J Allen asked:


It was only by chance I discovered this optimum solution for solving the problem of always having to worry about keeping my digital camera protected from both the elements, and too much knocking around.

I’d been wanting a replacement for my dive camera and in the process of researching alternatives, came across this new generation of underwater cameras that work equally well out of the water. Even better is that they’re still compact and lightweight enough to make sense as a replacement for my land use only digital camera.

So what’s the point? Simply that I’ve gotten fed up with digital cameras that can’t take a little sand or water. When do we generally take the most pictures? How about while on excursions to new places or while vacationing or on holiday. Where do we often do these things? Beaches, snow-capped mountains, rivers, hiking trails - the list goes on.

The majority of our photographs are taken in environments where there’s a better than average chance that our camera will get wet, muddy, or banged about. Instead of worrying about splashes or a little rain, and dropping it in everything from sand to snow, wouldn’t it be handy if these technological marvels were just a bit hardier?

Well a handful of dive camera manufacturers have apparently gotten the message because they’ve produced some rugged multi-purpose digital waterproof cameras. Better still is unlike their predecessors, they can be had at a much more reasonable price.

By predecessors, I mean those super-expensive, special-purpose underwater cameras with special housings that scuba divers and underwater photographers used. They are bulky and awkward to handle out of water and while one could remove the camera itself from the housing, that sort of defeats the purpose, as we’re back to the original problem of having to take extra care with protecting the camera.

But these latest generation dive cameras are integrated units where the camera is made into a waterproof case comprised of impact resistant composite materials and armored with rubber at all the key places. Dropping them from several feet up leaves them unfazed.

They are lightweight (about a pound) and compact (less than 4 inches x 5 inches), and despite their small size, offer superb picture quality with ultra sharp, high-resolution images, even in low-light conditions such as those typically found underwater. Prices are comparable to a higher-end land use digital camera.

Of particular use are the settings that can be changed depending on whether you’re shooting above or under the water. In “undersea” mode the various settings improve colors underwater by automatically adjusting shutter speeds and aperture settings. For “land” use they work like other land cameras allowing the user to adjust to conditions encountered above water. Other features include face detection and image stabilization.

Bottom line is eliminating the need for more than one camera. The same one that’s perfect for scuba diving, now does double duty for hiking, mountain climbing, ocean kayaking, going to the beach, being out on the boat, and pretty much any other activity one might think of.

Even if you aren’t a diver there are models made for snorkeling, and even though waterproof down to just about 10 feet or so, are less expensive. This is especially good news if your primary concern is finding a more rugged digital camera that won’t give out after being splashed at the lake or left in the rain.

Robert asked:


How To Choose Diving Regulators

The terminology is vast, the combinations are endless - here I will go through the basics, then give some examples of the different combinations from Scubapro.

Balanced/Unbalanced/Overbalanced Diving Regulators

These diving terms can be confusing until you know what they mean - unbalanced diving regulators perform worse as the scuba diving tank empties, and should be avoided in all but the most basic diving.

A balanced diving regulator will deliver the same amount of air at all pressures and depths - balanced diving regulators are usually mid-range and are most common.

An overbalanced diving regulator is one which makes breathing easier as you go deeper - these are usually towards the top of the range.

Yoke/A-Clamp vs DIN

These are the two different types of fitting for attaching your scuba diving regulator to your tank. Your decision will probably be based on where you are diving - in the UK the A-Clamp fitting is most popular, whereas abroad the DIN fitting is more prevalant.

Technically speaking, the DIN fitting is better as you will need this if you want to use a 300bar tank - A-Clamp is only good for 232bar, although this is by far the most common.

If you buy an A-Clamp you can buy a DIN kit (around £25-35) to convert it though, and there are also A-Clamp adapters for DIN regs for a similar price.

Coldwater safe diving regulators

When diving in the UK, especially at inland dive sites you need a regulator that can still perform. The problem is that when the air goes from high pressure in your dive tank to low pressure you need to breathe, it cools a lot - sometimes leading to freeflow when in very cold water.

