10 Facts on Lionfish

The Lionfish is not actually a specific fish but the name of a family of fish that share very similar characteristics. Most commonly Lionfish have a stripy coloration but all are noted for the long spines that seem to spray out from all over their bodies.

The lionfish is quite beautiful to observe as it often moves very slowly: they sometimes seem to just hover. However, encountering a group of lionfish on a night dive can often seem quite haunting for the same reason: at night their hovering manner can appear to be literally ghostly.

If you have never heard of lionfish (or even if you have) you may not be aware of much about them. This lionfish facts page is designed to provide you with some interesting details about this family of fish.

Facts About the Lionfish

1. Lionfish are generally found in the Indo-Pacific region. Having said this, the lionfish is spreading its wings (so to speak) nowadays and so can also be found in the Caribbean Sea and the East Atlantic.
2. Beautiful but deadly? Beautiful yes, but deadly no… unless you are very unlucky. Lionfish are classified within the family Scorpaenidae (sound like to scorpion to you?). Like scorpions, lionfish can sting. The flowing but sharp spines that cover a lionfish’s body deliver a potent toxin. The toxin is strong enough to kill a lionfish’s natural enemies but it is not likely to kill you. Having said this, being stung by a lionfish as a human can be very serious: a lionfish’s toxin can cause extreme pain, headaches, dizziness, vomiting and respiratory difficulty. Although the toxin is unlikely to cause fatality in humans, people more susceptible to it have died as the result an overly close lionfish encounter.
3. As a result of the above fact, the lionfish is one of the most toxic fish on earth.
4. Lionfish are also known as dragon fish, scorpion fish, fire fish and (who knows why) turkey fish.
5. There are several different varieties of lionfish such as:
   • radial lionfish
   • dwarf fussy lionfish
   • feathery lionfish
   • dwarf lionfish
   • fu-manchu lionfish
   • and volitan lionfish.
6. An apparently aloof and slow moving demeanour as well as cumbersome looking build conceal a speed merchant beneath: lionfish have very fast reflexes and can move frighteningly quickly when they are hungry or defending themselves.
7. Lionfish have an average lifespan of 15-16 years.
8. Lionfish eat shrimps, crabs and fish and…
9. … lionfish tend to swallow their prey whole!
10. The size of lionfish varies according to the particular species, but generally range from 10 centimeters to 0.4 meters!

As with many creatures, a lionfish will not bother you if you do not bother it. Hopefully the facts on lionfish above will help you to respect this very unusual looking individual!

Rolex claim that the Sea-Dweller has come to life as the result of pushing the boundaries of what is possible to the limit. Okay… so it’s a cliché but is it true?

Features of the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEP SEA

• Time and date functions.
• Waterproof to an incredible 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) through Rolex’s patented Ringlock System (a nitrogen alloyed stainless steel pressure retaining ring that protects the the crystal and case back).
• Like the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA also uses corrosion resistant 904L steel in its construction.
• Domed sapphire crystal.
• Titanium alloy case back.
• Stainless steel helium valve.
• Triplock winding crown.
• Unidirectional counterclockwise rotatable bezel.
• Highly visible luminescent blue markers on the dial, hands and bezel.
• Robust and reliable chronometric prescision movement that is extremely resistant to magnetic fields and shocks.
• The Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is certified as a chronometer by COSC (Switzerland’s Official Chronometer Testing Institute).
• 904L steel strap that can be adjusted to fit over neoprene diving suits up to 7mm thick.

The Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is another superb Rolex watch that can be enjoyed by divers who are willing and able to invest in such a timepiece. In terms of functions, the Sea-Dweller is not packed with a multitude of tools and widgets: a dive computer this certainly is not. However, as a diver’s timepiece the Rolex Sea-Dweller is the bees knees.

The Most Robust Rolex to Date?

