Inserts & o'rings

February 2024

In This Issue

• Mozambique
• Upcoming Events
• Sodwana
  
• Maldives
  
• Marico-oog
• Meet the Interns
• Scuba Instructor Quiz
  
• RED SEA- Egypt trip
  
• Courses of the Month
  

Features

Welcome Feb

Hey there, fabulous Club members and soon-to-be members! Welcome to the month of February, where love is in the air and epic adventures await! Last month's Scubaversitrix social was a smashing hit – your diving spirit was on fire! Huge thanks for bringing all that energy and excitement!

If you haven't renewed your club membership yet, now's your moment to shine! Dive into the perks of our awesome community and score a free 2024 calendar packed with creatures on mind-blowing escapades. Trust us, it's calendar goals!

Get ready for a dive-tastic February! Whether you're upping your skills, exploring new underwater realms, or just chilling with dive buddies, we've got you covered. Dive into our PPB diving and Night Diving Specialties for a deep dive into buoyancy control, dark navigation skills, and the mysterious nocturnal sea life. It's all about boosting your dive game and confidence.

Mark your calendars for our epic journey to Mozambique this Feb and Sodwana in March! Prepare to snorkel with dolphins, mingle with turtles, and maybe catch a glimpse of majestic sharks. This adventure is a must for every diving enthusiast!

We have some fun evenings planned and don’t forget of our monthly certification Ceremony.

So, what's the holdup? Let's make this month a splash with love, laughter, and a lot of diving fun!

See you underwater!

Dick

don't miss out

don't miss out

Important Dates

Bass lake is a full on camping experience & diving weekend. We take over in true Scubaversity style with, gazebos, dive gear, campers, caravans, trailers and fire pitts. The exciting part of the trip is not only the diving but the land based activities too. Bond fires, braaing, making potjies, watching the night divers, late night jokes & laughter. Awesome hamburgers while we debrief at the restaurant. We have a equipped kitchen with rusks, coffee and tea for the early birds and sometimes left over braaivleis or potjie for the hungry! All that you need is your own camping equipment and refreshment!

A poker night with pals transforms into a high-stakes showdown, where sly grins and casual banter cloak their true intentions. Amidst the laughs, the friendly air takes a competitive turn as buddies morph into rivals, all gunning for that winning hand with a mix of cunning tactics and sheer luck. In this thrilling game of wits and chance, the line between friend and foe blurs, setting the stage for an epic battle of deception and skill!

Decompression Sickness

When you dive, it's like your body turns into a nitrogen smoothie under all that pressure! The deeper you dive, the more nitrogen seeps into your tissues. As long as you play it cool and don't overdose on nitrogen, your body can handle it like a champ. But watch out, if you push the limits and linger underwater too long, your body might end up with more nitrogen than it can handle on the way back up!

Besides the nitrogen overload, other sneaky culprits for DCS (Decompression Sickness) include fatigue, dehydration, pre or post-dive workouts, chilly waters, age, health issues, injuries, and maybe a cheeky drink before or after diving.

If your body's not happy with all that nitrogen, it might throw a fit with symptoms like numbness, dizziness, joint pains, and even paralysis! These unwelcome guests can crash your diving party anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours after you resurface.

To dodge DCS drama, remember two golden rules: Plan your dives like a boss and stick to the plan. Know your limits and don't go overboard – safety first!

If DCS gatecrashes your underwater bash, quick! Get the diver comfy, breathe in some pure oxygen, and dial up the emergency squad. Keep an eye on your buddy, tackle any shock, and if things get serious, it might be time for a cozy decompression chamber hangout.

Cheers

Thomas

remember some

Rules!

1. Never hold your breath.
   
2. Never dive without a buddy.
   
3. Ascend slowly from every dive.
   
4. Perform a safety stop at 3-5 meters
   
5. Plan your dive and dive the plan.
   
6. Know your limits and dive within your limitations.
   
7. Check your gauge regularly.
   
8. Always dive with an alternative air source.
   
9. Always perform the BWRAF buddy check before your dive.
   
10. Only dive if you are fit to dive. Never use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco prior to diving.
    

seek adventure

Live Your Best Life as a Scuba Diving Instructor.

