Search every published article and every recovered draft. Browse by subject or language. Twenty-two archive articles are available in both English and Italian.
New articleResearching safety gear can become its own form of procrastination. An emergency locator only helps when it is appropriate, understood, maintained—and actually on the dive.
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New articleTiny compressed-gas cylinders can make scuba look deceptively simple. I look at gas duration, hand-pump air quality, cylinder corrosion, regulator serviceability and the risks of using them without proper training.
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New articleWhy I moved from scepticism to dual wireless transmitters in sidemount while keeping tiny mechanical gauges as independent pressure backups—and why the real value is the information before, during and after the dive.
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A detailed tour of the sidemount, backmount, regulators, computers, exposure protection, fins, lights, cameras and practical systems I use—and the reasoning that connects them.
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Why I deliberately leave unnecessary equipment out of the water.
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Minimalism as a method, not an aesthetic.
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Why the right setup depends on diver, mission, environment and experience.
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A personal history of wrong purchases and what they taught me.
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Evidence, critical thinking and the danger of inherited habits.
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Why labels matter less than repeated exposure, correction and humility.
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Why sidemount fits my current diving life.
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A long-term, experience-led look at why the lime-green Hollis Katana 2 became my preferred sidemount BCD, what its design changes underwater and where it does not suit every diver.
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Not a winner-and-loser comparison, but a story of evolving preferences.
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How my cylinder rigging became simpler over time.
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Why I only install some hardware when the exit actually requires it.
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Why the Zen became my personal backmount platform.
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Why I value systems that can grow with the dive.
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A candid history of BCDs that taught me what I did not want.
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Why aluminium S80s fit my sidemount logistics and trim.
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How cylinder buoyancy changes become a trim-management task.
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The trade-offs I consider instead of declaring one material best.
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The small preparation habits that keep technical configurations understandable.
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Why Apeks DST first stages and XTX50 second stages became the backbone of my sidemount and technical regulator configurations, including routing, reliability, transmitters and mechanical backup.
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Why boring reliability is the highest compliment I can give a regulator.
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How the fifth port and rotating turret help me keep the hoses where I want them.
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Electronic convenience with a simple local backup.
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My long-term Shearwater Perdix 2 experience: Bühlmann, gradient factors, GF99, SurfGF, NDL, TTS, air integration, SAC, GTR, sidemount gas tracking, batteries, strengths and limitations.
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My long-term experience with the original RGBM-based Mares Quad, why it remains my trusted backup after extensive use, and how it differs from the newer Bühlmann-based Quad 2 and Quad CI.
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How the role of my second computer changes between recreational and technical dives.
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How my computer needs changed as my diving changed.
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Why repeated use matters more than the shop mirror.
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A reminder that aesthetics are allowed to matter after function is satisfied.
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Why I own different masks for scuba and freediving roles.
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My practical exposure-protection decision tree.
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Why 'still works' can beat 'newer exists'.
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Why independent donning is a practical feature, not a luxury.
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Why a custom trilaminate suit became my winter and technical choice.
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The drysuit as part of a technical system, not just thermal clothing.
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Small exposure-protection pieces that change comfort and dexterity.
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Fins as mission-specific tools rather than duplicates.
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Why the Apeks RK4 became my everyday sidemount fin: blade design, neutral behaviour, spring-strap ergonomics, propulsion, trim, drysuit compatibility and the situations where I choose something else.
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Why very heavy fins can be the right technical tool.
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Why its blade design feels particularly good when I use a scooter.
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Why good equipment can stop fitting the job without becoming bad equipment.
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A framework for choosing fins without brand tribalism.
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How my expectations of a primary light changed over time.
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My long-term experience with the Tovatec T3500S: beam, charging, battery indication, harness placement, real-world use and why it became my favourite general-purpose dive light.
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My experience with beam quality, with an important technical caveat.
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A forward-looking question about simplification in technical diving.
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A general principle illustrated by modern lighting.
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My experience with the DivePro L6 green laser, how I used it for low-impact underwater signalling, and why the 2021 safety recall fundamentally changes the recommendation today.
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Underwater communication with less noise and disturbance.
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Why carrying more imaging equipment can make the dive worse.
