Inserts & o'rings

March

2024

• Upcoming Events
• Sodwana
  
• Maldives
  
• Something New
  
• Marico-oog
• Shout out of the month
• Fish ID Quiz
  
• Courses of the Month
• Scuba Jobs

Features

Howzit, you beautiful scuba diving enthusiasts!

Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter, where we bring you the latest news, tips and events from the underwater world.

In this issue, we have some exciting announcements, such as our upcoming dive trip to the beautiful and scenic Sodwana, where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy some quality dives with the best company you can ask for, or relax on the soft powder sand as you watch the tired sun slowly tuck beneath the calm ocean waves, illuminating its surface with a fiery orange. Not to mention our upcoming Marico-Oog trip. Set up your camping spot, roast smores by the burning fire, and, of course, enjoy some quality inland dives with some awesome people.

We also have some useful articles on how the inner workings of one of the most important scuba diving tools functions, the BCD, and a short historical recap of the history of Scuba diving. Plus, we have a fun quiz to test your knowledge of scuba diving facts and trivia. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at our next club meeting or dive outing. Happy diving!

important dates

As you descend into the quite dark of the ocean, the cool waters carries your weightless body and the golden rays of sun light slowly melt into the deep blue of the great deep sea, it’s mysteries intrigue you, they beckon you to go deeper.

In deep diving, you will learn the safety procedures of how to descend and ascend safely using a dive computer.

Recognizing fish species enhances scuba diving enjoyment. Learning fish families and characteristics helps identify species worldwide. Knowing fish families makes it easier to inquire about local names from instructors.

something new!

Digi2 Digital Console (Digital Pressure Gauge)

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Automatic activation with connection to the tank

• High contrast display

• Depth indicator 0-120 meters

• Tank pressure indicator 0-300 bar

• Water temperature indicator -10/+50 °c

• Residual gas autonomy in minutes indicator

• Gas reserve below 50 bar indicator

• Maximum depth of the last dive

• Autonomy up to 1000 hours in immersion

• Low battery indicator

• Self-diagnosis for battery change (patented)

• User-replaceable silicone protective shell

• Dimensions: 9.9 x 5.2 x 2.8 cm

• Weight: 122 gr

Click here to see more

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

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.

For example, a butterfly fish in the Caribbean has a similar shape to a butterfly fish in Southeast Asia, but their colors and markings maybe wildly different. If you know what fish family it belongs to, it becomes much easier to look up the local name or at least be able to intelligently ask the local scuba instructor what you saw. That works better than asking about a “yellow thingy with a funny tail fin.”

As you descend into the quite dark of the ocean, the cool waters caress your weightless body, and the golden rays of sun light slowly meld into the deep blue of the great deep sea, its mysteries intrigue you, they beckon you to go deeper. Where time is frozen, and wrecks of old lay in wait. Some wrecks have been there for centuries, waiting for you.

In deep diving, you will learn the safety procedures of how to descend and ascend safely using a dive computer. you will also learn to master your buoyancy, as many of the worlds wrecks can be found in deeper waters. What's more, despite the lack of sunlight in some places, entire ecosystems and marine life thrive in the depths where you wouldn't be able to find them any where else.

Dear Mandy

I feel that I have a story to tell regarding my journey to MSD (Master Scuba Diver).

After my memorable open water qualification and first ocean dive to Mozambique, I realised that I needed

to increase my awareness in the water to beyond just concentrating on breathing through my mouth underwater. Hence, Nabeel and I signed up for Advanced, with Marina. What a phenomenal training! This training is so much more than diving deeper. It is about awareness of your buddy, loss of colours as you descend deeper, as well as how to calculate the direction to shore in the ocean by looking at the bottom of the ocean.

With time, I realised that sooner or later with all of these ocean dives, I was going to encounter sharks and I was fretful about them biting me. So…Nabeel and I signed up for Shark Aware, with Annie. I was so inspired by the course to help conserve sharks and to market South Africa as the Shark Capital of the World. We qualified at Aliwal and I was completely surrounded by sharks and I LOVED it. I was still a nervous diver, at this stage, and the sharks calmed and charmed me. I was blown away by the close encounter with sharks…they don’t understand boundaries…

