The DUI TLS-350 drysuit is the drysuit of choice for many commercial divers, such as the US Coast Guard, Air force and Navy SEALS. However, DUI TLS-350 drysuits are also popular amongst “in-the-know” recreational divers who dive in cooler climes.

Why Does the DUI TLS-350 Drysuit Have Such Fans?

Most divers who have used the DUI TLS-350 claim that the fit feels like you are diving without a drysuit. This is largely due to the fact that the DUI TLS-350 drysuit is constructed using lightweight and very malleable trilaminate that is well suited to the the underwater world. TLS-350 DUI drysuits are also able to cope with harsh diving environments.

So what DUI TLS-350 drysuit owners get is a comfortable divesuit that:

• tends to be less restrictive than others;
• can perform well under demanding conditions;
• can be transported easily due to its light weight;
• dries quickly due to its trilaminate build.

Features of the DUI TLS-350 Drysuit

• Extremely lightweight trilaminate fabric (Nylon/Butyl and Rubber/Nylon).
• Diagonal zipper that allows front entry.
• Low profile exhaust dump and low pressure inflator swivel inlet.
• Warm neck collar for using along with warm neck hood.
• TLS-350 telescopic torso, which makes donning and doffing easier.
• Close fitting yet less restrictive than other drysuits.
• Includes a zipper guard that protects the dry zip.
• Incorporates an adustment cord inside the drysuit for a perfect waist fit as well as a strap and braces to hold the TLS-350 drysuit firmly in place.
• Rockboot system.
• Double layer trilaminate fabric protection covering the knees.
• Full DUI manufacturer’s warranty.

Summary DUI TLS-350 Drysuit Review

The DUI TLS350 drysuit is a really comfortable and travel friendly suit. It is robust enough to cope with tougher diving envrironments (such as caves and wrecks), gives enough room for you to wear underclothes in colder locations but remains not excessively warm when used in waters of a more moderate temperature.

DUI TLS350 drysuits are easy to put on and take off through their smart across the shoulder front-entry zipper and telescoping torso design, and they can be used in freshwater or saltwater. They also dry quickly when you are done using them.

What more could you want from a drysuit?

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SCUBA divers do not of course just SCUBA dive. Snorkelling is a great way to kill some time between dives, particulalrly on a liveaboard if you are out diving on a reef or such like. It is important to know how to snorkel safely in order that you can enjoy snorkelling properly without putting yourself and others at risk.

Below are our top tips for showing you how to snorkel safely.

13 Steps Showing How to Snorkel Safely

1. NEVER attempt to snorkel unless you know how to swim. You will never be able to learn how to snorkel safely unless you are a swimmer.
2. Do not dive into the water head first while you are wearing a dive mask. This is very dangerous as the glass in dive masks is not designed to take the impact of diving into water in such a way.
3. Never snorkel on your own. Just as with SCUBA diving, you should always buddy up with someone in case you get into difficulty.
4. Do not use ear-plugs when you are snorkelling underwater. Ear-plugs can get stuck in your ear and cause damage to your eardrums as the pressure underwater increases.
5. Never hold your breath for long periods under the surface. If you hold your breath for too long you could blackout and drown.
6. Never dive below any depth at which equalizing the pressure in your ears is not longer possible. If you cannot equalize, you can damage your eardrums and potentially cause permanent damage to your hearing.
7. Learning how to snorkel safely can often mean learning to snorkel comfortably. Always get out of the water if you start to feel tired or cold.
8. Never dive beneath the water if you have a cold or are congested. Colds and congestion can affect your ability to equalize and can lead to ear and hearing damage.
9. Relax. If you want to learn how to to snorkel correctly you should relax while you are doing it. Relaxing during your snorkelling will give you a greater appreciation of your experience and more awareness of potential danger.
10. Be sure to cover up to protect yourself from the sun. This includes slapping on sun protection cream so that you can snorkel safely and do not burn up.
11. Make sure that you drink plenty of water before you snorkel. The sun, salt water and the physical exertion of snorkelling can cause you to dehydrate quickly.
12. NEVER touch any marine creatures that you come into contact with. Aside from causing damage to or interfering with the creatures you meet, you could end up getting stung or bitten.
13. If you are snorkelling from a liveaboard or day boat, be certain that there is a diver’s flag flying to let other boats know there are snorkellers/divers in the area.

To be certain that you know how to snorkel safely, it would be a good idea to find out about a training session with a certified diving instructor.

A suitably qualified diving instructor can teach you some techniques that can make your snorkelling experience safer and more enjoyable. An instructor can also teach you how to snorkel with less effort and at the same time what to look out for whilst you are in the water.

There are dozens of fins to choose from as a diver. However, Scubapro tell us that the Twin Jet dive fins are “the fastest fins ever tested”, and that they can give you an effortless diving experience.

Why then should you invest in a pair of Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins? Do the twin jets have special properties? Or is Scubapro marketing pure hype?

The Design of Scubapro Twin Jet Dive Fins

Scubapro have designed the twin jet dive fins with a “split hydrofoil shape”. The hydrofoil design is inspired by the tail of a humpack whale, which has evolved in such a way as to drive its weight forward in the most efficient way possible. Nature then tends to back up Scubapro’s claim that by incorporating the hydrofoil split into the Twin Jet fins, divers have “more forward motion with less effort”.

The split-fin propeller design is patented and by all accounts proven to give divers enhanced forward movement with less physical effort than other fins. Most normal paddle type dive fins create underwater turbulence that tends to dissipate some of the energy genrerated by them.

By contrast, Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins redirect displaced water over the top and the bottom of each fin and create a pressure differential similar to an aircraft wing, apart from the fact that it does so in a forward direction. As a consequence, Scubapro claim that the Twin Jet fins range can help to reduce the effort required to fin, effectively reducing a diver’s consumption of air by between 30-40%.

Principal Features of Scubapro’s Twin Jet Fins

• Scubapro’s Twin Jet dive fins come in adjustable and full foot varieties.
• Twin Jet fins use Scubapro’s patented split-fin propeller design.
• Extra wide pockets for your feet.
• Can be used with dry suits, semi-dry suits and wetsuits.
• The adjustable Twin Jet fins have a quick connect design including a buckle that can be inserted from a variety of angles to make use with gloves easier.
• Twin Jets includes vents that are designed to reduce drag.
• Dense compound moldings that give a greater resistance in the water to enable more thrust.

Twin Jet Colors and Styles

There are several different styles in the Scubapro Twinjet dive fins range:

• Scubapro Adjustable Twin Jet
• Scubapro Full Foot Twin Jet
• Scubapro Adjustable Twin Jet Max
• Scubapro Full Foot Twin Jet Max

The standard Twin Jet fins come in full-foot and adjustable models as do the Twin Jet Max models. The difference between the Twin Jet and Twin Jet Max range is basically performance related: the Max models provide more efficiency and speed. Each Twin Jet model comes in black, red, graphite cobalt and hi-viz yellow.

Summary Review of the Scubapro Twin Jet Fin

Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins look great. The split fin design is neat and seems to achieve what it claims it can do, especially in diving environments where there is less current. Some advanced divers have backed this up claiming that Scubapro Twin Jet fins are more appropriate for less experienced divers for use in current-free environments, in which they are highly effective.

In summary, Scubapro’s Twin Jets are a little more expensive than traditional paddle fins, but the extra investment makes a big difference.

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One inescapable fact about the Great Barrier Reef is that it is a truly incredible natural wonder.

It is a World Heritage Site and is therefore a protected place, that is home to a huge variety of marine animals, some of which are extremely rare. It is also an extremely popular place for divers and snorkllers to visit.

