue your training, slowly extend your experiences. Diving from the shore in the Carribean is different than diving from a boat in the Midwest. Remember to dive within your comfort zone as well as your certification. Consider environment and water temperature into your comfortability in new diving locations.
• If you are worried or feel uncomfortable with a dive, DO NOT DO IT! Diving should be a fun experience, not a stressful one
• If you want to begin exploring new types of environments, get the proper training first to ensure you are exploring them safely. Each new environment brings its own set of challenges so be sure you are prepared to manage them. Training can mean the difference between life and death in the underwater environment, so choose wisely!
• Don't forget about first aid training. In an emergency you will not regret spending a few hours of your time in a class.
• Other Specialty Courses Available (not an exhaustive list)
  • Wreck Diver
  • Cavern Diver
  • Night Diver
  • Deep Diver (60ft +)
  • Drysuit Diving
  • Nitrox Diving
  • Advanced Diver
  • Master Diver

If you or someone you know are interested in any of these continuing education courses call or stop in to the shop and ask to speak to Steve!

As we approach spring break and summer vacation many people like to travel to a dive destination. If you plan to travel with your dive gear the following are a few tips that could really save you time, money, and added stress.

1. Check Before you Check - In
Call ahead and see what the airline does and does not allow before arriving at the airport to avoid additional charges and unexpected item denials. Remember to do your research about your destination and what they do and do not allow through customs and in their airports as well.

• Typical items allowed in carry-on luggage (provided they fit size parameters)
  • Regulators
  • Dive computers
  • Masks
  • Swimsuits
• Typical items that must be checked or left at home
  • ​Cutting tools
  • Cylinders
  • Spearguns
• Items that can be checked or carry on luggage
  • ​BC/BCD
  • Fins
  • Snorkel

2. Rental Gear
If you choose to skip the hassle of traveling with your personal dive equipment, be sure to call ahead to your dive location and ensure they have everything you need to rent to have a comfortable dive experience. Remember that you will usually still need to bring a few basic items such as your own mask, fins, and snorkel.

• Items widely available for rental
  • ​Wetsuits/Drysuits
  • Gloves
  • Hoods
  • Boots
  • Tanks
  • BCs/BCDs
  • Regulators
  • Weights/Weight Systems
• Specialty items not usually available for rental
  • ​Cutting Tools
  • Surface marker buoys (dive flag buoys)
  • Dive lights/Camera lights
  • Specialized Diving Equipment
• Items that may be available for rent depending on location
  • ​Mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel

3. Do your Research and Be Prepared!
Know what is and what is not allowed at any dive facility you plan to visit. Check local laws to avoid losing your gear if it is not allowed. Try to learn about the quality of the rental gear available in your vacation area if you choose to rent. Not all gear is created equal and poor gear can ruin your experience. Have any equipment checked prior to traveling with it to ensure it will survive the trip and continue working while you are using it. Your gear is your life support equipment, treat it as though your life depends on it BECAUSE IT DOES! Locate a dive shop or other facility in the area where you can get repairs done if you should need to. The goal is to ENJOY YOUR VACATION! So be as prepared before you head out so you can relax and fully experience the underwater world!