There are two main ways the diving regulator companies have come up with - one is to seal the first stage completely, which some manufacturers do (Apeks for example) while others have more sophisticated systems - Scubapro’s TIS (Thermal Insulating System) for example is particularly good. If you are diving in cold waters (around 5 degree celcius or lower) then you really need to choose a good cold water regulator.

Piston vs Diaphragm Diving Regulators

A piston based regulator is very simple, and provide better performance at depth. Piston diving regulators cannot be overbalanced. Diaphragm diving regulators are more complex, but are less likely to have mechanical problems as the internal parts aren’t exposed to the water, which can be the case with piston based regulators.

When buying a new diving regulator, don’t worry about it - both provide perfectly fine performance for almost all recreational scuba diving.

Nitrox Ready Regulators

Most scuba diving regulators are suitable for up to 40% nitrox without any modification. If you require a higher o2 content then you need to go for a nitrox diving regulator - these are usually green to distinguish them and have been properly cleaned. One other consideration is that you can’t use Nitrox with titanium diving regulators.

Real World Examples - Scubapro First Stages

Scubapro MK25 - A great first stage, this is a piston based, overbalanced scuba diving regulator with Scubapro’s patented TIS system making it suitable for cold water.

Scubapro MK11 - A good mid-range reg, this one is an overbalanced diaphragm model, also with the TIS for cold water diving.

Scubapro MK2 - A very simple first stage, it is piston based and very compact. It comes with the TIS for cold water diving, but is unbalanced so only really suitable for first time or very occasional divers as a primary regulator. This is a very popular first stage for pony bottles because it is cheap, and you don’t need a balanced reg for a pony bottle.

Real World Examples - Scubapro Second Stages

Scubapro X650 - Top of the range, this Scubapro second stage gives you a dive/pre-dive switch, a VIVA control system to set air flow levels, some small tweaks to make it easier to breathe - and it looks really impressive! This is generally coupled with the MK25 first stage.

Scubapro R395 - This is the workhorse of the Scubapro range, it is great paired with any first stage, and is very (very) reliable and a popular choice for scuba diving school kits. It comes with a dive/pre-dive switch to stop free flow when you hit the water - however cold it may be!

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Dianne Rein asked:


So you are thinking about getting your scuba diving certification but aren’t sure what it entails? We’ll go through the details here.

Scuba diving is a wonderful sport and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. There’s nothing like floating effortlessly underwater and seeing all the beautiful fish, coral, wrecks, etc. Certification will open up a whole new world for you.

First, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is scuba diving certification?

In order to go scuba diving with any reputable dive shop, you must have a certification card (more commonly known as a c-card). You obtain this card by taking and passing a dive certification course. Once you pass this course, you receive your c-card and you are good to go.

The two main certification agencies are PADI and NAUI. Other agencies, such as YMCA and SSI, also offer scuba diving certification but NAUI and PADI are the most widely recognized.

The dive shop (or other entity) that you take your training from will be affiliated with one of these agencies. That is who you will receive your card from.

The most common scuba diving certification for recreational divers is the open water diver. Once you finish this course and pass the tests and dives, you receive your c-card. Once you receive your card, you are certified for life. There is no other mandatory training. There is other optional training you can do, but nothing more is required before you can start diving.

What are the requirements for taking a certification course?

As far as age goes, for PADI you must be 10 or older to take the course. Students younger than 15 will receive the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. It can then be upgraded to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. For Naui, you must be 12 or older to take the course.

Basically you should be in good physical shape and be comfortable in the water. A clearance from your doctor would be a good idea if you have any doubts.

During the course you will have to be able to swim 200 yards. However, you can use any stroke and there is no time limit on how long it takes. You also have to tread water or float for 10 minutes. Again, you can use any methods you want.

