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This page we will be a work in progress. The idea is to take stories from our newsletter page
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Products of the Week:.

>>>>>>>>Aeris ION DVT Regulator now in stock at STSC

After four years of development, AERIS is proud to introduce the ultimate mini-breather. Scoring off the charts in Scuba Diving Magazine's Scuba Lab Regulator Review, the ION performs outstanding compared to its competition. "The ION feels light in the mouth due to its small size and ABS/Polycarbonate composite construction, plus it's a great breather, as evidenced by perfect scores on the ANSTI breathing machine." -- Scuba Diving Magazine's 2008 Scuba Lab Review The pneumatically balanced demand valve along with a highly

responsive design allows this regulator to provide a high volume of airflow with even the slightest inhalation effort, making it seem nearly effortless to breathe at any depth. All in a second stage barely wider than the mouthpiece? The ION means business as it comes equipped for any type of dive conditions, cold or warm. Following the rules of the sea, or should we say the rules of the C: Compact - Comfortable - Customizable; the ION is a diver's dream. DVT (Dry Valve Technology)

A patented design that puts an end to flooded regulators without sacrificing performance! DVT is a revolutionary regulator technology designed to automatically prevent moisture and contaminants from entering your first stage, even if the dust cap is left off. Find out more

A Diving Thriller by Pennsylvania Author Tom Ryan A Sword for Pizarro Treasure-hunter Marshall Cross is down on his luck and recently divorced. His foundering archeology-themed amusement park, Treasure Island , is being threatened by ruthless real estate tycoon Denton Barrett, and Cross is hoping for a big find to stave off selling his dream. Finding Pizarro's golden sword, an intricately carved, razor-sharp rapier lost in a hurricane in 1715 off the Coast of Brevard County, Florida, would do just that. Cross' problems mount when news breaks that a meteor is forecast to strike the

THE VINDICATOR VALVE NOW in STOCK at Sunken Treasure Ever wonder whether your air is on or off before entering the water? Don't dive without being sure ever again. The Vindicator Valve handle was designed to be a easy to read safety device made to prevent divers from starting their dive with their air partially turned on or completely turned off. Dive with confidence. Dive safe. Replace you valve handles with Vindicator Valve Handles today !!! Watch our web site for other new items coming soon.

Scubaribbean Music......Too many times Pup Morse heard his dive buddies talk about how we don't have our own genre of music... well guess what, now we do!  This stuff is true Scuba Music right from the heart of a diver.  It encompasses everything about life, love and the pursuit of Scuba!  Okay, so he kind of made up my own name for the genre, but since he loves to dive down in the Caribbean so much, it just seemed to fit!  It's really just country music with a little island flare and some lyrics that are guaranteed to have divers grinnin' all around the world!...Now available at STSC

Pinnacle Freedom 2 Dry Suit The Freedom Dry Suit provides the best ratio of features to value in a dry suit. Its design and flexible material allows a diver to move incredibly freely in the water and on land, yet is robust enough for repeated hard-core wreck diving. The Freedom includes high-end features that are normally only found in suits costing twice the price, yet the suit leaves you with savings to apply to your next dive trip!

> Aeris Streamlined Sport BC . The clean and streamlined, no-nonsense weight integrated jacket style BC just got better. Comfortable but extremely functional, the Sport BC features a comfortable contoured air cell with big front pockets and multiple stainless steel grommets for knife and retractor mounting. Aeris XR1 Computer Console An air or Nitrox Dive Computer that's easy to read and easy to use . A comfortable mix of graphics and icons make this computer extremely user friendly. Oversized digits and a split-screen display makes using the computer even easier.

Aeris 5 Oceans Cross-over BCD & ION Regulator in stock at STSC

"A true do-it-all product, the AERIS 5 Oceans BCD is our favorite new BC of 2009." Says Scubalab. Voted Best Buy and Testers Choice! The Aeris 5 Oceans BCD is equipped with two trim weight pockets and AERIS QLR Integrated Weight System that can accommodate up to 30 lbs, Weight pockets are sectionalized with velcro to eliminate shifting when partially loaded in the tropics. Rugged design and high lift capacity for local diving plus packs flat for travel and weighs just 7.5 lbs Minimalist rear inflation air cell uses a combination of Patented BioFlex® material and bungie cords to maintain a streamlined profile and eliminate air shift while stretching when inflated to provide more than 40 lbs. of buoyant lift Durable, fadeless Cordura® construction Versatile power inflation/deflation with lower pull-dump control Easy to use drop-down pocket The Aeris 5 Oceans BCD has strategically placed stainless steel grommets for accessories Dual-adjust sternum strap for stability and comfort

Come into Sunken Treasure Scuba Center and check out the ultimate cross-over or dual purpose BC. Traveling 20 miles to a local cold water dive site or packed away for the tropical trip of a lifetime, the 5 Oceans performs phenomenally in all conditions. The 5 Oceans is prepared for any adventure - it's lightweight and packs flat for travel to the tropics and at the same time, has plenty of buoyant lift, integrated weight capacity and range of adjustment to be worn in cold water over thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Scuba Diving Mag offers "The Best of Lessons for Life" on CD! Get the best of "Lessons for Life" on one convenient disk. Pop it into your computer and you're just a click away from the most compelling and gripping stories featured in this popular Scuba Diving column. Full of practical tips on how to prevent dive accidents, it's a great training tool for divers of all skill levels. Authored by Capt. Michael R. Ange, Training Editor of Scuba Diving, the CD is sponsored by the Divers Alert Network and features a video introduction from Dan Orr, President & CEO of DAN. A Great Price of just $16.95 at STSC.