The facts about the Great Barrier Reef below attempt to give you some indication as to why it is such a remarkable diving location, and why you might want to dive or snorkel there if you have not already done so.

11 Facts that Make the Great Barrier Reef an Absolute Must

1. Located along the north eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is actually a collection of around 2,900 coral reefs. It is the largest collection of interconnected reef systems on Earth… so large in fact that it can actually be seen from space.
2. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest protected marine area on earth.
3. The Barrier Reef is approximately 2,500 kms long stretching along the coast of Queensland from the Cape York Peninsula at its most notherly point to the town of Bundaberg at its most southerly.
4. Contrary to popular belief, divers visiting the Great Barrier Reef are not destined to meet sharks. Most encounters with sharks on the Barier Reef are with black or white tip reef sharks.
5. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 6,500 animal species. This number includes; 4,000 varieties of mollusc, 1,500 fish species and 400 different types of coral.




6. Another myth is that you cannot dive at the Great Barrier Reef during Australia’s summer months of October to March because of the lethal box jellyfish. The box jellyfish is a creature that remains close to the coast, and as the Barrier reef is located far offshore you will be unlikely to encounter one.
7. The Great Barrier Reef is also home to a number of creatures that are faced with extinction such as 6 of the world’s 7 types of enfangered turtles and the dugong (sea cow).
8. Every year, 30% of the coral species contribute to a mass spawning session. Great Barrier Reef spawning events takes place in November (inner reef) and December (outer reef). Spawning always occurs at night up to six days after a full moon.
9. The visibility of the water around the Barrier Reef is generally high although this can be affected by tides, storms and winds.
10. Approximately 1.5 million people visit the Great Barrier Reef every year.
11. Whales. In the shallower coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef you have a good chance to see humpack wales during the Australian winter months of April to September. The humpback whales migrate north from the Antarctic past the Barrier Reef in order to mate. You can also see a smaller whale species all year round: dolphins.

The fact is the Great Barrier Reef simply offers some of the best diving on the planet.

If you ever wondered how divng tanks are made, check the following video out.

http://www.youtube.com/v/qAgSU6BCpsY&hl=en

The Poseidon website has some great videos showing some fantastic cold water diving jaunts.

The one below is one of them filmed in 2006 in Lofoten, Norway when the divers encountered some orcas. I have to say that it looks chilly… the perfect conditions for a Poseidon Flexisuit!

http://www.poseidon.se/movies/Adventure_lofoten_2006.WMV

Many thanks to Poseidon for this fantastic video!

Situated on the north eastern coast of Bali (Indonesia) lies a place called Tulamben.

Tulamben is a very small town that has no great claim to fame other than the fact that a US Army ship called Liberty was passing near it across the Lombok Strait on 11th January 1942.

The Liberty was transporting materials for the U.S. war effort when she was attacked by a Japanese submarine named I-166. The I-166 torpedoed the Liberty damaging it severely, but fortunately injuring none of the crew.

Although the Liberty was salvagable, an attempt to tow her to the port at Singaraja proved impossible as she was taking in too much water from the damage to her hull. The US Army beached the Liberty at Tulamben and her cargo was duly unloaded. The Liberty remained at the shore of Tulamben for almost 21 years.

In 1963, Bali’s sacred Mount Agung (an active volcano) erupted. Agung is a prominent feature of Bali’s landscape but Tulamben is literally dominated by it. Mount Agung’s eruption created a series of tremors that sent the Liberty rolling off the beach into the sea. The Liberty has not moved since; broken at the bow and stern she now rests on a sandy slope facing out towards the Lombok Strait.

Tulamben: Diving the Liberty Wreck

The Liberty wreck dive at Tulamben is one of the best diving spots in Bali. It is highly popular for a number of reasons:

• Reaching the Liberty wreck is simple as it is situated around 25 meters (80 feet) from the shore at Tulamben.
• Open water divers certified to dive up to 18 meters can view a good deal of the wreck: the Liberty rests at 9 meters (30 feet) at the shallowest point, 30 meters (100 feet) at the deepest and tops out around the 5 meter mark.
• It is a fairly easy dive with little current.
• Very good visibility.
• It is a site that can also be snorkelled easily.
• The Tulamben wreck is teeming with marine life.

The Liberty Wreck and the Tulamben Diving Experience

Diving Tulamben’s Liberty wreck is a fantastic experience for anyone who wants to encounter any kind of marine life. Firstly, the Liberty is covered in soft and hard corals, gorgonians and anemones. She attracts a veritable horde of fish… practically every type of Indo-Pacific variety you could care to imagine, such as:

• Pipefish
• Angelfish
• Gobies
• Nudibranchs
• Trevally
• Butterflyfish
• Batfish
• Sweetlips
• Bream
• Anthias
• Fusiliers
• Napolean Wrasse
• Parrotfish
• Barracuda
• Lionfish
• Hawkfish
• and many, many others!

Tulamben diving offers you the chance to see enormous schools of some species (especially the trevally and fusiliers etc.). The Liberty wreck also offers an ideal night dive experience due to minimal current, good visibility… oh and did we mention the marine life? Night dives will show you the night shift crew of the Liberty, such as flashlight fish, spanish dancers and ghostly hovering scorpionfish.

Summary Review of Tulamben and the Liberty Wreck Dive

Anyone who has dived at Tulamben will tell you what a great dive the Liberty wreck offers any certified recreational diver.

It is a safe, enjoyable wreck dive, with good visibility and a dead-cert guarantee to see a wide variety of underwater life in large numbers.

The Liberty wreck at Tulamben is not to be missed if you visit Bali.

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If you are new to recreational diving, nitrogen narcosis is a subject that you should be made very aware of.

What is Nitrogen Narcosis?

Nitrogen narcosis (also known as inert gas narcosis) is a condition that divers can begin to experience upon reaching a certain depth while breathing pressurized air. It usually occurs around the 30 meter mark but in truth can affect anyone to some degree at much shallower depths.

What are the Causes of Nitrogen Narcosis?

The exact causes of nitrogen narcosis are not totally understood at the present time. Having said this, we do know that it is related to the way in which nitrogen gas dissolves into the neural nerve membranes under pressure, disturbing nerve transmission in the process.

What are the Effects of Nitrogen Narcosis?

Nitrogen narcosis is extremely dangerous. Most people will discern no obious effect above 30 meters but around the 30 meter mark and below the effects become increasingly vivid.

As its name suggests, nitrogen narcosis has a narcotizing effect on the body. Divers suffering from the condition can experience the following conditions and/or sensations:

• Loss of decision making capability.
• Impaired judgment.
• Impaired coordination.
• Loss of focus.
• Vertigo.
• Panic.
• Anxiety.
• Euphoria.
• Hearing disturbance.
• Dizziness.
• Paranoia.
• Depression.
• Sensations of tingling and numbness in the body’s extremities.
• Feelings of over-confidence and invulnerability.
• Fatigue.

Around the 90 meters mark, the effects of nitrogen narcosis becomes more extreme:

• Visual and aural hallucination.
• Unconsciousness.

What Causes Nitrogen Narcosis to be so Dangerous?

Clearly any impairment in cognitive or perceptual function when you are underwater is dangerous and can lead to basic mistakes in safety practices… or even the complete disregard of them. The effects of nitrogen narcosis can ulitmatley be disastrous, indirectly or directly leading to death.

Nitrogen narcosis can affect any diver be they; experienced or inexperienced, fit or unfit, healthy or unhealthy, fat or thin, old or young. Everyone is susceptible to it but some are more tolerant to it than others. However, nitrogen narcosis tolerance is unpredictable and so those more susceptible to it cannot be identified. Notwithsatnding this, no-one is immune to it and this is why its effects are potentially life threatening for all divers.