The course itself can be broken into 4 major segments:

1. Book work

2. Exams

3. Pool training

4. Open water dives

The amount of time it takes to get our scuba diving certification depends on what avenue you take. There are intensive weekend courses where you can do all your book work and pool work in one weekend. This option usually involves advance reading. I think this could be a bit overwhelming if you have no prior experience but many people opt for this route.

At the opposite end are the options where you meet over the course of several weeks to do your book and pool work. This is the option I chose. The class met once a week for 6 weeks. The first part of the night involved the classroom (about 1 1/4 hours) followed by pool work (about 1 1/2 hours).

A recent introduction are the on-line certification courses which allows you to do the book portion of your scuba diving certification from anywhere.

You get a referral to do your open water dives after you successfully complete the book and pool work. Your open water dives are usually done in a lake, quarry or ocean. You typically do these dives over the course of 2 days. Certification usually requires 4 or 5 successful open water dives. You also have to do your open water dives within a certain amount of time of receiving your referral.

During your open water dives, you will perform the skills you learned in class for the instructor. This involves such skills as clearing your mask, buddy breathing, etc. Once you successfully pass the open water dives, you will receive your c-card.

As far as the cost of certification, prices for the course and pool work portion can range anywhere from around $150 to several hundred. I think $200-$250 is probably about average. If you take book portion online through PADI, the course currently costs $120 (you still have to pay for your in water training and open water dive portions).

Adding in the cost of your open water dives, the total cost of dive certification will probably be about $350-$450.

Hopefully I have answered most of your questions about getting certified. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!

KM61.com asked:


You happen to notice more and more of your friends are talking about SCUBA diving. Now you what get into the fun… What are the steps to getting certified?
Step 1: Ask friends where they received their beginning certification training. Meet with the Instructor of the facility. The Instructor will be your guide through your SCUBA Diving certification program.
STEP 2: The Open Water/SCUBA Diver course is the first level of diver certification, your ticket to exciting adventure in the underwater world. This course includes knowledge development (classroom), skill practice in confined water (pool), and actual SCUBA diving in open water (ocean), all under the guidance of a certified SCUBA instructor. The Open Water/SCUBA Diver course consists of 5 academic modules (or home study e-Learning), 5 confined water modules and 5 open water (ocean) modules.

For your convenience, the classroom portion of the Open Water/SCUBA Diver course may be completed one of three ways. You may learn at any time by utilizing the Open Water/SCUBA Diver DVD & textbook or the interactive CD-ROM in the comfort of you own home, then meet up with your Instructor to review your progress.

Some certifying agencies offer a second option called e-Learning. And again, you can start when ever you want at the click of a mouse. e-Learning students do not have to attend classroom sessions and do their training over the Internet, no matter where they are.

The 3rd option is to complete all classroom & DVD modules in a classroom setting with your instructor and other divers.

STEP 3: During or after your academics, you get to hang out in the pool while learning the art of breathing under water. This is the “HANDS ON” portion of your SCUBA training program. The academics and practical applications come together as you learn how to handle your SCUBA gear above and below the waterline. The buddy system, underwater skills, communications and the joy of being weightless in the liquid environment come into play while in the pool.

STEP 4: If you thought you were having a blast in the pool, then you’re going to love being in the ocean. You’re now ready to take it all to the Open Water part of the program.

You and your Instructor will tour the coral reefs, ridges & drop offs of the ocean as you quickly review and put to use the skills you learned during your class & pool work. Depending on your dive location, there will be fish of all types swimming with you. Maybe a grouper, a stingray or an octopus waiting to greet you with open tentacles to their beautiful and colorful world.

After the end of your 4th adventure training dive, your Instructor gives you the “OK” sign, shakes your hand and passes over your Diving Certification card.
Congratulations… Welcome to our Underwater World.

If you have any questions about getting certified, Continuing Education Courses Leadership Programs or info about the different certification agencies, please call 1-800-34-SCUBA and speak with one of our Certified SCUBA instructors at SCUBA.com.