PADI eRDP ML -  Electronic Multilevel Dive Planner Get ready for easy, electronic multilevel dive planning with the arrival of the new eRDP ML . Like its predecessor, the eRDP, the eRDP ML is not a dive computer, but an electronic dive table that allows you to plan single depth and multilevel dives. While the first generation eRDP provided the same information as the table version of the Recreational Dive Planner (RDP), the eRDP ML provides similar information as The Wheel ® in an electronic format.

The eRDP ML includes some great, new features: the ability to plan single depth and multilevel dives a new flip cover design with the General Guidelines clearly displayed inside a user-friendly interface with large keys and a wide display window a compact user manual positioned under the device operates in imperial or metric So whether you're a seasoned dive professional or someone who just loves diving, you'll find the eRDPML is easier to use than conventional dive tables or the Wheel and can increase bottom time by allowing dive planning in two meter/five foot increments. So stop in at Sunken Treasure and check it out. Oh by the way, the eRDPML is included in every student kit from Sunken Treasure Scuba Center.

How About A Home-Study DVD Course to learn Reef Fish Get the most out of your next dive vacation with REEF's new, one-hour home-study DVD video presentation. The packet includes: Reef Fish ID DVD Video, Survey Slate, Waterproof Fish ID Booklet, Water Proof Survey Paper. A complete home study course for learning 50 common fish species found in the Caribbean and a FREE membership to REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation). They are in stock at STSC.

Waterproof Mini-Books....Now you can take your ID books with you underwater! Waterproof mini-books are the perfect size for your BC pocket. Each 24 page booklet contains photographs of the most commonly sighted reef animals. Brief ID tips, size of each species and arrows pointing to distinguishing marks make this the perfect underwater reference.

Hair Glove...Combine function with style with the NEW Hair Glove Neoprene Hair Wrap .  The Hair Glove provides a great solution for female divers who constantly struggle to keep their hair under wraps while they dive.  The neoprene hair glove comes in either 4" or 8" length and 6 designs. two standard lengths, but the lengths are customizable by simply trimming any excess length from the strap with scissors. The unique design works by first making a ponytail with the included elastic hair band and then attaching the Neoprene Hair Glove via a hook attached to the neoprene wrap.  Then, simply wrap the Hair

Sherwood's New SR¹...... The SR¹ utilizes a pneumatically balanced second stage with a two-piece flow-through first stage piston for precise optimum balance and intermediate pressure control. The first stage is environmentally sealed featuring a dry-sealed spring chamber, two high pressure ports, five low pressure ports on a 360 degree swivel and is compatible with a yoke or DIN attachment. The second stage contains a SMART

demand lever and floating crown which reacts to depressurization and relieves the load on the seat, extending seat life while promoting consistent performance. Importantly, the second stage employs a unique single adjustment point to simultaneously set opening effort and high flow performance with one motion. The need to make separate adjustments has therefore been eliminated. The size of the SR¹ control knob has also been optimized to enable easy location and operation, even for a diver wearing gloves. The SR¹ packs its advanced technology into a compact case which employs contemporary styling and utilizes a multitude of cutting edge materials. Interested? Stop in at STSC.

Kids will love this innovative 32 page book and a bilingual (English/Spanish) 47 minute dvd, allowing them to discover the fascinating underwater world. They will learn about fish, fascinating creatures and relationships of the marine environment. Children will also learn about scuba diving and how Annie takes underwater images. Annie Crawley, originally a Chicago native, is a California girl now residing in Santa Barbara, CA. A true multi-tasker, Annie functions as a producer, freelance photographer, filmmaker, writer, boat captain, dive instructor and educator. She also works with Natural History Museums, Aquariums, and Science Centers throughout the world. Her personal mission statement reads: "To educate and create entertaining multimedia programs to stimulate and awe the world into discovering, learning and protecting our earth, focusing upon the life of our oceans."

STSC now carries Miflex Hoses... Miflex manufacturers a range of Xtreme high performance diving hoses.  Developed in cooperation with expert divers, the Xtreme range of diving hoses have been developed by a team of Miflex engineers, analyzing the weak points of traditional rubber diving hoses.
The fruit of their research is the Miflex Xtreme range of high performance hoses.
Available in a wide range of lengths, for regulators and BCD quick-disconnect applications and in three colors:  Black, Blue and hi-viz Yellow.
Miflex Xtreme hoses feature a patent-pending, double nylon safety braiding designed to out perform and out live traditional rubber hoses.
Miflex Xtreme hoses are 30% lighter than an equivalent length rubber hose and have unmatched flexibility.
You can tie a Miflex Xtreme hose in a knot and still be assured of continuous, uninterrupted airflow. Check them out at STSC.

