Questions and Answers:

Its been quite a while since some of us were in a SCUBA class.  Some of the information may have become foggy with the passage of time.  There is also, a lot of information that was simply unavailable in the past.  Here is a chance to brush up anonymously.  If I do not know the answer, I will try to find it for you.  Click on Q and A above and send me a note.

Here are a few that recently popped up in the store.

I had a heart attack last year and want to start diving again.  Is it safe?

Maybe.  Isn't that a definite answer?  I expect that the answer is yes, but first talk to your physician about this.  Next, call DAN.  After that, you may need to talk to your physician again, just to be certain that everything is clear and understood. Then, you will probably benefit from a refresher, in the pool - to make sure that everything is tuned up. 

I want to go on a boat charter and need to know how to choose a good boat.

Many divers will not dive from the shore - its to much work!  For them, boat charters are the way to go.  Even the rest of us get lazy sometimes and enjoy boat diving.  How to choose a good one?  Ask your friends.  Stop in the shop and ask for opinions.  There are often other divers in the shop and they all love to talk about their favorite charters!  Once you make your decision, and show up on the dock, how are you treated?  Are new conditions imposed, at the last minute - agree or lose your money?  Did you get to go where you expected, or did the captain change the site, so he can visit with his friends?  (Occasionally weather does impose changes).  Are you a welcome customer or an intruder with the gang?  If you need some help, is it offered?  Are you rushed to get into, then out of the water, so the boat can take another group out?  If your answers landed on the wrong side of these questions, FIND ANOTHER BOAT!!!!  There are a lot of them out there.  I realize that I have given you questions, rather than answers, but everyone is different.  This is one of those places where you have got to decide for yourself.

Isn't diving to catch lobsters bad for the environment?

Many people mistakenly do not regard humans as part of the environment.  Animals eat things.  I have never seen a photosynthetic (green) person.  Whether you favor vegetarianism or carnivory or some mixture, people eat.  In my opinion, if an animal (or plant) is not endangered. it is fair game.  To the best of my knowledge, lobsters are not endangered.  There are some species that are endangered.  They need to be left alone.  To get around this problem, some species have catch limits, or are farmed (like cattle or salmon or shrimp).  Fish farming involves a world of problems and needs to be thought through, and is a separate question. 

Does the air in a SCUBA tank spoil?  Should I drain the tank and have it refilled?

This is a complicated answer to a simple question.  No, the air does not spoil.  That said, yes the tank needs to be drained and refilled for the new season.  Here's why.  If you had some water in the tank last autumn it has had months to catalyze the chemical reaction between the metal of the tank and the oxygen in the tank.  We do not know if there was any water, BUT if there was, you may have a tank of almost pure nitrogen.  Since you cannot taste or smell it, why take a chance?  In any case this is a good time to get your annual inspection done, and it needs to be drained anyway for that.

What makes waves in the ocean?

Almost all waves are made by the wind. As it blows across the water, it pushes the water into ridges. You can see this in puddles after a rainstorm. The longer the wind blows, and the harder it blows, the bigger the waves. When the wind stops, the wave continues moving and slowly decreases in size. When waves meet, they pass through each other, and add together. If two crests meet they get higher. If two lows meet, they get lower and if a high and a low meet, they can cancel out.  Since there are many waves coming from many directions, this can produce complicated wave patterns when they add together at the beach.

How do I take care of my diving mask?

When you first purchase a mask, there is an oil film on the glass which needs to be removed. If you do not, it will cause the mask to fog terribly when you use it. Most people use some toothpaste to polish it off. Some strong soaps or detergents could be used, but we do not like to have them affect the rubber. After you use the mask, fins and snorkel, they should be rinsed with fresh water. Chlorine levels in swimming pools, salt in the ocean and grit in fresh water can all damage diving gear. Simple rinsing goes a long way to protecting your investment. At the end of the season, many people put some protectant like Armor-All on a clean cloth and wipe the rubber parts. Caution, do NOT get it on the glass, or you will need to get out the toothpaste again.

How do I get prepared for the diving season?

First make sure your equipment is ready - the regulator needs its annual service; the tank needs its visual inspection (and perhaps it needs a hydrostatic test); the BC needs to hold air reliably.  How does the wetsuit look?   Does it still fit?  It is remarkable how much rubber can shrink over the winter!  Now, how about you?  Is everything still clear in your mind?  Perhaps a pool session would be useful.  It certainly would be fun.  Have you considered taking an advanced class, to improve your abilities.  A good diver is always learning.  There is always another way to have fun underwater.

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