Author: HAL

Scuba News

Underwater Ecological Research: How Scuba Diving Supports Marine Ecosystem Conservation

January 3, 2025 by HAL

Scuba diving is an effective way to help preserve marine ecosystems. Divers can monitor coral reefs and collect essential data on fish populations, which aids scientific research. They also engage in activities like cleaning up marine debris and restoring coral reefs, which are critical for ocean health. Furthermore, divers contribute to citizen science, helping track […]

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Scuba News

The Top Diving Stories Of 2024

January 3, 2025 by HAL

The top diving stories of 2024 reflect a wide range of topics that engaged the diving community. Highlights include a documentary on the OceanGate Submersible tragedy, guides on freefalling in freediving, and how to become a mermaid. Other notable articles cover a beginner’s guide to freediving, information on scuba diving, and safety concerns like freediving […]

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Scuba News

Episode 398 – Deeper Into Decompression Science

January 3, 2025 by HAL

In this episode, the hosts discuss advancements in decompression science after the holiday break. They highlight how the Royal Navy and researchers like Hempleman are shifting focus from perfusion to diffusion in dive tables. New discoveries about bubble formation have emerged, particularly through Doppler technology. Additionally, influential figures such as Hills, Yont, and Spencer are […]

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Scuba News

Destination Portfolio: Billy Ball, Romblon, Philippines

January 3, 2025 by HAL

Romblon, Philippines, is a fantastic but lesser-known diving destination. Located in the Verde Island Passage, it offers a rich variety of marine life, especially for those interested in macro photography. The region is famous for unique creatures like the Melibe colemani, or “ghost slug,” which attract divers and photographers worldwide. Because of its diverse underwater […]

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Scuba News

DIVE Magazine Winter 24/25 preview

January 3, 2025 by HAL

The Winter 24/25 issue of DIVE Magazine offers exciting insights for divers. It features interviews with ocean conservationist Cristina Mittermeier and showcases amazing dive resorts like Atlantis Dumaguete in the Philippines, which focuses on local education. There’s a spotlight on sustainable lobster fisheries in Cornwall and highlights from a photography competition. It encourages readers to […]

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Scuba News

Palau scuba divers rescued after 27-hour drift

January 2, 2025 by HAL

Eight Chinese scuba divers and their guide were rescued after drifting at sea for over 24 hours near Peleliu Corner in Palau. They had gone missing after a dive at a site known for strong currents. A rescue operation was initially misdirected, focusing south instead of north where the divers had actually drifted. They were […]

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Scuba News

My Underwater Evolution From First Breath to Master Diver

January 2, 2025 by HAL

The author’s journey in scuba diving began with a Discover Scuba experience during his honeymoon in the Bahamas. He quickly became passionate about diving, pursuing various certifications through PADI. After earning his Open Water Certification and additional specialties, he eventually became a Master Scuba Diver, a prestigious achievement that less than 2% of recreational divers […]

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Scuba News

Diving Knife Features and FAQs

January 2, 2025 by HAL

A diving knife is a useful tool for all divers, not just technical ones. It helps free divers and gear from entanglements like seaweed and ropes. Dive knives can have fixed or folding blades, and are made from materials like stainless steel or titanium. It’s important to clean and store your knife properly to prevent […]

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Scuba News

New Archeological Finds in Fournoi

January 2, 2025 by HAL

Recent archaeological finds in the Fournoi Archipelago, located between Greece and Turkiye, have revealed the world’s largest collection of ancient shipwrecks. As of September 2024, 58 wrecks have been discovered, making the area significant for both archaeological research and scuba diving. AegeanTec teams recently located wreck number 59 and recovered an amphora dating back to […]

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Scuba News

The Titanic Wreck – Unreleased Footage Overview

January 2, 2025 by HAL

Recently released footage of the Titanic wreck provides a captivating look at the iconic ship’s history and current state. Over the past 105 years, only about 200 people have visited the wreck, making this footage invaluable for those interested in maritime history. The video combines actual footage with animations to explain the events surrounding the […]

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Scuba News

Top Stories of 2024

January 2, 2025 by HAL

In 2024, several key topics in scuba diving emerged as top stories. Notably, the use of rebreathers and advancements in decompression theory continued to garner attention. A significant progress in diving medicine was seen through a deep dive using hydrogen rebreathers by Dr. Richard Harris. Environmental concerns also rose, especially regarding deep-sea mining’s potential impact […]

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Scuba News

BSAC diver awarded MBE in New Year Honours List for marine conservation

January 2, 2025 by HAL

A diver from the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) has been awarded an MBE for outstanding work in marine conservation. This recognition highlights the important role divers play in protecting ocean environments. The diver has contributed significantly to conservation efforts, showcasing dedication to marine life and diving communities. This award inspires other divers to take part […]

