Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet expect passengers to have a safe and fun dive vacation as they leave their worries at home.  We understand that guests take their vacation time seriously. However, a named meteorological disturbance can make the seas rough and adversely affect valuable dive time. This is why Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet have developed “StormCheck”. This program will compensate guests who lose days of diving on charters as a result of a named meteorological disturbance.

Any guest whose diving is interrupted as a result of a named storm will receive a credit voucher based on the number of days of diving missed in the form of a “StormCheck”.  If the entire charter week is cancelled in advance due to a storm’s predicted path and landfall as forecasted, guests will automatically receive a “StormCheck” voucher for the total amount of their charter. “StormCheck” vouchers allow guests to return to that destination within one year of the interrupted trip.

Our “StormCheck” program is not a substitute for the purchase of a comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance policy.  All guests are strongly encouraged to purchase this policy as it provides financial protection beyond the cruise portion itself and can offer financial assistance for flights, interrupted travel and cancellations for other covered reasons as well.

“StormCheck” vouchers apply to passengers who do not receive compensation from their trip insurance carrier. The “StormCheck” program is specifically for lost days on a charter and vouchers are not issued when the guest is unable to get to the destination due to transportation issues, whether a result of the storm or any other conditions and the yacht is not affected for the entire charter.

According to the company’s President, Wayne Hasson, “Visiting the Caribbean from June to November allows divers to encounter some of the best overall conditions with warm crystal clear water and calm seas. However, at the same time, these are also the months where tropical disturbances can occur.  The same applies to the Pacific Ocean storm season and our destinations there as well.  “StormCheck” helps guests relax and focus on the fun and excitement of their upcoming cruise."

All Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet yachts have comprehensive storm plans. Before the start of the storm season, yachts train and test crewmembers’ skill and knowledge of storm procedures using mock demonstrations to prepare them for the real thing. All Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet yachts are required to monitor their official government weather services daily and to keep appraised of current information. If weather forecasts or conditions appear threatening to the safety of the passengers and crew, the captain will make necessary arrangements to evacuate guests. The captain will order and arrange for guests to be removed from the yacht, accompanied by a crewmember and taken to an inland resort/hotel or government-approved shelter. The yacht will be moved to a sheltered harbor away from the storm’s predicted path, prepared and secured by the remaining crew.

Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet have established these storm plans and procedures for the safety and comfort of our Fleet guests.

As the longest operating and largest organization of liveaboard adventure cruises in the world, the combined knowledge, resources, experience, and technical expertise of Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet are all focused on delivering a safe adventure you will remember for a lifetime on each and every cruise.

Visit http://www.aggressor.com and http://www.dancerfleet.com for specific yacht and destination information.

Email: info@liveaboardfleet.com or call 1-800-348-2628 or 1-706-993-2531 for your booking today.

By bidding on these amazing auction items, you’ll fuel critical campaigns and play a vital role in protecting not just a threatened species, but also the oceans. Shark Angels employs grassroots outreach, creative media, and education campaigns aimed at inspiring a global movement to save sharks – and the ecosystems they keep healthy. And it’s working. For over five years, Shark Angels has been involved in some of the most well-known and highest impact ocean conservation programs around the world.

“We’ve been thrilled with the support from our partners and are very excited about this experiential auction,” says executive director, Julie Andersen. “Like the angels – and the animals they protect – it is truly unique.” Ms. Andersen hopes the auction will earn enough to fuel Shark Angels’ innovative education and advocacy programs to protect sharks, the ocean’s apex species.  “The health of the world’s oceans depends on healthy shark populations, and every creature on earth depends on healthy oceans for survival. This is a tangible way to ensure your donations make a very real difference.”

You can help by checking out the items, bidding, spreading the link far and wide. Sharks, healthy oceans, and a committed organization dedicated to their preservation are depending on it.