NASA Divers use aquaSketch Minno in the NBL Scuba divers: Get unlimited note and reference capacity in a small device New York - February 8, 2008 -- Looking for the next innovative accessory to add depth to your scuba diving experience? Check out the

aquaSketch Minno, a revolutionary new underwater notation device currently in use by NASA in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at the Johnson Space Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and in testing by the US Navy Surface Warfare Center. While aquaSketch represents a technological breakthrough in underwater communication, the device itself is very low-tech, robust and inexpensive. Besides being a must-have for scuba enthusiasts, it is also becoming popular among motorcyclists, professional cooks, construction workers and police departments, to name just a few. This patented invention was created by a New York artist, musician and inventor, Mark Hagan , who wanted to sketch marine life while scuba diving. Hagan teamed up with members of the Mars Rover design team and Museum of Natural History to create aquaSketch The aquaSketch Minno is a useful underwater notebook and sketchpad that brings all the convenience and versatility of paper to the marine environment -- or any other setting where conditions are not conducive to note taking. The aquaSketch Minno is small enough to be worn on the wrist, yet it can hold up to ten feet of waterproof material that is printable, scan-able and reusable. Through the ingenious use of the ancient technology of scrolls, rather than pages, all writing and manipulation of the material can be done with one hand. In addition, aquaSketch has developed a collection of pre-printed reference material and logs for the Minno, to accommodate a wide variety of industries - technical and commercial diving, scientific research, and dive instruction, among others. The most creative use of the aquaSketch, however, belongs to its inventor, Mark Hagan. Using a larger version of the Minno, he is now being sought after by dive resorts throughout the world as the only art instructor who can teach underwater drawing classes for scuba divers who wish to express their artistic impressions of the marine environment -- while diving. This may be the first underwater art atelier in history. For more information go to www.aquasketch.com or check it out at STSC.

Scuba Equipment Care and Maintenance covers user maintenance on all your scuba and snorkeling gear. This is the third edition of our most popular book. Since it was first published in 1980 it's been reprinted 7 times and completely revised twice to keep up with changes in equipment and techniques.

	Princeton Tec Torrent LED light The Princeton Tec Torrent LED light has 3 watts of power with 47 lumens of light output. Even if you're performing a task with gloves on, you'll have no problem operating the flip switch.
With its combination of output, lightweight and 30 hour burn time, the Princeton Tec Torrent LED light is a must-have multipurpose light. And the bulb will last 10,000 hours and will bring out the true colors of all your underwater world. This is the same light some STSC staff members use as a primary light.

Product of the Week: Trident Beanie...So much for that warm winter. Temperatures are dropping at night into the single digits and the wind is blowing after that chilly dive so stop in and get yourself a warm knit hat at STSC.

Memories and Essays with Stan Waterman.....A true pioneer in the discovery of our last frontier, the sea. Stan Waterman has spent more than half a century in, on and under the sea, and in these pages he takes you with him on the amazing ride he calls his life. Available at STSC.

Princeton Tec's NEW Miniwave LED Don't let the compact size of this light fool you – it's bright enough for any night dive! The Miniwave features: 4 C cells 3 - 3 watt LEDs deliver 9 watts total power Depth rating 100 meters 4 hour burn time on high 10 hour burn time on low Lifetime warranty

XS Scuba's Travel Hanger...Wow !! XS-Scuba has come up with some very neat travel hangers. The BCD is in the photo to the left. They are the latest product from a company always thinking of new and innovative ideas for us divers. Now you can take your hanger with you and of course they are available at STSC.

Product of the Week Tank Handle....Now here is a slick idea and a easy way to carry your tank to the dive site or into the store for an air fill and that is this new tank handle available at STSC. It fastens around the neck of the tank and folds out for ease of carrying or folds back in to keep out of the way while diving. And of course they are available at STSC.

Product of the Week BARNACLE Diving Gloves...From Deep See Diving Equipment comes a very nice summer glove. With reinforced suede palms - 2mm perforated neoprene - 4 way stretch Spandex and silicone tactile's on the finger tips these have to be some nice gloves. They come in sizes xs - xxl and of course they are available at STSC.

Product of the Week...The NEW Barracuda Snorkel features incorporates AERIS' Patented Dry Snorkel Technology into an ultra-low profile that is ergonomically designed for comfort and function. This technology creates a seal to virtually eliminate water entering the snorkel barrel, while achieving superior air flow performance on the surface. Available at STSC

Product of the Week...Ever wonder how to mark your equipment? What works - what lasts? Easy to apply and just about any color you could want, here are two popular colors of marking paint that are available at STSC. As usual we'd be more than happy to order in any color you'd like - just let us know.

Product of the Week...Now is the best time to take can of your equipment so it works well for next year. From JAWS the makers of Spit - Slosh cleaner/conditioner contains NO harmful chemicals. It removes salt, chlorine, odors & organic residue while conditioning agents preserve & extend your equipment's life. Use on wet & dry suits, scuba equipment, swim & water ski wear, hiking & marine wear, snow ski wear & more. Don't wash it ...slosh it! Now available at STSC >>>>>>JAWS donates 10% of profits to saving our oceans!

Equipment:

Sensus Ultra is ReefNet's third-generation dive data logging device. Building on the strengths of its predecessors, it remains the simplest, most convenient tool for collecting detailed dive log data. Remarkably, it's also the most affordable! Don't let Sensus Ultra's diminutive size (1" x 1.3" x 1.75") fool you. Packed inside are a sophisticated sensor, flash memory and processor capable of storing 1500 hours of dive data with a 10 second sampling interval.

Ready to use right out of the box, simply clip Sensus Ultra to your dive equipment and it will automatically record depth and temperature profiles for all your dives. Downloading your dive data takes just a couple of mouse clicks. It's really that simple! Remarkable Precision.... Dive computers typically record data with a resolution/accuracy* of 1 foot in depth and 1 degree in temperature (or worse). This is fine for recreational dive logging, but for technical diving or scientific purposes, it's rather coarse. Our users have been asking for more detail, and Sensus Ultra delivers! For more informatiom stop in and talk to Travis or click here for the Reef Net web site. STSC does have them in stock. Are you prepared? Could you help your child, spouse, friend, co-worker or even another diver?

