Dive Industry News Headlines

J-1900 Delta BCD

The manufacturers (IST Sports Corp) say the superior adjustments on the J-1900 Delta BCD means 'one size fits most'.

As a result, the Delta buoyancy controller (BC) is a compact, single back-inflation system with forty (40) pounds of lift.

It has two easy loading, integrated weight pockets with zips at the top and you can ditch them with a simple pinch of the buckles.

Another handy feature is the sternum straps that you can slide vertically on adjusters to get the best fit.

Size, Specifications, and Unique Features

• 33lbf(147N) back inflated bladder with 40 lbs. of lift
• 2 stainless-steel D-rings (2 on shoulder, 2 on waist harness)
• K-style power inflator with pull dump
• 16-inch military-grade corrugated rubber inflation hose
• 2 quick-release weight pockets; maximum load 8.8 lbs. (4kg) each
• Reshaped and upgraded bladder for vertical position at the surface

Note: Another section explains how the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD Setup) functions with some safety tips for beginners.

What's the Best Dive Knife for 2023?

There are many different styles and sizes of scuba diving knives to choose from. But, we recently reviewed the Promate Titanium models - and here are the results.

This diver's tool definitely has a sleek design. The most notable features include a robust finish and comfortable leg straps.

The blade is made from lightweight titanium, so the edges should stay sharp for many dives. The handle has an easy grip and there are sharp or blunt tip designs available.

Size, Specifications, and Unique Features

• Titanium Alloy (rust proof)
• Serrated blade, fishing line cutter, and hammer
• Blade Length: 4.5 inches (12.7 centimetres)
• Handle Length: 5 inches (11.4 centimetres)
• Molded thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and nylon grip
• Strong lock sheath with quick disconnect buckles
• Quick release and adjustable rubber straps

Note: Another section contains a comprehensive list of scuba dive equipment and accessories. It is a useful resource guide for anyone looking to buy cheap scuba gear.

T-60 Apollo Dive Light

There is no substitute for a good dive light when scuba diving in low light conditions. So, if you're into cave diving, wreck diving, or night diving, you need a good underwater torch to help keep you safe.

The T-60 Apollo LED torch (made by IST Sports) is sleek and extremely versatile.

It measures thirteen centimetres long (5.2 inches), and the 1200 Lumens compact dive light is equipped with a sliding shade and removable light diffuser.

The magnetic power switch cycles through five (5) individual brightness settings (high, mid, low, SOS flash, and off).

Thanks to the slender aluminium housing, this illumination device is rugged and lightweight.

Furthermore, the manufacturers say it is waterproof rated to one hundred (100) metres (328 feet).

Key Features

• Brightness 1200 Lumens
• Buoyancy Negative
• Dimension 13.2cm x Ø2.6cm (5.20" x Ø1.02")
• Patented built-in sliding light diffuser
• Lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum material (dry) 116g / 0.26lb (without battery)
• Burn Time: 2 - 10 hours (depending on operation mode)
• Bulb Type: CREE LED XM-L2 U3 life 50,000+ hours
• Dimensions: 13.2 cm x 2.6 cm (5.20” x 1.02”)
• Battery type: 18650 rechargeable Li-ion x 1 (recommend) or CR123A primary lithium batteries x 2 (batteries not included)

Note: The scuba equipment section contains further information about underwater flashlights and some safety tips for beginners.

WR3-F Glow-in-the-Dark Underwater Writing Slate

The multi-side underwater writing slate made by IST Sports is ideal for scuba teachers as well as for recreational divers.

We often get asked 'can you talk while scuba diving'. Well, this is one of the clearest methods that some instructors use for communicating safety instructions with students underwater.

Furthermore, the WR3-F Underwater Writing Slate glows in the dark (ideal for the PADI Night Diver course or for diving in low-visibility).

