I talked about steel scuba tanks in my last post.  Today, let’s talk a little about aluminum tanks.Aluminum tanks are the most common scuba diving tanks in the world and usually less expensive than steel.  However, steel tanks tend to last longer.  For example, some dive shops won’t fill an aluminum tank over 15 years old.  Compare that to a properly maintained steel tank that may last 30 years or more. Aluminum tanks are lighter, though the difference underwater is minor.  Aluminum air tanks also frequently have a positive buoyancy that may need to be compensated for with added weights.  And although aluminum scuba tanks are considerably lighter than their steel cylinder counterparts, steel tanks take punishment better and generally can last longer as I mentioned previously.I’ve read and heard good reviews on the Genesis Catalina 80 Cubic Aluminum Tank.  It has a large capacity and is easy to use.  Plus, it can be used with regular filtered air as well as enriched air.

-Scuba Guy

 P.S. Take a look at this video I just came across.  It’s a riot!  I’m guessing “Kitty” wears an aluminum tank….

Let’s be perfectly clear what we’re talking about - a scuba diving tank is a canister that supplies air to the diver while underwater.  (Was that a “DUH!” statement or what!)

Scuba tanks hold what is called the breathing gas for the diver so that the diver can breathe while underwater.  Most people think that scuba diving tanks contain pure oxygen.  Actually they do not.  A scuba diving tank actually has around 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, which is rather similar to the air we breathe.  In reality, if scuba diving tanks were filled with pure oxygen, they would be toxic when brought to shallow depths.  

Scuba diving tanks are critically important and they are somewhat complicated in the manner in which they are hooked up to the scuba suit.  That is why they require specialized handling. 

Diving tanks are typically made out or aluminum or steel.  It is important to know the differences because there are certain situations that require a steel scuba diving tank for safety.  

The steel scuba diving tank has a higher density that gives the tank more buoyancy.  When a diver requires the higher density rate they can obtain a steel scuba diving tank in either a high pressure or low-pressure form.  

One of the best steel tanks I’ve used is made by Worthington.  I found it to be both comfortable and easy to use.  Plus, it received good ratings from other divers and they’re at a pretty good price.  Here is a link to the “XS Scuba Worthington” diving tank.

-Scuba Guy

Did you know one of the prevailing myths about scuba diving is that divers need to spend a lot of money on scuba equipment?  This just isn’t true although yes, diving equipment can be expensive.But did you also know that you can rent diving equipment? Most dive centers rent equipment, so you can buy equipment slowly, over time, and rent what you don’t have.  Depending on your interest level, there are definitely benefits to renting your equipment versus owning it.  Of course, the opposite is true as well.

Overall, just remember that in order to dive safely and correctly, divers should have the proper standard equipment – whether it is rented or owned.

-Scuba Guy

Scuba diving is becoming more and more popular as people learn just how fun and easy it really is.  And believe it or not, diving is not dangerous compared to some other activities we do without even thinking about it.  Plus, scuba diving can be a very relaxing sport and in many places it’s very beginner friendly. 

With proper training scuba divers can feel very confident.  The insight and knowledge you gain during training will broaden your awareness and help advance your diving skills.  Several scuba certification agencies offer training for divers, from beginners to experts.  Basic courses involve classroom instruction, training pools and open-water settings. 

Scuba diving certification is a big accomplishment.  It can be obtained through either dive schools or individuals certified to teach the basic skills.  Certification requires that you know how to use the bulky scuba diving equipment and make use of it while underwater.

The point of this post is to say ‘yes, anyone can be a scuba diver with proper instruction and training’.  Just keep in mind that people do get hurt scuba diving sometimes.  However, you experience the beauty and joy of  exploring coral diving sites with their colorful sea life, you’ll be hooked forever.

Happy diving!

-Scuba Guy

Hello everyone…

Scuba diving is a wonderful recreational activity.  There’s nothing better, in my opinion, than enjoying the beauty and adventure that lies underneath the water.

If you’ve been thinking about starting to scuba dive, make sure you take time to read and learn about the associated risks.

I recently came across the following article which I thought was very helpful so I decided to share it here.  I hope you enjoy it and find it useful as well.

Before Undertaking Scuba Diving Always Make Sure You Know The Risks
Associated With Scuba DivingBy: Tim GormanIt’s a fact of life - most sports involve an element of risk, which might be as slight as a possible injury, but for other sports the risk is much higher. Scuba diving definitely rates very high on the risk scale. That’s why it’s so important to know what you’re doing, and always be careful and alert when you’re scuba diving, no matter how experienced you are. You need to be very confident with the equipment, and know what to do if a dangerous situation arises.

Although it’s possible to do very simple, accompanied dives without completing a full training course, you will still need to have some basic skills training before venturing out into the ocean. If you plan to scuba dive on an ongoing basis, then it’s essential that you undertake proper training from a professional instructor. Most scuba diving companies won’t take you unless you can produce the proper certification. It’s also important to make sure you can enjoy the sport safely, so that you can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

There are some fairly common situations that occur when scuba diving that are simple, but can be much more dangerous if you don’t know what to do. Some divers will become dizzy or disoriented when they’re under the water, and this generally indicates unbalanced pressure in the inner ear. It can be remedied very easily.

Headaches are also quite common, particularly if you make sudden movements. You can experience pain in your teeth if there are bubbles of gas trapped in your fillings or caps. Some frequent divers get rare bone lesions, caused by the regular exposure to a high-pressure environment.

It’s important to take care when you’re ascending, and to continue breathing regularly as you do so. It’s possible to get a lung expansion injury if you hold your breath. Most of the other most common injuries to scuba divers happen when they touch poisonous animals like fire coral, jellyfish or stingrays.

Dehydration is quite common amongst divers as well. When you’re surrounded by so much water, it’s hard to imagine that you can get dehydrated! But you’re working hard under the water, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids both before and after your dive.

If someone is experiencing fatigue and their judgment is impaired, it may be the early signs of hypothermia. This is a loss of body heat, and because it can be extremely cold in deeper waters, it’s not uncommon when scuba diving.

The most obvious risk when scuba diving, of course, is drowning. It’s vital that you always dive with a buddy, so that there is someone to assist you in the event of something going wrong. If you take the time to learn what to do, and always think about safety when you’re diving, then your scuba diving career should be long and enjoyable.

Learn to avoid the risks associated with scuba diving with these scuba diving safety tips that can be found at Best-Scuba-Diving-Resources.info along with other scuba related resources to include information on scuba diving fins, scuba diving computers, scuba diving masks and scuba diving wetsuits.