X-Ray Magazine recently did a interview with my friend Bob Evans, founder and president of Bob Evans Designs Inc (Force Fins). The article “A conversation with Bob Evans - Splitting Fins” was interesting, informative and a fun read to say the least and was written by Peter Symes. Here is the first paragraph: Our talks with Bob Evans were just full of laughs and entertaining anecdotes, yet serious and focused on the subject. From the first impression, he was open, welcoming and very conversational. Inventor of the legendary Force Fin, multiple award-winning and industry legend with a long list of merits to his credit Bob Evans is obviously both multifaceted and multi-talented and impossible to fit into any of the usual stereotype boxes. Here are some of his thoughts on the connection between shape and function. Bob has over 33 patents for his fin designs and his fins are on permanent display at the New York Museum of Modern Art For more on this story go to X-Ray Magazine. For a Video History on Force Fins (click here) or Listen to a interview with Bob on Entrepreneur Magazine Radio Show (click here). As Bob says “I’ve been X-Rayed”.

The Importance of Buying Gear from Authorized Dealers
Owning diving equipment represents a long-term investment in fun and safety. A good set of dive gear can last through years of diving and travel, take you to unforgettable experiences in incredible underwater environments, and bring you home safely. It is important to buy the right gear for the type of diving you will do, ensure that it fits and is comfortable, be trained in its use and keep it serviced at recommended intervals.
Diving’s equipment manufacturers sell and service their products through a network of authorized dealers. These dealers understand the product features, benefits and applications, are authorized to fit, assemble and service your gear and are your link to the manufacturer for sales, service, performance, warranty, notification and upgrade issues.
It is very possible for you to purchase dive gear from non authorized dealers and not be aware. For example, many Internet sellers acquire the product they sell through gray market (third-party) channels. They may not be authorized to sell or service a particular product, are not trained by the manufacturer, may not ship it assembled, may sell it without the original parts or sell items that have been used or returned. For those reasons some manufacturers do not warrant products sold by unauthorized resellers, who in turn may sell gear without a
warranty enclosed, or include their own warranties that appear valid but are not recognized by the manufacturer. There may also be issues with post-sale assembly, service and notifications, parts costs, and exchanges.
Dive gear is incredibly dependable, but it is life-support equipment, engineered to take you where humans aren’t designed to go. Each piece of gear has a specialized purpose, and the aspects surrounding product education, fit, function and service may be as important to you personally as is the equipment itself. It’s all part of the value equation, and why it is important to buy your equipment only through authorized dealers.
If you question whether a particular reseller is an authorized dealer, it’s pretty simple. Call the manufacturer directly, or confirm it by using the authorized dealer listings on manufacturers’ Web sites.
At Dive Training magazine, we believe that part of the commitment you make to learn to dive should include acquiring your own dive gear. It’s an excellent investment in yourself and in your diving adventures. Please remember that the service aspects of equipment are important
as well. Reprinted from Dive Training Magazine pickup your FREE copy today at STSC.

AERIS LAUNCHES NEW XR SERIES OF DIVE COMPUTERS
With the release of the new XR line, AERIS once again sets the standard for cost-efficient, user-friendly Dive Computers.
The XR-1 ( www.diveaeris.com/p_computers_xr1.html ) comes standard with features found in computers costing much more, yet it remains easy to use and understand. The perfect computer for a first-time buyer or new diver, the XR-1's oversized, easy-to-read digits give at-a-glance information and facilitate better communication between dive buddies or between students and instructors. The XR-1 includes both Push-Button and Water Activation, Color-Coded Bar Graphs, Digital Gauge Mode, Automatic Altitude Compensation, Safety Stop Timer, and convenient Diver-Replaceable Batteries. During a dive, data on your screen toggles with the push of a button while vital information showing your depth and no-deco time remain constant. Fitting in most analog gauges and computer consoles, it's an easy upgrade.
The XR-2 ( www.diveaeris.com/p_computers_xr2.html ) adds several upgrades including Nitrox
Compatibility, Audible Alarms, Flashing LED Warning Light, Backlight, Built-in Dive Planning Simulator, and optional PC Interface. The XR-2 also features 2 operating buttons allowing easy access to an impressive array of custom settings and options.

New Diversitea Flavor Available .... Diversitea, makers of herbal teas for divers, introduced a new flavor tea, Sweet Original Blend Diversitea, at the Long Beach Scuba Show with a taste test. Visitors to their booth were offered samples of both Original and new Sweet Original teas, and asked to rate the newcomer.

Ninety percent found Sweet Original to be excellent, the balance preferring the Original’s taste. Comments included ‘Nice flavor,’ ‘Loved it,’ ‘No after-taste.’ ‘Fruity’ and ‘Sweet!’ Sweet Original Blend Diversitea is caffeine- and sugar-free, and does not contain any artificial sweeteners. It is blended from the same herbs as Original Blend Diversitea, with added Stevia (the leaf of a small South American bush). It is safe and healthy for diabetics. Sweet Original Blend Diversitea comes in Retail Boxes of 24 Single Serving Tea bags, MSRP $6.95, as well as convenient Giant Quart Size six-count Retail Boxes for making Cold Brew Iced Tea, MSRP $8.95. If you would like a FREE sample please Click Here, e-mail: janine@diversitea.com or call (972) 370-3483

SHERWOOD SCUBA'S GEMINI No other piece of dive gear has to combine form and function in quite the same way as an inflator reg. Think about it: You've got to cram two very different products--an ergonomically correct power inflator and a comfortable, reliable backup regulator--into a streamlined package, all without compromising any area of performance.