Key Features

• The unique slate with elastic hinge bands creates extra writing space without losing its compactness
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.7 inches (10.5 x 12 centimetres)
• Velcro™ strap attaches to a diver's forearm for optimum streamlining with high-visibility Neon Yellow
• Having a charcoal pencil helps to prevent corrosion (attached with stretchy plastic coil and handy storage facility in the integrated sleeve)
• 3 snap open layers with 5 writing surfaces with large side tabs is great for easy opening and closing (even when you're wearing neoprene dive gloves)

Note: The scuba equipment section contains information about books and underwater slates, with some extra safety tips for beginners.

How to Prepare for Scuba Diving?

"Breathing underwater for the very first time is an amazing experience. In recreational scuba, you breathe normal air through a regulator while swimming underwater.

Your equipment and apparatus supplies you with breathable air regulated to be the same pressure that surrounds you (ambient pressure).

As a result, the popular sport has been revolutionised in the last few decades. It is now accessible and available to almost anyone who is in general good health and comfortable in water."

Note: This brief excerpt comes from one of our featured articles. Click here to read the full article about first time scuba diving tips with five key suggestions for beginners and non-swimmers.

How to Start a Scuba Diving Business?

"If you are ready to develop your dream job, be your own boss and earn money from scuba diving, then maybe you are ready to enjoy the unique and envious lifestyle of a dive shop owner.

The combination of helping new divers to transform their daily lives, and earning a good income from a self employed job that you love, is an unparalleled situation that attracts many dive center proprietors to begin.

The project will undoubtedly be exciting and a challenge. But, introducing fresh individuals to the heart of our industry also brings additional privileges and responsibilities."

Note: This brief excerpt comes from one of our featured articles. Click here to read the full article about starting a scuba diving business with some useful tips to help you get started.

Business and Career Development Seminar

PADI seminars create opportunities for staff to share their knowledge and expertise in several key areas, including:

• Business development
• Career pathways
• Dive industry success stories
• Professional certification marketing

PADI Members can attend any or all of the three seminars taking place over five days in Goa from the 14th to 18th of June 2023.

Duikvaker Expo Houten

The Dutch Dive Show (Duikvaker) takes place on the weekend of the 4th and 5th of February in Houten 2023. It includes 150 exhibitors, 80 guest speakers, and 10,000 ocean lovers and water sport enthusiasts.

DEMA Show 2023

The DEMA Show is the largest trade-only event in the world for companies that do business in the scuba diving, ocean water sports, and adventure or dive travel industries.

Every year it attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professionals who work in the dive and travel industry.

Don't forget the date: Starting the 14th of November through to the 17th of November 2023, New Orleans, LA.

The Intentional Sinking of HTMS Chang

Thailand gets a new shipwreck for divers on the 16th of August. As a result, diving at Koh Chang Island is a much-improved destination for a scuba vacation.

The huge vessel was originally built in Philadelphia for the US Navy in 1944 to assist with the Pacific war efforts.

The boat was capable of transporting troops, tanks and gear directly to the shores of countries that were engaged in the conflicts.

The USS Lincoln County was given the hull number 898 and its first trips involved the invasion of imperial Japan at Okinawa. She was later decommissioned in March of 1961.

For almost 50 years, the tank landing ship provided transport for troops and vehicles for the Navy. Then, 712 HTMS Chang was moored near Bangkok in 2006 and partly gutted out.

The Navy then decided to sink it as an artificial reef in the vicinity of Koh Chang Island, a popular holiday destination with tourists.

Its journey to the southeastern island (near the Cambodian border) was executed by two tugboats. It arrived on Koh Chang's Navy pier in July 2012.

Note: The daily boat trips in Koh Chang offer divers the full range of 'Discovery Programs', PADI® Certification Courses, and a selection of Technical Diving opportunities.

Article First Published 2012

Thai Navy Ship Sinks at Pattaya Coastline

The small vessel, HTMS Mataphon, was slowly lowered to the bottom of the seabed by a floating crane on the morning of the 20th of October.