Are you scrolling endlessly through your phone, watching other people travel the world? The azure waters of the Maldives, the vibrant coral reefs of Seychelles or the mysterious cenotes in Mexico—these destinations beckon, and you yearn to explore them. But how can you turn your wanderlust into a career that allows you to live your best life?

Are you passionate about the ocean? Do you dream of exploring vibrant coral reefs, encountering majestic marine life, and sharing your love for the underwater world with others? Look no further! Becoming a PADI Scuba Instructor is your gateway to a life less ordinary.

The oceans cover over two-thirds of our planet's surface, connecting all seven continents. Beneath those waves lies a world waiting to be discovered—a realm of vibrant marine life, ancient shipwrecks, and kaleidoscopic coral gardens. As a scuba diving instructor, you become an ambassador of this hidden universe.

Teach, Inspire, Transform. Picture this: you're underwater, surrounded by curious fish, and your student's eyes widen as they take their first breaths through a regulator. You're not just teaching scuba skills; you're igniting a lifelong passion. Witnessing that spark—the moment when someone falls in love with the ocean—is priceless. As an instructor, you shape lives, one dive at a time.

Business in Paradise. Yes, you read that right. Scuba instructors aren't confined to stuffy offices. Instead, your office is a vibrant coral reef, a sun-kissed beach, or a liveaboard sailing across azure horizons. You'll discuss dive plans over breakfast, analyze buoyancy during afternoon dives, and sip coconut water as the sun sets. It's work, but it feels like play.

starts 27 feb 2024

Live Your Best Imagined Life Now!

+27 82 852 8253

mandy@scubaversity.co.za

4 night diver Package

Plan your memories!

Club Albums

OPEN WATER’s

DIVE THE BEST

OF THE MALDIVES

19 - 28 April 2024

Enjoy a dive holiday that gives you all you could wish for from the iconic sites of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Awaiting you are channels, drifts and pinnacles where you have every chance of meeting mantas, whale sharks and many varieties of marine life.

From R49 950 pp sharing

Excluding Flights & Airport Taxes.

Approx. R22 000pp

MY MALDIVES SCUBA DIVING ADVENTURE

How Regulators work

1. First Stage Regulator:

The job of the scuba regulator is to decrease the high air pressure in the scuba tank to the ambient, or surrounding, water pressure so you can breathe comfortably.

It consists of two main stages—the first stage and the second stage.

The first stage regulator is connected directly to the scuba tank and is responsible for reducing the high-pressure air in the tank to an intermediate pressure, typically around 10 bar.

When you breathe in, the pressure in the compression chamber (for a piston construction) lowers. In a piston regulator, a movable piston reacts to the pressure changes, while in a diaphragm regulator, a flexible diaphragm does the job. Both mechanisms regulate the air pressure and ensure a constant and safe flow of air to the diver.

Second Stage Regulator:

The second stage regulator, also known as the demand valve, is the part of the regulator that a diver places in their mouth. This stage further reduces the air pressure to ambient pressure, allowing the diver to inhale comfortably at the surrounding water pressure. When the diver inhales, the demand valve opens, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Upon exhaling, the valve closes, preventing water from entering the regulator.

modern second stage regulators often feature adjustable controls, allowing divers to customize the airflow based on their preferences and diving conditions. Some regulators also incorporate additional features such as dive/pre-dive switches and venturi controls to enhance performance and ease of breathing.

Alternate Air Sources and Octopus Regulators:

Safety is paramount in scuba diving, and regulators are designed with redundancy in mind. Many divers carry a secondary second stage regulator known as an octopus (short for octopus regulator) or an alternate air source. This additional regulator can be used in case of an emergency or if a dive buddy needs assistance.

Scuba regulators are ingenious devices that make underwater exploration possible, providing divers with a controlled and reliable source of breathing air. The combination of the first and second stage regulators, along with safety features like octopus regulators, ensures that divers can experience the wonders of the underwater world safely. Understanding the inner workings of scuba regulators not only enhances a diver's appreciation for their equipment but also reinforces the importance of proper training and maintenance for a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Equipment

speciality online

The Trip you'd rather be on!

MArico Oog

26 - 28 APRIL 2024

Beautiful weather, clear water, good friends and a reason to scuba dive. The only thing we're missing is YOU.

