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One of the primary diving skills a beginner will have to contend with in the course of his scuba diving training is the mastery of buoyancy control. Now there are 3 factors affecting the scuba diver’s state of buoyancy - particularly the diver’s weight, breathing techniques applied and of course the type of buoyancy compensator device (BCD) used. The article will briefly discuss how weight and breathing issues can affect diver performance while a rundown of pertinent BCD functionalities will be featured. Moreover, a few tips relevant to the selection and use of said scuba gear will follow.

Body Fat is Buoyant. True! Packing extra pounds to your weight makes you more buoyant than the scuba diver with a standard Body Mass Index (BMI). To improve buoyancy control, the overweight scuba diver should implement lifestyle changes to get rid of excess fat and work on the build-up of muscle mass instead. Fat is less dense than either the muscle tissues or bones and will therefore lift the diver back to the surface, particularly when diving in seawater.

Proper Breathing is Key. The diver won’t be able to attain a horizontal, face down position on the water column without implementing proper breathing techniques relevant to neutral buoyancy. The human lungs are teeming with air - filling its cavities, and this applies an opposing force (buoyancy) against the diver’s weight. Inhalation stuffs air into the lungs to cause the diver to rise while exhalation reduces lung volume; causing the diver to descend. To obtain efficient control of his vertical direction, the diver should learn to compensate for the opposing forces of buoyancy and weight (through the simultaneous application of breathing techniques along with BCD and lead weights operation) so that the diver neither rises to the surface nor drops to the bottom; but rather stays at a particular depth on the water column.

BCD Facts and Tips. The more pricey buoyancy compensator devices are equipped with functionalities that support its enhanced performance. So if you want to be spared from the determined inefficiencies of the bladder stabilizing vests of cheaper BCDs, then settle for at least the mid-range line of this scuba gear that are likely featured with an integrated weight system. Cheap BCDs have been found to trap volumes of gas despite venting and these air spaces interfere with the diver’s buoyancy position. When shopping for a buoyancy compensator device, be sure to determine the lift capacity of the device since said information will help you set your buoyancy prior to the dive. Likewise inspect its construction and settle for a BCD that provides a convenient reach of pressure release valves and accessory pockets while outfitted with quick release, adjustable straps. In terms of style, divers prefer the Wing type over the Vest type given its ability to easily assume a face-down, hovering position on the water column.

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that’s right for you at scubasuppliers.com.

One of the main culprits of scuba diving tragedies involves the latent toxicity of breathing gases that would take its toll on the scuba diver’s body upon reaching dangerous levels. The following are just a few of the common health risks that may arise in the uptake of compressed air from an open circuit scuba set and corresponding preventive measures that should be implemented to guarantee a safe dive.

Oxygen Toxicity Syndrome. The condition transpires when there is an excess concentration of oxygen in bodily tissues to therefore cause significant cell damage. This typically manifests at a certain depth where the partial pressure of oxygen in the body escalates to abnormal levels. Symptoms that come about with the syndrome include unconsciousness and convulsions. To avoid its occurrence, scuba divers should submit to Nitrox training to become technically adept with the application of breathing gas mixtures, get certified for the skill and master the use of related equipment as well, particularly the functionality of a rebreather.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous types of toxins that could gradually impair the functions of the nervous system. The toxic gas arises in the form of combustion exhausts that may have been integrated with breathing gases in the air tank. Following standard safety procedures in the servicing of compressors and refilling of air cylinders is a must to avoid any instance of fatal poisoning from the gas.

Nitrogen Narcosis. The condition arises from the heightened uptake of nitrogen in the blood and bodily tissues, at the rate of abnormal partial pressures. At a certain depth, a scuba diver may fleetingly encounter a certain kind of high (more like tipsy when drunk) which could progress into serious lung complications. To prevent nitrogen narcosis, the diver needs to be learned on the application of breathing gases and to which diving profile these are fit for use. Trimix gases are applicable for use when cruising technical diving depths.

Gas embolism. The medical conditionis an offshoot of the presence of gas bubbles in the bloodstream, particularly when toxic levels are reached. This can put forth severe damage to the blood vessels and eventually trigger complications while the diver is submerged underwater. The uptake of proper breathing techniques in the use of scuba equipment will promote a balanced flow of gases in and out of the body.

Proper training in the use of scuba equipment is necessary to avoid the development of medical conditions in the midst of a scuba diving excursion. Knowing your depth and decompression limits while adhering to safety guidelines will also help the scuba diver stay out of trouble. Meanwhile, investing on good quality equipment such as the Aeris A1 Octopus Regulator assures safety and convenience in the inhalation of breathing gases from the cylinder tank. Such equipment has been optimally designed to allow easy inhalation of Nitrox gas mixtures containing up to 40% oxygen. Generally lightweight and featured with an orthodontic mouthpiece for its second stage, this is one comfortable scuba gear you can’t dive without in your next scuba diving vacation.

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that’s right for you at scubasuppliers.com.

Scuba diving requires quite a bit of gear, and the most important of all is your diving mask. This single piece of equipment can literally make the difference between a great dive or spending all your time exhaling water. The same thing goes for snorkeling masks. So how do you choose a good mask without testing it in the water? I have listed below the techniques I have used to literally help hundreds, maybe thousands of people find the right scuba mask.

Types of scuba masks

There are basically two types of scuba masks, a single lens mask and a two lens mask. Each has it’s own benefit.

Two lens mask

A two lens mask allows the mask to sit closer to your face, allowing for a lower volume. This means less effort to equalize and also makes it easier to clear water from the mask. Since the lens sits closer to your face, you will also generally have better peripheral vision. Depending on your face shape, some people may notice the center piece.

Single Lens Mask

The advantage of a single lens mask is that you have one unobstructed vision. As they tend to be larger, they are generally the preferred choice for anyone who may feel a little claustrophobic. Since the overall volume is larger, single lens masks do take more effort to clear.

The materials

Any quality mask should be made of crystalline silicone. Almost all masks from any major manufacturer now use this type of silicone. It should feel very soft and flexible. Lower quality masks (such as those sold at sports stores, Walmart, target, etc) generally use a vinyl silicone that is not nearly as durable or as flexible. You can generally recognize vinyl silicone by its lack of clearness. These type of mask should not be used for scuba diving as the frames can crack under pressure.

How to fit the mask

1. Set the mask on your face (without using the strap).

2. Gently inhale into the mask until it sucks onto your face (you should not have to use any force to push the mask onto your face).

3. The mask should stay on your face with the initial suction you created. If you have to continuously inhale then there is not a good seal and the mask does not fit well.

4. Most masks have an inner and outer seal. Look into a mirror to make sure that both of these seals are sitting firmly against your face.

5. Make sure that there is nothing uncomfortable about the mask. If it bothers you now, it will be amplified when you dive.

6. Now that you have the mask on, look around and check your vision.

The Price

In general, a good scuba mask should cost around $40-$80. There are masks that go above this, but in most cases the difference in performance does not warrant the difference in price. If you find a mask below this price, then make sure you are getting a good deal, and not just a lower quality mask.

Take your time

Be sure to try on several masks. The more you try on the more you will start to figure out what you like and don’t like. Be sure to take you time with each mask. Make sure that it feels very comfortable and fits your face well. Since the mask will be your most important piece of gear, don’t purchase one unless you can first try it on.

I have been scuba diving for over ten years and worked in the industry for over 7 years. The majority of my diving has been on the California coast, but also includes warm water locations such as Mexico and Japan. I started The Scuba Island: http://www.thescubaisland.com/ as a way to try and offer some of the information I gained and to keep learning myself.