We are back!

First of all, I would like to thank all our followers and readers.

I must now offer a sincere apology for the silence all these last years. Due to professional and other reasons, -a change of country among them -it has been literally impossible to keep updating the blog.
But it is my intention to continue posting more articles regarding our passion.

Thank you very much and keep diving, but keep diving safe!

Alcides.

A pre dive safety check is perhaps one of the most effective solutions to avoid equipment related problems while scuba diving.

Predive Safety Check

A pre dive safety check is perhaps one of the most effective solutions to avoid equipment related problems while scuba diving.
Speaking with dive instructors from the "good old school" (or at least that is the term that some of them use to describe the teaching techniques they used in the past)I got lots of information on how scuba diving used to be taught 20-30 years ago.
One of them told me that he used to ask his students to start descending with their tanks closed and breathing the air contained in the hoses of the regulator. At a given depth, and depending on the diver´s descending rate, he would run out of air. Then he had to reach out to this tank valve and open it to reestablish the air flow. His rationale was that, maybe some day on a dive boat the divemaster in charge of the dive logistics may forget to open he divers tanks. It may happen to anybody, we must admit, but, is there a safer way to verify the correct functioning of our dive gear prior to enter the water?.
Luckily, today´s divers do not need to "practice" an out of air emergency using the technique described above. Divers now can rely on a very important pre immersion step known as the "Pre Dive Safety Check".

The BWRAF of safety

Before entering the water, your dive buddy shall verify that each part of your scuba gear works and fits properly, and you will do the same for him/her. That includes checking releases, gauges, tanks and weight belt.
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI)suggests all their entry level students to use a very efficient method to perform a predive safety check among dive buddies. They use the phrase "Begin With Review and Friend" and the acronym "BWRAF" to help divers to perform an efficient predive check.
B= BCD: Verify proper inflation so the diver is able to float in waters too deep to stand up, low pressure inflator connector, and that the tank is firmly secured to the harness.
W= Weight system: Whether if wore in a belt or a BCD integrated system, it is important that the weight system has a one hand quick release mechanism to ditch it in case of emergency.
R=Releases: Make sure every release works properly, and double check the weight belt´s quick release mechanism.
A=Air: Verify that the tank has enough air for the dive by checking the submersible pressure gauge and (critical step)making sure the tank is open.
F=Final OK: Once a pre dive safety check has been completed, it is time to enter the water.

Time to go scuba diving!

Performing a pre dive safety check before each dive is perhaps the most efficient way to avoid common problems such as running out of air, tank loss and other equipment related problems. Definitely a must before any dive activities.

How to avoid Decompression Illness

Decompression illness, or DCI, is a term used to describe an illness that results from a reduction in the ambient pressure surrounding a body. There are two types of DCI: Decompression sickness, which is the result from bubbles growing in tissue causing local damage, and Arterial Gas Embolism, which results from bubbles entering the lung circulation, traveling through the arteries and causing tissue damage at a distance by blocking blood flow at the small vessel level.

What causes a diver to get Decompression Illness?

There are several reasons why a diver may get DCI, but among the most important ones we can list: rapid ascents, exceeding no decompression limits underwater, flying immediately after diving, being dehydrated, diving after an illness or fracture, deep diving etc.

Who can get DCI

Although every diver is susceptible to get DCI, there are some factors that increase the risk. Obesity and age are two of the most important ones. Divers with those characteristics should always dive under the supervision of their doctors.

How to avoid DCI?

1) Avoid deep dives. If you are a recreational diver the maximum recommended depth is 30 mts / 100 feet.

2) Check your Ascent Rate. Ascent at a rate that does not exceed 18 mts / 60 feet per minute

3) Stop before surfacing. Make a safety stop at the end of every dive

4) Stay within your limits. Do not make decompression dives without the proper training and equipment.

5) Know your tools and devices. Understand your dive tables and /or computer and never dive beyond their limits.

6) Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids before, after and in between dives.

7) Be careful with medications. If you are taking prescription medications, seek your physician advice before diving.

8) Avoid flying inmediately. Wait at least 24 hours before flying.

In conclusion, understanding DCI is the best way to prevent it. Should you have any questions, ask your doctor, dive shop or instructor.