Safety | Dive Into It

Understanding Sharks

Some scuba divers go out of their way to go where sharks are, taking shark diving tours or going down in cages to view Great Whites up close and personal. Most divers, though, tend to be the opposite — they hope they never see a shark during their underwater excursions, and perhaps even consider it a worst case scenario.

Whether you are a thrill-seeker who loves swimming with sharks or somebody who just wants to be underwater — without worrying about the predators — the best place to be is somewhere in between those two extremes.

Sharks can be dangerous, yes. Anybody who has seen pictures of surfers’ shark bite wounds knows the kind of damage a shark can do. Sharks are also the subjects of numerous horror movies that have built them up to be vicious man-eating predators in our minds. In reality, though, sharks aren’t eternally hungry or eager to chomp on every person they meet. As with any animal, they hunt when hungry and attack if they feel threatened, and ultimately most attacks on surfers and divers are due to mistaking those people for their natural food: seals.

So, sharks aren’t evil killing machines bent on devouring divers. That isn’t reason to let your guard down, either, though. Most bites are caused by curious sharks testing to see if something is food. For scuba divers, shark attacks usually happen when they go to the surface, where their silhouettes resemble seals’ outlines. If you sight a shark while scuba diving, stick to the bottom and stay still — it might be curious, but the shark should move on after a moment without incident.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Scuba diving, Shark, Shark attack

Start Treasure Hunting Right in Texas

When the word treasure hunting comes up people assume that it means finding sunken ships or old treasure chests. The problem is modern day treasure hunting does not involve sunken ships or old treasure chests. Instead it involves finding old treasures that can be worth hundreds of dollars.

If you are considering starting to treasure hunt the best place to start is in Texas. Texas has a large number of artifacts that are just waiting to be found. Here’s a look at some of the hidden treasures Texas has waiting for treasure hunters.

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Gold

Texas has a large area that people can just sit and pan for gold. Panning for gold takes a while and you could spend hours and come up with nothing, but it can be well worth it. A small ounce of gold can go for well over $600.

Rock Hunting

Looking for rocks might not sound like the treasure that most people associate with treasure hunting but it can be profitable. In Texas, there are a number of old rocks that if found could be a hidden treasure.

Metal and Lost Items

Texas has a large number of beaches. Beaches are well known for holding a number of metals and lost items just waiting to be found. Treasure hunters have found items ranging from gold rings, diamonds and coins.

Texas is a treasure chest just waiting to be found. It is a great place to start your treasure hunting hobby. With so much treasure waiting to be found you’re sure to find something to add to your treasure chest back at home!

Filed Under: Certification, Safety Tagged With: Texas, Treasure chest, treasure-hunt

Scuba Diving Safety Tips

Scuba diving is on top of the must do list of evey person on this plane. A trip to a beach is not complete without a scuba diving experience. It is one of the most doable and most enjoyable recreational sport found anywhere. But along with all the fun and adrenaline rush, scuba diving comes with its own risks.

Although very few deaths per year related to diving are reported, the number of injuries is moderate. A few instances of diver losing his or her live will stop many people from experiencing the joy of scuba diving. But these instances of injury and death can be avoided by taking a few precautions before one goes into the water. Both adults and children can enjoy scuba diving if they follow these precautions.

The reason that most scuba diving accidents happen is because the divers are not properly trained to handle the equipment and to swim under water. This is the biggest reason because of which deaths happen in this sport. The most important thing that you have to do before diving is to get a degree of scuba diving from a reputable agency. Avoid getting trained by friends and family, instead look out for well experienced divers who know to teach and have the ability to rescue you if you are about to drown. Since scuba diving is a very strenuous sport, people with heart problems and circulatory problems will succumb to fatalities. A person does not have to be a good athlete, but at the least the learner needs to be able to run a kilometer on his own. Tasking a physical exam before you begin diving will help. When diving, never go alone or with another person who is less trained than you. A trained person is important at all times when diving; very important if you are diving alone.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Recreation, Scuba diving, Sport

A Note On Maritime Treasure Hunting

Many of you might associate treasure hunting with the petty games that you used to play as kids, or to the hunting of treasure on land. Today, treasure hunt is something which is usually connected to the maritime treasure hunting. It involves hunting of the sea or the water below for artifacts and treasure which were left behind by people who had undergone some sort of accidents while in the waters.

To be more precise, treasure hunting related to marine is something which involves the exploring of the shipwrecks which may be a few hundred years old and salvaging the treasures or the artifacts from it. This is assisted by the modern technology and the equipments that you have today for easy detection of the things, which has helped in maritime treasure hunting greatly.

When you hear of maritime treasure hunting you should not jump to conclusions of pirates of the Caribbean model hunting and looting. It is not like that at all. The maritime treasure hunting is taken by various organizations or individuals with the permission of the concerned officials or governments and hence does not fall in the category of looting or stealing.