Avoiding Nitrogen Narcosis

Nitrogen narcosis can be avoided by avoiding its causes while you are underwater, i.e. keep to recommended recreational diving limits. Be aware of your depth at all times and take particular care if you are approaching the 30 meter mark.

Another way that nitrogen narcosis is avoided underwater is to use a modified air mix to limit or remove nitrogen intake. Where the use of such gases is required though, specialized training would also be required. For recreational divers, nitrogen-free/reduced mixes (such as trimix and heliox) are unnecessary as most basic SCUBA diving courses certify divers for depths above 18 meters only (more advanced recreational diving courses can certify divers to 30 meters).

In order to combat the effects of nitrogen narcosis the diver should simply ascend to a shallower depth: dealing with the causes of nitrogen narcosis in such a way stops the effects very quickly (almost immediately). However, any ascent that you make to mitigate the effects of the narcosis should always be managed properly to avoid decompression sickness, especially in cases where you have been diving near to recommended recreational diving limits.

Seabobs have to be just about the coolest looking DPVs created so far.

Seabobs have a fantastic design with sleek lines and an ergonomic shape, and each model comes in a wide range of colors to boot.

The Seabob Cayago Magnum is the special edition Seabob and is quite simply a knockout by anybody’s standards.

Driving the Seabob Cayago Magnum

All Seabob DPVs feature advanced and innovative control technologies.

Like all Seabobs, the Seabob Cayago Magnum is propelled by Seabob’s patented electric jetstream system. You control the Seabob via a pair of intelligent control Powergrips which feature Piezo technology.

The Seabob Cayago Magnum is powered by 30 Cayago-power high energy Li-Ion accumulator cells. The revolutionary accumulator gives the driver up to a staggering 4 hours of use before recharging is required.

The drive mechanism itself kicks in via one of the Seabob Powergrips, upon which you just have to press a sensor button to accelerate to the speed you require. Another sensor in the other Powergrip stops you on demand.

The Cayago’s cockpit is perfectly positioned for its driver. It has an LCD display panel, which provides you with technical details such as power and battery life and it also tells you about your depth and the temperature of the water.

Unlike standard Seabobs, the Cayago is suitable for extreme diving depths of up to 40 meters.

Fantastic!

Features of the Seabob Cayago Magnum

• Hard-integral plastic technology shell.
• 4 hour operating time (10-12 hour standard charging time).
• Max. depth: 40 meters.
• High vis LCD display panel.
• Easy controls and steering.
• 5.2 kW (7 HP).
• Max. torque: 22 Nm.
• Max. thrust: 734 N.
• Max. surface speed: 22 kmh (13.7 mph).
• Max. underwater speed: 16 km/h (9.9 mph).
• Quality navigation and location technology system
• Stunning design.

Summary Review for the Seabob Cayago Magnum

The Cayago Magnum is too cool for words really. It not only looks great but it delivers on every level performance-wise.

As the Cayago is a special edition model, you may find it very hard to get hold of one for yourself. If you are lucky enough to be able to get your hands on this limited edition Seabob (and can actually afford it!), you may find yourself in the next James Bond movie!

But don’t take our word for it… check this out:

The Seabob Cayago Magnum oozes style and yet has the performance statistics to justify looking as good as it does: it’s simply unbeatable!

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SeaLife specialize in the manufacture of underwater digital cameras. The DC600 then is another feather in SeaLife’s cap offering niche underwater camera solutions for the diving market. 

But does the SCUBA diving world need another trendy gadget or is the SeaLife DC600 offering just that little bit extra to make it an indespensible tool for your average diver?

What Does the SeaLife DC600 Have to Offer?

Well firstly, the SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is not just an underwater camera: like all  SeaLife cameras it can be usd above the waves.

Underwater, the SeaLife DC600 requires its robust and chunky housing, which helps it to withstand pressures of up to 200 feet (60 meters) without permitting a drop of water inside. But when you take the SeaLife DC600’s wet protection off, you are left with a small, lightweight and easily transportable digital compact you can slip into your pocket for dry shots.

So the SeaLife DC600 is truly versatile, but is it a jack of all trades and a master of none?

Main Features of the SeaLife DC600 Digital Camera

• 6.1 megapixels.
• SD memory compatible.
• 3x digital zoom.
• 4x optical zoom.
• 2.5 inch display.
• Safety lock function.
• Watertight to depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters).
• Very robust build designed to resist rough treatment.
• Good quality images both over and under water (the underwater white balance is extremely effective).
• The DC600 can be extended by adding SeaLife lenses and/or strobes.
• Lithium Battery and charger included.
• Its easy to use.

The SeaLife DC600 is a 6.1 megapixel camera that is very well designed for underwater use. Its polycarbonate case can take quite a beating… so accidental bumps against rocks, diving equipment and the like will not cause it much bother.

The case of the DC600 camera has an easy-opening clamshell design so that you can remove the camera for use on land, but you must be careful not to damage its rubber o-ring and ensure that no debris such as hair, sand or dirt stick to it when you close it as this might affect its ability to keep water out. When the SeaLife DC600 is in its case it is very easy to hold and use.

The controls of the DC600 are well marked and easy to use, and it can be further extended with SeaLife lenses and strobes. You can also mount the DC600 onto a standard tripod.

SeaLife’s DC600 has a slot for SD storage cards as well as 10MB of internal memory. It has a 5.5 to 16.5 mm focal length and a 30 fps movie capability (with sound… even when you are filming underwater) at 640 x 480 pixels.

A macro function gives the DC600 the ability to take close ups and a self timer, 3x digital zoom and built in flash further sweeten the deal.

SeaLife DC600 Settings

The SeaLife DC600 has 13 scene modes for use above water and 2 for below it.

SeaLife DC600 scene mode settings:

Portrait, landscape, panorama, night, sunset, sunrise, candlelight, sport, text, firework, spy, splash water, program AE and the two underwater modes, sea and external flash.

Summary Review of SeaLife’s DC600 Underwater Camera

SeaLife have produced another reliable digital underwater camera system in the DC600. It is sturdy enough to take the pressures that recreational diving can possibly challenge it with and it is able to produce good quality pictures at the same time.

The SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is a worthy digital compact for recreational divers who want a point-and-shoot but may not offer the quality and functionality that more serious underwater photographers require.

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The SCUBAPRO MK25/S600 regulator combination (a combination of the first stage MK25 and second stage S600 aparatus) is a very attractive system but how good is it?

SCUBAPRO claims that due to its patented design, the MK25/S600 combo is impervious to cold conditions… no small claim!

How is this possible?

SCUBAPRO has included large holes in the MK25 design to allow more water to pass around it. This means that the cold, depressurised air entering the first stage has a greater chance of being “warmed” by the slightly warmer water that surrounds it. The MK25 also has external fins which add more heat sink properties and at the same time helps to prevent ice from forming up the outside of the MK25’s body.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 also includes SCUBAPRO’s Thermal Insulation System technology, which comprises special material and coating products for the parts of the regulator that move. This in turn reduces the likelihood that ice will cause the moving parts to stick.

Features of the MK25 First Stage Regulator

• Machine turned titanium body and parts.
• Chrome-plated marine brass build.
• SCUBAPRO’s patented Thermal Insulating System.
• Air-balanced flow-through piston system.
• Externally adjustable inter-mediate pressure.
• Dual HP port and 5 port LP swivel.

How Does the S600 Second Stage Contribute?

The SCUBAPRO S600 second stage regulator is a wonderful piece of equipment to breathe through. It is lightweight and small but packs a lot of quality. It includes an adjustable inhalation-resistance knob as well as a dive / pre-dive switch, which has been designed to stop free-flowing air while you are floating at the surface.

