What is No Mount Diving?

No mount diving is a specialized form of scuba diving that involves the diver carrying tanks and equipment separately from their body, usually holding or towing them instead of mounting them on a harness or backplate. This technique provides exceptional flexibility and maneuverability, particularly in environments that are too restrictive for traditional scuba gear setups. Originating from the need to navigate through tight underwater spaces, no mount diving has become a valuable technique in underwater exploration and technical diving circles, especially among cave divers and those exploring complex underwater structures.

What is a Diver Propulsion Vehicle?

A Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), also known as an underwater scooter, is a motorized device used by scuba divers to increase their range underwater with minimal physical exertion. By holding onto the DPV, divers can be pulled through the water at various speeds, allowing them to cover greater distances and access dive sites that would otherwise be challenging to reach. DPVs are used in various types of diving, from recreational to technical and even military applications, providing significant benefits in terms of efficiency and safety.

What is Traverse in Scuba Diving?

What is Traverse in Scuba Diving? A ‘traverse’ in the context of scuba diving refers to the act of passing through an underwater cave, tunnel, or a passageway by entering at one point and exiting at another. This maneuver is both exhilarating and challenging, requiring a mastery of various diving skills, an understanding of the […]

What is Sidemount Diving?

Sidemount diving is a scuba equipment configuration where diving cylinders are placed along the diver’s sides rather than on the back, as is typical in traditional backmount setups. This system allows for enhanced flexibility, mobility, and safety while underwater. The cylinders are positioned below the shoulders and extend along the hips, giving divers more freedom of movement compared to conventional systems. Divers appreciate sidemount configurations for their ability to streamline the diver’s profile, which is particularly advantageous in environments with tight spaces like caves, but the setup is also widely used in other forms of diving, from recreational to professional.

What is Scuba Orienteering?

What is Scuba Orienteering? Scuba orienteering, a competitive underwater sport, marries the thrill of scuba diving with the intellectual rigor of navigational challenges. Participants in this sport traverse an underwater circuit delineated by buoys without surfacing, utilizing tools such as a compass and mechanical distance measurement devices to guide their path. Competitors are scored based […]

What are Booties?

Booties are a critical component of scuba diving equipment designed to protect and insulate a diver’s feet in various underwater environments. They are typically used in conjunction with open-heel fins, offering both comfort and safety during dives. Their importance lies in shielding the feet from cold water temperatures and potential hazards like sharp rocks or debris that divers often encounter, especially during shore or wreck diving. This entry explores the construction, functionality, and selection of booties, alongside essential maintenance tips to ensure long-lasting performance.

What is Blind Traverse?

What is Blind Traverse? A blind traverse, a challenging and exhilarating aspect of scuba diving, occurs when a diver navigates through a cave from one entrance to a different, unfamiliar exit. This type of diving requires specialized skills, training, and equipment to ensure the safety and success of the diver. In this entry, we will […]

What is a Bell Harness?

What is a Bell Harness? Scuba diving is a thrilling and captivating sport that offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world. As divers traverse the depths, safety becomes paramount, and one essential piece of equipment in certain diving scenarios is the bell harness. This article delves into the design, purpose, and applications of […]