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How I use the Insta360 X4 underwater for 360-degree capture, reframing, DPV footage and memories, including housing depth limits, workflow, advantages and image-quality trade-offs.
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How I use the Insta360 Ace Pro underwater when deliberate framing and image quality matter more than 360 coverage, including housing, mounting, stability and practical limitations.
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My decision framework instead of a generic specification comparison.
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Why I sometimes accept a larger rig with two lights.
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Mission-based navigation equipment rather than automatic attachment.
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My test for small tools that are genuinely useful.
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Why two stackable plastic boxes beat one enormous bag for me.
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The simple drain-valve modification that speeds up my post-dive routine.
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My practical post-dive workflow after repeated salt-water use.
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A small 3D-printed solution to an annoying transport problem.
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The small kit that prevents small problems from ending a dive day.
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Why preparation is where most complexity should be managed.
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How better materials, batteries and electronics can simplify configurations.
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Why I keep old equipment that still solves the problem.
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Where premium equipment makes sense and where price is a poor proxy for suitability.
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A direct review of which purchases survived long-term use.
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The ultimate test of which equipment choices matter most.
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New articleModernising a sidemount configuration does not have to mean adding complexity. Moving primary gas information to dual wireless transmitters while retaining compact mechanical backup gauges can reduce physical clutter while providing richer information on the wrist.
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New articleMany underwater problems begin before the diver enters the water. Weighting, gas analysis, equipment checks, streamlining and mental preparation can determine how the dive develops.
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New articleThe first five minutes of a student’s dive reveal breathing, buoyancy, trim, awareness and comfort. They provide an instructor with a baseline for the rest of the dive.
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New articleA busy instructor may issue many certifications. An experienced instructor develops judgement. The difference appears in the decisions made before, during and after a dive.
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New articleReaching 3,600 logged dives is not simply about a number. It represents years of observation, repetition, mistakes, improvement and time spent watching how divers, equipment and the underwater environment behave.
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New articleA torch does not become technical because it is bright or has no button. In technical diving, its role, beam, burn time, redundancy and team use all change.
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Which regulator hose is best: traditional rubber or a textile-braided hose such as Miflex? The honest answer is that it depends on routing, environment, maintenance and personal preference.
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Bühlmann is one of the most widely used families of decompression models in modern dive computers and planning software. The version divers most often encounter is ZHL-16C, frequently…
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Divers often ask whether Bühlmann or RGBM is “safer.” That question assumes the model name alone determines the risk. In reality, the implementation, personal settings, gas, ascent…
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" The day I arrived in Malta, I knew I had to try diving. The crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new and exciting.…
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Scuba diving offers a myriad of thrilling experiences that cater to both seasoned divers and those new to the underwater world. Whether you're exploring sunken ships, navigating icy waters, or diving at high altitudes,…
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Understanding the Forces of Ocean Currents Ocean currents are dynamic and powerful forces that shape our planet's oceans, influencing everything from climate patterns to marine life migration. At the heart of understanding ocean currents…
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Misconceptions About Visual Inspection of Diving Cylinders Diving enthusiasts often overlook the importance of visual inspection when it comes to maintaining their diving cylinders. Many perceive it as a superficial examination limited to the…
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SCUBA diving insurance is an important consideration for any diver, whether you are an experienced pro or a beginner just starting out. Accidents can happen at any time, and having the right coverage can…
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Maximizing Dive Time: Understanding the No Decompression Limit (NDL) Introduction In the thrilling world of scuba diving, mastering the concept of the No Decompression Limit (NDL) is paramount for every underwater enthusiast. I like…
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SCUBA diving, an exhilarating and immersive experience, has captivated the hearts of divers worldwide. Its allure stems from a confluence of compelling factors that set it apart from other activities. Embark on a journey…
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As a SCUBA diving instructor, I have seen firsthand the importance of understanding the effects of medication on diving. It is crucial for divers to be aware of any potential risks or negative interactions…
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Scuba diving gear and equipment can be overwhelming, especially for new divers. The variety of options available can make it difficult to know what you need and what to look for when purchasing or…
