Scuba Diving: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Open Water Certification
Answers to your basic questions about Open Water Certification.
Answers to your basic questions about Open Water Certification.
Certification Agencies
A basic overview of scuba diving certification agencies. What they are, what they do, the difference between agencies, and an overview of the most popular agencies.
A basic overview of scuba diving certification agencies. What they are, what they do, the difference between agencies, and an overview of the most popular agencies.
Learn to Scuba Dive
All the basic information you need to know about learning to scuba dive. Includes courses available, where to learn, equipment, health and fitness, skills, and specialty courses.
All the basic information you need to know about learning to scuba dive. Includes courses available, where to learn, equipment, health and fitness, skills, and specialty courses.
About Scuba Diving
An overview of scuba diving as a sport and profession. All about the what, who, why, where, and how of scuba.
An overview of scuba diving as a sport and profession. All about the what, who, why, where, and how of scuba.
Open Water Skills
A description of each of the water skills taught during the Open Water Diver certification course.
A description of each of the water skills taught during the Open Water Diver certification course.
Open Water Swimming Tests
I frequently get questions on the difficulty of the water skills tests. The good news is that they're not difficult at all, and I've written some tips below to make them even easier.
I frequently get questions on the difficulty of the water skills tests. The good news is that they're not difficult at all, and I've written some tips below to make them even easier.
Fitness to Scuba Dive
A guide to the basic levels of health and fitness required to scuba dive. Features a check list of common medical problems that may prevent you from being able to scuba dive.
A guide to the basic levels of health and fitness required to scuba dive. Features a check list of common medical problems that may prevent you from being able to scuba dive.
How to Wash Your Gear
One of the most important skills you'll learn as a diver is how to properly wash your scuba equipment. It's very important to wash your scuba equipment thoroughly after every day of diving. Washing your scuba gear ensures that it all performs safely as it was intended to and it will also prolong its life.
One of the most important skills you'll learn as a diver is how to properly wash your scuba equipment. It's very important to wash your scuba equipment thoroughly after every day of diving. Washing your scuba gear ensures that it all performs safely as it was intended to and it will also prolong its life.
Divers Entering the Water
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
5 Point Descent
How to perform the open water skill - 5 Point Descent.
How to perform the open water skill - 5 Point Descent.
Pre-Dive Safety Check
One of the most important parts of every dive is the pre-dive safety check, which is also known as a buddy check. You should always carry out this check with your buddy before beginning the dive.
One of the most important parts of every dive is the pre-dive safety check, which is also known as a buddy check. You should always carry out this check with your buddy before beginning the dive.
Sea Lions
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Mask Clearing
How to perform the open water skill - Mask Clearing.
How to perform the open water skill - Mask Clearing.
Suunto D9
A full review of the Suunto D9 Dive Computer
A full review of the Suunto D9 Dive Computer
Emperor Angel Fish
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Mask Removal and Replacement
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Mask Removal and Replacement'
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Mask Removal and Replacement'
Discover Scuba Diving
An overview of the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. A program that allows you to try diving under close supervision of a professional dive instructor.
An overview of the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. A program that allows you to try diving under close supervision of a professional dive instructor.
Regulator Clearing
How to perform the open water skill - Regulator Clearing - also known as Regulator Removal and Replacement.
How to perform the open water skill - Regulator Clearing - also known as Regulator Removal and Replacement.
Ascending
How to perform the open water skill - Ascending.
How to perform the open water skill - Ascending.
Martini Effect
A definition of the scuba term - Martini Effect. Also know as Martini's Law.
A definition of the scuba term - Martini Effect. Also know as Martini's Law.
What is Deep Diving?
Learn all about the thrilling world of deep diving.
Learn all about the thrilling world of deep diving.
Fin Pivot
How to perform the open water skill - Fin Pivot with Power Inflator and with Oral Inflation.
How to perform the open water skill - Fin Pivot with Power Inflator and with Oral Inflation.
School of Fish, Utila
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Regulator Recovery
How to perform the open water skill - Regulator Recovery.