“We’ve done a lot with a little. But now we need your help.” – Julie Andersen

For more information contact:

Jamie Pollack, Director, www.sharkangels.org
Jamie@sharkangels.com | 917-952-5048

Although Bioluminescent Bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, is not on the top ten list, many water enthusiasts agree that it should be. This magical body of water is located in Vieques, Puerto Rico, which is sometimes classified as the Spanish Virgin Islands for all its astonishing beauty. By day, the bay may seem normal to the ordinary eye, but by night, the glow of bluish-green light almost casts a spell on its audience. This light is the result of micro-organisms that thrive in an environment suitable to their needs. They release energy in the form of bright light. Half plant and half animal these peculiar creatures use their powerful force to overcome the water with a glow strong enough to read a book by.

As you might imagine, over 4,000 years ago, the organisms and the light they shed so prominently, were worshipped as if they were gods unable to be understood in their glory and yet providing food by day and green fire by night. The organisms are as tiny as 1/500 inch in diameter and they flash when agitated as a defense mechanism. The flashing light can be seen for miles in all directions.

Visitors to this quiet area come back home with a deep appreciation that is difficult to translate into words and photographs but they definitely make sure that they return.

Our ecosystem is fascinating in the manner in which it works. Mangroves guard the bay and their roots stretch deep into the waters. As these roots and falling leaves begin to decompose, the scavenging bacteria produce Vitamin B12 which is one of the essential nutrients required by these organisms. Luckily, there is nowhere else for the nutrients to go since the opening to the ocean is really too narrow. This works to the advantage of the organisms keeping them healthy.

It is such a thrill to jump into the bay and become surrounded by light or to swim and leave a dazzling and sparkling trail in your wake. Island Adventures Biobay Tours offers nightly excursions on an electrically powered double-pontoon boat. Amongst the peace and serenity of the quiet evening, the boat is parked so that you may watch what unfolds in front of your eyes. If a full moon is rising, there is almost a fierce competition between the magnificent moon and the outrageous organisms to light up the night. Who can do it better? The brighter the sunlight during the day, the stronger the light given off by these micro-organisms becomes at night.

As some put it, the Bioluminescent Bay is one of the brightest in the world with between 500 and 700 hundred thousand microscopic dinoflagellates per gallon of water that light up when touched. Just imagine a lake filled with Tinkerbell’s fairy dust. It is like nothing human that you can ever imagine.

Working in its favor, Bioluminescent Bay is somewhat off the beaten track away from the threats of busy civilization. Because it is far from all of the manmade development, power boats and harmful factors of the environment, it continues to amaze with an innocent and intrinsic quality. The Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust, founded in 1985, is working hard to preserve the Bioluminescent Bay and all of its splendor. Currently, there is also a campaign against gas-powered boats, reducing pollution from bilge water and leaking engines. This is the reason that although we may have begun with six or seven of these types of bays around the world, we are now down to less than a handful, sadly enough.

Bioluminescent Bay should be on every diver’s ‘must see’ list of destinations. It is nature at its very best and brightest.

Photo Credit: Pictures are from Google Images and used photos from www.greeblemonkey.com (scene of water with lights) and earth-phenomenon.tumblr.com (beach), www.landlopers.com(day scene).

Now on its second year, the Coral Triangle Day has officially become an annual celebration—an opportunity to bring global attention to the importance of the Coral Triangle in people’s lives and the need to take action to protect and conserve this fragile marine ecosystem.

A place worth saving

The Coral Triangle is a vast ocean expanse that geographically spreads across six countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.

It is the heart of the world’s oceans, which provides nursery and spawning grounds and migratory pathways for much sought-after species such as tuna. Seventy six per cent of the world’s coral species can be found within its temperate waters as with 37% of the world’s reef fish species that find shelter within its coral reefs.

Thousands of whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles also call this place home.

With its abundant natural resources, the Coral Triangle is an underwater treasure trove that directly sustains the lives of more than 120 million people who heavily depend on marine resources for food and livelihood.

Under threat

The Coral Triangle’s resources are struggling to support one of the fastest economically-growing regions in the world.

