Scuba Shack Radio

In this episode we discuss the Halcyon Traveler BC, the Keeling Curve, and some more of our diving history with the salvage of the submarine S-51 in 1925/26. The Halcyon Traveler BC is a great light weight BC with the control and stability of the backplate and wing configuration. The Traveler BC is a 30 pound lift capacity wing and weighs in at just about 7 pounds – half the weight of the Infinity...

In this episode we discuss Project Aware and the PADI Specialty, Marine Protected Areas, and another installment of Sea Hunt – It's Still Alive It is called Project Aware because it started in 1989 as a project with PADI to support ocean conservation. AWARE stands for Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education. Project Aware focused on 10 ways that divers can protect the underwater envi...

In this episode we discuss DEMA, the latest IPCC Climate Change report, and introduce a new segment called Your Next Dive – first up Maui DEMA is the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association with the mission of bringing business together to grow the diving industry. DEMA has more than 1400 member businesses. They have a number of strategic goals and objectives along with tactical goals. You can re...

In this episode we discuss the value of a log book, the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and motion sickness I consider your log book as a very important piece of your dive gear. Unfortunately, the dive log is often neglected by divers. It is your dive diary. If you keep your dive log up-to-date you will be able to look back and relive those dives. You will know how the dive went, what you wore on the dive...

In this episode we discuss scuba tank visual inspections, age and diving, Sea Hunt – the other pilot episode We learn early on in our training that there are two different types of inspections for scuba tanks – hydrostatic (every 5 years) and the annual visual inspection. Only the hydrostatic test is mandated in the US by the US DOT. The visual inspection is a scuba industry standard. It all came...

In this episode we discuss Nitrox, whales and ocean noise, and where did the term SCUBA come from (you might be surprised) Enriched Air Nitrox is one of PADI's most popular classes. Why – longer no decompression limits, especially on repetitive dives. With a combination of electronic learning, classroom lecture, use of the dive computer and practical application, you are ready to manage the risks...

In this episode we talk about the Surface Marker Buoy, hyperbaric chambers and "The Terrible Hours" Several years ago PADI introduced deploying a surface marker buoy as a key skill into their Open Water certification. A very important safety feature that every diver should understand and be able to execute in the real world. Sometimes you will need to deploy the SMB when on a drift dive or if you...

In this episode we discuss function checking your dive equipment, seafood waste and the first episode of Sea Hunt. Too often we read about diving incidents that could have been avoided had the diver completed a simple pre-dive function check. It is simple, easy and takes very little time to do. Once everything is assembled, simply turn on your gas, check both regulators (primary and alternate seco...

In this episode we discuss boat bags, IUNC Red List,, and the movie that inspired Sea Hunt -  Underwater Warriors Once you get to your dive destination and are ready to go to the dive boat you will want a boat bag to get all of your gear to and from the boat. Two options are the Akona Delux Mesh Duffel and the Akona Delux Mesh Backpack. Both bags are durable, pack nicely for your trip, and make ha...

In this episode we discuss why buying a regulator from your local dive shop matters, bamboo and global warming, and the World Recreational Scuba Training Council Regulators are a critical piece of your dive gear and represent a significant investment. As we all know, there are a lot of options for purchasing online. Why not buy your regulator online? Well for one thing, brand new regulators are sh...

In this episode we discuss deep diving, cleaning stations and Sea Hunt – It's still alive – the final show "Round Up" What is deep diving? According to many training organizations it is any dive below 60 feet. Why? There is a section in Alex Brylske's book "The Complete Diver" titled Deep Diving Re-examined. Dr. Brylske talks about what he considers deep diving – the range between 80 and 130 feet...

In this episode we review some new Osprey Dive Bags, Climate Change – the book and introduce a recurring segment called "Sea Hunt – It's alive" Going someplace great to dive means that we have to get our scuba gear there in a tough and durable bag. There are many great bags out there and we recently brought in some new dive bags from Osprey. Two of the bags that I think are really awesome are the...

In this episode we discuss wet suits, The Ocean Foundation, and the History of Diving Museum One of the questions we often get at the shop is what thickness of wet suit should I buy. Our answer is it depends. It depends on where, when and how you dive. A 3 mm wet suit gives you a lot of mobility and lessens the weight that you need to carry. A 3 mm wet suit might be the best option for water tempe...

In this episode we review a couple of dry suit vests, talk about plastic and chemical pollution and discuss the merits of a dry bag. The Thermalution Yellow Grade is a battery powered heated vest using two lithium polymer batteries housed in a sleeveless rash guard type vest. It uses a wireless transmitter on the back of the vest controlled by a small controller you wear on your forearm. It has th...

In this episode we discuss Sunset House in Grand Cayman, defogging a mask, and Project Drawdown. Sunset House in Grand Cayman has been serving the dive community for over 60 years now. Let's hope they keep up the good work. Sunset House's rooms provide all the essential amenities you need to make you stay comfortable. Their boats are well maintained, convenient for diving and offer relatively shor...

In this episode we discuss a visit to REEF HQ in Key Largo, Hakai Magazine, an update on Plastic Bank During our recent dive shop trip to Key Largo, we conducted a PADI Fish Identification course in conjunction with REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation).  Our visit to REEF included an introduction, lecture on the various fish encountered in the Florida Keys, and how to conduct a fish surv...

In this episode we discuss car tires and micro-pollution, the Aqualung Reveal mask and diving in Key Largo. According to the National Resource Defense Council as we drive we leave tiny flecks of tire behind. These little flecks are like microplastics that make it to our water ways. Unlike micro-beads this problem is much harder to address. Awareness is important and more studies need to be done. H...

Welcome to the first episode of Scuba Shack Radio - a bi-weekly podcast in support of our mission of empowering individuals to venture underwater and to advocate for ocean health and sustainability. In this episode we discuss dive computers, growing coral in Bonaire, Beneath the Sea in New Jersey, and some discussion on ocean conservation.