For a textbook example of how it's done, look no further than the new Sherwood Scuba Gemini. This sharp-looking unit lies nice and flat against your BC shoulder strap, and when you reach for the inflator controls, your hand falls naturally into place with your index finger on the inflate button, and your second and third fingers resting on the larger deflate button. We found it very easy and intuitive to use both barehanded and with gloves. As a regulator, the Gemini is an easy, dry breather in virtually all positions, yet is tuned tight enough to avoid free flows when in standby mode. The mouthpiece is comfortable, the purge function efficient, and the hose assembly is flexible enough to handle a variety of air-sharing scenarios in the optimal buttons-up position. We hope you never have to use the Gemini in a real emergency, but if you do, its features and performance should help you make the best of it. www.sherwoodscuba.com

ZEAGLE CONCEPT PRO BC Looking for a BC that will grow with you? Check out the Zeagle, Concept II. This vest is designed to be custom adjusted for fit. Size range - 22” - 38” waist is a xs to med and 36” - 52” waist fits lg - xxl. This is a great vest for warm water to dry suit diving. Adjustments for waist, torso length, trim weight and integral lumbar pad are features of the PFS II system.

ScubaLab Special Report: Muscle Regs....They went looking for the outer limits of regulator performance and found it in 16 extreme breathers and two Zeagle Regulators score top honors. Zeagle's flagship Flathead VI/ZX (a 2004 Testers' Choice) has an environmentally dry-sealed first stage and a new side-ducted cover on its second stage that improves flow efficiency and helps resist
free-flowing when swimming into a strong current. The Flathead XP is the same reg but without the environmental kit. Both regs are proven performers, capable of turning in perfect breathing simulator scores under normal testing, and muscle rates of just under 80 RMV at 198 feet.

New Product from Mares ...The X-Vision Liquid Skin is a mask that combines the best of a firm silicone to support the lenses in a mask and a skirt silicone that is 45% softer for the greatest comfort on your face and around the eyes. The new, softer silicone that frames your face is also 270 times more elastic, which allows for a truly custom and comfortable fit. A MARES patent make this a truly unique mask. Now at STSC.

RG300 - AltAir Octopus An Innovative Product Designed For Out-Of-Air Emergencies So where is your octopus during the dive? Is it trailing along in the water behind you? Can you find it in an emergency? Can you find it at all? XS Scuba has addressed that problem by developing the AltAir. The AltAir utilizes the same patented quick-release buckles used on most of today's modern weight-integrated BC's.

Snap the AltAir in place to the BC and forget about it. If you need it, it will be there...every time. Even after a giant stride from a 20' tuna tower...it's still there. Yet, just grab and pull the AltAir; that's all that is needed to release the patented X-Lock™ buckle. Features: · Exclusive X-Lock™ attachment ............... · Intelligent, inline mouthpiece orientation · Reliable, free flow resistant design ............. · Female BC attachment clip included · Hi-Viz neon yellow ................................... · 36" hose You can see this Octo at STSC or on anyone of our dive staff members

Zeagle Rapid Diver Zeagle Systems special design work with public safety, research, and military customers in the past few years, has been applied to civilian use, in the creation of the extremely innovative RAPID-DIVER ™ Originally First-Response and Military customers asked Zeagle to produce a complete Diving System that provided all of the necessary elements for breathing and buoyancy control, in a compact, quick and easy to don package.  That special product product became the Tactical-Rapid-Diver ™ .   Zeagle Dealers who saw the Tactical System during its development were so impressed, that they requested a consumer version.  The result, now available to the general diving population, is the Rapid-Diver ™ BC

· The BC with 25 lb lift capacity.  · 20 cu ft Aluminum Cylinder (black or silver).  · Zeagle RaZor Valve/Regulator with 44" hose. · Front Mount Tank Straps for 6,13,20 & 27 cu ·· foot capacity cylinders.

· Power Inflator & LP Hose. · Submersible Pressure Gauge. · Adjustable load-bearing Back Pad. · Adjustable Crotch Strap. · Remote Shoulder Dump.

Henderson Insta Dry.... is distinct from its predecessors. Where the incredibly popular Henderson Hyperstretch suits place a premium on ease of use and instant comfort, the Insta Dry is for divers who demand heat. The Insta Dry is warmer at depth because the neoprene is less susceptible to compression and because the material offers Total Body Memory and conforms to the diver’s unique body shape. In fact, after a brief break-in period of a few dives the Insta Dry begins sliding on as if the suit was custom fit, clamping down on water transfer and prolonging comfortable dive times. Many users are saying that their Insta Dry suit provides the same insulating ability as the next higher thickness in other wetsuits. Insta Dry is also far more comfortable on the surface than other suits because it dries within minutes after a dive. Divers don’t suffer the effects of evaporative cooling while wearing their Insta Dry suit after a dive, nor do they have to struggle into a damp and clammy suit after a long surface interval. The Insta Dry is always ready for the next dive. Renowned marine photographer Stephen Frink has endorsed the Henderson Insta Dry Glove as the best glove for use with U/W photography equipment.