Scubaworld asked:


Larger than the whole of Great Britain, and comprising of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 separate islands, the Great Barrier Reef is not only the worlds largest organism, it is one of the worlds best scuba diving destinations.

For the sheer diversity of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is unrivalled. Alive with over 2,000 separate species of fish, as well as 400 separate species of coral, the Great Barrier Reef ensures that every dive is an adventure and that no two dives are the same. Described as one of the natural wonders of the world, and now protected under its status as a World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef has long captivated the imagination of scuba divers from all over the world.

The jump off point for scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is the city of Cairns in Queensland. Once a laid back coastal town, today Cairns is one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations, complete with a large number of dive centres and liveaboard operators. Every day, large numbers of scuba divers travel here to sample the underwater splendour that is the Great Barrier Reef. The scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is itself split into four key areas, which are home to the vast majority of the dive sites on the reef. Though these regions are spread out over a large geographical spread, diving can be arranged across all via day trips or liveaboards from Cairns.

The Inner Reef Gardens, as their name suggests are located in close proximity with the Queensland coastline. Easily accessible by day boats from Cairns, the shallow and somewhat sheltered nature of the sites here mean that the Inner Garden Reefs are popular areas for diver training and diving courses.

Slightly further offshore lie the aptly named Outer Reefs, characterised by the large series of canyons and gorges that can be found throughout the reefs here. There are a large number of smaller reefs here including Thetford Reef, Paradise Reef and Agincourt Reef, and throughout all of the sites there is prolific marine life, including one of the largest colonies of clownfish you are ever likely to see!

The Far Northern Reefs include the famous Ribbon Reef system, a strong of ten coral reefs which stretch over 100 miles to the north of Cairns. At the top of this remarkable reef system lies the most famous dive site on the Great Barrier Reef, the Cod Hole. Here a large family of resident Potato Cod will amaze you with their friendly antics as well as their sheer size. Due to their more remote location, the dive sites of the Far Northern Reefs are usually taken in on one of the many three day liveaboard trips that operate out of Cairns.

For more experienced divers, the dive sites of the Coral Seas prove a huge attraction. Located around 200 kilometres offshore, the Coral Sea is considered to be one of Australia’s best dive sites. Throughout the year, large numbers of liveaboards travel here from Cairns to sample the superb diving that can be found at dives sites such as Osprey Reef and Bougainville Reef.

Overall, the Great Barrier Reef is fully deserving of its legendary status as one of the worlds best diving locations. The range and diversity of marine and coral life is barely rivalled anywhere else on earth. Thankfully, the considerable conservation efforts of the authorities will ensure that this natural wonder is experienced by many generations to come.

Rob Daniels asked:


Snuba is a portmanteau word, combing the words scuba and snorkel. Snuba divers wear similar equipment to that of scuba divers: fins, mask, and a bodysuit. However, the air tank commonly worn on scuba divers back, is attached to a specially designed raft floating on the surface of the water. The air that the snuba divers breath travels through a twenty foot hose, only allowing the diver to travel to a maximum depth of twenty feet. The raft bearing the water tanks is designed to move in coordination with the snuba diver’s movements.

Essentially, snuba contains the benefits of both snorkeling and scuba diving; snuba offers the security of snorkeling as well as the freedom to venture under water to examine native fish or flora. Snuba is a “patented underwater diving system”, literally combining both snorkeling and scuba diving. Snuba allows users to not only view scenery from the surface, but to travel a total distance of twenty feet from a raft that supports your air tanks.

There is no snorkel or scuba experience needed for snuba, making it a safe and easy adventure. No extensive training is required as well as no certification or license. Unlike scuba diving, there is no need for heavy equipment in snuba, for the users’ air tanks are supported by a floating raft. In general, snuba is relaxing and even those who are not as strong swimmers can enjoy Snuba.

Snuba is a way to bring your children and family together; it is a family activity. Though Snuba uses compressed air, users do not have to worry about decompression issues because of the relative shallow depth. Snuba has minimal complication of equipment, and contstant connection to the surface over bodies of water.