Features of SCUBAPRO’s S600

• Body and components made of Technopolymer.
• Diver-adjustable Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) and inhalation control.
• High-flow exhaust valve.
• Air-balanced linear-flow valve.

SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 Combination Summary Review

SCUBAPRO state that the MK25-S600 combination regulator is an amalgamation of its top performing 1st stage paired up with its best selling performance air balanced 2nd stage. It is by all accounts SCUBAPRO’s “ultimate” regulator rig.

The SCUBAPRO MK25/S600 combo is designed to stand up to all diving conditions (warm and cold water).

The emphasis of the MK25/S600 regulator system is clearly focused on ease of breathing (through the balanced flow valve), and diver preferences (adjustable inhalation control). The Venturi Inititiated Vacuum Assist controls further contribute to easy inhalaion and high flow exhaust valve aids exhalation. Combined with the super flow hose, breathing underwater has never been so easy!

The various elements of SCUBAPRO’s MK25 and S600 are lightweight (titanium and technopolymer) which are either machine turned or precision molded. The use of anti-freezing materials and coatings make this particular SCUBAPRO regulator combo very resistant to corrosion and assist the whole system in colder water conditions.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 regulator system is easy to transport and performs exremely well in a variety of environments.

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The Try Diving Contact page is now live. Please feel free to use it to ask us questions or just drop us a line about anything related to SCUBA diving.

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The AKONA AKB234 (AKONA’s deluxe mesh backpack) is a natty little sack for storing your diving gear. The AKONA AKB234 is a 30 x 15 inch pack, having some 5,658 cubic inches of carrying capacity. It’s not a hardcore diver’s backpack for lugging heavy weights, but it is a nice little package for carrying around your diving gear.

Features of the AKONA AKB234 Diver’s Backpack

• The AKONA AKB234 is made of a 600D poly-natural fiber blending with an interior that is polyurethane coated; this makes its mesh construction very strong, highly durable and resistant to water.
• Easy-grasp AKONA designed carry handles.
• Padded backpack straps that are fleece lined and contoured to the shape of the average back.
• Sternum strap for extra stability.
• Internal full-length zip pocket. The double coating of PVC on the bottom as well as nylon seams prevent water from entering.
• Water resitant external pocket including key-clip.
• Rust and corrosion resistant zips.
• Hardened rubber luggage tag.

Summary of the AKONA AKB234

The AKONA AKB234 is very well ventilated making it an ideal backpack for your wet diving gear. Its strong mesh design means that it can take the demands that most kit owning recreational divers make of it.

In terms of its size, the AKONA AKB234 should be able to take a couple of sets of fins, snorkels, masks and towels with space left over for one or two other accessories. Its large internal pocket is great for keeping items such as wallets and t-shirts dry and the external pocket is perfectly sized to keep things such as loose change, your camera, some sun cream etc. close to hand.

The AKONA AKB234 is a really neat backpack for transporting your dry dive gear in also, although it’s not really designed to be put into the hold of an airplane… though it could perhaps be used for hand luggage! When you’re not using your AKONA AKB234 for carrying your diving equipment, it packs down to a nifty 12 x 12 inches (flat) making it easy to store in your actual luggage for transportation.

The AKONA AKB234 has a nice large opening for easy loading and a zipper on the side so that you can easily access the items at the bottom of the sack.

A strong mesh sack that provides well thought out stroage and carrying options, the AKONA AKB234 could be the helping hand you’ve been looking for on your diving activities.

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The Sherwood Tortuga BCD is marketed as a comfortable utility buoyancy control device that offers many convenient features.

But how does it stand up?

At a Glance Features of the Sherwood Tortuga BCD

• Simple to use inflator (for both oral and power inflation).
• 3-D air cell which comprises controlled expansion to ensure maximum lift and minimum squeeze.
• Adjustable shoulder area so that you can get in and out of the Tortuga easily.
• 2 x well placed and easily usable zip-pockets.
• Self adjusting waist strap.
• A vent valve on the right shoulder side.
• 4 x stainless stell D-rings.
• Heavyweight 1000 Denier (urethane coated nylon) build.
• Built for QuickClip™ and AKONA BC Pro Kit.

The Sherwood Tortuga: Built for Comfort?

The Sherwood Tortuga is a very comfortable BCD that’s for sure.

The inbuilt soft neck pad around the Tortuga BCD’s shoulders really adds another dimension of comfort over and above other BCDs in its class. The backpack itself is almost sumptuous and padded for maximum comfort.

The way in which the Tortuga is put together gives the wearer a good deal of mobility in that it does not restrict movement as some other BCDs tend to do. There are dump valves on the main inflation hose, on the opposite (right) shoulder area and another on the lower part of the 3-D air cell. The D-rings (there are 4 of them) are made of stainless steel and 2 zipped cargo pockets for your convenience, located in such a way that you’ll be able to find them easily when you are underwater.

Buoyancy and the Tortuga BCD

The word “tortuga” is a Spanish word meaning “turtle”. You can see why Sherwood has named this particular model so. The Tortuga is a back-inflated model that swells up like a turtle’s shell.

Due to its wraparound design and self adjusting harness the Tortuga BCD never gives you a squeezing sensation. As you descend underwater, the width of the bcd allows more space than most for wetsuit squeeze, which again creates a sensation of comfort that most other BCDs do not provide.

As stated, most of the lift provided by the Tortuga BCD comes from the 3-D air cell, most of the surface area of it being in the back area. However, the air pockets wrap around the sides to give you further bouyancy in all the right places.

The design of the backplate and harness of the Tortuga BCD also works very nicely, with emphasis being placed on how it handles weight. Sherwood has included its CQR2 system into the Tortuga, which means that the harness and backplate support all the weight placed on the BCD by tanks and other accessories. The Tortuga’s CQR2 system also includes 2 releasable weight pockets at the front of the BCD, giving the wearer very easy access to them.

Summary Review of the Sherwood Tortuga BCD

The Sherwood Tortuga BCD provides the wearer with good lift and stability but does not restrict movement. It is a comfortable BCD that is easily adjustable and easy to fine tune to your requirements. It fits easily over 7ml suits and is good for warm or cold water use. The rear weight pocket is a little small but this is a relatively minor complaint.

All in all, the Tortuga is a great buoyant little package!

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If you enjoy diving, you owe it to yourself and others to act responsibly in the water. Below are 19 practices to make sure you are a safe diver:

• Make sure that you plan all your dives before you get into the water.
• Make sure that your deepest dive of the day is also your first dive of the day.
• The deepest part of each dive that you plan should be reached at the beginning of your dive.
• Try to avoid exerting yourself during your dive. You should also avoid physical activity for half an hour after your dive has finished.
• Check your dive computer and/or guages often throughout your dive.
• If you are diving in cold water or after strenuous activity, make sure that you begin your ascent before you reach your no-decompression limit.
• Always act in compliance with the ascent rate that is indicated by your dive computer.
• Always carry out a 3-minute safety stop between 20 feet (6 meters) and 10 feet (3 meters).
• Try to avoid decompression stop dives and be absolutely certain not to dive deeper than 130 feet (40 meters) unless you are a specially trained deep diver.
• When you are doing a decompression dive, prolong the decompression stop nearest to the surface.
• After all of your decompression stops, ascend to the surface very slowly.
• Always make sure that you are not “yo-yo” diving (repetitively ascending and descending under the water).
• Do not carry out any dive until the desaturation time, as dictated by your previous dive, has passed.
• Avoid repeatedly diving to a single depth deeper than 60 feet (18 meters). N.B. Repeated diving to the same depth is known as “square diving”.
• Be sure to separate any repetitive dives by at least a 2 hour surface interval.
• If you are planning repetitive dives for a number of consecutive days, be sure to take at least one day off from diving each week. The recommended number of consecutive time diving should not exceed 3 days i.e. take 1 day off every 3 days.
• Be certain that you do not go mountain climbing or take a plane flight for at least 12 hours (preferably 24 hours) after a dive.
• Finally, never try to exceed the limits of your experience and skill.

