DiveAlert Signaling Device Recall

Posted: 13th June 2013 by admin in Basic Dive Gear
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Dive Alert DA2

Dive Alert DA2

If you have purchased a DiveAlert or DiveAlert Plus signaling device between July 2009 and May 2013 (yes, that’s quite a large range), you may need to check the model number. Any of these devices with model numbers DA2, DP2 or DV2 have been recalled. If you don’t know what a signaling device is, you probably don’t have to worry. This device gets attached to your buoyancy compensator device (BCD) power inflator system with a chrome-plated brass coupling. Sounding familiar yet?

Why Would I Need a Scuba Signaling Device?

It is used to activate a loud surface horn or an underwater percussion noise in the event that there’s an emergency. So, if you find yourself trapped in netting and running out of air, it’s time to use the signaling device to call for help. It’s a very handy tool to have; not one that you need every time you dive, but one that could actually save your life in the event that you do need it.

These devices can literally be life savers, well, not the candy, but they can really be responsible for saving your life. But they are even handy in non-life-and-death situations, like if you’ve wandered a little farther than anyone anticipated and need to get the attention of the pickup boat.

How Will I Know if My Device Was Recalled?

The DA2 and DP2 are both black, but one has an orange button and the other has a gray knob and a red button with the words DiveAlert Plus printed on it. The DV2 is black and red. If you have a model that fits this description, regardless of when you bought it, contact a professional to find out whether you need to have it replaced. You can give us a call or stop in to our Middletown, NY location and speak with one of our certified professionals. And if you bought the device from us, even better. We’re happy to handle the recall process for you.

What if This is My First Time Hearing About This Signaling Device?

Don’t be put off by the fact that there is a recall. With technical products such as these, these things are bound to happen from time to time. DiveAlert is a reputable brand. It’s one that we’ve carried for years, and many of us use it personally. If you’re just learning about signaling devices now, this may be something you want to consider adding to your scuba gear collection. As mentioned above, it could be very handy in the right situation.

One Scuba Diver’s Encounter with Ocean Security

Posted: 6th June 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving
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A rare sight for a scuba diver

A rare sight for a scuba diver

For today’s post, I dug up a video from 2011 to approach a topic that I think most divers have strong opinions about. Actually, most people, divers or not, have strong opinions about sharks, but the general consensus in the diving community is quite different than that of those whose only experience with sharks is from watching the movie Jaws.

Surprisingly enough, sharks are feared by most land lovers and revered by most scuba divers. If you look at the facts, it’s easy to see why those who are more likely to encounter these creatures aren’t as scared. Shark attacks are rare.

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), between 1580 and 2011, there were 2,463 unprovoked shark attacks around the world, of which, 471 were fatal.  Did you catch that beginning date? 1580. That’s a span of 431 years. So, we’re talking about an average of about 6 attacks with one being fatal each year. When you think of all the swimmers and scuba divers that have entered shark territory during that time, it’s easy to deduce that only a small percentage of shark encounters result in an attack. And this is further evidenced by the many videos of scuba divers swimming alongside sharks.

So with that, I’ll share the video I promised at the start. It’s a shark encounter of the adorable kind, which is rare. Awe-inspiring and majestic, yes, there are many of those. But adorable? This may be the only one in existence.

This scuba diver happened to encounter a hammer head on his excursion (what luck), but the security guards of the ocean simply weren’t going to risk an incident. Not on their watch.

Watch as this group of dolphins shoo the shark away from this diver.

Wasn’t that sweet? Now, imagine if the divers forgot their camera that day? The rest of us wouldn’t be able to watch this one-of-a-kind shark encounter. So, let this serve as a reminder that you should always have your underwater camera handy. That doesn’t mean throw it in your dive bag. It means keep it on your body or mounted on your gear for easy access. This way, you can be ready when wildlife comes around. Exploring the world under water is exciting to begin with, but you just never know when that once-in-a-lifetime moment is going to take place. Be READY!