	Gauge Reader Mask Have you ever looked at your computer while diving and wished the numbers looked bigger? With the new Gauge Reader mask, that wish has now become a reality. Our newest mask incorporates magni-fication lenses of +1.75 into the bottom of each lens.
This allows you to see normally through the main lenses and yet, the ability to look down and see everything BIGGER. Ideal for photographers, videographers, “mature” divers and just about anyone who could use a little extra visual boost. Available at STSC in Black; Blue; Clear; Yellow and the price is right.

Waterproof Takes Top Honors – Once again the company is named Europe's leading manufacturer of wetsuits and semi-dry suits. Each year representatives from the world's top diving manufacturers and Europe's top dive retailers, resorts and operators gather at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in Germany for the Golden Dolphin Banquet. Hosted by Europe's largest dive magazine “Tauchen”, this event is attended by a literal who's who of diving in Europe . This year, Waterproof's chief designer, management and some staff members attended, though somewhat nervously, as defending champions usually do. Finally, the moment arrived and Waterproof was announced as the leading manufacturer of wetsuits and semi-dry suits in Europe for the 2 nd consecutive year. Having successfully defended the title, chief designer Goran Ehlme was shocked to hear the next announcement – Waterproof also tied for 1 st place as Europe 's top manufacturer of dry suits. Placing only 3 rd last year in this category, “we had no concept of a shot at 1 st place in this division”. Additionally, no other manufacturer has ever taken first place in both categories. Waterproof shared the honor with long time top seed DUI and Ehlme noted “this is another company that innovates and designs instead of copying the designs of others. It is an honor to share this award with such a noted and honest competitor”. Success breeds success, so it was no surprise to Waterproof when all 3 of the top retailers honored at this event turned out to be Waterproof Dealers. Stop in today at STSC and see why the Waterproof Line always gets such get reviews .
	Color & Style
	Comfort
	Tacky Butt so you don't slide around on a boat seat.

New From Sherwood....The Newest Female BCD from Sherwood Scuba The Solaris is available. This Sleek Back-inflation Travel BC has taken the next step in comfort modeling the Axis the BCD's newest features but cut for a woman's torso and body. Compact while diving and traveling. This BC provides back buoyancy - plus safety and stowage features that will let you feel new freedom diving. It comes with the compact AKONA Safety Tube for signaling location and emergencies. Axis includes the CQR2 weight-pocket system for a more secure, comfortable dive - plus two, non-releasing, trim weight pockets that can hold up to 10 additional pounds. Convenient and comfortable: • Compact 3-D, back-inflated air cell

Henderson's Latest Technology ....Thermoprene is the latest advance in exposure gear from Henderson and the new standard in the entry-level wetsuit technology. Thermoprene was introduced for the first time at this year’s DEMA Show. Thermoprene is a perfect balance of price and performance. It delivers features and quality only Henderson can produce at a reasonable cost attractive to the entry level buyer. Thermoprene is crafted from high quality neoprene and low pill fabric, yet has 75-percent more stretch than standard neoprene. Although not as extreme as Hyperstretch, this increased elasticity significantly improves thermal and comfort characteristics. Thermoprene’s high quality neoprene has premium thermal qualities and is noticeably easier to don, pulling over the shoulders and around the torso with less effort than standard wetsuits. And, the fabric’s exterior stands up extremely well to the wear of BC

straps and weight belts. Available in a 3mm shorty and in 3, 5 and 7mm jumpsuit styles, Thermoprene suits are made with uncompromising quality. Even the 3mm suits have seams that are glued and sewn, which seals off stitched areas and drastically reduces water seepage improving the thermal characteristics of the suit. In the full length jumpsuit models, Henderson has added a self-sealing spine pad over the zipper to further limit water exchange and to help improve comfort on the lower torso. Down below you’ll find Henderson’s revolutionary new Freedom Flex kneepads. These thermally applied pads provide a super-tough exterior with greatly improved mobility, stretching with the suit in all directions. Of course, each Henderson wetsuit benefits from five decades of design experience, and the new Thermoprene line represents the latest in design evolution. New patterns for both Men’s and Women’s suits allow for a comfortable, pleasing fit while visually enhancing the diver’s physique. You can get this at STSC

PADI Encyclopedia...The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving – 3rd Edition has everything you ever wanted to know about scuba diving and more with :

Fun facts for all water enthusiasts The latest information about the aquatic world Hundreds of color images and illustrations The latest on dive computers and decompression theory Essentials on scuba equipment care and maintenance

Sunken Treasure in keeping up to date with the best diving equipment on the market has now added Waterproof Diving International to it's equipment line. For their 20th anniversary collection they wanted to exceed their current line so the task set for the designers was Tough. They wanted to design a new generation of Wetsuits that is warmer, dryer, with a better fit, outstanding quality, easy to get on and off, yet make it still look better than anything on the market and then load it over the top with features.

The result, the 5mm Lynx and the 7mm Aries steamers withstood they're expectations by far. Features include a stunning anatomical Gender Specific design, unique comfort front neck zipper, inner plush lining and hard-core anatomical molded rubber kneepads. This overall is normally used in combination with either a hooded ice vest, hooded under vest or a separate hood, thus catering for all the needs a diver may have. These pictures do not do the line justice, so stop in and check it out at STSC.