Coastal development, destructive fishing, overfishing, unsustainable tourism, and climate change are just some of the many threats plaguing the Coral Triangle’s finite resources.

If nothing is done to address these problems, this world’s most remarkable coral reef ecosystem will soon collapse.

How one day can make a difference

The Coral Triangle Day on June 9 aims to shed much needed light on the state of our oceans and the simple yet exciting things people from all walks of life can do to help.

So what if you’re not a marine biologist or conservation expert? There are many ways to contribute to saving the Coral Triangle, starting with the Coral Triangle Day:

1. Participate in a Coral Triangle Day event near you – Visit www.thecoraltriangle.com/day and check out the many events happening around the region. You can participate in any Coral Triangle Day event happening near you and ask your family and friends to do the same.
2. Encourage groups, organizations, establishments to do something special on Coral Triangle Day – If you know any groups, organizations, or establishments (e.g., dive clubs, dive resorts, tourism associations, etc.) in your vicinity that you think will be interested to do something on June 9, ask them to organize a Coral Triangle Day event of their own. This will give their members or patrons something engaging to do for a good cause.
3. Organize a Coral Triangle Day event of your own – If you’re a self-starter, you might want to simply do your own event. There are many activities you can initiate such as beach clean-ups, recycling drives (most plastics end up in our oceans), fundraising events (then donate to your local marine NGO), children’s educational talks, and many, many more. Share your event with the rest of the region by uploading your event details on www.thecoraltriangle.com/day.
4. Share your experiences and promote the Coral Triangle Day via social media – The more people know about your participation, the more people you can inspire. Follow www.twitter.com/coral_triangle and connect with rest of the region celebrating the Coral Triangle Day. Be sure to use the hashtag #CTDay and #CoralTriangle too.
5. Be a Coral Triangle ambassador for the rest of the year – While one day can make a whole lot of difference, nothing compares with contributing to ocean conservation all year round. You can continue actively participating in activities that help preserve our marine environments any time of the year and stay updated with the latest work being done to protect this unique ecosystem. You can subscribe to WWF’s monthly Coral Triangle e-newsletter at www.panda.org/coraltriangle/newsletter.

However way you choose to celebrate the Coral Triangle Day will surely make a positive impact on this remarkable marine ecosystem we all share!

Follow them on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/theCoralTriangle

Moray´s are wonderfully photogenic ranging in various camouflaged skin colors. Some are spotted, striped, freckled and others have a solid skin color. The mouth is also camouflaged since they constantly are opening and closing their mouths.  Despite their varying size and color all moray eels are fairly similar in appearance with a long, muscular, snake-like body averaging to be about 5 feet long with skin that is scaleless and covered with protective mucus. The dorsal fin runs along most of the back to the tail which comes to a slightly flattened point. Eels may appear to be reptiles with their snake-like appearance but they are in fact fish and not reptiles.

Photo by David Lutzer of the Ocean Awareness Community

Morays are carnivorous and survive on a diet consisting of only meat such as fish, molluscs including cuttlefish, squid and crustaceans such as crabs. Most moray eels have bad eye sight and rely on their keen sense of smell to locate their prey. Hiding in amongst the corals allows them to surprise attack their prey.

Morays have few predators. Large groupers and other moray eels sometimes prey upon morays.

Photo by David Lutzer of the Ocean Awareness Community

The morays are frequently thought of as particularly dangerous or ill-tempered animals. New divers may even find morays to be a bit frightening because they always have their mouth open bearing very sharp teeth and appear to be ready to bite, indeed not a very welcoming sight. This behavior may look threatening but it is actually a way for the morays to pump water across their gills enabling them to breathe.