The Rolex Sea-Dweller has to be a contender for the most hardcore diving watch on the planet. Water proof to an incredible 3,900 (12,800 feet) and super resistant to shocks and magnetic fields, recreational divers will find the Rolex Sea-Dweller practically indestructible. As such it may be a “sledge hammer to crack a peanut” scenario for shallow water divers… more likely the Rolex Sea-Dweller watch will appeal to commercial and deep divers. Of course, if you can happily justify the list price of the Sea-Dweller watch then it can of course be enjoyed by any diver out of the water too.

The helium valve will protect the Sea-Dweller from damage for professional divers who have to use underwater pressurised caissons at depth where helium gas mixtures are used: on ascent the valve will ensure that the watch remains undamaged after a stint in such an environment.

Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA Review Summary

Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA watches are, like all Rolex watches, elegant and extremely accurate. It is beautifully finished device that is certified by COSC as a chronometer and is quite literally a stunning watch… assuming you have money to burn.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Rolex Submariner is not a watch that most mortal recreational divers would ever consider as it is an expensive timepiece. So why is the Submariner so pricey and what are the features that make it worth the expense?

This review of the Rolex Submariner aims to answer these and other questions about this highly prestigious range of watches.

Notes About the Rolex Submariner Watch Range

In the main, the Rolex Submariner comes in a 3 different models:

• Rolex Submariner 40mm in yellow gold
• Rolex Submariner 40mm in rolesor
• Rolex Submariner 40mm in steel

The yellow gold Submariner 40mm is constructed in 18ct yellow gold, has a blue dial and a blue rotating bezel as well as a fliplock bracelet. The rolesor version is composed of steel and 18ct yellow gold but has the same color features as the yellow gold model. The 40mm Rolex Submariner in steel has a steel bezel and strap and a black face.

N.B. Throughout the years Rolex have also released a number of special edition Rolex Submariners, with different colorations and metal build combinations, many of which are highly valued by collectors. However, this Rolex Submariner review only focuses upon the models available from the current Rolex collection.

Main Features of the Rolex Submariner

• Waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet).
• Unidirectional bezel.
• Highly luminous markings on the hands, dial and bezel.
• Hyper effective triplock winding crown that seals water out.
• Perpetual rotor makes Rolex Submariner watches self winding.
• Highly accurate Rolex Oyster movement built to last a lifetime.
• Mechanism constructed of 904L steel (a corrosion resistant, stainless-steel alloy).
• Calendar function.
• COSC Certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
• Highly elegant and recognizable design.

The Rolex Submariner is recognized in its own right as being one of the finest timepieces known to man. It is owned by many people who have never dived simply for its reliability and elegance. However, divers can take advantage the benefits that this beautiful watch has to offer above and beyond the aesthetic.

The Rolex Submariner 40mm range is designed to withstand massive pressures. It is guaranteed waterproof to depths of 100 meters/330 feet (although in fairness it will be waterproof beyond this point). Its triplock winding crown, which incorporates 3 gaskets, literally screws down like the hatch on a submarine making the Submariner impervious to pressures of 500 bars (equal to 0.5 tons per cm2).

The Submariner also includes Rolex’s ground breaking perpetual rotor mechanism: a mechanism that was invented by Rolex in the early 1930s. The perpetual rotor enables the Submariner to run continuously as the wearer’s wrist movements wind the mechanism.

Much of the Rolex Submariner’s parts are built using a stainless steel alloy known as 904L steel. 904L steel is corrosion resistant and highly durable making it tough enough to take on any diving environment.

In terms of time functions, Rolex watches are famous for their accuracy. The Submariner maintains this leagcy of near perfect timekeeping due to the high quality manufacture and materials of its moving parts.

Its unidirectional bezel provides you with a tool for measuring elapsed time while diving, whilst vibrant luminous markings on the hands, dial and bezel ensure that your timekeeping is not hampered by darker environments.