Sea & Sea DX 8000G U/W Camera special...... Main Features of the DX-8000G Housing All functions of the 8000G camera are available underwater. A 0.6x wide-angle conversion lens for the DX-8000G housing attaches directly to the housing using the specially designed bayonet mount. Comes with dual fiber-optic cable connector sockets. Provides easy adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, and other settings using the camera's up-down (sub-command) dial. Includes a versatile internal flash diffuser that with the push of a lever slips into place to soften the camera's internal flash, or moves out of the way for strong, clear lighting. Built with a solid grip protector for a secure hold underwater. Ruggedly constructed with a depth rating of 55m / 180ft. Comes with a special inner and outer LCD monitor hood to improve LCD visibility in strong light.

Main Features of the 8000G Camera
•••Razor-sharp images thanks to 8.24 million effective pixels
•••Zooms from 28mm wide angle to 85mm telephoto
•••Clean and elegant body design
•••Shoots movies
•••ADJ button takes you straight to preferred parameter settings
•••Histogram display gives you real-time exposure data
•••Adjustable white balance
•••Exposure compensation
•••Aperture Prioritized Mode and Manual Exposure Mode
•••Three types of power supply
And the best part - it's on SALE...so stop by STSC for more details or Sea & Sea.

Diversitea offers unique Herbal Tea blends contain nutrients from nature. The tea may help divers by reducing the fatigue often experienced from multiple dives. Testing in late 2005 by the Russian Navy led the controlled study participants to conclude that Diversitea Herbal Supplement Tea appeared to have a positive impact on the reduction of nitrogen waste in the body. Diversitea offers several blends of herbal supplement tea blends to help the body recover from the stresses of scuba diving... The tea blends were developed with their health properties in mind and have received testimonials from divers. Diversitea even sells a tea pot with the familiar red and white diver-down flag graphics! In addition to blends of tea, the company has packaged a homeopathic travel kit with scuba divers in mind. The kit is contains necessities for dive travelers. These include: A full package of their No Jet Lag, emergency pack of Cold-Eeze, 1.5 oz. tubes of Boiron Arnica and Calendula Gel, Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar and TransPore bandage tape are included along with a sample of their tea. Interested? Now in the store.

FishFlips® is the product of a frustrated snorkeler. Not so much frustrated with the snorkeling part, but with trying to remember all the fish swimming around a healthy tropical reef. After making several trips to shore to refer to a pile of fish identification books stacked on her towel, our company president said, “We need a book we can take into the water!” Six weeks later, the prototype was finished, the patent applications mailed to Washington, DC and the company was up and running, hunting actually for the best fish photographers in the world. And, oh boy, did they find them! There are presently five different FishFlips books available: one for the Caribbean Sea, the South Pacific, and for Baja California, and two books for the Hawaiian Islands and one in Japanese). Each FishFlips book contains over 80 beautiful, full color photos with the fish’s name printed big and bold enough for a middle aged snorkeler to read without bifocals. The books are bound with cable ties (easy to replace if one ever broke) to a colorful coil strap which fits anyone’s wrist. The books are printed on a great new plastic paper so they can be worn right into the water where the fish are. Now all you need do is get yourself to the reef and flip through the 2” by 3” pictures to find the fish staring you in the mask. FishFlips never interfere with your swimming and only need to be rinsed off with fresh water after a day in the sea. FishFlips are UV coated so the bright colors will last for years and years of vacation adventures. Now in the store.

Diver Down Decals - Precision Cut Vinyl......Now in the store.

Sahara Ear Dryer The Sahara DryEar rechargeable ear canal dryer was invented specifically to help fight against outer ear infections.  Hamilton P. Collins II, M.D. who came up with the idea in his ENT practice was having difficulty curing certain patients with serious out ear problems.  He believed the problem was due to moisture in the ear which provides a perfect environment for chronic ear infections to occur.  His hope was that by simply eliminating the moisture that it would eliminate the breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The Sahara Dry Ear rechargeable ear dryer is a highly sophisticated

device with a computer chip, heater and fan that regulate airflow automatically. The airflow runs for about a minute at a comfortable temperature and dries the outer ear canal. Drying your ears has never been simpler or more effective. The ear dryer runs for an 80 second cycle and then shuts off automatically. You can tell it's working as you feel the cooling evaporative effect. When finished, the unit folds within itself to easily stand on the bathroom sink or for travel to that great dive location. Available

	MARA...We found this neat new company called Master Underwater Technologies INC. A company dedicated to developing and marketing new underwater technology and first on the list of new items will be MARA, a miniature ascent rate alarm. Diving may be a recreational sport but it is not a game. Your ascent rate is one of the most important criteria to prevent diving injuries. How fast do you ascend to the surface? PADI and most dive training agencies, recommends an ascent rate of 30 feet per minute. How fast is that? Staying slower than your smallest bubbles is not an accurate measure of ascent rate! This is important to prevent decompression sickness or gas embolism. An audible ascent rate alarm that fits on any diving mask strap, producing audible tones which are heard only by the diver themselves. Best of all, this device allows diver to look to the surface while ascending and provides the diver with a safety stop at 15 feet. While this device does not replace a full dive computer, it is designed to function alongside your dive computer or alone as an added diving safety accessory. Available soon, this should be a hot item so stop by STSC, find out more and place your order today! We were only able to order a limited number.

