The Generic Breathing Machine (GBM) is a new type of rebreather designed for scuba divers. It is compact and portable, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces like caves. The GBM offers improved buoyancy and comfort compared to other units, as well as features that simplify oxygen management during dives. The rebreather can be…
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the diving industry to adapt, specifically using knowledge from diving respiratory therapies. As hospitals faced ventilator shortages, a transition was made to develop helmet-based ventilators, similar to techniques used in rebreathers. This innovation resulted in over 30,000 devices being distributed globally, providing critical respiratory support in areas drastically affected by the…
This post recounts the experiences of diver Alton Hall during his cave diving training in the 1980s under the guidance of Parker Turner, a pioneering figure in the cave diving community. Hall highlights Turner’s focus on safety and the need for knowledgeable instructors in a field that was becoming increasingly dangerous. The training involved intense…
Nauticam has released a new housing for the Atomos Shinobi II monitor, which is designed for underwater photography. This housing is 30% slimmer and features a bright 5-inch HDR screen that is 50% brighter than the previous model. It connects to cameras using HDMI and provides focus and exposure tools for photographers to enhance their…
Ikelite has introduced the first underwater housing for the Sony a1 II, a full-frame mirrorless camera. This new housing features a durable ABS-PC body with a transparent back, allowing divers to check the camera’s sealing. It supports shooting at depths of 200 feet and offers customized options like an HDMI port for external monitors. Retailing…
Diving in Silfra allows divers to explore a unique space between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This rift is located in Lake Thingvellir, where the water is exceptionally clear due to glacial runoff, offering visibility of up to 100 meters. This clarity creates an experience that feels like flying underwater. The article includes…
NAUI Worldwide has launched the Young Aquatic Explorers Program for kids aged 8 and up. This program offers five courses, called “explorations,” to introduce young learners to snorkeling and confined-water diving. Participants gain skills needed for NAUI Junior Open Water Diver Certification, teaching them about dive equipment, safety, diving science, environmental changes, and skin diving….
Blue carbon refers to coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes that capture and store carbon dioxide. These ecosystems outperform land-based carbon storage methods since they can store more carbon and for longer periods. For example, mangrove sediments can keep carbon for over 5,000 years. As scuba divers, we can help protect and restore…
A liveaboard diving vessel named Putri Papua sank near Sorong, Indonesia. Seventeen people, including crew and passengers, were rescued by the Indonesian Navy. The liveaboard suffered engine damage, which led to the emergency evacuation of its passengers and crew. Most of those rescued were unharmed, but two crew members sustained minor injuries. This incident highlights…
Great white sharks are mysteriously dying along the North American coast, with scientists baffled by the enlarged brains found in these dead sharks. The cause of this unusual brain inflammation is still unknown, leading researchers in Canada and the United States to investigate the phenomenon. This development raises concerns about the health of shark populations…