Evidence of Mermaids? Probably Just a Scuba Diver

Posted: 30th May 2013 by admin in Basic Dive Gear
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Mermaid or just a scuba diver? ;)

Mermaid or just a scuba diver? ;)

Were you among the 3.6 million viewers who tuned in to watch Animal Planet’s ‘documentary’ about the existence of mermaids? I was, and yes, we were all duped. The network led us to believe that they were uncovering evidence that mermaids once inhabited the deep sea. Scuba divers aside, who wouldn’t be intrigued? Knowing now that the show attracted more viewers than any one show in the past 17 years on this network makes me feel a little better about being fooled, though. I wasn’t alone. Not by a long shot.

Like most of us, if you watched, you were probably wowed by the “evidence” presented by “scientist” Dr. Paul Robertson. Well, if you watched to the credits, you would have seen the flash of a disclaimer that described the show as science fiction. Are you outraged yet? Brace yourself. Dr. Paul Robertson wasn’t a doctor at all. He’s an actor.

I have to admit now that I’m kind of kicking myself. What did I really expect out of this mockumentary? It’s just that the underwater world is already so mythical and magical that it would have been nice to believe that we once belonged there.

So, I guess the bottom line is that if you see what looks like a mermaid in the water, it’s probably just another scuba diver.

And the next time I want to believe in mermaids, I’m just going to don my wetsuit, put on my flippers and become a modern-day merperson myself. That’s right, it’s not a role reserved just for women. Want to join me? You’ll just need the basic gear:

  1. Wetsuit – We don’t need scales to be efficient underwater. A wetsuit will help your body adapt to the temperature and remain comfortable for about as much diving as we can handle.
  2. Flippers – If you want to swim under water, flippers are about the closest we’re going to get to a full-blown tail. They help you cut through water, so you can gracefully glide around in the deep sea.
  3. Scuba Mask – Unfortunately, our eyes were not made to see underwater – at least, not very well. But with a good scuba mask, you can see as clearly as if you were looking through glass.
  4. Regulator – Your air tank will supply you with the oxygen you’ll need to survive under water, but the regulator helps deliver the oxygen to your lungs. An air tank without a regulator wouldn’t do much good.

Scuba Engagement Caught on Film with an Underwater Camera

Posted: 23rd May 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving
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An underwater engagement

An underwater engagement

We know that well-planned wedding proposals can really take a woman’s breath away, but what happens when she’s already getting air from a tank? One of the best proposals of all time, if you ask us. What better way to propose than while scuba diving?

Joseph House decided to propose to his girlfriend, Jessica Forbes, while on vacation near Grand Cayman. And like many great scuba diving locations, the best of this one is found beneath the water’s surface.

House pre-planned this proposal by creating a waterproof treasure map that outlined the important moments of their relationship. Of course, the real treasure was at the end of the journey with a message that stated, “So, are you going to marry me or not?”

Jessica immediately swam to the surface and the two solidified the engagement with a kiss. How sweet.

The whole thing was caught on video with an underwater camera, so you get to watch the proposal as it unfolded.

Although everyone isn’t going to experience a milestone in their lives while underwater, it’s good to keep the camera rolling. You just never know what’ll happen. Here are some of the features to look for if you’re in the market for a new one.

  1. Professional-quality HD video: If you haven’t used a new underwater camera in a while, you’re in for a surprise. Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Gone are the days when you had to settle for a blurry depiction of the coolest fish you ever encountered. Most underwater cameras today shoot in HD. Don’t settle for less.
  2. High Megapixel Count: These days, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 4 megapixels. If you want crisp shots that you’ll proud to show off to your friends, you need more megapixels than an old cell phone camera has.
  3. Wearable and Mountable Design: You don’t want to have to rummage through your dive bag every time you want to take a shot. That’s why something as simple as a lanyard or mount is essential.
  4. Rugged Housing: It’s not waterproof if the housing cracks, and a waterproof camera that isn’t waterproof won’t do you much good.
  5. Built-In Wifi: This last feature isn’t 100% essential, but it is really cool. Imagine being able to instantly upload that proposal to YouTube and share it with the world – before you even got out of the water!