Like a scuba diver you should not hold your breath while under the water and remember to descend and ascend slowly. Slow ascents and descents will allow your ears (and lungs) to pressurize in a similar way to being on an airplane.

While snuba users are restricted to a depth of twenty feet, in general, Snuba allows users freedom of movement and full control. Users breathe through a standard diving regulator, which is connected to a 20-foot air tube to an air tank that floats on the surface of the water in a floating raft. As you move about underwater, the raft is designed to follow you, allowing users to dive to a maximum depth of 20 feet. This raft ensures the necessity of heavy diving equipment needed for scuba diving.

Similarly to scuba diving, snuba gives you the feeling of being a part of the underwater world. The reefs you swim in have beautiful and abundant marine life, but you must remember to respect the ocean by not touching or breaking coral or taking anything out of the ocean.

Coral is very fragile and it is possible to break thousands of years of growth in a matter of seconds. Corals such as fire coral is dangerous. Fire coral can sting if touched, and many other types of coral have defense mechanisms, so it’s always best not to touch any variety of coral. Because snuba allows you to go deeper than the average snorkeler you will encounter more ocean life, such as eels and poisonous fish. Be careful to just observe and not touch or provoke the ocean life you see. A no touch policy is the safest way to ensure a successful snuba experience.

Before you go snuba, be sure to take off all of your shiny jewelry, especially silver. Though quite rare, sometimes silver jewelry in the water resemble small fish, which could potentially attract a fish such as a barracuda. It might get the wrong idea about your jewelry and come closer than you or other swimmers might like.

Dane Stanton asked:


It is highly imperative and in the best interest of the person wishing to go scuba diving to achieve proper certification because this is a very dangerous sport and should be approached with caution and a passion to learn. There are literally thousands of certification approved schools that can help you in achieving this necessary tool before you dive in, literally! Lets take a look at some of the avenues that you could seek scuba diving certification from before you plan the ultimate scuba diving adventure.

Who Certifies Scuba Divers?

There are hundreds of centers throughout the world including in vacation hot spots that have a program that can provide you with the necessary training to get you cerified as well as several conventional methods. They typically offer the very latest teaching in technology and diving techniques and are PADI approved.

When speaking and researching these certifications you will undoubtedly come across an agency called PADI and some should be mentioned about this organization because they are one responsible for governing laws and latest technologies that surround these training centers. PADI governs all of the training centers throughout the United States and the basic reason that they are there is to govern the facilities and ensure that they are teaching safe diving practices as well as using equipment that is up to date.

It is a tightly controlled industry due to the potential for harm that is present so scuba diving certification is not only necessary; it is an extremely helpful tool for your personal safety. If you are currently looking to get certified it would be wise for you to ensure that the agency you take your certification from is governed by PADI if you are in the United States and elsewhere, ensure they are a governed body for your own protection.

It is reassuring to know that if you are inquiring about getting scuba diving certification in the United States that most of the establishments are governed under PADI and in fact have more state of the art equipment and techniques than most developed countries. Also, it is imperative to note that if you are getting scuba diving certification for a potential career in this field, many scuba diving training centers offer job placement as part of the scuba diving certification program.

If you plan on obtaining a certification then following these key principles is a must. Make sure you write then down before going for your certificate.

Dane Stanton asked:


By definition, Scuba Diving is the use of self contained, underwater breathing apparatus and as such was named by the uses of this equipment. When an individual going underwater for long periods of time it is essential that you have equipment to breath.

Sometimes diving takes place very deep under the sea and it wouldn’t be practical or even feasible to come up for air every half minute when you’ve run out of oxygen in your lungs. The diver wears all this equipment on his back and swims underwater with fins on the feet for easier mobility in the water much like a fish has fins.