It’s important to respect moray eels while diving. Most species have terrible eyesight and may mistake a pocking finger or dangling piece of gear for a fish. It may be tempting to pet an eel but it not a good idea. I personally have seen dive masters giving a show to fellow divers handling green moray eels like dogs, stroking them and even pulling them away from their caves in their arms. These divers do have experience doing this and know that they are taking a risk but it’s important that new divers understand that they should not try this out. Give moray eels space and they pose no threat.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the History of Diving Museum located in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, a stimulating seminar took place giving us a glimpse into the complex process of creating artificial reefs. This free event to the public gave dive enthusiasts an escape to immerse themselves into the world of underwater life. The seminar was presented by Joe Weatherby, co-owner of Reefmakers and a diving professional with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry. Reefmakers is a for profit business that has been instrumental in the increase of diving tourism and the resulting economic growth of coastal communities through the creation of artificial reefs. Sitting in the audience was a very well-known member of the diving community. Pat Clyne is President of the Institute of Marine Archaeological Conservation and Vice President of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. He served as chief videographer for the Mel Fisher expeditions and has been involved with the Atocha and Margarita recovery projects for over 25 years. Although I am sure he is very familiar with the entire process, he attentively sat listening.

On this particular evening, the discussion centered around the USS Vandenberg Artificial Reef which is now 6 miles off the island of Key West and the USS Mohawk which resides off Florida’s Southwest coast.

The USS Vandenberg

Let’s begin with the Vandenberg. Diving this huge wreck is a thrill providing endless entertainment as advanced divers have the ability to explore four open decks at approximately 70-100 feet with 8 by 10 foot openings on each side leading into vertical elevator shafts, cargo holds and stair towers. It spans 140 feet down to the floor of the ocean. This majestic ship is 523 feet long and was originally laid to rest in Norfolk, Virginia after serving in World War II as well as in the Cold War as a missile tracking spy ship. It was finally retired in 1983. An accomplishment that was 13 years in the making which included incurring $8.5 million to clean the ship as an eco-conscious effort, finally came to fruition with 42 explosives and the Vandenberg was sunk successfully on the morning of May 27, 2009. As curious boaters looked on, this artificial reef took 1 minute and 45 seconds to sink and just 3 minutes to hit its final resting spot on the floor of the ocean. This achievement has made it the second largest artificial reef in the world and the largest in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Who could have imagined the massive publicity that would result. It was almost as if every form of media was getting the word out and in doing so, brought a tremendous increase in revenue to Monroe County. The Vandenberg was featured on 25 different television shows, was honored with the Society of American Travel Award and has brought 110 permanent jobs to the Keys. Divers visit from as far away as Germany and even local residents can’t seem to get enough. On a yearly basis, over 34,000 divers can say that they took the plunge.  The Keys has seen a tax benefit of $650,000 per year along with an $8 million increase in commerce. Some of the most intriguing marine life can now call the Vandenberg their home and rare black sea urchins seem to grow and co-exist in greater numbers. After so many years of planning and strategizing, the end result of an environmentally-friendly  reef is well worth the effort in Joe Weatherby’s eyes and all those that were part of the plan.

The USS Mohawk

While not as large as the Vandenberg, the USS Mohawk has its own fascinating story. It was a Coast Guard Cutter launched in 1934 which also fought during the time of U-boat invasions. It has 5 anchors, a wooden deck and extending 165 feet long, it weighs 1600 pounds with a thin bottom but a thick hull. While not as large in size as the Vandenberg, it was just as challenging to bring this historic ship to its final resting place in 90 feet of water about 30 miles off of Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico.  Prior to sinking it in an upright position, military and community college divers had to analyze the area to make sure it would be safe for the environment in that location. On July 2, 2012 after an extensive cleansing in Virginia, the task was completed. While in Virginia, a hefty amount of wiring also had to be pulled for safety. At a cost of $1,150,000, this artificial reef paid for itself in just 90 days. In the first 24 hours alone after its submersion, over $500,000 was considered earned media dollars. The USS Mohawk colonized at a record speed. In just 3 to 4 days, this distinguished ship of the seas was covered in bait fish. Jacks and goliath groupers patrolled its perimeters. Twelve days later, tuna showed up. In the first 90 days, 5 whale sharks were spotted earning it the name, “Whale Shark Capital of North America”. This astonishing artificial reef has been designated as a Veteran’s Memorial Reef and draws avid divers all year round who are looking for a change of pace as they are welcomed to this wondrous wreck dive.