With acquiring more diving practice, I realised that diving was tiring me out…I was running a marathon underwater by over finning, and I observed all the schools of fish swimming away from me hurriedly looking for a safe spot. So…Nabeel and I booked ourselves for a course on PPB with Mandy. We qualified at Bass Lake and I had the most incredible experience when I stopped finning. A bass came up to me and we looked at each other for a long time. He didn’t swim away and neither was I finning. I marvelled at his bony cheeks and his interest in me. He looked at me, wondering what creature I was? We just kept looking at each other until I broke the spell and swam away to keep up with the group. I was so touched. I was completely in love with this bass. He was so thoughtful and clever and inquisitive. I had no idea that a fish could be this intelligent…and every time I dive at Bass Lake I am hopeful that I will see him again and that we can be friends…

With more diving experience, I realised that there are some dive centres that dive only with Nitrox. Oops, we are not Nitrox certified.We received a crash course when we dived at Aliwal, but decided that we needed to complete the full training. The feeling after a Nitrox dive with all the oxygen in the system vs nitrogen…wow…what a feeling…no nitrogen tiredness…so we booked the course with Marina and learned how to test the cylinder and learned about the safety and the risks that come with diving with Enriched Air.

On a diving trip to Plettenberg Bay, I realised that I didn’t know how to handle myself in a current. I got lucky…but how do I keep myself safe in a current. We then signed up for Drift Diver with Rae from Aliwal.Wow…wow…wow…I learned that I don’t need to fight the drift or the current…and if I got separated from the group, just ascend to 15m and deploy my DSMB…then perform my safety stop at 5m…then ascend to the surface and the boat will come fetch me. This is so cool because now instead of being afraid of currents I now look forward to these! Another learning from our Plettenberg Bay dive was that Nabeel didn’t check his air, so at the safety stop, he had only a sliver of air left and the dive master gave him my octo and we ascended safely. It then became extremely important to learn not to get distracted under water and how to keep ourselves safe so that we never need to be rescued. For this level of preparedness we registered for EFR with Mandy, and Rescue with Talia. These courses taught us how to keep ourselves safe so that we never need to be rescued ourselves. There is also no better feeling than knowing that we know exactly how to help a fellow diver in need and I always carry a rescue mask in my BCD to deliver that life saving CPR.

With a son living in Canada, we found ourselves confident enough to start diving there…so we signed up for Dry Suit Diver. Even with a dry suit I did feel the cold. However, I was still able to complete 40 minute dives.Ally, our Dry Suit instructor mentioned that after completing the Dry Suit qualification that we would by Master Scuba Divers! What a surprise…

Warm regards Farzana

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

Underwater photographers capture marine life, reefs, and collaborate with fashion and hospitality. They need diving qualifications, technical skills, and may benefit from higher education. The field offers opportunities for creativity, documenting marine life, and collaborating with various industries. Passion, dedication, and a love for the underwater world are essential for success in this captivating profession.

Becoming a scuba instructor offers a dreamy job exploring the underwater world, teaching students proper techniques, and guiding them into underwater discovery. The role combines teaching and diving, allowing for a fulfilling career sharing a passion for diving and instilling respect for the ocean. Responsibilities include ensuring safety while experiencing the beauty of marine life and coral reefs firsthand. Being a mentor and guide to students beginning their underwater journey brings immeasurable rewards for those with a love for teaching and the ocean.

To be a golf ball diver, divers need a contract with courses, advanced scuba certification, self-rescue skills, and possibly drysuit training. The job involves murky, contaminated waters with hazards like dangerous animals and debris. Divers must contend with competition from poachers and typically retrieve around 3,000 balls per day for compensation.

This profession is not something you undertake lightly due to the numerous associated risks. It spans a wide spectrum from underwater inspections to handling hazardous materials. Commercial diving involves working underwater to complete tasks like equipment repairs, removals, or installations. Commercial divers utilize a variety of tools to perform tests, experiments, and underwater explosive operations. When it comes to a commercial diver's salary, several factors play a role, including experience, employer, location, and dive depth. Despite being location-independent, commercial divers typically work in the field for 4-8 weeks with 10 days to 4 weeks off for relaxation. This career necessitates specialized education rather than just a specific certification.

Did you know that there are specialized diving certifications for law enforcement officers who deal with accidents and crime scenes in bodies of water? These divers, known as public safety divers, play a crucial role in rescuing or recovering people and evidence in such situations. They often face challenging diving conditions with limited visibility. Public safety diving involves rigorous training, preparing divers to witness both frightening and heartbreaking scenes.

While recreational diving can be immensely gratifying, if you have a passion for it, why not explore it as a career? Dive into the possibilities, conduct some research, and, most importantly, keep diving!