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Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that allows people to explore the underwater world. However, it is a dangerous activity that requires proper training and equipment to ensure the safety of the divers.…
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Exploring the mesmerizing underwater world through SCUBA diving is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with its share of challenges and risks. One psychological phenomenon that can significantly impact the safety of divers is…
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Are you on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gifts for the SCUBA enthusiast in your life? Look no further! This guide has got you covered, from budget-friendly options to the most luxurious treats…
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As a SCUBA diver, I can attest to the fact that there is nothing quite like the experience of diving beneath the surface of the ocean. The vibrant colours of the coral, the graceful…
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As a SCUBA diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to work with both steel and aluminum SCUBA cylinders on a regular basis. Both types have their own unique pros and cons, and it…
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As a SCUBA diving instructor, one of the most important safety protocols that I stress to my students is the "safety stop." This brief pause during the ascent from a dive serves as an…
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Diving is an incredible and exhilarating experience that many people enjoy, but as we age and our bodies change, diving can become more challenging. For a SCUBA diver over the age of 45 who…
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As a SCUBA diving instructor, one of the most important lessons I teach my students is the proper technique for equalising their ears and sinuses during a dive. The equalisation is the process of…
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"Dive into the ocean, but remember to take care of it, and it will take care of you." As a diver, you have the unique opportunity to explore the beauty and wonder of the…
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The Scuba Diving Industry and Its Evolution Scuba diving is an activity that has seen remarkable growth and development over the years. With an estimated 4 million sport divers in the United States alone,…
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SCUBA diving is an exciting and adventurous sport, but it is also a sport that requires a great deal of physical exertion. One of the most important things a SCUBA diver can do to…
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Malta is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations and here there are some reasons why: Diverse marine life : Malta is home to a wide variety of marine life, including octopuses, seahorses,…
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Underwater navigation is a crucial skill for any diver, allowing them to safely and efficiently explore the underwater environment. One of the most important tools in underwater navigation is the compass, which is used…
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As a scuba diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to both travel with my own scuba gear and rent gear at various dive locations. While both options have their pros and cons, it…
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As a SCUBA diving instructor, I have had the privilege of introducing countless people to the amazing world of scuba diving. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are always tips and…
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Defogging a scuba diving mask is an essential skill for all divers to master. Foggy masks can obstruct your vision and ruin your diving experience, so it's important to know how to prevent and…
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Working as a SCUBA diving instructor can be both meaningful and rewarding in many ways. Firstly, as a SCUBA diving instructor, you have the opportunity to share your passion and knowledge of the underwater…
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Bad habits in SCUBA diving can be dangerous and potentially deadly. These habits can affect not only the diver, but also those around them. It is important for divers to be aware of and…
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As a scuba diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to travel to various diving locations around the world. One thing that is always a challenge, however, is packing my scuba diving gear before…
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Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and clear blue waters. But what many people don't know is that Malta is also home…
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Underwater visibility refers to the clarity of water and how far objects can be seen underwater. Several factors can influence underwater visibility, including tides, suspended particles, poor water quality, low light levels, strong currents,…
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SCUBA diving is an exciting and thrilling activity that allows you to explore the underwater world in a whole new way. However, it is also important to remember that diving can be dangerous if…
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SCUBA diving fins are an essential piece of equipment for any diver, and as a SCUBA diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to use and teach with many different types and brands of…
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Scuba diving and love may seem like an unlikely pair, but they are more connected than you might think. The act of diving, whether alone or with a partner, can be a powerful and…
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Yesterday was an unforgettable day for me and my fellow dive buddies from the Divebase Malta diving club. We travelled from different countries across Europe to gather in Y-40 The Deep Joy, an incredible…
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As a diving instructor, I have encountered a number of students who are hesitant to use diving tables during their training. Some argue that modern dive computers have made the tables obsolete, while others…
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SCUBA diving has come a long way since its origins in the 1940s. From the early days of bulky and heavy equipment to today's sleek and advanced dive gear, the future of SCUBA diving…
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BusaBoy note: This article is general information, not diagnosis or treatment. Ear pain, discharge, vertigo or hearing changes require medical evaluation. Repeated days in the water once…