The Suunto Vyper Dive Computer is an older model than Suunto’s D6 and D9 dive computer models and so as you might expect does not offer the same number of functions packed into those two models. However, that does not mean to say that the Suunto Vyper should not be considered if you are looking for a dive computer offering performance, ease of use, a bunch of useful functions and of course good value.

Features of the Suunto Vyper

The Suunto Vyper has numerous functions to make the most choosey of divers (both advanced/professional divers and those relatively new to diving) go weak at the knees. Suunto has built into the Vyper full decompression functions, standard air or Nitrox mix modes, a depth gauge function and a timer including a profile memory.

Like Suunto’s D6 and D9 models, the Suunto Vyper also records and saves information about your dives so that you can look at it at a later date. This is achieved via a PC interface and software enabling you to examine, analyze and compare your diving experiences and your performance throughout them. All of your data can be converted into graphical representaions to eanble you to identify trends in performance or to highlight areas of weakness that you should focus upon.

At a Glance Features of the Suunto Vyper

• Electroluminescent display.
• Maximum depth: 492 feet (150 meters).
• Suunto RGBM decompression model.
• Full decompression data.
• Ascent rate monitor and alarm.
• Safety stop function.
• Air, Nitrox and gauge modes.
• Built-in dive simulator.
• Dive planner.
• Multiple memory functions.
• 50 hour logbook memory.
• Audible alarm.
• Temperature display.
• Low battery warning (the battery itself is user-replaceable).
• 12/24 hour watch and calendar functions.
• Suunto Dive Manager PC Suite and interface.

The Suunto Vyper: Summary Review

The Suunto Vyper is a a stalwart of Suunto’s dive computer range these days. It’s not the flashiest of models but its reliability is undisputable… just ask ask anyone who owns one. Although it has some advanced features and is a fairly tough model, it is most likely to appeal to the advanced recreational SCUBA diving market.

As with Suunto’s D9 and D6 models, the Vyper uses the same Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), which considers the possible formation of small gas bubbles within body tissues.

The Suunto Vyper is very simple to use and consequently extremely user friendly: its three button configuration enables you to navigate through the menu options quickly and easily. Suunto’s Vyper is also easy to read even in extremely dark conditions due to the power of its electroluminescent display. This is of course always a useful feature for night or wreck dives. All the dive information that the Suunto Vyper outputs to its owner is logically presented and very clear to understand making it very safe to use.

In short, the Suunto Vyper is a great model for those who do not want to pay the earth for a lot of stuff they will seldom use. However, it will still provide more than enough features for most divers and most diving environments.

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The Mares Nemo Wide is one of Mares’ offerings in the dive computer niche. Mares claim that the Nemo Wide is “the best interface between man & sea”.

Is it actually so?

The Rationale Behind the Nemo Wide

The design brief for the Nemo Wide was to create a dive computer that was easy to read and reliable, that promoted diver safety and was intuitive to use. Has this been achieved and if so how?

The Mares Nemo Wide dive computer has a very large display (the reason it is called the Nemo Wide). The large display means that there is plenty of room for the large digits that make reading the Mares Nemo Wide easy.

Combined with a strong back light and the brightness of the digits on the display itself, there are not many dive computers available on the market today that can claim to be as diver friendly in terms of readability.

The Nemo Wide is also very easy to use dive computer. It is ergonomically designed to make operation of the computer simple through its four large buttons: Mares calls this its “Easy Access System”.

At a Glance Features of the Mares Nemo Wide Dive Computer

• Maximum depth 492 feet (150 meters).
• A wide face with a high contrast display.
• Large digits make for easy reading.
• 170° viewing angle.
• Intense backlighting.
• Mares 4 button “Easy Access System”.
• Mares-Wienke RGBM: a new algorithm designed to reduce risks of micro-bubble formation.
• Multiple dive modes: bottom time, Nitrox and air.
• Residual nitrogen clear.
• Digital and analog ascent rate readout.
• Deep and safety stop functions.
• Logbook function stores 38 hours of dive information.
• Audible alrams.
• Altitude progams included.
• Usable in salt and fresh water.
• Tough, mineral glass face.
• User replaceable alkaline batteries.
• Upgradeable software.

Summary Review of the Mares Nemo Wide

The Nemo Wide is possibly one of the most usable and user friendly dive computers you can buy.

Its display could not be clearer and can be viewed easily from multiple angles.

With the many advanced features and functions inbuilt as well as its robust build and advanced ergonomic design, the Mares Nemo Wide is a dive computer created to withstand the toughest of diving environments.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI is the step up from SEA-DOO’s Dolphin and Aquanaut propulsion vehicle models. The GTI leaves the propulsion-vehicles-for-fun market aimed at kids and adults, to become a much more serious player in the adult SCUBA diving market. As such it is much more the sort of product you would associate as a true Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV).

What does the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI Offer?

Well, as stated, the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI clearly sits squarely in the DPV category. Consequently, the GTI model offers variable speed control up to 4 kmh (2.5 mph) designed to help you minimize air usage and maximize dive time.

Like its contemporaries in the SEA-DOO sea scooter range, the GTI is compact and easy to transport, having a weight of 18lbs (7kg). It is therefore small enough and light enough to make it easy to take to the beach by hand for shore dives where you might want to initially use it to get you to the drop off point rather than swimming to it.

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI can descend to depths up to 100 feet (30 meters), so is perfect for recreational diving. Alternatively it is a great to use at the surface to take the legwork out of snorkelling.

SEASCOOTER GTI Features List

• The GTI can propel you to a maximum depth of 100ft (30m).
• Variable speed control with a top speed of 4 kmh (2.5 mph).
• Adjustable buoyancy.
• Automatic power off.
• Protective grille.
• Totally Waterproof internal circuitry.
• Weight: 12lbs (easy to carry with one hand).
• Dimensions: 612 x 385 x 312 (mm)
• Rechargeable quick-release battery (fully charged battery gives 2 hours of use).
• Supplied with its own SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI branded carrying bag.

Summary Review of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI

The GTI model is the entry level DPV from the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER range. It gives a high degree of performance enabling divers to dive to recommended recreational diving depth limits with a reasonable top speed. The 2 hour battery life is also a great feature, but like all battery operated products a spare will always come in handy. Finally like most SEA-DOO products the GTI looks cool!

The SEASCOOTER GTI is a serious contender in the recreational DPV arena.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin is the slightly older sibling of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut inasmuch as, unlike the Aquanaut, it is a propulsion vehicle for children and adults. A further difference between these two models is that the SEASCOOTER Dolphin may be used in swimming pools and lakes whereas the Aquanaut is really only designed for pools.

What Can the SEA-DOO Dolphin Do?

SEA-DOO’s Dolphin will propel its users at speeds of up to 3.2 kmh (2 mph). As it only weighs 12lbs it is another lightweight model that is easy to transport: indeed it can actually be carried in one hand. It is designed for use by children of 8 years of age up to adults although obviously you should supervise children at the younger end of the age spectrum.

The Dolphin will dive to depths just shy of 16ft (15.5ft to be precise) which means you’ll be able to descend a little when you are skin diving: N.B. the SEASCOOTER Dolphin is NOT intended for SCUBA diving usage.