Rolex Submariner Watch Review Summary

Reliable, robust and accurate, the Rolex Submariner watch is a truly extraordinary timepiece for the diver who can afford it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Features of the Dacor Nautica BC

• Expanding belt system that contracts as you descend: BC inflation or descent does not interfere with the overall fit of the Dacor Nautica.
• High-positioned, pull activated dump valve.
• Weight system integrated into the back, which is suitable for ankle and block weights.
• 2 x front weight pockets with a 16lb combined capacity.
• Firm “FlexPak” cylinder locking strap holds your air in place.
• The Nautica’s air cell is of the single bladder variety: it expands away from the body so does not squeeze when it is inflated.
• An overpressure/dump valve positioned low on the Nautica makes for easy air release in any position.
• Ample padding at each body contact spot.
• 4 x useful D-rings.

Why Dacor’s Nautica is a Safe Bet

So we have established that Dacor’s Nautica is not the fanciest BC on the block but it delivers everything that most recreational divers would require. In fact many experienced divers continue to use the Dacor Nautica as a testament to this.

The Nautica is a comfortable and reliable buoyancy compensator ideally suited to all environments apart from extreme situations where a more rigourous BC would be required. As a result the Dacor Nautica is a more competitvely priced option for those who never intend to dive in wrecks, caves or under ice. Having said this it is made with a fairly durable nylon material and so it can take some rough treatment.

The Dacor Nautica also has some nice touches such as the weight pockets, which are well placed to enable an almost perfect swimming position, a well sized and positioned ditchable weight system at front as well as the air cell that inflates outwards. The Dacor Nautica is also well padded and comfortable and can be adjusted to fit many different shapes and sizes.

Dacor Nautica Review Summary

The Dacor Nautica BC is a nice little performer that is very well priced. It gives good lift and can be deflated easily and quickly. Although it might not tick every box for the hardcore extreme diver, the Dacor Nautica should be perfect for most others.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Why is Truk Lagoon of Interest to Divers?

Truk Lagoon is of particular interest to divers as it is the final resting place for over 300 planes, submarines and ships. As a result Truk Lagoon is one of the best regions for wreck diving on Earth.

The History of Truk Lagoon

In WWII, Truk Lagoon was used by the Japanese as a base for a formidable naval fleet. The geography and geology of Truk Lagoon made it an ideal place to anchor such a fleet but of course its use drew attention from the U.S. military.

On 17th February 1944, the U.S. Navy mounted a surprise 3-day attack against the Japanese ships anchored at Truk lagoon. Around 400 tons of and torpedoes and bombs were used over the course of the attack, which resulted in the sinking of around 60 ships, from minesweepers and tugs to full blown battleships. The ships anchored at Truk Lagoon also counted aircraft carriers, so also as a result of Operation Hailstone over 250 Japanese planes were sent to the depths. The human cost too was great: some estimates state that around 2,000 Japanese troops met their deaths at Truk Lagoon during the attacks.

Truk Lagoon Today

The wrecks at Truk Lagoon have remained untouched for the most part since February 1944. As a result (and combined with clear waters and good accessibility), Truk Lagoon’s wrecks offer divers unique opportunities to visit a beautiful if rather sombre underwater landscape. For the most part, diving at Truk Lagoon will give you high visibility, current free dives where you can see very well preserved wrecks encrusted with brightly colored soft corals, sea fans, anemones and sponges. Divers at Truk Lagoon will also likely encounter large numbers of batfish, jacks, grouper and tuna as well as numerous species of shark such as black tips, white tips, grey reef sharks, leopard sharks hammerheads and whale sharks.

Diving at Truk Lagoon

It should always be remembered that this is the final resting place for many Japanese troops and so it is that many wrecks are home to the skeletons of some of those who perished. Truk Lagoon is really an underwater museum and should be treated as such. Consequently, divers are prohibited by Micronesian law from removing anything (artifacts or marine life) from Truk Lagoon and harsh penalties are meted out for trangressors.

If you wish to dive at Truk Lagoon you will need a “Chuuk Dive Permit”, which will likely be acquired for you by your dive operator. Diving equipment too can be hired locally if required.

Non-divers too have the chance to visit some of the wrecks which lie in shallower waters: some of Truk’s wrecks provide excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Truk Lagoon Diving Summary

Truk Lagoon has plenty to offer wreck diving experts and first timers alike.