Are you fascinated by shipwrecks? Does the idea of discovering sunken treasure intrigue you? Consider a career in Marine Archaeology. These professionals explore the ocean floor to uncover shipwrecks and potential sites containing valuable items or human remains. Additionally, they maintain databases of local shipwrecks, ensuring wreck sites are undisturbed by looters. Marine archaeologists are also consulted when construction projects may impact the seabed, checking for any wrecks that could be affected. In essence, the role involves preserving underwater artifacts and safeguarding marine life. To pursue this career, you will need certification for diving shipwrecks, proficiency in advanced buoyancy, and possibly nitrox for extended dives.

4 night diver Package

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.

The Aladin ONE Matrix

The Aladin ONE Matrix is a simple yet advanced dive computer suitable for new and experienced divers. It features an upgraded algorithm, new LCD display, automatic Safety Stop function, Bluetooth communication, and various configuration options including basic capsule or consoles with air pressure gauge and compass.

• Computer screen features an updated LCD segmented display on the top and middle rows, plus an eye-pleasing matrix display on the bottom row.
  
• ZH-L16 ADT algorithm uses 16 tissue compartments and accommodates a single gas.
  
• Nitrox compatible from 21% to 50% in 1% increments.
  
• Adjustable ppO2 between 1.0 and 1.6bar.
  
• Visual and audible alarms keep you alert to your dive data.
  
• Back light enhances screen readability in low-light conditions.
  
• New automatic Safety Stop with timer makes it easy to perform safer ascents.
  
• Saltwater or freshwater modes and dive planner with deco are included.
  
• Two buttons provide easy access to modes and the programming of basic parameters.
  
• Maximum operating depth: 120m.
  
• CR2450 user-replaceable battery is rated for two years or 300 dives.
  
• Dive data can be easily transferred, stored and analyzed on a PC/Mac, plus the system is also Android and iOS app compatible, all using the new Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy interface.
  
• Available as a basic capsule, a wrist mount or as part of a two- or three-gauge console.
  

For more information...

CLICK HERE TO TAKE QUIZ NOW

Welcome to the quiz! This is a fun and interactive way to see how well you know your ocean friends. You will be asked a series of multiple-choice questions and you will have to select the correct answer from the options. There is no time limit, so you can take your time and think carefully before answering. Good luck and have fun!

a. Blanket

b. Flat fish

c. 2 breaths

d. None of the above

a. Northern Pike

b. Salmon

c. Small Mouth Bass

d. Sardines

a. Smaller fish

b. Plankton

c. Sushi

d. Sardines

a. Herring

b. Sardines

c. Salmon

d. Bristlemouths

a. Lips

b. Cephalic Lobes

c. Cochlea

d. Incus Malleus

a. Lionfish

b. Sea Snake

c. Stonefish

d. Jellyfish

a. Humpback Whale

b. Manta Ray

c. Killer Whale

d. Blue Whale

a. Swordfish

b. Sailfish

c. Black Marlin

d. Wahoo

We are delighted to announce that our intern of the month is none other than the amazing Thomas Parry! Thomas Parry has been a breath of fresh air, helping customers with their queries and equipment. He has also been very active on our social media platforms, sharing his passion and enthusiasm for the scuba experience and Scuabversity Socials. Thomas Parry is always ready to dive into new challenges and opportunities, and he never fails to make us laugh with his funky dance moves ,witty jokes "odd spelling" and funny stories. We are very grateful for his hard work and dedication, and we hope he continues to enjoy his internship with us. Congratulations, Thomas Parry! You rock!

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 11 mar 2024

Live Your Best Imagined Life Now!

+27 82 852 8253

mandy@scubaversity.co.za

streamlining

Scuba diving is a sport we get into because we love the idea of venturing beneath the waves and seeing new and exciting things. Underwater, we want to be able to move about with ease and focus a large portion of our attention on the sites and activities. When our gear is not right, movement can be sluggish, we may burn through air quickly, and our attention may focus on our frustrations rather than our adventures. One of the easiest ways to have a better experience underwater is by streamlining our gear and our bodies.

The first way to streamline ourselves is by making sure our equipment fits. If your buoyancy compensator is too loose, it may slide around, ride up, or otherwise make neutral buoyancy difficult to achieve. When you select your scuba gear, you should take the time to make sure your buoyancy compensator or harness is properly fitted or adjusted for you, look at what each item offers you for your future in diving. Can you stow or store the equipment you need? Does your rig fit in your hips, chest, and shoulders? Is there a crotch strap that helps secure your buoyancy compensator?