Volunteer Diving Opportunities

Posted: 16th May 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving Equipment
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Save the Coral Reefs!

Save the Coral Reefs!

Around the world, there are so many people with different lives, different jobs, and even different problems. But there’s one thing that we all share: the feeling that there’s not enough time in the day. That’s why it’s so important to spend as much time as you can doing the things you love. Because time is one thing you cannot replace.

But if you’re like so many of us, you have the most trouble finding time for yourself. Time to do the things you truly want to do. Translation: Time to dive. Days pass, and then it’s weeks, and your scuba equipment just sits in the closet collecting dust. Well, this is where volunteering can help give you the kick in the pants to get going. Because it’s not just about you anymore. The world needs you. Better get to it.

You will need to know the basics and have some experience under your belt, but many organizations are so happy to have volunteers that they often will help guide you along your journey.

Here are some scuba diving volunteer opportunities to consider:

Your local aquarium – Really. Almost every aquarium relies on volunteer divers to keep them going. The big profiteers like Disney and Dollywood are exceptions. Each aquarium’s volunteer dive program will have its own requirements for diver experience, time commitment and training, so be sure to check before you start planning your time.

Scientific Dives – There are some great opportunities here to become a part of something bigger than yourself. Volunteer to help research projects and academic programs. You can learn more about this type of diving at the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.

ReefCheck – Reef Check is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving  two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. They are currently calling for a team of experienced recreational divers to participate in simple surveys of reefs. You can either take part in training or sign up for an EcoExpedition. Fun stuff and a good cause. What could be better?

The Great Annual Fish Count – This is a once-annual event that occurs in July and welcomes volunteer divers and snorkelers. As part of the fish count, you’ll be trained to identify and document fish diversity and population trends.

These are just four of hundreds of opportunities out there, so if you don’t see one that’s right for you, keep looking. It’s out there. Not only will you get to do something you love, but you’ll also get to feel great about the (somewhat) altruistic effort. Just be sure your scuba equipment is up to date before you sign yourself up. You don’t want to have to postpone your first charitable dive.

How to Overcome Fear of Water with Scuba Diving

Posted: 9th May 2013 by admin in Basic Dive Gear
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scared scuba

afraid of water

As scuba divers, we get to visit an entirely different world whenever we don our scuba masks. It’s so much more peaceful and serene than the world we inhabit every day. There are no nagging bosses, no would-be muggers, no blaring sirens or obnoxious people. It is peace. Pure and simple.

But people who fear the water would submerge and be in a constant state of panic, wondering if they would run out of air or when a shark was going to come and gobble them up.

So, why is there such a disconnect from how we view this world and how others do? The answer is in education. It takes much more than scuba equipment to make a scuba diver. Scuba divers are built of knowledge, understanding and experience. Scuba divers aren’t afraid of what lies beneath the surface. In fact, the things they fear most are almost always above sea level. If only the general public could know what a scuba diver knows…

Well, there’s good news on that front. Even in desert-laden land-locked states like Arizona, people like Susan Dougherty are overcoming their fear of water with scuba diving lessons. Susan had a near-drowning experience when she was very young and hasn’t been comfortable under water since. That is, until now. After a few months of diving lessons, you might mistake Susan for one of us – an avid scuba diver. It’s all about learning the basics and putting in the time. Oh yeah, and it also helps to have some basic scuba gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dive Mask – Diving won’t be the same without it. A good dive mask will fit right and it won’t cloud up underwater, so you can get the full experience.

Scuba Fins – With the right pair of scuba fins, you’ll feel like one of the fish. No need to be afraid of one of your own, right?

Snorkels – For shallow diving, you can start by using a snorkel for your air supply. When you get more comfortable under water, you can graduate to an air tank.

Encounters of the Strange Kind: Scuba Diving Pets

Posted: 2nd May 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving
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This isn't Hawkeye, but isn't he something?

This isn’t Hawkeye, but isn’t he something?