How to perform the open water skill - Regulator Recovery.
Decompression Table
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Decompression Table'
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Decompression Table'
Scuba Diving - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Scuba Diving guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Scuba Diving guide site.
Clown Fish and Anemones
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
School of Jack Fish and Diver
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
1st Place: Bonaire
1st Place: Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
1st Place: Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Proper Weighting
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Proper Weighting'
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Proper Weighting'
Cenote Diving
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Whale Shark, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater Landscape
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Manta Ray
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
2nd Place: Cozumel, Mexico
Favorite Dive Destination - Cozumel, Mexico
Favorite Dive Destination - Cozumel, Mexico
Diver and Stingray
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Oceanic Atom 2.0
A full review of the Oceanic Atom 2.0 Dive Computer.
A full review of the Oceanic Atom 2.0 Dive Computer.
Great white shark
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Free Flowing Regulator
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Free Flowing Regulator'
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Free Flowing Regulator'
Dive Computer
The most basic dive computers will tell you your depth and dive time but it is also common for dive computers to calculate no-decompression limits over multiple dives. Many newer dive computers will also track air consumption and temperature and some even have built-in electronic compasses. Dive computers are commonly found attached to gauge consoles or worn on the wrist like a watch and can now be found built into masks.
The most basic dive computers will tell you your depth and dive time but it is also common for dive computers to calculate no-decompression limits over multiple dives. Many newer dive computers will also track air consumption and temperature and some even have built-in electronic compasses. Dive computers are commonly found attached to gauge consoles or worn on the wrist like a watch and can now be found built into masks.
Scubapro Twinjet Fins
A full review of Scubapro's top of the line split fins - Scubapro Twinjets.
A full review of Scubapro's top of the line split fins - Scubapro Twinjets.
Nitrogen Narcosis
A definition of the scuba term - Nitrogen Narcosis. Also commonly known as Rapture of the Deep and Gas Narcosis.
A definition of the scuba term - Nitrogen Narcosis. Also commonly known as Rapture of the Deep and Gas Narcosis.
Scuba Diving - Articles
An index of Articles for the Scuba Diving guide site.
An index of Articles for the Scuba Diving guide site.
Alternate Air Source
The Alternate Air Source is often called the Octopus and is your backup second stage regulator. It works just the same as the primary second stage regulator and can be used in the unlikely event that your primary fails or your dive buddy needs to share air. It is usually a bright color such as fluorescent yellow or pink and is normally secured somewhere within the triangle between the chin and the bottom of the rib cages, normally on the right side.
The Alternate Air Source is often called the Octopus and is your backup second stage regulator. It works just the same as the primary second stage regulator and can be used in the unlikely event that your primary fails or your dive buddy needs to share air. It is usually a bright color such as fluorescent yellow or pink and is normally secured somewhere within the triangle between the chin and the bottom of the rib cages, normally on the right side.
Panamic Green Moray Eel
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Disconnect LPI
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Disconnect Low Pressure Inflator'
How to perform the Open Water skill 'Disconnect Low Pressure Inflator'
Hanging Coral Reef and Diver
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
5th Place: Galapagos Islands
5th Place: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
5th Place: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
What is Wreck Diving?
Learn about the basics of wreck diving, the types of wrecks you can dive, the dangers involved, and training.
Learn about the basics of wreck diving, the types of wrecks you can dive, the dangers involved, and training.
Salad Coral and Diver
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Decompression Sickness
Definition of the scuba diving term - Decompression Sickness, also known as DCS, The Bends, or Caisson Disease.
Definition of the scuba diving term - Decompression Sickness, also known as DCS, The Bends, or Caisson Disease.
Red Grouper and Soft Coral
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Buoyancy Control Device
A Buoyancy Control Device or BCD for short (also known as a Buoyancy Compensator or BC) is the jacket that scuba divers wear.
A Buoyancy Control Device or BCD for short (also known as a Buoyancy Compensator or BC) is the jacket that scuba divers wear.