Similar to the Aquanaut model, the Dolphin’s rechargeable battery will last for approximately an hour. The batteries are easy to change so if you are serious about owning a SEASCOOTER Dolphin it might be worth investing in a spare battery to keep everyone satisfied!

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin and Safety

The Dolphin sea scooter has a floating chassis making it naturally buoyant, an auto power-off function and protective grille covering the propeller blades. The Dolphin also has a safety lock and waterproof internal electrics.

DISCLAIMER: As with any type of product that minors can use in water, you should never leave your children unattended while they use it. You may wish to ensure that your children wear appropriate bouyancy aids when the are using any item such as the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin. The SEA-DOO Dolphin is intended for recreational use but NOT for recreational diving use.

SEASCOOTER Dolphin Features at a Glance

• For use by children of 8 years and older to adults.
• SEASCOOTER Dolphins can be used up to 15.5ft under the water.
• Maximum speed of 3.2kmh (2mph).
• Bouyant chassis.
• Dual trigger control with automatic power off (the Dolphin shuts off when the grips are released).
• Protective grille covering the propeller.
• Waterproof electronics.
• Lightweight at 12lbs.
• Easy transportablility.
• Rechargeable batteries that are EN and ASTM Standards approved.
• 180 day warranty on all SEA-DOO’s parts.

Dolphin Sea Scooter Summary

A step up from the Aquanaut model in terms of where it can be used and by whom, SEA-DOO’s Dolphin offers great fun for most of the family. It can be used outside of a swimming pool but is not suitable for salt water usage and is certainly not a hardcore DPV, as it will only allow you to depths less than 15.5ft (for more robust models, visit our SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER page).

Notwithstanding, the SEASCOOTER Dolphin is another value priced “fun” propulsion vehicle from SEA-DOO.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut is the baby of SEA-DOO’s propulsion vehicle range. It is designed for use in swimming pools and can be great fun for children… so maybe it’s a little out of place for a feature review on Try-Diving.net. However, the SEASCOOTER Aquanaut can be a smart way to develop your children’s confidence in the water by introducing another fun activity for them to enjoy… and that IS something worth promoting.

Aimed for children between the ages of 5 to 10 years (max. weight 100lbs), the Aquanaut sea scooter can be used for snorkelling (depth up to 8ft) and swimming or just cruising around in the pool. Its rechargeable battery lasts for up to an hour giving your children a propulsion vehicle with a top speed of 1.2 miles per hour.

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut and Safety

The Aquanaut sea scooter is equipped with waterproof circuitry, a protective grill covering the propeller and a power shut off that activates when your child lets go of the handles. The Aquanaut also has a positively buoyant chassis which makes it naturally tend towards the surface.

DISCLAIMER: Although the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut is designed for children’s use and comprises numerous safety features, you should never leave your children unattended in water. Allowing your children to use the SEA-DOO Aquanaut for snorkelling would indicate that a life preserver may be an advisable item for them to wear whilst doing so. The SEASCOOTER Aquanaut should NOT be used for SCUBA Diving.

SEASCOOTER Aquanaut Features at a Glance

• For use in a pool by children between 5 and 10 years
• Usage up to 8ft depth
• Top speed of 1.2 mph
• Floating chassis
• Auto power shut-off
• Propeller safety grille
• Waterproof circuitry
• Lightweight at 7.3 lbs
• Extremely compact and easy to carry
• Rechargeable battery that satisfies all EN and ASTM standards
• 180 day warranty on parts

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut will be no good for mums and dads who are looking for a DPV for extreme diving jaunts (for more grown up models, visit see our SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER page). However, the Aquanaut will have a huge appeal for their children.

The Aquanaut then is a fantastic propulsion unit for kids to use in the pool at an affordable price for their parents.

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SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER products are founded upon the reputation of the SEA-DOO recreational watercraft range. Unlike most other SEA-DOO products though, the SEA-DOO SEA SCOOTER is intended for those who want to have fun beneath the surface: SEA-DOO SEASCOOTERS are Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs).

SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER MODELS

The SEASCOOTER range is currently comprised of several different models:

• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Explorer
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER VS Supercharged
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin

Each of SEADOO’s SEASCOOTERs have slightly different features and are designed for different uses, users and environments.

SEASCOOTER Design

All DPVs have a kind of a fantasy appeal to many as they appeared to be the underwater transport method of choice for the earliest of James Bonds! The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER range certainly taps into this through the highly desirable design of the outer shell casing.

Each model in the SEASCOOTER range gives a fairly powerful performance in a small and easily transportable package. This makes them ideal for use not just by divers wanting to make certain shore dives perhaps more accessible. SEA-DOO SEASCOOTERs will also cry out to snorkellers who will find the experience of gliding along just beneath the surface a dream or alternatively enjoy the ability to descend easier and deeper on one breath.

N.B. There are more in depth reviews of all of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER products to look at what each particular model has to offer within Try-Diving.net.

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When you start to learn about any new subject or develop a new skill area it can be very difficult to keep up with the vocabulary and technical terms that seem to roll off the tongue so easily for those who have more experience in that area. This is especially true in the case of SCUBA diving, which can become extremely technical and scientific due to the importance of understanding how gases respond differently under pressure and how this impacts our bodies’ ability to absorb and disperse them.

Consequently, Try Diving now has a new Glossary page designed to help you get up to speed with the langauge of diving if you are a recent convert to the underwater world… or maybe a cheat sheet if you are a hardened pro!

You can find our new diving vocabulary page here: Diving Glossary.

More than likely you have seen the movie Jaws.

Regardless of whether you have seen Jaws or not, it is more than likely that your perception of the Great White Shark has been either directly or indirectly affected by it.

Below we have listed Ten Great White Shark facts to help to balance the post-Jaws world’s view of this amazing creature. Hopefully you will learn something more about this truly astounding creature than most media views often present.

Great White Shark Facts: 1-10

1. The Great White Shark is also known by the following names: the White Pointer, the White Shark and the White Death. Its scientific name is Carcharodon Carcharias.
2. Contrary to perceived facts, the Great White Shark’s favorite food is not people but pinnipeds (seals and sea lions).
3. The Great White is one of a few species of shark who lift their heads out of the water to look at objects on the surface. This practice is known as “spyhopping”.
4. The maximum size of Great White Sharks averages approximately 6 meters (20 feet) with a maximum average weight of approximately 1,900 kilos (4,200 pounds). The largest Great White Shark ever caught was listed by the Guiness Book of World Records as being 11.3 meters (37 feet) long.
5. A Great White Shark fact you may not be aware of is that they have extra sensory powers. Great Whites (like all sharks) have sensing organs known as Ampullae of Lorenzini located in the pores of their skin at their business end (their heads!). These sensors enable the Great White to pick up electromagnetic fields generated by the movements of living creatures. When a creature moves underwater a Great White can detect the electric field it generates as a result. A Great White’s apullae are so sensitive they can detect a staggeringly small amount of electrical current (up to 1/2 a billionth of a volt).
6. Contrary to popular belief, the Great White Shark is not a mammal but a fish. As such it is the largest known fish swimming in our oceans.
7. Great White Sharks still remain a fairly mysterious creature: we know little of their mating habits or social structures.
8. An adult Great White may not eat anything for up to two weeks at a time.
9. It is estimated that the Great White Shark has a lifespan of between 30 to 100 years.
10. There are approximately 100 shark attacks worldwide every year. Of these 100 attacks 30 result in a fatality. It is assumed that around 10 to 15 of these fatalities are due to Great White Shark attacks… most of which are NOT divers. To put this another way, more people are killed in the United States each year by dog attacks than by Great White Shark attacks.