Another interesting tidbit of information is what happens immediately after the ships are sunk. Military divers, local college students and Mel Fisher’s team all volunteered to go down and make sure that all explosives were detonated so as to provide a safe diving environment. In order to sink the ships, the explosives are put inside the ship to maintain the beauty of the surrounding waters and marine habitat.

In just under two hours, I gained a wealth of information not only about these two artificial reefs but knowledge that I can take away with me and use time and time again dive after dive.

For the next five months, the History of Diving Museum is offering a free seminar once a month which is well worth the visit. Go to their website to learn more:  www.divingmuseum.org.

Featured image credit of the Vandenberg by http://www.davidharrisonwright.com

One hard-working, non-profit organization is dedicated to growing, protecting and managing our most precious coral reefs. Global Coral Reef Alliance is taking major strides to try and nurse our reefs back to a healthier state.

This dedicated organization is made up of volunteer scientists, divers and environmentalists who all share a passion for preservation and a drive to revive the reefs.

To accomplish their goal, the Alliance takes a more complex approach.  It is known as the Biorock® Process, is owned by Biorock®, Inc. and is licensed to GCRA.  The process applies safe, low voltage electrical currents through seawater.  These recreations of artificial reefs are steel structures in the shape of domes and tunnels.  Once the current is applied, dissolved minerals begin to crystallize on the structure into hard white limestone similar to concrete. You might ask how they are powered.  The sources include renewable energy such as windmills, photovoltaic solar panels and tidal current generators.  Most of the time, having the ability to connect to conventional power is non-existent so creativity is a necessary part of the process.

Corals are instantly attracted to these structures and begin to flourish at outstanding rates, almost two to six times faster than their normal growth rate.  Through this artificial process, it almost makes the coral stronger to be able to cope with environmental stresses which include pollution, sedimentation and climate change.  There are other advantages such as increasing the fish population and enhancing ecotourism.  There is a good possibility that in areas where the experimentation has taken place, you will see a plentiful amount of crabs, clams, octopus, lobster and sea urchins.  Gorgonians, worms and crustaceans also are attracted to these artificial reefs. This, in turn, attracts more divers and snorkelers.

It is important to note that the electrical current must be maintained in order to stimulate the restoration process. It is not a one-time process. Biorock materials are thought to be structurally self-healing.  If a section becomes damaged, nature takes its course and the cracks fill and they serve the purpose of being breakwater shore protection and indirectly stop beach erosion.

Biorock technology is making huge waves these days protecting islands and coastal areas from erosion and rising sea levels.  You can find the process applied in the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Panama and Saya de Malha Banks in the Indian Ocean, an area as remote as it gets.

The Global Coral Reef Alliance works in connection with foundations and governments or private firms to get the reefs constructed and then maintained.  It has stirred up curiosity in Jamaica and is now part of an experimental effort.  The Grand Turk Reef Project is also all about Biorock technology restoring reefs to their original beauty and natural state.

These “instant reefs” are one of the answers for a more promising underwater future but as with any project of this magnitude, it is essential to get increased funding and the support of the government so it can be implemented on a more global level.

Photo Credits: glassbox-design.com

I’ve been using the BCD for months now and thought I’d give a review of it from both a recreational diver perspective and that of an instructor.

The short of it is this: For a recreational diver - go buy this BCD now. No really, like right now. For an instructor - not the best BCD to teach Open Water in. But let’s get into more detail.

First, the technical specs:
● Back inflate
● 35-40 lbs of lift
● Weighs 7 lbs
● Integrated weights
● Holds 20 lbs ditchable weight
● Holds 10 lbs non-ditchable weight
● 1 adjustable tank strap
● 1 zipper pocket - small
● 1 velcro pocket
● Octo holder
● Tank valve strap
● Console sleeve
● Adjustable chest harness

i3 Inflator

Okay, now let’s get into the nitty gritty by first diving into the big selling point of this BCD. The i3 inflator/deflator. From the get-go, I was sold in this new design. I liked the idea, which is why I bought it, but in practice it was even better. I did have to break the habit of reaching up for the deflator, but the location of the i3 is so natural it was easy to break that habit.