School of Trevally Jacks
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
6th Place: Cebu
Favorite Dive Destination - 6th Place: Cebu, The Philippines
Favorite Dive Destination - 6th Place: Cebu, The Philippines
What is Night Diving?
It's different down there at night. The first time you descend into the darkness you'll realize that it's almost a completely different world at night. Learn all about the exciting scuba diving specialty - Night Diving.
It's different down there at night. The first time you descend into the darkness you'll realize that it's almost a completely different world at night. Learn all about the exciting scuba diving specialty - Night Diving.
Dive Knife
It is good practice to carry a dive knife or shears. Dive knives are not used as weapons, they're used to free yourself from entanglement, particularly from fishing line. Many divers carry more than one knife for added safety and it's advisable to wear one on the BCD and one strapped to a leg.
It is good practice to carry a dive knife or shears. Dive knives are not used as weapons, they're used to free yourself from entanglement, particularly from fishing line. Many divers carry more than one knife for added safety and it's advisable to wear one on the BCD and one strapped to a leg.
Sea Horse, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Soft Coral and Diver
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Bubble Coral and Shrimp
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
An overview of the beauty of underwater Egypt.
Giant Stride Entry
How to perform the open water skill - Giant Stride Entry.
How to perform the open water skill - Giant Stride Entry.
What is Nitrox?
You may have heard about Nitrox (also known as Enriched Air) and be curious what it is and how it works.
You may have heard about Nitrox (also known as Enriched Air) and be curious what it is and how it works.
4th Place: Florida, USA
Favorite Dive Destination - 4th Place: Florida, USA
Favorite Dive Destination - 4th Place: Florida, USA
Oceanic Probe LX
A full review of the Oceanic Probe LX Buoyancy Control Device (BCD).
A full review of the Oceanic Probe LX Buoyancy Control Device (BCD).
Whale Shark
Information about the Whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean. This shark inhabits tropical and warm temperate waters all around the world.
Information about the Whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean. This shark inhabits tropical and warm temperate waters all around the world.
Diving in Western Australia
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
8th Place: Greece
Favorite Dive Destination - 8th Place: Greece
Favorite Dive Destination - 8th Place: Greece
Divers at the HMAS Swan
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
7th Place: Fiji
Favorite Dive Destination - 7th Place: Fiji
Favorite Dive Destination - 7th Place: Fiji
3rd Place: Egypt
Favorite Dive Destination - 3rd Place: Egypt
Favorite Dive Destination - 3rd Place: Egypt
Wetsuit
Wetsuits keep you warm while underwater. They are made from neoprene and designed to be worn snugly in order to allow little water to move against the diver's skin. They work by insulating the diver from the cold water. Wetsuits come in many sizes from one millimeter to seven millimeters or more, with the most common sizes being 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm.
Wetsuits keep you warm while underwater. They are made from neoprene and designed to be worn snugly in order to allow little water to move against the diver's skin. They work by insulating the diver from the cold water. Wetsuits come in many sizes from one millimeter to seven millimeters or more, with the most common sizes being 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm.
Air
A definition of the term air as it's used by scuba divers.
A definition of the term air as it's used by scuba divers.
Diver with manta ray
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Yellow stripe goatfish
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Ron's Wreck, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Giant Moray, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Surface Marker Buoy
Definition of the scuba diving term - Surface Marker Buoy (also known as a Safety Sausage).
Definition of the scuba diving term - Surface Marker Buoy (also known as a Safety Sausage).
Controlled Seated Entry
How to perform the open water skill - Controlled Seated Entry.
How to perform the open water skill - Controlled Seated Entry.
Buddy Check
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy Check'
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy Check'
Nitrox
A definition of the scuba diving term - Nitrox. Also know as Enriched Air and EANx.
A definition of the scuba diving term - Nitrox. Also know as Enriched Air and EANx.
Depth Gauge
This gauge shows you how deep you are. Depth is measured in either feet or meters.
This gauge shows you how deep you are. Depth is measured in either feet or meters.