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Scuba News

Photographer of the Week – Emmanuel Vaillant

January 2, 2025 by HAL

Emmanuel Vaillant is a passionate underwater photographer who began his journey as a diver and photographer in childhood. He started with a compact camera to document his underwater explorations. Despite financial constraints that limited his diving time, he pursued wildlife and landscape photography, which enhanced his underwater skills. Now diving regularly again, Emmanuel continues to […]

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Scuba News

Photographer of the Week – Emmanuel Vaillant

January 2, 2025 by HAL

Emmanuel Vaillant is a passionate underwater photographer who started diving as a child. He began documenting his underwater experiences with a basic camera and later expanded his skills in photography while also pursuing wildlife and landscape photography. After a break from diving due to financial constraints, he has returned to the underwater world with upgraded […]

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Scuba News

Paul Watson is Free, Whaling Continues

January 1, 2025 by HAL

Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd, was released from prison after 149 days. His arrest was linked to Japan’s ongoing whaling practices, which continue to draw international criticism. Whaling, often claimed as “scientific research,” is illegal in international waters. As Watson advocates against such practices, the conflict highlights the tension between conservation efforts and countries […]

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Scuba News

Chasing Clouds Challenge – Heading to Sint Eustatius

January 1, 2025 by HAL

This month’s Chasing Clouds series features the beautiful Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia. Located near St. Kitts and St. Martin, Statia offers stunning views, making it a great spot for scuba diving and marine exploration. The article encourages readers to share their own cloud photos, whether taken from land or sea, […]

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Scuba News

How Regular Practice Makes You a Better Diver

January 1, 2025 by HAL

Regular practice improves your scuba diving skills significantly. Diving frequently helps you gain comfort and intuition in the water, making your dives more enjoyable. Different diving environments teach you to adapt to varying conditions, while practicing skills repeatedly helps you build muscle memory. Asking questions and applying advice from divemasters during and after dives boosts […]

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Scuba News

ADEX Voice of the Ocean 2025 Competition Launched

January 1, 2025 by HAL

The ADEX Voice of the Ocean 2025 Photo, Video, and Art Competition has been launched by Underwater360. This competition is part of the ADEX Ocean Festival in Singapore, which runs from April 4 to 6, 2025. The festival will focus on cephalopods and marine life behavior, featuring five submission categories: Animal Behavior, Cephalopods, Waterscapes, Artwork, […]

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Scuba News

A New Year message from Mary Tetley and Sophie Rennie

January 1, 2025 by HAL

Mary Tetley and Sophie Rennie send a New Year message focused on ocean conservation and diving. They encourage divers to explore new sites and deepen their connection with underwater environments. Their hope is to inspire more people to appreciate and protect marine life in the coming year. The message highlights the joys of diving and […]

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Scuba News

Diving Tips For Handling Vertical Currents [video]

January 1, 2025 by HAL

Handling vertical currents while diving can be tricky, but it’s important to know how to manage them. These currents can either push you down or pull you up and often occur near walls or ocean pinnacles. To navigate safely, swim away at a 45-degree angle from the current and adjust your buoyancy accordingly. Watching a […]

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Scuba News

Deep In Italy’s Grecanica Wreck Valley

January 1, 2025 by HAL

Italy’s Grecanica Wreck Valley is home to many shipwrecks and has a rich underwater history. The area is exciting for scuba divers because it contains wrecks from both World Wars, such as the Cordova hospital ship and the tugboat Luni. These wrecks offer divers the chance to explore and uncover stories from the sea. With […]

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Scuba News

The best overseas dive holiday locations you’ve never thought of visiting

December 31, 2024 by HAL

There are many amazing overseas dive holiday locations that are often overlooked. These locations offer unique underwater experiences, such as vibrant coral reefs and exciting marine life. Some hidden gems include the dive sites around the Azores, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, and the underwater caves in Mexico. Each of these places provides something special for […]

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Scuba News

Celebrate New Year in Style: Dubai Yacht Parties You Can’t Miss

December 31, 2024 by HAL

Celebrating New Year on a yacht in Dubai offers a unique experience with stunning views of the city’s skyline. You can enjoy gourmet meals, open bars, and live entertainment while cruising the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Combining your yacht party with scuba diving adventures is also a great option. Dubai is home to […]

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Scuba News

The Generational Journey of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

December 31, 2024 by HAL

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is a significant area for ocean conservation. It is the first marine sanctuary nominated and co-managed by Indigenous people in the U.S. This sanctuary highlights the connection between the Chumash tribe and their ocean environment. It serves as an inspiration for many as we move into the future of […]

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