Before diving, people apply spit or commercial defog solution to the inside of their masks to keep them from fogging. But why does it work? A client asked me this recently, and my answer was, "I have no idea, good question!" I imagine a majority of divers do not know the answer either.

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Almost every time I do a pre-dive safety check with my divers, I am shocked. When I tell them to check to make sure their tanks are open, many do so incorrectly. Some divers take a few breaths from the regulator; others press the regulator purge button and listen for a release of air. A few look at the pressure gauge; to check for a full reading. None of these actions alone is sufficient to confirm that a tank valve is open. Read more...

"I've got it!" the divemaster said, ripping my scuba diving gear out of my hands. "It's my job to set up your gear."  I replied, "No thanks."

 I find others setting up my equipment annoying, and so should you.

Many divers think setting up clients' gear for them is good customer service. I say, think again.  When a dive professional or buddy takes away the responsibility of setting up and checking gear from a diver, the diver develops an attitude of complacency and dependence about his gear. This is a dangerous attitude to have in an equipment-dependent sport.

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Have you ever felt pressured to make a dive you were not 100% sure about, a dive that was beyond your personal limitations (meaning your training, experience, or comfort zone)? Every diver will be faced with this potentially dangerous situation at some point, be prepared.

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