Second, divers love toys. Most divers have made an impulse purchase for an item that seemed “cool” at the time but will never really be used. Do you really need three noise makers, four coiled bungies just in case you need to clip something off, and various other items on you at all times? Often, these items get purchased and a diver will place them on a buoyancy compensator. These items all create drag when a diver tries to move through the water. When a diver eliminates extra items, drag is reduced and the diver will find it easier to move through the water with ease.

Similarly, a diver should make sure that clips, straps, and buckles are secured. Anything that dangles, flaps, or hangs open can create more drag or possible entanglement hazards. Often, a simple pre-dive check with a buddy can help a diver make sure that gear is properly donned and secured.

items need to be tucked away and stowed so that nothing “dangles” or hangs free to create drag. Items should be kept close to the body. Taking time to do a weight check every once in a while One of the biggest actions any diver can take in regard to improving comfort and mobility in the water is streamlining both equipment and the body. Over time, adjustments may become only minor corrections rather than major gear reconfigurations. With improved comfort comes an overall improved experience and more time underwater focusing on the exciting factors that make a person return over and over again to the water.

Weight belt

Ankle weights

Cylinder weighting

Club Albums

OPEN WATER’s

how bcd’S work

The BCD air bladder and LPI hose :

The main job of the scuba BCD is to allow its user to remain neutrally buoyant underwater while diving and positively buoyant at the surface.

It achieves this by having a built in, expandable pouch which can be inflated and deflated at the users will. this is achieved using the LPI hose and inflator and deflater buttons. by connecting the LPI hose, found on the regulator , and attaching it from the cylinder to the inflator and deflator hose, air can be pumped into the BCD’s Bladder, allowing the diver to have a fun and safe experience while diving

Inflator, deflator, and oral inflator hose:

As mentioned above, by connecting the LPI hose to the inflator and deflator buttons, one can pump air into the BCD’s bladder using the air within the cylinder. However, what happens if the cylinder is out of air? in addition to the inflator and deflator buttons, there is also an oral inflation connected to the BCD, this allows the user to manually blow air into the BCD at the surfacing, making them positively buoyant and safe.

Manual deflation mechanism:

Just like how you can manually inflate your BCD, you can also manually deflate it in the case that the deflator button does not work. This is achieved by pulling on the release valves located on both shoulder straps, releasing any air within the bladder.

Equipment speciality online

ALIWAL

3 night diver Package

The invention of the "Aqua-Lung" in 1942 was a breakthrough for scuba diving. It was a device that used a car regulator modified by Jacques and Emile Gagnan to deliver compressed air from a tank to the diver on demand. This allowed the diver to explore the underwater world without being limited by a hose or a short breath-hold. Jacques, who was also a spy for the French Navy during World War II, collaborated with Gagnan on this project. However, this was not the beginning of the story.

One of the earliest forms of scuba diving was the use of a “diving bell,” which was a device that enclosed air and allowed divers to descend underwater. There are records of Alexander the Great using a diving bell in the Mediterranean Sea around 332BC, as reported by Aristotle.

Another pioneer of scuba diving was Leonardo Da Vinci, who designed a self contained underwater breathing apparatus that consisted of a face mask and tubes that connected to a bell-shaped float on the water surface. This device provided air to the diver and enabled him to explore the underwater world.

However, nowadays, humanity has progressed far past the need for dive bells. what once was a distant and dangerous dream, is now a lifestyle. In fact, deep sea scuba diving has even become a well-respected job. From fixing underwater pipelines and wreck recovery, to reef conservation and marine wildlife research. A qualification in deep sea diving opens many new and exciting doors for you.

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

DAN’s oronasal resuscitation mask is equipped with an oxygen inlet for mouth-to-mask ventilations and provides additional oxygen to non-breathing, injured divers.

DAN’s oxygen unit accessories are designed to give the best performance for your emergency response needs. Complete, restock or update your oxygen kit to ensure you are ready for any situation.

Every day, divers and emergency-response personnel around the world trust DAN’s oxygen units and first-aid kits to perform in an emergency. That’s because DAN’s products have been developed, tested and refined with input from leading doctors and researchers to meet the discriminating requirements of the diving community. Be ready to respond. Explore DAN Shop to make sure you are prepared with the latest safety equipment to effectively handle any dive emergency.

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