Many of the wrecks are accessible for recreational divers (although there are several good wrecks located beyond the 30 meter mark for those divers that are trained to dive beyond recommended recreational diver limits).

Truk Lagoon has to be the single best location for wreck diving in the world due to the sheer number of wrecks in relative proximity, their state of preservation, the marine life they attract and the clarity and stillness of the lagoon’s water.

Truk Lagoon is one of THE places that all divers should strive to visit in their lifetime.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Why do Aqualung claim that the Legend ACD Supreme is so good? Are their claims about it justified? And what exactly are the stand out features?

Features of the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme

The Aqualung Legend regulator includes the following specifications:

• ACD stands for “Auto Closure Device”. The Legend’s ACD keeps the inlet fitting of the regulator sealed (DIN and Yoke) whenever the regulator device itself is removed from your air tank. This means several things:
  • Water and other contaminants cannot enter the first stage. As a result, the first stage itself will retain its level of performance over time and makes it safer to use with Nitrox.
  • The sealed dry chamber also provides resistance to freezing, keeping the mechanics of the Aqualung Legend regulator both clean as well as dry.
• The second stage is pneumatically balanced to ensure consistently easy inhalation regardless of tank pressure.
• The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme also comprises Venturi Adjustment Switch technology (VAS – controlable by the diver). The VAS prevents free-flowing air when you are at the surface but allows maximum flow beneath it.
• The Legend ACD Supreme also includes Aqua Lung’s Air Turbo System technology in its forward pressure ports which further enhances the breathing capabilities of the regulator.
• The Legend’s over-balanced diaphragm first stage design also improves breathing performance at depth.
• The Legend ACD Supreme regulator is coated with a polyurethane layer which protects its water facing metal parts from corrosion.
• It has 4 x low pressure and 2 x high pressure ports, which are positioned for the best possible configuration of your hoses.
• Recommended for cold water use below 10º C (50º F): the Legend ACD Supreme passes CE standards for cold water regulator performance.
• A removable lip shield on the second stage provides cold protection to your lips.
• 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme Review Summary

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a cold water verison of the Aqualung Legend ACD and is a very reliable regulator largely due to its ACD technology.

The sealed first stage completely protects it from contaminants (when removed from the cylinder valve) in any environment. So cleaning and transporting this particular Legend model should not result in contaminant damage and any subsequent performance degradation over time. The ACD also means that the Legend ACD Supreme is highly suitable for Nitrox diving.

Further features are an overbalanced first stage diaphragm combined with a pneumatically balanced second stage. These features enhance air supply as you descend at the same time as reducing breathing resistance making it easy to inhale. As the second stage is pneumatically balanced it does not require any form of adjustment from you.

The second stage is small and lightweight and can be combined with a number of supplied mouthpiece fittings: an ultra-comfortable model, a standard spare and a reusable clamp.

A lip shield can be used to help keep your lips warm in colder waters, for which the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is extremely well suited.

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a reliable and easy to use regulator that performs well in both warm and cold water.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Whale-sharks are the biggest fish on earth and one of the ocean’s gentle giants: whale-sharks can grow to 60 feet in length but do so on a diet that consists solely of plankton.

Encounters with whale-sharks (also known as blue whalers) are dreamt about by most SCUBA divers as the whale-shark is such a large but gentle creature.

Many divers who have come across a whale-shark on a dive declare the experience to be truly humbling. Indeed Mr. Holmberg himself comments on meeting a whale-shark, stating that its eyes “will track you; you can look at it, and it will look back at you… It’s like contact with alien life”.

Mr. Holmberg intends to help us to improve our understanding of whale-sharks though this research project: at the moment we know very little about blue whalers such as their life expectancy, reproduction or how social they are.

How so?

Well… the Pearl i3 has a sleek but elegant look as well as a number of design features that make it fit the female physique better than most other BCDs.