They chose Had Nuan Beach on the coral island of Koh Larn (a short boat trip from the Port) as a good location for the intentional sinking.

This new shipwreck is smaller than the other two wrecks, HTMS Khram and HTMS Kut. Even so, it gives local scuba divers an alternative dive site for wreck diving adventures.

Article First Published 2012

Scuba Industry Innovation Hunt

Recent estimates suggest there are nine million active divers worldwide. Thus, the opportunity for growth (e.g. through the acquisition of new innovative products) is huge.

As a result, a global hunt for the 'next big thing' is in full force in the scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving industries.

This step is important:

So, how can you participate in the hunt? It's simple, you need to submit your unique idea to any of the participating companies (e.g. listed on the MarketBlast open innovation platform).

But, to make a submission, you need to be one of the following:

• Innovator
• Manufacturer
• Product engineer
• Professional developer
• Supplier
• Start-up company

Important: After creating an account, new submitters will not be subject to any upfront costs or commissions.

Recreational Divers become Citizen Scientists

There are many ways that citizen scientists can help conduct scientific research. This particular task was one that involved the collection of data about the largest known population of manta rays in the world.

A team of recreational scuba divers helped to populate the database of some 22,000 mantas off the coast of Ecuador in South America.

Marine biologists already know manta rays live in small groups of up to fifty (50) individuals. But, this new discovery was an impressively large collection. In fact, it was the largest ever confirmed and recorded.

In case you were wondering:

The scientific name for the giant oceanic manta ray is Mobula birostris. They are the largest species of ray.

The wingspan of these elasmobranchs can extend over six metres (20 feet). Most of their existence is spent filter feeding on krill and zooplankton (animal component of the planktonic community) as they glide through tropical and subtropical waters.

Can You Scuba Dive If You Wear Glasses?

There are certain medical conditions that you cannot dive with, such as asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

But, the good news is that needing contact lenses or spectacles to help you see better does not stop you from diving.

So, even though the answer is a yes, and people with bad eyesight can scuba dive, it's important to understand that you can't actually wear glasses under a scuba mask.

Some simple fixes for people with impaired vision include:

• Prescription scuba mask
• Soft contact lenses (daily disposables)

Tip for Beginners: A process called refraction magnifies your vision underwater. In short, objects will appear bigger and closer. So, some people who want to go scuba diving with glasses may not need to buy a special mask with prescription lenses.

Is Your Emergency Action Plan Good Enough?

Divers should never underestimate the importance of having a structured plan to follow if there is an emergency.

In general, there are three key steps to include in any effective response. So, how powerful is your PADI Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and is there anything you can add to make it better?

The bottom line is this:

Despite being an uncommon event, scuba diving accidents and horror stories happen.

As a result, now could be a good time to review your EAP and consider the logistics of emergency management.

Important: Three parts of an effective response are being able to commit it to memory, manage the scene, and handle the logistics with clear, concise, communication.

Snorkeling Boat Capsizes in Watamu

Preliminary reports about the incident suggest that strong storms hit the boat as it traveled along the Indian Ocean on Saturday the 21st of January.

News reports say three (3) people are known to have drowned and many more are missing. One of the local eyewitnesses told the press there were fifteen (15) Italians and at least ten (10) Kenyan nationals on board when it capsized.

To enhance safety, the government banned swimming and other activities (e.g. snorkeling tours) at the beach after 5:30 pm back in December 2022.

Important: Besides cracking down on unseaworthy boats, stricter regulations to make everyone on board wear floating vests would help to reduce deaths such as these.

Article First Published 2023

Baby Turtles Released in Pattaya

The Sea Turtle Conservation Center at Sattahip, south of Pattaya released 982 turtles into the water in the Gulf of Thailand.

Marking the celebration of HM the Queen's 81st birthday, these conservation programs are trying to slow the decline in the numbers of green and hawksbill turtles in the oceans.

Article First Published 2013