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If you're passionate about scuba diving and want to learn more about this exciting underwater world, you've come to the right place. Busaboy is your one-stop-shop for all things related to scuba diving, with…
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BusaBoy note: Equipment names describe my 2023 setup. Models, housings and market prices change; verify current compatibility before buying. This article began as notes about the underwater…
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As a scuba diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to experience both shore diving and boat diving. While both have their own unique benefits, I have found that there are a few key…
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Aries ( March 21-April 19 ): This year, you’ll be feeling confident and ready to tackle any new dive challenges. You’re eager to try new dive sites and equipment, so be sure to plan…
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Reviewed archive
RGBM stands for Reduced Gradient Bubble Model. The name is often used as though every RGBM computer runs the same transparent calculation, but implementations differ and some are…
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BusaBoy note: Nitrox requires recognised training. The calculations shown are educational and must be applied using the actual analysed gas and current standards. EAN32 and EAN36 are common…
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Reviewed archive
The people who shaped diving did not all do the same kind of work. Some invented breathing systems, some built vehicles, some tested the limits of physiology and others showed the public…
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Sidemount diving and backmount diving are two different diving configurations that scuba divers can use. Here are some differences between the two: Equipment : Sidemount diving involves attaching tanks to the sides of the…
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Reviewed archive
For a diver living in Malta, shark conservation is not an abstract issue taking place in a distant ocean. Sharks and rays are part of the Mediterranean ecosystem, and local fishing,…
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Malta and Gozo offer shore dives, boats, reefs, caves and a remarkable concentration of wrecks. They are also exposed islands where wind direction can change the best site from one day to…
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Diving can bring together people who would never normally meet, but entering the sport is not equally easy for everyone. The barriers are often practical rather than dramatic: cost,…
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The Blue Hole at Dwejra in Gozo and the Um El Faroud wreck at Wied iż-Żurrieq offer completely different experiences. One is a dramatic natural entry into rock formations and open sea; the…
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Many divers describe feeling calmer, more focused or more connected after a dive. I recognise those feelings, but I would not present scuba as medical treatment or promise that it improves…
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As a diving instructor, I have had the opportunity to read many books about scuba diving and its various techniques and safety measures. One book that has particularly stood out to me is "…
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An Hyperbaric chamber is a medical device that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a sealed chamber that can be pressurized to simulate…
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Jellyfish have always been a part of the ocean ecosystem, but in recent years, their populations have been increasing at an alarming rate. This phenomenon is being referred to as “ Jellyfication ”. Jellyfication…
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SCUBA diving involves using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) to allow divers to explore the underwater world. One key aspect of SCUBA diving is the ability to control buoyancy, or the upward or…
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SCUBA diving is a thrilling and exciting activity, but it can also be intimidating for some. As a SCUBA diving instructor, I have seen firsthand the fears that many divers face before, during, and…
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A large dive count can be useful, but it does not automatically create a good instructor. Experience matters when it improves observation, communication, planning and the willingness to…
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BusaBoy note: Antonio’s complete logbook remains the primary source for future BusaBoy statistics and historical analysis. When I say that I have more than 3,600 dives, I mean 3,600…
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“Do not touch” is a useful starting rule because most recreational divers have no reason to handle wildlife or the reef. The deeper lesson is that responsible interaction depends on…
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The risk of a shark bite is low, but “low” is not the same as “zero.” Sharks are wild animals with different species, feeding strategies and responses to people. Respect is more useful than…
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A wetsuit does not warm the water around the diver indefinitely. It reduces heat loss by trapping a thin layer of water and limiting how quickly that warmed water is replaced by colder…
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A drysuit keeps most water away from the diver’s body. It does not normally provide all the warmth by itself. The insulation comes mainly from the undergarments and the gas trapped within…
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BusaBoy note: These examples are educational approximations. Use recognised training procedures for real gas and decompression planning. Diving mathematics is not about performing…
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Humans share a set of automatic responses often called the mammalian dive reflex. It is most relevant when the face is immersed—especially in cold water—while the person holds their breath.…
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During a dive with a group of beginners, one diver began to lose control of their breathing and move toward panic. Their buddy noticed the change, stayed close and signalled me before the…
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A minimum age is only one part of deciding whether a child should scuba dive. Agency standards, local law, physical development, emotional readiness, comfort in water and the ability to…
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Some diving myths are obviously false. Others are dangerous because they contain half a truth and remove the conditions that make it true. Here are five claims that deserve a more honest…