We'd love to have you with us for this awesome time at Marico OogNorth West is a province in the northern part of South Africa, on the Botswana border and fringed by Kalahari desert to the west, Gauteng province to the east and Free State to the South. Home to the Sun City, it attracts both locals and tourists all year round and has a great deal to offer. It is peaceful and offers a sunny climate all year through, making for a most rewarding holiday experience. Within some kilometers away from Groot Marico, there is a body of crystal clear water, with floating lillies, a fresh water-bed of wide-leafed plants, making up the magical Marico Oog. Marico Oog is the best inland diving spot in South Africa. Diving here is more scenic and mostly used for advanced training or night dives by most Gauteng dive centers. There are no air fills possibilities on the spot, therefore we will supply you with 2 cylinders on the trip so you can enjoy multiple dives. This is a great way for you to practice Bouancy and develop / your underwater breathing.

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Book Now

Meet our new Blue Ocean Interns

Shout out of the Month

We received this amazing letter from Louise this month and are so super proud of her that she got to help someone using the skills she practiced during her Rescue and EFR courses. Louise felt she was not ready for the Rescue course however after my insistence the it would help her with confidence and comfort she agreed ;) to attend the course. The letter below is just an testament to how this course can make a difference! Thanks so much for the nice compliments as well, we really appreciate the feedback and that we are doing something right. Congratulations to Annie Brown who certified Louise!

Dive into the Quiz!

TAKE QUIZ NOW

Being a PADI scuba maestro isn't just about teaching flips and tricks; it's about being the dive safety superhero, always pondering, "Is this dive the bomb for my students?" and ensuring they soak up fun and knowledge. You've got to be cool as a cucumber, a walking encyclopedia of all things diving - gear, marine life, the whole shebang. Building a bond of trust with your students, igniting their passion for underwater adventures, that's your jam. But how do you know if you're ready to rock the instructor life? Only one way to find out - dive into our quiz! It's a splash of diving theory, safety, and everything in between. Don't stress; we're rooting for you! Just promise no sneaky Google searches - let's keep it fair for you and your future fishy friends. Ready? Let's dive in!

a. Absorption

b. Refraction

c. Reflection

d. Diffusion

a. 33 bar

b. 20 bar

c. 50 bar

d. 100 bar

a. 4

b. 6

c. 14

d. 20

a. 2.4 atm

b. 22.75 atm

c. 2.28 atm

d. 3.4 atm

a. 4 atm

b. 3 atm

c. 2.91 atm

d. 1.5 atm

a. Partial pressure

b. Gauge pressure

c. Ambient pressure

d. Atmospheric pressure

a. 20

b. 14

c. 4

d. no

a. 131 litres

b. 135 litres

c. 200 litres

d. 265 litres

Get ready to tote your goodies like never before!

SCUBAPRO SPORT BAG 125

If you’re looking for a big roller bag that offers lots of volume to handle lots of gear. The cavernous main compartment will hold a full set of dive gear with plenty of room to spare for other must-have items. The bag offers newly designed backpack straps in case you need to trek off-road and lots of handles for easy lifting. And once you’re done with the day’s diving, the bag folds compactly into itself for easy storage.

SCUBAPRO SPORT MESH 95

The new bag provides ample cargo space in a lightweight, easy-to-carry duffel-style design. Crafted from durable mesh and denim blue fabric, the bag's spacious main compartment can accommodate a full set of gear, complemented by an additional interior pocket for storing smaller items. This versatile gear carrier is perfect for various uses, such as transporting dive equipment from a hotel to a dive boat or serving as a reliable gear hauler for liveaboard trips.

SCUBAPRO SPORT BAG 9

Special equipment deserves special treatment. Ensure the protection of your favourite regulator with the new bag. This round-shaped gear carrier is also good for stowing gauges, dive computers and other valuables you want to keep safe.

For more information...

Lets Sync Calendars

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Specialty’s of the month

What is neutral buoyancy? Scuba divers like to be neutrally buoyant so they neither sink nor float. It can be a tricky thing. Divers who’ve mastered the highest performance levels in buoyancy stand apart. You’ve seen them underwater. They glide effortlessly, use less air and ascend, descend or hover, almost as if by thought. They interact gently with aquatic life and affect their surroundings minimally. The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course refines the basic skills you learned as a PADI Open Water Diver and elevates them to the next level.