The Great White is a very efficient predator: it is at the top of the food chain. It is true of course that some encounters with Great White Sharks have resulted in people suffering horrific injuries, some of which have been fatal.

Having said this, we should not be irrationally frightened by them. In order to conquer our fears it is important to learn the facts about the Great White Shark rather than just dismissing it as a mindless and frenzied killing machine.

This mini SeaLife camera is a nice addition to the underwater digital camera range.

SeaLife Reef Master Mini Camera: Features at a Glance

• 6.0 megapixel CCD sensor
• Water resistant to 130 feet (40 metres)
• Built-in flash
• Fast start-up
• Fast shutter response
• 2” TFT Reefmaster LCD to help you frame your shot or view the result
• Video including audio
• Weight: 295 grams
• Compatible with SD and MMC memory types (also includes 4MB internal memory)
• Ruggedised rubber casing protects the Reef Master Mini from drops up to 6 feet (2 meters)
• The Sealife Reefmaster SL320 can be used on land as well as underwater.

The Reef Master Mini SL320’s size is a handy 78mmx12mm x43mm, having a weight of 295 grams: this makes it a good size to carry with you underwater although it is a little tricky to operate there. It has a standard 2” TFT LCD, which is a nice feature but a slightly larger screen would make it really useful.

Like all SeaLife cameras, the SL320 is nicely wrapped in rubberised armour, which protects it from on-land drops of up to 2 meters and also gives good traction so it feels nice to hold in or out of the water.

SeaLife Reefmaster Picture Quality

The SL320 has land and sea modes to enable you to take photos of equal quality in the dry or wet. It also has a built-in camera flash, which is useful for close range underwater shots but also has an external flash mode for use with external SeaLife camera flashes. The color of underwater images can be enhanced by the camera itself using Sealife’s color booster “Sea” mode. The combined results of these features means that the Reefmaster camera creates nice, sharp and color rich pictures with well-balanced underwater blue color effects.

SeaLife’s Reef Master SL320 also offers you wide angle options to enable panoramic and close up macro functions making it a very versatile digital underwater camera. On land the Sealife Mini camera lens tends to cause minor vignetting but the results are still strong.

General rating for the SeaLife Reefmaster Camera (Mini SL320) is generally high. It is a robust and versatile model which generates a reasonably good picture quality. Like many underwater creatures it is slightly more sluggish on land but not painfully so. The size of the LCD screen suffers in comparison to some models especially underwater but for the price SeaLife’s Reef Master Camera offers good value for the performance and features it offers.

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The S.S. Yongala is a wrecked passenger ship that sunk around 48 miles off the coast of the city of Townsville in Northern Queensland, Australia.

The Yongala sank as a result of its encounter with a cyclone as it was travelling from Melbourne to Cairns in March 1911 and resulted in the deaths of its 122 passengers and crew.

Although the S.S. Yongala’s demise occurred in 1911, its actual wherebouts remained a mystery until it was discovered by accident at its resting place off Townsville in 1958. The story of the Yongala is perhaps the biggest catastrophe in Australia’s maritime history.

Since 1958 however, the S.S. Yongala has become an extremely important marine ecosystem and a highly popular location for recreational scuba diving.

Where Exactly Does the Yongala Lie?

The Yongala lies approximately 0.8 hectares within a 500m radius at 19°18′27″S 147°37′31″E / -19.3075, 147.62528. It is around 48 miles east of the Townsville coast and 22 miles north-east of Ayr in the Coral Sea within the zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Yongala is a Heritage Site as listed by the Queensland National Estate. Divers are strictly forbidden from entering the Yongala as CO2 bubbles left inside the wreck could contribute to its deterioration.

The S.S. Yongala: A Good Dive Location?

Undoubtedly.

The SS Yongala is one the best wreck dives in the world but many divers actually consider the Yongala to be THE best dive spot bar none!

The Yongala rests in approximately 30 meters of water on a flat, sandy bottom. There is nothing else around the SS Yongala for literally miles, and as the ship is 110 meters in length she is not difficult to spot when you are in the underwater vicinity.

The SS Yongala Experience

Visibility is generally very good and the wreck of the SS Yongala itself is impressive to say the least. The hull is in good condition but you can also clearly see the rudder, masts, engine room, toilets, port holes and most of the ship’s name is also apparent.

The Yongala is literally encrusted with highly colorful hard and soft coral. You will also see abundant hydroids and sea fans swaying gently in the sea breeze. As such the Yongala appears like an oasis in a sandy desert and as a result it attracts an enormous array of marine life. On any dive there you will likely see some, or maybe even all, of the following on a good day:

• Barracuda
• Many varieties of ray
• Sharks
• Turtles
• Giant gropers
• Giant sized wrasse
• Sea snakes
• and much, much more!

Diving Trips to the Yongala

You should be able to find many operators in Townsville offering dive trips to the Yongala. Be well aware though that tides and currents can make the Yongala a relatively difficult dive so it is important to choose the right time to dive.

You also need to be aware that the Yongala is a very popular diving location (around 10,000 divers vist her annually) and so you will likely not be there on your own.

Also due to varying conditions dives to the Yongala can be cancelled at short notice: high winds or strong currents particularly affect Yongala dives as she is relatively exposed, having no protection from reef etc. However, given the right conditions diving at the site of the SS Yongala could just about be one of the best diving experiences of your life.

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A Review of the Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu) by Luc Besson

The Big Blue was a massive hit in many European countries (particularly in France – its director was the Luc Besson after all), but was actually a minor commercial flop upon its release in other countries. Since its theatrical release though it has become a huge cult classic due to its fantastic cinematography (both over and underwater), wonderfully ambient soundtrack (composed by Eric Serra) and an almost tangible existential/philosophical feeling that permeates most of the film.

The Big Blue Story Outline

The Big Blue focuses on the character Jaques Mayol and the relationships he has with a childhood contemporary called Enzo Molinari (Jean Reno), a woman called Johana (Rosanna Arquette) and the sea (the Big Blue of the title).

Jaques and Enzo are freedivers: two of the best in the world. Throughout their lives they have pushed eachother onwards to greater depths. Jaques is an introverted character who witnessed the death of his father in a diving accident when he was a young boy. Enzo is a proud and amusing character in the movie, providing a counterbalance to Jaques’ introversion. The main protagonist is Jaques though, and we see two worlds through his eyes… a world above water that Jacques has difficulty comprehending and another that he understands perfectly beneath it.

The Big Blue must have inspired thousands of people to take up SCUBA diving, even though the movie itself is about freediving and not SCUBA. What is inspiring about the movie is not the story or the characters but the whole experience of just watching it. The underwater scenes are truly magical and the soundtrack, although dated now in places (the synthesizer was all the rage in the 1980s remember), is simply stunning. Combined they produce a magical, mysterious and really moving experience.

If you have never seen this movie (or heard the soundtrack), watching the Big Blue might inspire you to try diving sometime soon!

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Scubapro’s Titanium Diver’s Watch is a very nice underwater timepiece.

The Scubapro Titanium has a 25-jewel Swiss-made mechanized movement that is protected by a water-tight (to 700 meters) solid titanium case.

The Titanium is a kinetic style watch meaning that it is wound by the natural movements of the wearer’s wrist… so you will never need to change batteries underwater!

Main Features of the Scubapro Titanium Diver

The Scubapro Divers Watch has the following specifications:

• Highly luminous dial and hands
• Water resistanance to 700ft
• Swiss movement
• Scratch-resistant crystal glass face
• Magnified date display
• Engraved screw-type case back
• Strap exchanging tool
• Sporty black backup strap
• and titanium all over the place!