Diver with coral at Ningaloo
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Diver with green turtle
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Diver with potato cod
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
A review of diving around the beautiful tropical islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. Dive sites include Bida Noka, The King Cruiser Wreck, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang.
A review of diving around the beautiful tropical islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. Dive sites include Bida Noka, The King Cruiser Wreck, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang.
Great White Shark
Information about the Great White Shark, one of the ocean's most fierce predators. This shark inhabits temperate coastal waters all around the world.
Information about the Great White Shark, one of the ocean's most fierce predators. This shark inhabits temperate coastal waters all around the world.
Diver under Jetty
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Divers with fish off Exmouth
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
The amazing underwater sights of Western Australia, Australia.
Christmas Tree Worms, Utila
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Green Moray
A profile of one of the largest Moray Eels found in the sea - the Green Moray.
A profile of one of the largest Moray Eels found in the sea - the Green Moray.
Mobula Rays - Mexico
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Weight System
Most people need weights to sink in water. There are two common weight systems: The Weight Belt and Integrated Weights
Most people need weights to sink in water. There are two common weight systems: The Weight Belt and Integrated Weights
Fins
Fins are commonly called flippers by non-divers. They are long flat rubber or plastic extensions of your feet that allow you to swim with much greater ease and speed. The two primary varieties of fins are full-foot and open-heeled. Full-foot fins completely cover the foot like a shoe and are most commonly used in warm tropical water. Open-heeled fins have a strap across the back and are worn with booties to allow the feet more warmth and comfort.
Fins are commonly called flippers by non-divers. They are long flat rubber or plastic extensions of your feet that allow you to swim with much greater ease and speed. The two primary varieties of fins are full-foot and open-heeled. Full-foot fins completely cover the foot like a shoe and are most commonly used in warm tropical water. Open-heeled fins have a strap across the back and are worn with booties to allow the feet more warmth and comfort.
Regulator
This is what you use to breathe the air from the cylinder
This is what you use to breathe the air from the cylinder
Safety Stop
Definition of the scuba diving term - Safety Stop.
Definition of the scuba diving term - Safety Stop.
Buoyancy
A definition of the scuba diving term 'Buoyancy'.
A definition of the scuba diving term 'Buoyancy'.
Scuba Diving - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Scuba Diving guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Scuba Diving guide site.
Cenote
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Cenote'
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Cenote'
Stoplight Parrotfish
A profile of the Stoplight Parrotfish, one of the most commonly seen reef fish of the Caribbean.
A profile of the Stoplight Parrotfish, one of the most commonly seen reef fish of the Caribbean.
Submersible Pressure Gauge
The Submersible Pressure Gauge (more commonly called SPG) is the gauge that tells you how much air you have left in your tank. Air pressure is measured in PSI or bar. Most SPGs have a section of the dial highlighted in red which shows you when you're getting low on air.
The Submersible Pressure Gauge (more commonly called SPG) is the gauge that tells you how much air you have left in your tank. Air pressure is measured in PSI or bar. Most SPGs have a section of the dial highlighted in red which shows you when you're getting low on air.
Slate
There are many different types of slates, but the most common are fish slates and writing slates. A fish slate is a waterproof plastic sheet covered in pictures and names of fish (and other creatures) the diver is likely to see. A writing slate is a blank piece of plastic with a pencil attached by a cord and is used to communicate by writing underwater, taking notes, or drawing. Slates are normally attached to a D-Ring on the BCD.
There are many different types of slates, but the most common are fish slates and writing slates. A fish slate is a waterproof plastic sheet covered in pictures and names of fish (and other creatures) the diver is likely to see. A writing slate is a blank piece of plastic with a pencil attached by a cord and is used to communicate by writing underwater, taking notes, or drawing. Slates are normally attached to a D-Ring on the BCD.
Booties
In colder water it is normal to wear neoprene boots with open heeled fins to keep the feet warm. These boots are normally called booties. They are also used to protect the feet, particularly when shore diving, and some divers find them more comfortable than full foot fins.