The reason why they take permission from the officials is because when you find an artifact, it has a lot of legal issues attached to it. For example, if you find gold and somebody comes forward saying it was something that was lost by their grandfather while on the sea; there would be a legal clash. Or the item can be of historical importance that would involve a lot of problems for the people.

Hence, treasure hunting is not exactly a walk through the garden; it involves a lot of formalities and legal problems. If you are keen to undertake such a task then you should consult with a person who has knowledge about the sport and who can provide you with directions as to how to go about it and how to direct it. Without this it would be difficult to pursue the task.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Caribbean, Hunting, Treasure hunting

Dangers of Scuba Diving

There are many people in the world who find it irresistible to do the most dangerous and challenging of the things. One such thing is the scuba diving. It can be quite fun and harmless when you take it in an easy manner or if you have sufficient experience with it, but for those who are inexperienced and have not been on it before could find it difficult to cope up with it.

Scuba diving can offer a lot of dangers and hazards. Though the sport is quite fun it is necessary to know about the dark side of it as well as this would give you an idea of the hazards that you would be facing. One of the major hazards that you would face when you dive underwater is the breathing difficulties which can be experienced due to a lot of factors.

One such breathing difficulty can be caused by the decompression sickness. You must have observed the divers ascending and descending very slowly and gradually into the waters. This is to avoid the formation of gas bubbles in the air which can cause decompression sickness. Nitrogen narcosis is also a breathing problem that you can experience when deep in the water.

The oxygen toxicity is another hazard which, from the name itself you may be able to make out is related to the oxygen that you breathe in and out. The air pressure is also important as each and every fluctuation in the pressure can cause problems. It should be noted that this is one of the most common problem and so many measures are taken to have proper air pressure.

The underwater is a very mysterious place; it can misdirect your judgments and make you think that something is safe when it is not. Always remember that if you are a beginner have an expert with you. This is for your benefit as without an expert you would not know about the various treachery of the water and might miscalculate. Always be careful while opting for scuba diving.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Decompression sickness, Dyspnea, Scuba diving

A Note On Snorkeling

Those who are interested in water based sports would know what a snorkeling sport is. It is something which is highly adventurous and fun combined with an element of mystery and lure to the deep parts of the sea or ocean. It gives you an insight to the most beautiful parts of the world, the one which is hidden from the rest of the world which goes by without realizing there is a heaven below the waters.

Technically speaking, snorkeling is a form of swimming in which the person who is doing the sport would have to swim across the waters with a diving suit and a snorkel. The snorkel is basically a tube, which can be in the shape of a J or a L. It has a small diameter in it, about, say, 1-3cms or something similar. The material from which it is made is usually rubber or plastic.

The snorkel is used by the swimmers or divers as you can call them when you observe the suit, to breathe. There is a tank through which you will be able to breathe when you are underwater. It is this small tube and the tank that you would have to carry on your back that would let you survive underwater for a long time without any breathing problems.

You must be very careful with the tank. Always check if the air or gas in it is in the correct amount. Check the pressure and similar specifications because it is a matter of life and death when you go underwater and one mistake can prove to be fatal. Also, if you are not really confident that you would be able to carry out the snorkeling then it would be better to opt out of it.

Snorkeling is a very rejuvenating sport. It can open up the possibilities of you seeing some of the very interesting and beautiful things of life. It is one of the best holiday options you have, a day spend at snorkeling and watching the beauty of the underwater life.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Sport

A Career as a Deep Sea Diver

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For people that are passionate about diving a career as a deep-sea diver is an option you may want to consider. Many professional divers work on bridges, pipeline systems, and ships. Many divers work on offshore oil sites and recovery projects.

However, diving is not just something you go out and do. You have to be certified and well trained. In addition, you need to have sufficient diving experience. The more diving hours you have the better your chances of landing a great job as a deep sea diver. This is a unique career that is adventurous and exciting.

Initially, many divers will start at salaries that range between $19,000 and $37,000 per year. The salaries are determined by experience, attitude and quality of work. Many experienced deep sea divers make between $65,000 and $100,000 per year once they have been in the business for a while. The salary also depends on where you work. Working on offshore oil fields tends to pay much higher than working on ships.

While you may love diving, deep sea diving as a profession can be dangerous. In addition, the work can be difficult. However, most divers only work nine months out of the year. This depends on the type of diving job and the location. Some time may be spent in an office completing reports and other paper work.

Diving as a career is a great opportunity for experienced divers. The benefit of only working nine months out of the year will allow you to spend time diving for leisure and enjoyment. There are many opportunities available. It requires great skill and the ability to work under water. While many people are passionate about diving, not all of them have the ability to perform work tasks under water.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Deep sea, Professional diving, Scuba diving

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?