The hand comfortably rests on the i3 and the inflator/deflator switch is extremely simple to operate. When the deflator is activated, it opens all of the low profile exhaust valves on the jacket so air can escape no matter what position you are in. This works most of, but not 100% of the time. I have found occasions where I needed to adjust my profile in the water a little before air would escape, but for the most part it works as expected. Micro adjustments are also easy enough to perform. Another upside is that the exhaust valves are one way, which means less water gets into the bladder.

Reaching down and to the side is so much easier than fumbling for the hose coming over the shoulder, and you don’t have to worry about grabbing the bottom of your snorkel and wondering why you can’t find the darn button. It feels like it’s more streamlined and trimmed, and there’s no hose to hold up over your head. The latter is a frequent issue with newer divers. When teaching, I find it difficult to get students to remember that they must hold the hose up. The i3 technology eliminates that learning curve.

For an instructor, however, the i3 technology is what makes this BCD a poor choice for teaching Open Water classes. It’s very difficult to show students how to use a standard low pressure inflator when you don’t have one. I have tried using the oral inflator as a substitute, but it is not meant for regular usage and because of that it’s clumsy and difficult to use on a regular basis.

Speaking of the oral inflator, while it is clumsy to use regularly (long hose that floats when left out, and takes some time to fold up and secure it), it’s still much easier to use than standard oral inflators when you need it. The upside to the Lotus’ oral inflator is that there is no button you have to push. Just pressing your mouth onto the inflator activates it and its shape and size make it a cinch to seal your mouth on. You can also release air with it just by pressing the mouthpiece down with a finger.

The rubber mouthpiece comes off very easily, though, and is a little difficult to get back on properly. I think this would only be an issue if you were pulling the oral inflator in and out of its secure location multiple times during a dive (as I do when teaching in it). For recreational diving, one wouldn’t be using the oral inflator repetitively and thus not experiencing that issue.

Storage and Trim

For pocket storage, this BCD is lacking a bit. There are two pockets and they’re on top of one another on the same side due to the i3 inflator being on the opposite side. The smaller zippered pocket really isn’t going to hold much at all. I keep my SMB and whistle in there since there’s not much else that could fit. The zippered pocket is actually on the top flap of the larger velcro pocket underneath.

The velcro pocket folds up when not in use to trim down even more. When opened, it’s large enough to put a couple useful things in, such as extra weight. Downside, though, is that since there are pockets only on one side, if you do put extra weight in either of them it’s going to make you roll to the side like a fish with a missing fin. This is another issue that’s more specific to teaching in the BCD. When I’m teaching Open Water classes, I generally keep some extra weight in my pockets in case I need to give it to an overly buoyant student. In this BCD, that habit causes me to list to the right.

If you need additional pockets though, the BCD is certainly not lacking in D-rings (4) to attach things to, including external pockets should you want them. And, since the Lotus itself is so trim in the front, it makes it that much easier and comfortable to attach a few things to without feeling overloaded and front-heavy.

The octo-pocket is simple and straightforward and I’ve had no issues with the octo coming loose once tucked inside. On the opposite side of the BCD, the console sleeve is equally as straightforward and keeps your gauges tight to the jacket. The low pressure and console hoses can also tuck in around the bladder and under the left arm for additional streamlining.

If you like to be streamlined and trim, this is definitely a BCD for you.

Comfort

I think this is where the Lotus definitely excels. I can’t explain exactly how it does it, but the tank feels extremely close to the body and I experience zero tank wobble while swimming. It took me a little time to get the jacket adjusted correctly for my body, but once I did the fit was amazing. The waist strap is adjustable and the chest strap is on a rail system so you can slide it up and down as you need.