Scubapro Divers Watch and Titanium

This particular watch is well named as it comprises multiple titanium components. It has:

• a solid titanium machined casing
• a screw-down titanium crown
• a rotating titanium bezel
• and a titanium strap.

Because the casing, crown, bezel and strap are all composed of titanium and the face cover is crystal glass, the Scubapro Titanium is very light and practically immune to damage.

Usability

As you would expect from any good dive watch, the dial and hands are easy to see.

Firstly the face of the watch is not over fussy (always a good usability design feature) and the important parts of the hands and dial are marked with a highly luminous paint making the Titanium a very easy timepiece to read underwater.

The Scubapro Titanium is also resistant to around 700 feet… more than enough atmospheres for your average recreational oxygen divers… in fact pretty handy for commercial deep divers too!

An understated but great diver’s watch, the Scubapro Titanium is a little nugget.

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The XTX200 regulator from APEKS is a premium quality regulator incorporating attractive design and performance. As with all APEKS regulators, the XTX200 is feature rich combining the following elements.

APEKS XTX200 Features

• Converts from a right to left-handed configuration through RVS (Reversible Venturi System) N.B. Conversion should be carried out by an authorized APEKS service technician
• Includes DCE – Diver Changeable Exhaust System
• Durability
• Improved purge function
• Improved breathing performance
• Approved for cold water diving

The Cleanliness of the APEKS XTX200!

All APEKS regulators are of a generally high quality but the APEKS XTX200 is one of the top models. The XTX200 is more ergonomically friendly than most through the RVS, which enables conversion from a left to right configuration and at the same time reduces the build up of grit ingress.

APEKS Regulators Diver Changeable Exhaust System

The DCE system of the XTX200 means that a diver can regulate the size of the exhaust tee you use from a small to a large exhaust. The result of such an ability means that you can choose the flow of exhaust you require for different dives: small for times when space is an issue (easier for travelling or for using as an octopus) or large to minimize bubble interference (important if you want fish to smile at your camera). Breathing performance on XTX200 regulators is also improved through the newly designed silicone exhaust valve.

Durability

The APEKS XTX200 regulator range is also robust and durable. The front cover is composed of a strong plastic and chrome plate to protect the sensitive parts of the demand valve. It also looks nice!

Purge

An improved open purge function means that the XTX200 purge self-clears preventing the build-up of regulator damaging debris. Coupled with a Venturi lever, APEKS’ XTX200 further reduces the problem of grit ingress.

Swivel Hose

The XTX200 range of APEKS regulators can be modified (for a price) to incorporate a swivel hose connection, which permits the demand valve end of the connection to rotate. This can possible make it a more comfortably fitting device for you.

APEKS XTX200 regulators ares a seriously slick addition to the regulator pantheon, combining stylish design, useful features and high performance. The XTX200 also comes in a Nitrox version, but all models are usable in cold or warm water.

The APEKS XTX200 regulator is truly a thing of beauty!

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The Swedish dive equipment makers Poseidon have launched a revolutionary new drysuit product. It’s called the Poseidon Flexisuit: Flexi because it incorporates the weight, flexibility and manoeuverability of wetsuits along with the insulating properties of regular drysuits.

The Flexisuit is made with a specially formulated type of neoprene (3mm thick) that is covered with durable Armatex nylon on the outside. This gives the Flexisuit durability, stretch, heat insulation and comfort.

The consequence of these design factors mean that the Poseidon Flexisuit is slim (especially compared to other drysuits) so that air movement is reduced, flexible in a similar way to westsuits but you can still wear at least one layer underneath it.

Flexisuit Technical Specifications

• 3mm HD neoprene
• Outer layer of Armatex nylon and Kevlar
• Separate hood with ventilation
• Frontside zip
• Anatomical prebent arms and legs
• Wrist seals in stretch neoprene
• Neck seal in stretch glideskin
• Sandwich SCS face seal
• Swivelled inlet valve
• Kevlar reinforcement on the back, arms, knees and socks
• Adjustable volume outlet valve
• Soft boots

Is the Poseidon Flexisuit Built to Last?

You bet!

The Flexisuit has Kevlar reinforcements on the back, forearms and knees which make it resistant to the rough treatment that drysuit-necessary conditions invariably dish out. But the Flexisuit has a tender side too: its front zip is easy to open and close and the seals in the wrist and neck areas are fashioned with a nice almost soft and springy neoprene.

Poseidon’s Flexisuit is also not bogged down by the standard rubberised boots found on other drysuits. No sir! Instead, the Flexisuit has reinforced Kevlar socks which provide a relatively thin but fairly robust sole. This makes the Flexisuit a much more mobile drysuit and it’s easier to swim in too as you can wear most fins with it.

Flexisuit Sizes and Accessories

Flexisuits come in sizes from XS to XXXL but they can be configured and manipulated to fit all sorts of shapes and sizes through bespoke orders. Accessories such as Poseidon rock boots, hoods and gloves can all be added to your Flexisuit to complete your look!

Information About Poseidon

Poseidon has been designing and making dive gear for the commercial and recreational diving markets since the 1950s. Founded by diving enthusiast Ingvar Elfström in 1958, Poseidon was the first company to develop a single hose regulator. The Poseidon Flexisuit is another innovative string to its bow.

Look out for the Poseidon Flexisuit in colder environments… it’s a real winner.

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Xcel Wetsuits are made by a company that has a true passion for wetsuit technology!

It’s focus centers upon the design and development of wetsuits for tropical and cold water conditions. Consequently, Xcel make wetsuits for year round surfers and SCUBA enthusiasts.

Xcel’s Beginnings

Xcel began life in Sunset Beach, Oahu in 1982. Its owner, Ed D’Ascoli, had a wide ranging experience of making and exporting surfing equipment to Japan from Hawaii and also helped to establish the international brand presence of the Japanese Victory Wetsuits company in the late 1970s/early 1980s. In July 2007 Xcel was acquired by Billabong as a strategy to strengthen Biilabong’s position in the global wetsuit market.

Xcel Sun Protection and Wetsuits

D’Ascoli began Xcel’s journey by targetting the surfing and canoe paddle niches. Xcel’s success in these areas prompted a move into the manufacture of commercial diving wetsuits as well as wetsuits for the United States military. Today Xcel wetsuits and sun protection wear are the mainstay of the Xcel brand.

Does Xcel Make Wetsuits for All?

Since the mid 1990s, Xcel have provided westuits for the recreational diving market. Today, Xcel design wetsuits for everybody: men, women and children alike. One thing that Xcel guarantee is the quality of their wetsuit materials and build: each Xcel wetsuit is carefully made with durability, stretch and fit kept firmly in mind. With Billabong’s backing, the Xcel wetsuit range could literally blow off the hook..

Xcel Dive Related Product Lines

Xcel dive wetsuits come in the following product ranges:

• Xcel Flex Core Warmer Shorty
• Xcel Vortex Fullsuit
• Xcel SCS Polar Tri-Density
• Xcel Hydro Tri-Density
• Xcel Polar Quad-Density
• Xcel Hydrospan
• Xcel Icon wetsuits

Xcel also make the following lines for diving:

• Xcel Infiniti Hooded Vest
• Xcel Neoprene Boots
• Xcel Glideskin 6.5mm Sole
• Xcel Titanium 6.5mm Boots
• Xcel Titanium Gloves

The Future For Xcel Wetsuits?

Xcel wetsuits remain at the forefront of wetsuit technology: in recent years Xcel has won the Surf Industry Manufacturers’ Association “Wetsuit of the Year” title.

Cutting edge techniques and materials and assuming the backing of a super rich parent means continued investment this can only be good news for the Xcel brand.