Main Features of the Aqualung Pearl i3

• Attractive, stylish and feminine design.
• Patented i3 technology that makes inflation and deflation much easier.
• Multi-dump function that permits the upper and lower dumps to simultaneously respond.
• One way flat e-valve design maintain a streamlined contour to reduce water drag. The one-way e-valves themselves keep water from entering the BCD.
• Ultra comfortable back lining.
• Neoprene roll-collar.
• Integrated sports bra that adds an extra touch of comfort and support.
• SureLock™ weight system that makes loading and unloading the weight pockets a simple act.
• Easy-deploy, pull-down inflator.
• 3 x zipped utility pockets.
• Traction pad to prevent tank slippage.
• Hardwearing and fade resistant Armorshield™ Cordura® construction.
• Multi-setting waist band that can be changed by up to six inches.
• A double adjusting strap across the shoulders enabling “best fit”.

Aqualung’s Pearl i3 also comes in several colors:

• Pearl i3 aqua
• Pearl i3 black
• Pearl i3 pink

The Aqualung Pearl i3: Style and Performance Entwined

The premise of the Aqualung Pearl i3 is clever: targetting female divers with customized dive gear. As such the i3 works on many levels: it looks very feminine, comes in several different colors and offers up all the features you would expect of a quality buoyancy control device.

The Aqualung Pearl i3 Review Summary

Comfort AND functionality have been well thought out. The Pearl i3 has successfully incorporated a padded back lining, neoprene rolling collar and built-in supporting sports bra. The adjustable (by 6 inches) waist-band gives divers the opportunity to find a perfect fit.

The design of the Pearl i3 BCD’s bladder means that it expands away from the back rather than to the sides, resulting in a more appealing shape when inflated. The overall contouring of the i3 also tends to enhance body shape.

The Aqualung Pearl i3’s easy-dump valves, easy-deploy oral inflator, cylinder traction pad, utility pockets and durable materials used in its manufacture shout quality.

The i3 is easy to put on and take off even when fully loaded, and once you are strapped into it adding or removing weights into the weight pockets requires little effort or discomfort.

The Pearl i3 also has useful, usable and well-sized utility pockets and a number of d-rings for clipping your required tools on to.

Combined with its feminine design, the features of the Pearl i3 are certain to make the Aqualung feminine BCD appeal to its target audience.

Chic looking, comfortable and above all truly functional, Aqualung’s Pearl i3 is a real winner.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Features of the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX

Citizen’s Promaster Cyber Aqualand offers up the following functions and features:

• Digital quartz movement.
• Water resistance up to 660 feet (200 meters).
• Dive log that memorizes up to 100 dive’s worth of data.
• Connectivity to Windows-based PCs.
• Alarms for ascent rate and max. depth as well as error alarms for Nitrox diving.
• Day, date and month display.
• Unidirectional bezel.
• Auto altitude adjustment.
• “No-Fly” time calculator.
• Rsidual nitrogen timer.
• Temperature display.
• Surface interval timer.
• Mineral crystal face.
• Stainless steel build.
• Size: Case 47mm x 16mm. Band: 26mm.
• Weight: 3lbs.
• Easy-buckle clasp.
• 5 year warranty.

So is the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX a Watch or a Dive Computer?

As a watch, the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX of course offers you time functions such as 12/24 hour (as well as day/date/month) displays, a world time function for 30 cities through 48 time zones, a 1/100th second chrono function, 99 minute countdown timer, alarm and calendar. But… make no mistake, Citizen’s Aqualand range are serious diving instruments and the Citizen Aqualand NX is no exception.

The Citizen Aqualand NX is built to function perfectly up to 200 meters below the water’s surface, providing features to suit both recreational and commercial divers: hence it has Nitrox functions, a large dive log capacity and PC connectivity for analyzing your diving performance.

Analysis of your dives is facilitated through the Aqualand NX’s software that provides super little graphics of your logged dive data. The graphical element also comes to the fore through the Aqualand’s nifty safety-stop graphic mode.

The Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX also features a face of scratch-proof mineral crystal and electro-luminescent back light to ensure that you you can see exactly where you are at with a minumum of effort. The Promaster’s functions are driven by a rechargeable battery that seems to go on forever.