The History of Diving

Scuba diving has been around for a long time already and was mainly designed and created to have purpose in the world wars or to be utilized in battle. The soldiers in those times used something similar to scuba diving equipment however it was called a frogman. A doctor developed this in the era of WWII by the name of Christian Lambertsen and although scuba diving is used for many reasons today, it is becoming even more popular with the advancements that it is making in the recent decades.

Risks Associated with Scuba Diving

There are many risks associated with scuba diving that may seem that they are not risks however changes in air pressure is probably the most dangerous risk facing scuba diving with the exception of getting eaten by a shark. Changes in pressure in the water can cause such extreme pressure that it can rupture an eardrum or do damage that is even less desirable.

Every part of your body is required to be equalized by the pressure surrounding you depending on the depth of water you are in and if you are changing water depths. Another common known scuba diving problem is called oxygen toxicity, which is especially dangerous, and life threatening in that it can cause seizures and has often resulted in the diver drowning.

However like any other accident, this is a completely preventable issue by following diving instructions properly and safely. Nitrogen narcosis can affect a diver when he gets to sixty-six feet and generally dissipates immediately as the diver sinks lower than this depth. There are many dangers that face a diver and it is wise to get professional guidance.

Brooke Hayles asked:


Water sports have always been among man’s favorite and most challenging sports. Whether it is on the water, in the water or under the water, water sports have always fascinated the adventurer and sports lover. What is it that distinguishes these types of sports from other sports? What are their advantages? In addition, what are the different kinds of water sports? Read on as we tell you more…
Advantages of Water Sports:
Why are they so special? “The sheer fun of being in water,” says 28-year-old Natalie, a water sports lover. According to her, some of the major benefits include:
*They set the stage for excellent fitness exercises that stretch your muscles and build strength in unique ways.
*Unlike other sports, you aren’t sweating as you do them, so even though you’re working hard, your body temp stays cool.
*Since they are so different from other sports, competing in the water, an element we were not built for is a fantastic challenge.
*Especially for those sports, which require holding one’s breath, the athlete must develop larger lungs, capable of holding more air, thus staying beneath the surface for a longer period of time. The natural benefit of larger lungs and the ability to breath in more air is a healthier body. Like water, the more oxygen we can get into our bodies, the more efficiently our bodies work.
There are a large number of sports that involve water. They can be classified into these categories: In the water, under the water, and on the water.
In the Water:
The most popular is, of course, swimming. The human race mastered this skill long ago. Swimming forms an interesting component of several other major sports or activities that include:
*The Triathlon: This is a combination of swimming, cycling, and running.
*Modern Pentathlon: It includes epee fencing, pistol shooting, swimming, show-horse jumping, and cross country running.
*Rescue Swimming: Swimming with a mission to rescue other swimmers. As a water sport, it helps develop a variety of key attributes. Strength, Leadership, and staying calm in high-pressure situations are necessary abilities, which are also great life skills to possess.
*Snorkeling is a very popular water activity. It is the practice of swimming on the surface of the water equipped with a mask and short tube known as a snorkel.
There are several group sports that are played in water. These include:
*Water Basketball: A team, ball, basket, water. It’s very similar to basketball in water.
*Water Polo: A physical team sport that requires strength for hard throwing, endurance, and extremely fast reflexes for defense.
*Synchronized Swimming: A hybrid of swimming, gymnastics, and ballet. Endurance, Awareness, and Flexibility are the hallmarks of this sport.
*Surf Lifesaving is a competitive sport that evolved from the training activities of lifeguards at surf beaches.
Underwater Sports:
These include various forms of diving. Among the most popular underwater sports are:
*Scuba Diving is an adventure unto itself. Each person is required to take professional lessons to learn it after which the person becomes a Certified Diver. With mask, wet suit (body suit) fins for the feet, and a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)- you’re ready to enter a world you never knew existed beneath the surface.
*Free Diving: The aim of the diver is to dive in and swim down to the maximum depth without a breathing apparatus. Necessary tools are great lungs, and the ability to equalize the water pressure, which builds on the ears as one travels deeper.
Underwater group sports include:
*Underwater Rugby that is played with a ball that is naturally buoyant. Here breathing is done through a snorkel and tackling is only allowed if you have the ball or are tackling the one holding it.
*Underwater Hockey is played under water with short wooden curved sticks and a heavy puck. In this game, players wear diving masks, snorkels, and fins and must surface to breathe while teammates continue the game on the pool bottom.
Water sports that take place ON the surface are a special breed. They’re usually extremely fast-past, requiring the participant to be fully aware at all times, and can be some of the more dangerous sports.
Surface Sports Include:
*Boating: Races are held every year in different parts of the world. Like car racing, the boats are sometimes made from extremely light, fragile material and the danger level rises with the speeds.
*Canoe polo: Playing polo using a canoe
*Body boarding: This sport is similar to surfing. However, the board is smaller and the person lies on the board.
*Surface Skimming: These types of sports include traditional surfing, water skiing, kneeboarding, and wake boarding. They require great footwork, and excellent balance.
There are excellent water sports associations that offer training, organized expeditions, and adventure sports in thrilling destinations all over the world. The Internet, as always, has the most up-to-date information on how you can get involved. Keep checking regularly, and in the meantime pick your favorite sport and dive in!
Summary:
There are a large number of sports that involve water. They can be classified into these categories: In the water, under the water, and on the water.