We first heard about scuba diving pets on April 1st, but were saddened to learn that it was nothing more than an April Fool’s joke. But more recently, a real-life version of that tale (or should I say tail) has been dug up. If you haven’t already guessed, you’re in for a very punny post. Yes, it’s going to be a ruff road ahead (and they just keep coming)…

If you’re a pet owner, you can probably relate to this story. Dog is man’s best friend and cats usually aren’t far behind. It’s natural to want to take your pets with you everywhere, but not everyone can do it. Gene Alba just wasn’t taking no for an answer, though. He spent $40,000 to create a scuba suit for his dog Mutley, and then $20,000 for his cat’s suit. Can you just imagine what it would be like to encounter a scuba-diving dog or cat on one of your dives? You would probably have to check your regulator to be sure you weren’t being deprived of oxygen.

These petsuits had all the basic gear – and then some. Instead of a traditional scuba mask, Mutley and Hawkeye had plexiglass bubble helmets. They also had their own regulators and air tanks. I wonder if Gene had a problem with Mutley chasing jellyfish…

Mutley’s feline friend Hawkeye would also accompany them on dives, again with custom-made scuba gear. Think about how bittersweet it must have been to be a cat with a bubble helmet amongst so many fish?

If you were wondering, and of course you were, Mutley was scuba certified. Do you have your scuba certification yet? If Mutley can do it, you sure can too. Time to stop making excuses.

Here are a few courses you may want to consider:

Discover Scuba – If you’re new to scuba, this is the place to start. It’s not a certification, but it will cover all the basics and give you all the latest safety information.

Scuba Diver – Here is where you become certified. This course covers buoyancy skills, boat diving and common problems you’re likely to encounter underwater. When it’s done, you’ll be on par with Mutley.

Open Water Diver – If you have more time and want to take a more in-depth course, consider the open water diver. This is actually the world’s most popular scuba course.

Advanced Open Water Diver – In this course, you’ll build on the knowledge you’ve gained in the Open Water Diver course, focusing on navigation, deeper diving and adventure dives.

Of course, you can opt for more specific certifications once you get the basics down. Check out our PADI scuba certifications here.

Scuba Gear for Wreck Diving

Posted: 25th April 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving
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Underwater Wreck

Underwater Wreck

If tales of hidden treasure and undiscovered riches get your blood flowing, then there’s a chance you might be a wreck diver. Diving a wreck is kind of like visiting a museum that’s reserved for the select few who are skilled enough to find their way there. Well, them and the plant and marine life that has taken up residence in the space. Ultimately, underwater wrecks are like museums with a pulse. They change, grow and evolve with every passing moment.

But wreck dives can also be dangerous. Take the Andria Doria site, for example. Relative to the size of the ship, there weren’t many casualties at the time of the collision, but they continue to mount as more daredevils attempt to conquer this “Mt. Everest of Wrecks.” Does the element of danger add to the thrill? Maybe so, but that doesn’t mean you should arrived unprepared for a wreck dive.

Here’s a look at some of the scuba gear you’ll need if you want to go wreck diving:

High-Performance Regulator – The standard regulator that you’ve used for every recreational dive probably isn’t going to cut it on a wreck dive simply because most wrecks are found deep in the ocean. Your scuba gear must be able to handle just about anything.

Bail-Out System – As with any deep-sea dive, you’re going to want an emergency backup in the event that you run out of air. This system should include a scuba cylinder, regulator, pressure gauge and a mounting system.

Cutting Instruments – Wrecks can be extremely unpredictable, and it can be easy to find yourself tangled or otherwise stuck. That’s why it’s crucial to carry a dive knife with a sharp blade and some sort of cutting device that can cut wires and cables. It may be boater’s scissors, sidecutters or linemen’s pliers.

Dive Light – Why go through all the trouble of getting to the wreck if you can’t see all the pockets of beautiful marine life? Look for a weighted light with long burn time and a weight to prevent it from floating away if you need to set it down.

Wreck Reel – This piece of scuba gear acts as a navigational guide when you’re exploring inside a wreck or when visibility is poor.

And there’s one more thing you should have before you go exploring any wreck site, but it’s not scuba gear. If you’re going to go wreck diving, you should first take the Wreck Diver and Deep Diver  courses, so you know you’re prepared for the experience.