On top of all this, Citizen offers a 5 year warranty on the Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX, which speaks volumes about Citizen’s faith in their product.

Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX Review Summary

So as an answer… the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX is definitely a dive computer… that tells the time!

A professional grade dive computer at great value proving that quality does not always come at a price.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Snorkelling Safely

Before learning how to snorkel there are some pre-requisite factors that you will need to know about.

• Firstly, you cannot learn how to snorkel unless you can swim.
• Secondly, you should be aware of some fundamental snorkel safety practices. You can find further information about snorkelling safety here: how to snorkel safely.

Learning How to Snorkel

Below are 6 steps designed to help you learn how to snorkel.

1. Enrol on a Basic Snorkelling Course

   Many diving centers offer such courses alongside their diver certification programs. This may seem an obvious tip but a dive center can show you how to use your dive fins most in the most effective and energy conserving way possible to ensure you do not wear yourself out. Learning how to snorkel with a dive center will teach you all of the following skills.

2. How to Clear Your Dive Mask

   Sometimes when you are snorkelling your dive mask will take in water. This is something that occurs with all masks and is largely unavoidable. However, there is a technique that can be used to clear your mask while you are in the water which is fundamental to helping your learn how to snorkel.

   • Firstly, if you are on the surface you can of course just lift the mask off your face and tilt the bottom out to allow the water to run away.
   • Secondly, you can clear your mask while you are under the water. You simply use your hand to put pressure on the top of your dive mask between your eyes and gently breathe out through your nose. This technique drives the water out of the mask beneath your nose and replaces it with what you have exhaled. When you finish, your mask will go back into position without allowing water back in.
   • Thirdly, nowadays you can purchase dive masks that have a purge function. The purge function is activated when you apply pressure to the whole mask and exhale through your nose. The seal between the mask and your face is not broken but a purge function kicks in, expelling water from within.

3. How to Clear Water from Your Snorkel

   Clearing, or purging, your snorkel is another thing that you will come up against as you learn how to snorkel. Try to buy a snorkel that has a purge valve. A purge valve snorkel will enable you to remove any water that enters your snorkel accidentally or as a result of a “duck dive” beneath the surface. If you are using a standard snorkel (non-purge valve), you just need to blow out through your mouth in a short but sharp fashion to make a “tuh” sound. This will drive unwanted water upwards out of the snorkel.

4. How to Use Fins

   You do not need to use fins when you snorkel… but how you snorkel will be affected hugely if you do not. Dive fins help to propel you through the water in a much less invasive way i.e. you will create less splashing and therefore not frighten off marine life so easily. This same propulsion makes your passage through water easier: your leg “kicks” will be more effective moving you further with less effort. In order to get the most from your fins, you should keep your legs straight, with your knees bent slightly, and move them in a scissoring motion. This is the most efficient way to move with fins.

5. How to Avoid Squeezes

   If you perform duck dives to descend underwater you may experience a sensation known as squeezing. Squeezing is the sensation of pressure beneath your mask and within your ears that occurs as pressure causes air spaces to shrink. Learning how to snorkel safely and comfortably is paramount and dealing with squeezes is very important in order to avoid discomfort and even damage to your ears.

6. How to Conserve Marine Life

   Learning how to snorkel includes learning how to take into account the impact that your actions has on the environment. You should remember how to behave when snorkelling and remember that you need to be extremely sensitive to the marine habitat you are lucky enough to be experiencing. Do not touch the creatures you encounter as you may harm them or actually end up the recipient of a nasty bite or sting.

   Take care that your snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins etc.) are not accidentally brushing against corals and fauna causing accidental damage. Coral reefs are very delicately balanced ecosystems, so please do your utmost not to tip that balance in the wrong direction.

Summary of How to Snorkel Tips

Do yourself a favor and learn how to snorkel correctly: you will be able to get the most out of the snorkelling experiences you have and also learn how to appreciate more fully what you see.