Chest strap rail system

The tank strap sits much lower on the tank than other BCDs I’ve used. That little tidbit caused me some grief when I first started wearing the BCD. I kept putting the strap too high on the tank, then attached the tank valve strap and this caused the BCD to bunch up in the middle and not fit correctly. When I first started wearing it, I thought it fit horribly and that I wasn’t going to be able to use it at all. Once I realized my folly, the BCD fit so wellI couldn’t believe the difference. Little touches like a neoprene neck roll and padded lumbar only add to the comfort factor and helps to make the weight of the tank almost disappear.

The shoulder straps have a swivel on them that helps to direct the strap under the arm. This helps with stability as well as comfort. The tank valve strap that doubles as a carry handle keeps the top of the tank tight to the back of the jacket, helping with some of the weight and making it less necessary to lean forward to counter it. See the video below from Aqualung about the Wrapture harness system and the tank valve strap.

Aqualung video on Wrapture Harness system

Now, because this is a back inflate BCD it does take some getting used to in the water. I absolutely love it underwater but on the surface it leaves a lot to be desired. If you don’t spend too much time on the surface chatting, the back inflate won’t be an issue. But if you do, such as is the case when one is teaching, the back inflate will push your body forward in the water forcing you to fight to keep yourself upright. I’ve found that when teaching an Open Water class, that issue alone wears me out. Recreationally, though, it’s not a concern.

All in all, this is a great BCD for many reasons. It’s not perfect, but its pros greatly outweigh the cons for recreational diving. I still wouldn’t recommend it for teaching Open Water.

Pros:
● New i3 inflator/deflator
● Streamlined and trim
● Console sleeve
● Easier-to-use oral inflator
● Tank close to body
● Very comfortable
● Octo pocket
● No tank wobble

Cons:
● Back inflate pushes you forward on the surface
● Small pockets
● Oral inflator mouthpiece comes off easily
● Lack of standard low pressure inflator makes it hard to teach in

I realize a few of you do, but even more of you don't. Some don't because they, like myself, have purchased dive computers and really have no need to regularly use the tables. Frighteningly, others have neither purchased a dive computer nor use the tables regularly. They rely on their buddy, divemaster, guide, or some other divers on the trip to plan their dives for them. This is scary stuff. Seriously.

Once upon a time when I was a new diver and dive computers had just become more mainstream, I completely poo-poo'd them. Only lazy divers unable to comprehend dive tables would spend such large amounts of money to not have to think for themselves. Needless to say, over the years I have changed my tune. Dive computers have become so commonplace and affordable now that there is absolutely no reason not to have one. While I completely and totally feel that all divers need to understand dive tables and their relationship to diving, I feel equally as strong that all divers should have their own dive computer.

Why? Funny you should ask! Let me tell you why.

Longer dives
That's right. You can dive longer. Why? Because the dive tables assume you're going to be at the exact same depth for the entire dive. Every single diver in the world knows that's rarely ever the case. Dive computers take your initial descent into consideration along with any other rising and falling you do during your dive. It's constantly recalculating (like a GPS!) your available bottom time according to your current depth while taking into consideration all of your past depths and times. It does more than your mind ever could. Well, more than my mind ever could, anyway.

If you’re going to start using Nitrox or already do, the computer’s calculations become even more important. With a nitrox capable computer, you can quickly calculate and compare O2 percentages and depths to determine the optimal mix for your planned dive. Few students really remember how to do that after walking out of their nitrox class, and the computer makes it simple and lightening fast.

Safer dives
Due to the reasons listed above, your dives are also a little safer with a computer if they’re used correctly. You eliminate the human error risk inherent in manual calculations and you eliminate the necessity of trusting someone else to do it for you. Even given the possibility that a dive computer could get it wrong, if you and your buddy both have one then that issue is nearly moot. You both have computers and they both agree, then it’s highly unlikely that both computers are wrong at the exact same time.

