SCUBA Diving

School of Yellow Jacks - Key West, Florida - 9/15/98

(all pictures taken by John & Nancy Flaherty - feel free to use em!)

OVERVIEW:

Question: How does one combine archeology, history, athletics, photography, biology, exploration, environmentalism, love for the animal world and keen love for the water with a little dose of danger?

Answer: By SCUBA Diving.

Modern SCUBA (which stands for "Self Contained Breathing Apparatus") was invented by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan in 1942.

SCUBA diving is exhilarating, fascinating and fun! It is also the single best method of exploring the other 7/10’s of this world we live in.

By entering the "Undersea World" as my hero Jacques called it, you become an alien pioneer of a far off world. It is a way of experiencing weightlessness like an astronaut. It allows a glimpse into the world of the explorer. It provides a path into the world of the poet and offers a glimpse into the mind of God.

Grand Cayman - 8/25/98

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PERSONAL DIVE LOG:

Locations I have dived;

• Bermuda
• Grand Cayman
• Jamaica
• Cozumel
• Key West
• Ireland
• The Delaware River
• The New Jersey Shore

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CERTIFICATION

To become a SCUBA diver, one must become certified. There are a number of certification programs available, but they all share the same basic requirements for initial certification;

• Classroom training in the mechanics, theory, history, and dangers of SCUBA diving.
• Hands on "in-the-water" training on the application of the above.
• Final written and practical examination and evaluation of the above knowledge and experience by a trained and qualified dive instructor.

Bermuda - 8/21/97

A typical SCUBA certification class will take about 40 hours. Half of which is classroom, half in-water. Upon certification, you will receive a card which allows you to rent or buy SCUBA equipment, air refills, dive services, etc. After initial qualification, you can advance to higher levels through various advanced classes and training. Nowhere but in the world of SCUBA diving can you see a torpedoed tanker, explore a Spanish galleon, pet a wild stingray, and finish off with a nice margarita while watching the sun set, all in the same day.

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SCUBA DIVING FACTS AND MYTHS:

• SCUBA tanks are filled with compressed AIR, not oxygen, which can become toxic at depth.
• You will NOT get eaten/maimed by (Circle one); moray eels, sharks, barracuda, stingrays, manta rays. Dangerous sharks are very rarely seen by divers and are not usually dangerous unless provoked. Same for barracuda and moray eels. Stingrays can be downright tame and manta rays are docile plankton eaters! The fact is, these animals are far more frightened of you than you are of them.

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SCUBA CERTIFICATION AGENCIES:

• ACUC - American Canadian Underwater Certification
• CMAS - World Underwater Federation: one of the world’s oldest certification agencies – co-founded by the late Jacques Yves Cousteau.
• DAN - Divers Alert Network: nonprofit organization providing information and advice for the diving public, including emergency medical advise, assistance and training.
• IANTD - International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers: Resource and training organization for experienced divers looking to broaden their skills.
• NAUI - National Association of Underwater Instructors: 'Safety Through Education.' Is their motto. NAUI is one of the largest certification organizations and stresses safety above all else.
• PADI -- Professional Association Of Diving Instructors: The largest scuba training organization in the world. PADI develops scuba programs, training products, and monitors the scuba training conducted by more than 67,000 PADI professionals worldwide

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SCUBA DIVING LINKS:

General:

• The Cousteau Society
• Jacques Cousteau
• Save the Manatee
• Bait n Bubbles NJ Charter Fishing and Scuba

Certification / Training Organizations:

• ACUC - American Canadian Underwater Certification
• CMAS - World Underwater Federation
• DAN - Divers Alert Network
• IANTD - International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers
• NAUI - National Association of Underwater Instructors
• PADI -- Professional Association Of Diving Instructors

Dive Clubs and Organizations

• Irish Underwater Council
• Rutgers University Dive Club
• Dive Club of New Jersey (Dive NJ)

Online Diver Resources:

• The Dive Spot - Great resource
• ScubaDuba! - Ugly site but fanastic resource!  Go here first!
• Discount Divers' Supply
• Performance Diver
• Three Routes Worldwide Scuba Guide
• Bait n Bubbles NJ Charter Fishing and Scuba

I Use the Following Manufacturers for My Gear:

• Genesis Scuba - Mask, snorkels, fins, regulators, BCDs
• Dacor - Cold water wet suit
• Henderson - Warm water wet suit
• Akona - Dive knife, dive bag, gloves
• Citizen Hyper Aqualand - Dive watch

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