In colder water it is normal to wear neoprene boots with open heeled fins to keep the feet warm. These boots are normally called booties. They are also used to protect the feet, particularly when shore diving, and some divers find them more comfortable than full foot fins.
Compass
An underwater compass is a very handy navigational tool and is a common piece of equipment for divers to carry. Compasses can be attached to gauge consoles, worn separately on the wrist, attached to the band of a watch or dive computer, and digital compasses are now even built into the latest dive computers.
An underwater compass is a very handy navigational tool and is a common piece of equipment for divers to carry. Compasses can be attached to gauge consoles, worn separately on the wrist, attached to the band of a watch or dive computer, and digital compasses are now even built into the latest dive computers.
Flamingo Tongue, Utila
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Cylinder
The dive cylinder is also commonly called a tank and is what you use to carry your compressed breathing gas (usually air). Dive cylinders are typically made out of aluminum or steel and come in various sizes with the most common size being 90 cubic feet / 12 liters. Breathing gas is compressed inside the cylinder at up to 3000psi/210bar.
The dive cylinder is also commonly called a tank and is what you use to carry your compressed breathing gas (usually air). Dive cylinders are typically made out of aluminum or steel and come in various sizes with the most common size being 90 cubic feet / 12 liters. Breathing gas is compressed inside the cylinder at up to 3000psi/210bar.
Hood
If you're diving in cold water you're likely to wear a hood. A hood is a neoprene cap that you wear over your head to keep it warm and can be thought of as an extension of the wetsuit.
If you're diving in cold water you're likely to wear a hood. A hood is a neoprene cap that you wear over your head to keep it warm and can be thought of as an extension of the wetsuit.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Information all about one of the most common dolphins in the sea - the Bottlenose Dolphin.
Information all about one of the most common dolphins in the sea - the Bottlenose Dolphin.
About - Scuba Diving Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Partial Pressure
Definition of the scuba diving term - Partial Pressure.
Definition of the scuba diving term - Partial Pressure.
Sea Turtle, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Snorkel
At its most basic a snorkel is a plastic tube that allows you to breathe while you're swimming on the surface. It is normally attached to the left side of the mask. It's a great way to conserve the air in your cylinder while swimming on the surface. Snorkels also come with such features as purge valves (to make it easier to clear any water inside) and splash guards (to make it hard for water to splash in the top).
At its most basic a snorkel is a plastic tube that allows you to breathe while you're swimming on the surface. It is normally attached to the left side of the mask. It's a great way to conserve the air in your cylinder while swimming on the surface. Snorkels also come with such features as purge valves (to make it easier to clear any water inside) and splash guards (to make it hard for water to splash in the top).
Yellowtail Surgeonfish
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Hawksbill Turtle
Information about Hawksbill Turtles, one of turtles most commonly encountered by divers.
Information about Hawksbill Turtles, one of turtles most commonly encountered by divers.
Weedy Sea Dragon
Information all about a unique relative of the seahorse - the Weedy Sea Dragon.
Information all about a unique relative of the seahorse - the Weedy Sea Dragon.
Utila, Honduras
A review of diving around Utila, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras.
A review of diving around Utila, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Barrel Sponge, Utila, Honduras
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Underwater images from Utila, Honduras.
Porkfish
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Explore the underwater world of Mexico with the this photo gallery.
Scuba Diving - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Scuba Diving guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Scuba Diving guide site.
Fun Dive
The meaning of the term fun dive.
The meaning of the term fun dive.
Liveaboard
Liveaboard can be used to describe both a dive excursion and a type of boat. A dive trip of at least one night is generally called a liveaboard. Liveaboard dive trips usually last from 3-14 days and involve staying on the boat for the duration of the trip while making up to 5 dives a day. The term is sometimes used to describe the boats that are used for these trips.
Liveaboard can be used to describe both a dive excursion and a type of boat. A dive trip of at least one night is generally called a liveaboard. Liveaboard dive trips usually last from 3-14 days and involve staying on the boat for the duration of the trip while making up to 5 dives a day. The term is sometimes used to describe the boats that are used for these trips.
Buddy
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy'.
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy'.