Additionally, it can keep track of your previous dives and while you’re on the boat it will scroll through the depths and display to you the current NDL if you were to dive again right then. As your surface time increases, so do those NDL it displays.

Dive log
Dive computers nowadays serve a dual purpose as a dive log. Almost all of them will now store a certain number of dives in memory, and most can be connected to a PC to download the information from your recent dive trip. Some include software that can utilize this information into a dive profile for you that could be useful in determining air consumption habits among other things (if that’s of any interest to you).

Instead of you having to try to remember what your max depth and bottom time was, the computer does that for you. So even if you're using manual dive logs, the information is right there in front of you to easily copy down. Most even keep track of water temperature too.

Affordable
The cost of dive computers has come down considerably over the years even as their functionality has increased. While there are certainly some pretty expensive models, all that’s necessary is just a basic computer that gives you depth and NDL. You can get one for under $200 easy, even closer to $100 if you happen to catch a sale. How much is your peace of mind worth?

Increasingly required
Yup, more and more dive operators are starting to require that you have a dive computer before diving with them, especially if you’re doing more advanced dives. Sometimes you can rent one, and while that may be necessary at times, wouldn’t you rather use a computer you’re familiar with? It would be a shame to be caught unsuspecting on your next dive vacation by finding out that the dive operator you booked with requires you to have a computer and you don’t have one. So until you get one, make sure what the rules are with the shops you’re diving with.

Word of caution
Dive computers aren’t infallible. Their purpose is to help keep you from getting bent by doing rapid and continuous calculations of your bottom time and depth. They cannot, however, take into consideration other DCS risk factors such as weight, age, hydration levels, and the fact that you stayed out all night partying. For that matter, it knows nothing about your specific body and it’s health. For that reason, dive computers should be seen as a tool and nothing more. As with any tool, understand how to use it before doing so and never let it take the place of safe diving knowledge. Do your training, learn the tables, understand the science behind them and then use the computer to help you facilitate the use of that knowledge in a safe manner.

For me personally, a dive computer is a necessary part of my gear and in my not so humble opinion, there’s really no excuse not to have one.

In the months and weeks that led up to the trip I scoured in the internet in search of photos and write ups by people who had made it there before me, there was a growing community of divers, scientists and conservationists posting incredible descriptions of the reef scenery and abundance of marine life to be found, aside from the stunning topside vistas.

I’ve always thought expectation can be a dangerous thing for a diver. How many times have I surfaced from a dive that was supposed to be the finest site in the region only to hear mutterings around the liveaboard that it was ‘not all that’. Yet the one that nobody has heard about gets people raving and excited beyond belief. I’ve always tried to see the dive for what it is rather than allow my expectations to get the better of me, I was hoping this would still be the case with Raja Ampat.
Eighteen months on and our dive boat was motoring up the Dampier Strait to Cape Kri, we back rolled into the water and my first glimpse of a Raja Ampat reef confirmed everything I’d been told. The explosion of life was chaotic and disorderly, hard and soft corals tightly packed against one another and schools of fish jostling in each other’s territory - it was difficult to know which way to turn.
And so it went on, Kri was just another example of a reef which appeared both perfect and jumbled at the same time, the sheer abundance of life encountered on any one dive was staggering. Over the course of two weeks we saw everything from mantas to wobbegong sharks, pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish but most impressively endless stretches of pristine coral reef.

My first trip was a mere taster into the potential of this vast region, Raja Ampat comprises of over 1500 islands, shoals and islets and is home to over 1,300 species of fish and some 500 species of coral. What’s more this unique region plays a vital role in the transportation of species and nutrients around the coral triangle. Scientists also believe the reefs here show more sign of resilience against adverse environmental influences compared with other tropical regions around the globe.

Yet like many of the last great wildernesses Raja Ampat is under threat, nickel and cobalt miners are increasing their activities throughout the region and up until recently shark numbers were dwindling. Providing you stick with a conscious dive operator your visit could be both rewarding for you and the conservation of the region.

Guest blog by Ben Stokes