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BusaBoy note: This is a personal account of a managed aquarium dive, not guidance for approaching sharks in open water. Diving in the large aquarium at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi was…
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I first appreciated nitrox during repetitive diving in Egypt. At suitable depths, using a mix with more oxygen and less nitrogen gave me more no-stop time than air. That was useful—but it…
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A certification card proves that someone completed an instructor course and met an agency standard at that time. It does not tell you how patiently that person teaches, how recently they…
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A dive computer is a pressure and time recorder running a decompression algorithm. It continuously updates guidance from the profile it has measured, but it does not examine your…
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A cutting tool in diving is not a weapon. Its purpose is to free a diver, buddy or animal from fishing line, netting, rope or other entanglement. The best tool is the one that can cut the…
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Reviewed archive
The rotating bezel on a traditional dive watch is a simple elapsed-time tool. It can be useful, elegant and mechanically reassuring, but it is not a decompression computer and it does not…
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Reviewed archive
BusaBoy note: Perform weight checks with a trained professional when changing configuration, exposure protection or diving environment. Correct weighting is not about finding a number that…
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Modern diving was not invented in a single afternoon by one famous person. It grew through a long sequence of experiments: surface-supplied helmets, pressure regulators, self-contained…
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There are several steps to assess risk before a scuba diving session: Gather all relevant information: This includes details about the dive site, the diving team, the equipment, and the weather and environmental conditions.…
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The Open Water Diver Course is the first step for anyone who wants to explore the underwater world. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and confidently…
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Scuba diving masks are a crucial piece of equipment for any diving enthusiast. These masks allow divers to see clearly underwater and to communicate with their diving partners. They also protect the diver’s face…
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Scuba diving is an exciting and adventurous water sport that allows you to explore the depths of the ocean and discover its hidden treasures. It is a thrilling way to experience the magical beauty…
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A practical archive comparison of aluminium and steel scuba cylinders, including weight, buoyancy and intended use.
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A look back at an extraordinary underwater party held at Y-40, The Deep Joy, with music and dancing five metres below the surface.
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Federica recalls her first experience beneath the sea and the beauty, colour and vulnerability of Giglio Island’s underwater world.
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A reminder not to remove starfish and other marine animals from the water merely for a photograph.
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A visit to Boshmolenplas, a clear Dutch freshwater dive site with facilities, underwater attractions and abundant small life.
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An archive discussion of weighting, gas weight and the difference between fresh and salt water.
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The historical origin of the expression “the bends” and its connection with compressed-air caisson workers.
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Seven practical equipment habits and small techniques passed from diver to diver.
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Why dive masks fog, how new lenses are prepared and how to reduce condensation before and during a dive.
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A personal introduction to sidemount diving and five reasons divers may choose cylinders mounted at their sides.
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A historical article introducing the former Y-40 DiveBase Malta operation and Malta as a year-round diving destination.
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A reminder to breathe slowly and deeply, never hold your breath, and understand the danger of skip breathing.
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Eight practical habits covering buddies, equipment, preparation, relaxation, site knowledge, insurance and regular practice.
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A historical overview of transporting scuba cylinders in private and commercial vehicles under European ADR rules.
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Why quieter sites, seasonal marine life and the challenge of cold-weather preparation can make winter diving rewarding.
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A practical structure for a dive-site emergency action plan, from hazards and access routes to contacts, reporting and updates.
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A reflection on why unfamiliar marine animals frighten new divers and how knowledge replaces fear with respect.
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La vita è una sola. Credo fermamente che vedere il mondo nella sua interezza sia il modo più pieno di vivere la vita. Viaggiare, scoprire e vivere piccole e grandi avventure. E non bisogna…
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Why common sense is subjective, and why training, teamwork and agreed procedures are stronger foundations for diving decisions.
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A personal reflection on the difference between fear of enclosed spaces and anxiety about an unfamiliar underwater environment.
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A short historical introduction to Malta’s X127 lighter wreck, often known as Coralita.
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A personal dive narrative about Malta’s Um El Faroud tanker wreck at Wied iż-Żurrieq.
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Silvia completes her PADI Scuba Diver course at Y-40 and begins a new chapter of underwater adventures.
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