Dianne Rein asked:


A scuba diving computer can be a divers best friend. It will allow you to stay down longer than if you were diving off of tables. There are many types and/or styles of dive computers you can choose from. Which one is best is really personal preference and is suited to the way you dive. The following are some of the choices you will have when purchasing your dive computer.

Console Dive Computer

A console dive computer is attached to the rest of the equipment via a hose. The console dive computers typically come with a pressure gauge. The readouts are typically larger than on a wrist dive computer so they can also be easier on the eyes.

There are also options for a scuba dive computer to be mounted on your hose (this is the type we currently use) or clip onto your BC. Choose whichever is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range.

Wrist Dive Computer

The wrist dive computer is very popular. These types of computers look like large watches and are worn on the wrist. They will tell you all you need to know at a glance. Some wrist dive computers are also able to be mounted in a console.

Sometimes the faces may be a bit small for all the information the computer can display, so make sure you will be able to read it underwater.

Unless they are air integrated and wireless (see below) wrist dive computers usually do not come with a pressure gauge. One small disadvantage here is that these can be pretty easy to misplace/lose.

Air Integrated Dive Computer

Air integrated dive computers are becoming more commonplace. An air integrated computer measures the tank pressure and then calculates how much more time you have left at the current rate of air consumpetion. The air integrated dive computer will tell you how much time you can spend at any exertion level.

An air integrated computer replaces the need for a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One downside of an air integrated computer is that if it fails, you lose information on how much air you have left in your tank. Dive over.

Nitrox Dive Computer

With nitrox diving becoming more and more common, so are computers that are nitrox compatible. Even if you aren’t diving with nitrox now, if you are even thinking of diving with nitrox in the future, it is probably worth it to purchase a nitrox dive computer. This will save you the expense of buying a whole new computer in the future. However, if don’t think you will ever dive with nitrox, then there is no reason to pay for this feature. A standard air computer is probably $100+ less than its nitrox counterpart.

Hoseless Dive Computer

The hoseless dive computer consists of the receiver (typically worn on the wrist or mounted on the BC) and a transmitor. The transmitor attaches to the high pressure port of the regulator first stage and then sends your air information, wirelessly, to the receiver. The receiver looks the same as normal dive computers.

This setup cuts down on the number of hoses you need. There are now even hoseless dive computers that can accept signal from multiple transmitors - so you can even keep an eye on your buddies air consumption. Of course, this capability is really for the more advanced technical divers who may use different tanks on one dive. And, of course, we are talking some pretty high price tags here.

So just think about how you dive and what capabilities you need. The right dive computer for one person can be completely wrong for another person. Choose one that you are comfortable with and one that is right for you wallet.