TekTips

When an actual depth falls between two planned depth schedules, select the deeper schedule on the bottom time (BT) table. For example, if the dive will have a 65-foot depth, then determine the bottom time from the 70-foot schedule. The deeper schedule increases the margin of safety. A common mistake is applying the next deeper ...

Every rebreather requires formal, model specific, training in order to competently dive with the equipment. Rebreather equipment pricing does not include training, and training is solely the responsibility of the purchaser. Training is available worldwide and Dive Gear Express also offers instruction at our facility in SE ...

Before diving with a new twist on handheld, learn how to properly operate your light or strobe so you don't flood it. While it might appear obvious how to turn the light or strobe on, getting confused or uncertain about what direction to twist is the most common reason for floods. Properly insert the batteries in to the body or ...

Divers are sometimes confused about the difference between lift bags and surface marking tubes (SMT). Surface marking tubes may also be referred to as Delayed Surface Marking Buoys (DMSB) by technical divers. Our factual but easy-to-read article helps you choose the appropriate bag by giving you information on: Why is one ...

Before adding a BC integrated second stage to your sport diving equipment configuration, consider how you will manage an air sharing situation with your dive buddy. It means you will be donating your primary to a buddy and switching to the BC integrated second stage. Technical divers know that donating the primary second stage ...

Analyzing oxygen requires the analyzer first be calibrated and that calibration requires a "known" gas. The gas most often used for calibration by sport Nitrox divers is Air, commonly described as 20.95% Oxygen. However, it's really not always 21%, in fact the Compressed Gas Association says Air can contain from 19.0% to 23.5% ...

At Rebreather Forum 3 held in 2012, statistics were presented which suggest closed circuit rebreather diving is five to ten times higher risk than open circuit scuba. Some of the statistical increase may be due to rebreathers enabling divers to attempt extreme dive profiles which are themselves inherently higher risk than dive ...

There is more to disconnecting a DIN fitting from a valve than you might imagine. Do it incorrectly and you will probably lose an o-ring and perhaps even need to have your regulator serviced. The o-ring popping out of the nose of the DIN fitting is an issue on scuba regulators and fill whip hoses and it is caused by failing to ...

Over the years, rebreather divers have used many products as breathing loop cleaners, often with questionable safety, uncertain efficacy, and poor material compatibility. Some products recommended by non-US rebreather manufacturers are not available in the US because they do not meet the regulatory criteria of the Environmental ...

As divers, we often make important decisions based on the cylinder pressures indicated by these very simple mechanical devices. We had our SPG manufacturer make us a 'custom' gauge without a dial, so you can see how a quality SPG works. The SPG has an all brass chrome plated housing with a tempered mineral glass face and ...