As the sun sets, you put on your dive gear, slip on your scuba mask and bite down on your dive regulator. A deep breath and you step off the jetty or boat – into the underwater night. Although you’ve dove this spot many times before, this time you drop into a whole new world and watch it come to life under the glow of your dive light.

Introduce yourself to the whole new cast of critters that comes out after the sun goes down. See your favorite dive sites from a whole new perspective at night.

DIVE THE

WRECK & REEFS of NORTHERN RED SEA

COMPLETE TRIP COST

*PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

The Seahorse

Seahorses range in size from 1.5 to 36 cm. They are named for their horse-like appearance, with bent necks and long snouted heads and a distinctive trunk and tail. Although they are bony fish, they do not have scales, but rather thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates, which are arranged in rings throughout their bodies.

Each species has a distinct number of rings. The armor of bony plates also protects them against predators, and because of this outer skeleton, they no longer have ribs. Seahorses swim upright, propelling themselves using the dorsal fin. The pectoral fins, located on either side of the head behind their eyes, are used for steering. The slowest-moving fish in the world is H. zosterae (the dwarf seahorse), with a top speed of about 1.5 m per hour. Since they are poor swimmers, they are most likely to be found resting with their prehensile tail wound around a stationary object.

The male seahorse is equipped with a brood pouch on the front-facing, side of the tail. When mating, the female seahorse deposits up to 1,500 eggs in the male's pouch. The male carries the eggs for 9 to 45 days until the seahorses emerge fully developed, but very small. The young are then released into the water, and the male often mates again within hours or days during the breeding season.

Fun Facts:

• They live for one to four years.
  
• They have about 40 known species.
• They swim in pairs with their tails linked together.
• They mimic the color of underwater plants to avoid predators.
• The big-belly seahorse is the biggest seahorse species (up to 36cm).
• The Satomi’s Pygmy Seahorse is the smallest seahorse species (up to 1.4cm).
• They can move their eyes independently.
• The pipefish and seadragon are related to the seahorse.
• Some seahorse species are already extinct.
• Seahorses sleep with their eyes open.
  

Courses of the Month

Advanced

The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about advancing your skills. You'll practice navigation and buoyancy, try deep diving and make three specialty dives of your choosing

Here are a few of the many options: Deep, Dive Against Debris, Dry Suit, Enriched Air Nitrox, Fish Identification, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Search & Recovery, Underwater Naturalist, Underwater Navigation and Wreck Diver.

Nitrox

The PADI Enriched Air Diver course is PADI’s most popular specialty scuba diving course, and it’s easy to see why. Scuba diving with Enriched Air Nitrox gives you more no decompression dive time. This means more time underwater, especially on repetitive scuba dives.

If you can't attend the theory class(es) of the course, you can enroll on the Online Enriched Air Diver Self-Study Course which covers the theory component of the course.

EFR

First aid and CPR are good skills for anyone involved in adventure sports – just in case. And, you need these skills for the PADI Rescue Diver course. Emergency First Response is a PADI affiliate that specializes in teaching these lifesaving skills – and they’re for anyone, not just divers. Most PADI Instructors are also Emergency First Response Instructors!

The fun part about Emergency First Response training is learning serious medical emergency response skills in an upbeat, positive environment.

DEEP

After your first few scuba dives, you soon want to explore a bit deeper. There’s something exciting and mysterious about the depth that attracts dives.

What You Learn

• Techniques for diving in the deeper range of 18-40 metres
  
• Deep scuba diving equipment considerations
  
• Experience in planning, organizing and making at least four deep dives under the supervision of your PADI Instructor
  

Fish ID

You’ll find you enjoy your dives even more when you recognise the creatures that you see. The fun part about this course is you can use the skills you learn on every scuba diving vacation because once you learn the main fish families and characteristics it will help you decipher the species you see all over the world.

PROGRAM

Are you seeking a lifestyle career, but find yourself pressed for time and low on funds? Look no further! Our program is tailor-made for individuals like you. Take your time, and pay as you progress. It’s a flexible approach that allows you to balance your lifestyle while pursuing your career dreams.

8 Month PART TIME couRSE

OPENWATER TO DM

R5 625 per month

www.scubaversity.co.za

dive@scubaversity.co.za

082 852 8253

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