Many people would love to learn to scuba dive, however, are afraid of the dangers. The number of scuba divers has increased significantly, while the number of accidents has decreased. Scuba diving does have its risks, however, it is not as dangerous as most people think. The scuba diving training and certification provides the necessary skill and information to keep a person safe.

Many scuba accidents happen while people are on vacation. Many people will sign up to go diving even though they do not have experience. In many countries, you can dive with no experience at all. Often, vacationers will sign up for a charter offered at their hotel. They think they will be safe; however, many of the locals that run the diving charters are not certified divers. If they were, they would not let someone scuba dive that has not been properly trained. These are the accidents that people often hear about.

In addition, many new scuba divers want to go cave diving. There is special training for those that want to dive in caves. Many new divers will not take the additional training. Cave diving can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Many cave diving accidents have been due to lack of skill and training. It does not matter if you have been diving for quite some time, if you want to cave dive you still need the additional training.

Scuba diving is safe provided you obtain the proper training and certification. Investing in scuba lessons is the best thing you can do. You will learn scuba safety and will become familiar with the equipment and gear. Choose a certified instructor with a great deal of experience. You will find a few scuba schools in your local area.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Cave diving, Scuba diving

Diver Hand Signals for Underwater Communication

Unless a diver is wearing a full-face mask, he or she cannot communicate verbally with others. However, divers do communicate by using hand signals. Because underwater environments can be challenging to navigate through and even dangerous, clear and constant communication is necessary between divers. It is suggested that divers regularly signal to fellow divers to ensure that they remain in close contact and can easily report if an issue arises. Hand signals should be repeated until understood by a diver; subsequently, a diver should signal “OK” or repeat the signal to show acknowledgement.

When a diver raises his/her hand with fingers pointed up and palm facing the receiver, it is a signal to stop. When a diver’s fist is clenched with an extended thumb pointing upwards, that means a diver is going up. A thumb pointing downwards with a clenched fist means that a diver is going down.

To ask if or respond that things are “OK,” a diver can shape a circle with their thumb and forefinger while the three remaining fingers extend. A diver can also extend two arms overhead with fingertips above the head, creating a large “O” shape.
To ask if or signal that something is wrong (but does not indicate an emergency), a diver signals with a flat hand. Fingers are together while the palm is face down and the thumb is sticking out. The hand should rock back and forth on the axis of the forearm. This signal is the opposite of “OK.”

When immediate attention is required, a diver’s distress signal is to wave a hand over one’s head. When air supply is reduced, a diver signals to others by pounding a fist on his/her chest. When a diver is out of air and cannot breathe, hand slashing or chopping at the throat is the proper hand signal. To signal danger, divers clench a fist or extend their arm in the direction of danger.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Diving, Hand signals, Stevens Institute of Technology

Three Effects of Breathing High Pressure Gas

For some types of diving, gas mixtures are used to help aid in breathing underwater. Usually a combination of oxygen and one or more inert gases, breathing gas is used in contained habitats and breathing equipment such as SCUBA gear. To ensure safe breathing, a gas mixture should contain a sufficient amount of oxygen, must not contain harmful gases such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, and must not become toxic when breathed in high pressure environments. Three common effects to breathing high pressure gas are decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity and nitrogen narcosis.

Decompression sickness, also known as DCS, divers’ disease, caisson disease, or simply “the bends,” is a condition that occurs when dissolved gases form bubbles within tissues of the body. Water pressure on the body must be released slowly during a diving ascent. This allows trapped gases in the bloodstream to break solution and leave the body. To treat decompression sickness, divers are typically put in a recompression chamber.

Oxygen toxicity, known also as oxygen poisoning, occurs after breathing too much molecular oxygen at an elevated partial pressure. Affecting the central nervous system, oxygen toxicity can cause a diver to have a seizure and potentially drown by spitting out his/her regulator. To avoid oxygen poisoning, a diver should never exceed a breathing gas’s standard maximum depth or the body’s established safe “partial pressure.”

Nitrogen narcosis, or inert gas narcosis, is a perception-altering effect of breathing high pressure gas. Its effects are similar to “laughing gas” that’s administered as anesthesia. Manifesting itself first as slight giddiness, the effects of nitrogen narcosis can lead to anxiety, lack of concentration and loss of coordination. At extreme water depths, tunnel vision and hallucinogenic reactions may also occur. The condition usually reverses itself as a diver makes their ascent to the surface. Nitrogen narcosis was famously coined as the “rapture of the deep” by Jacques Cousteau.

Filed Under: Safety, Scuba Diving Tagged With: Breathing, Jacques Cousteau, Oxygen