Trident Diving Equipment Product Recall: Time to Check Your Hoses

Posted: 18th April 2013 by admin in Scuba Diving Equipment
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Trident Scuba Air Hose

Trident Scuba Air Hose

For the most part, scuba gear works amazingly well and keeps us safe and happy during our underwater adventuring. But there are rare cases when a product from a reputable manufacturer is less than perfect. And when you’re dealing with important stuff – such as, you know, breathing – imperfections can cause some major issues. That’s why we’re recommending that you check your hoses this week.

Recalled Product: Trident’s High-Pressure Scuba Diving Air Hoses

This is the hose that connects your regulator to the air tank. About 200 of these were sold between the months of November 2011 through June 2012. If you bought an air hose during this time, it’s definitely time to check your hose. But even if you didn’t, we still recommend doing a double-check to be sure you aren’t using this model.

The black rubber hose is about five millimeters in diameter and either 32 or 36 inches long. The following words are printed in white on the hose’s outer covering: “Scuba Diving High Pressure hose I.D. 3/16 (4.76 mm) W.P. 5000 PSI Exceeds SAE 100RT braid with Kevlar fiber from Dupont.” You’ll find a metal fitting on each end, and you’ll find “CE EN 250 230″ stamped on the female fitting.

Chances are good that your hose is fine, but this is way too important to leave to chance. So do check, and if you have one of the recalled hoses, call us (877-585-2822) or contact Trident directly ( 800-234-3483) to initiate a replacement.

And now is probably a good time to circle back on the topic of buying from a reputable scuba gear retailer. At Prime Scuba, we keep track of each and every purchase, so we can contact customers in the event that a product they purchased was recalled. The importance of this should not be underestimated. If you don’t find out about a recall from the retailer you bought the item from, there’s a good chance you will never know. And imagine finding out that you have a faulty air hose when you’re in the middle of a dive; the panic that would inevitably set in as you wonder whether you have enough air in your lungs to get you back to the surface.

Sometimes, items that have been recalled can be repaired. This is not one of those cases. So, check your hoses. If you have this recalled model in your personal inventory, don’t delay. Get it replaced.

A World Record and the Importance of Scuba Gear Maintenance

Posted: 11th April 2013 by admin in Basic Dive Gear
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University of Toledo Scuba Team

University of Toledo Scuba Team

What’s your favorite thing about the scuba diving community? For many, it’s that there always seem to be world records to break. Whether it’s the Deepest Open-Circuit Dive or the Longest Time Spent Underwater Between a Group of Divers in an Enclosed Environment (yeah, it’s a thing), there’s always a record ready to e obliterated; a way to get your name in the record books.

One Obscure Record

You’re probably wondering who holds the Longest Time Spent Underwater Between a Group of Divers in an Enclosed Environment, right? I mean, that’s a pretty obscure title. The scuba champions include 25 certified divers who also happen to be University of Toledo students, and they claimed this victory from a stint in a 330-gallon tank back in early April. The divers took turns being submerged for eight long days to beat a previous record of six days spent underwater between a group of divers in an enclosed environment.

And as you can imagine, things didn’t always go smoothly. According to the group’s Facebook page, this massive team effort encountered many difficulties, including totes leaking, filter troubles and cold, murky water (yuck).

Scuba Gear “Glitches”

That got us thinking. Technical difficulties are almost inevitable, whether you’re vying for a world record or just diving for fun. Even when you buy the best available scuba gear, if you’re using the equipment long enough, you’re bound to encounter a glitch at some point. Technology is amazing, and it’s hard to imagine what diving must have been like without it, but it’s important to note that it does require maintenance.

And that’s exactly why it’s so important to buy from a reputable dealer. When you buy from a reputable dealer, you can be sure that you’ll be covered under the full manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll also have a place to take your scuba gear for repair and maintenance – which is important to keep it in tip top shape for as long as possible.  In our store, we recommend that most scuba gear is serviced every 12 months regardless of how many times it has been used.

How often do you have your scuba gear serviced? Is it time for an appointment now?

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