	Buddycall® is a battery operated sound-emitting device that allows divers to immediately attract the attention of fellow divers. It may be worn around the wrist like a watch or attached to other gear like a diver's BCD. Buddycall enables divers to alert others easily and reliably. Often while diving, people want to get someone's attention to point something out, check on how much air is left in their tank, or to keep in touch with a diving partner or group. In emergency situations, we all know that time is critical. With Buddycall, divers are able to alert one another instantly and effectively so precious seconds are not wasted.

It can be heard underwater for greater than 150 feet thereby providing divers with a large radius of safety. The fact that it operates independently of a diver's air supply is important safety component. A common life-threatening emergency involves divers running out of air, whether by gear failure or depletion, a situation where air powered signaling devices clearly won't work. Other devices such as tank bangers and rattle sticks are clumsy and inconvenient. In an emergency, a person can be too preoccupied or even confused to bang on their tank or shake a stick. With Buddycall, a diver simply pushes a button to get the life-saving attention he/she needs.

	FunkyFins....Why should fish have all the fun? This unique patented design has been developed to enable us to give you a more fashion fun fin. Traditional blade length and superb designs it is perfectly suited for recreational diving and snorkeling. The foot pocket has been specially crafted to give you maximum comfort and is made out of high quality TPR, whilst the blade is made of EVA. This enables you to create the perfect fining action along with the minimum effort whilst in the water. This totally unique patented design looks like the graphic is free floating in the water. Technical excellence
funkyfins splash		funkyfins maori
funkyfins surf
		funkyfins hibiscus

combined with a great funky image. Each pair comes with carry bag. Funkyfins Splash - Free floating water droplets splashed in to the design give a fun, fresh look. Funkyfins Maori - Inspired by Kiwi tribal tattoos, this fin packs a strong visual punch.............. Funkyfins Surf - Retro design inspired by the seventies surfing scene.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Funkyfins Hibiscus - Hawaii surf, sand and sea. A tropical paradise design that looks great in. ........the water. Now in the store. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SNORKEL SNAX™ Underwater Fish Food A revolutionary, fun, new way to feed fish while snorkeling or diving. Conceived in the Caribbean, made in the USA, this ingenious product utilizes a proprietary blend of marine grade fish food. Working in conjunction with a leader in the aqua culture industry, SeaDine's labs used a blend of quality ingredients, specially formulated for marine and tropical fish. Snorkel Snax™ is a convenient, fun way to feed fish while snorkeling, diving or swimming. Snorkel Snax™ offers a healthy alternative to traditional “human” foods and its innovative flip-top design makes it easy to start and stop feeding at any time. The attached band allows for easy maneuvering while in the water and enables the user to remove the tube and dispose of it when empty.

Snorkel Snax™ is ideal for recreational snorkeler's, divers, underwater photographers and water-sports enthusiasts of all ages. Product Benefits: o Specifically designed for fish, Snorkel Snax™ provides a healthy alternative to bread, ...crackers, and other 'human' foods. o Convenient to use while swimming, snorkeling, or diving. o Specially developed blend attracts many types of fish to the feeder. o Innovative tube design allows user to stop feeding at any time then restart again and again if ...desired. When tube cap is closed, food product is no longer released into the water. o Each tube feeds dozens of fish. o Attached wristband makes Snorkel Snax easier to hold on to while underwater and ...encourages proper disposal of empty tubes. o Great for underwater photography. Snorkel Snax attracts fish without clouding the water. o Fish love Snorkel Snax! Now in the store.

AERIS Velocity XP fin: New Innovating fin AERIS, a leading innovator and provider and quality scuba diving equipment has announced that the recent release of the AERIS Velocity XP fin is an overwhelming success with divers and retail dive stores. Released this Spring, the AERIS Velocity XP fin expertly incorporates the patented Nature’s Wing® propeller fin technology into a solid, attractive fin that’s built for performance. The XP combines the patented design concepts divers have come to expect from AERIS with a new mix of materials that enhance performance and style. According to Marketing Manager Doug Krause, the Velocity XP fins are built from “distinctive material compounds that work in tandem to control the blade during the kick cycle.” He adds, “The Velocity XP fins are up to 30 percent faster and more efficient that other fin designs. Divers will encounter less stress and strain during a dive resulting in greater comfort and control.” The Velocity XP fin line provides a long list of features sure to attract any motivated dive customer.
These features include: · Patented Nature's Wing® Propeller Fin Technology · Semi-rigid battens and rubber flex channels within the >>blade precisely control the shape of the blade during >>the fin stroke to optimize power and reduce drag · Oversized side rails add rigidity to the oversized blades >>for increased lift power and efficiency · Ergonomically designed foot pocket accommodates >>virtually all foot sizes and boot styles · Angled blade for preferred angle of attack · Easy on/off fin strap with thumb loop · Easy adjust quick-release buckles
The AERIS XP Velocity fin comes in four different sizes (XS, Small, Regular, X-Large) and is available in four different colors (Blue, Ice, Black and Yellow) and of course you can always get your pair at Sunken Treasure Scuba Center.

Aeris Velocity X3

Split Fin Efficiency - Paddle Fin Power and Control. The Velocity X3 accelerates with lightning speed as water comes into contact with the textured blade. Faster and more efficient, the Velocity X3 maintains comfort and control while enabling you to exert less effort, stress and strain with each stride. During the fin stroke, water flow is directed through our exclusive Power Enhancing Vents (PEV's) and off the fin tips, creating lift and forward propulsion. So much so, that the Velocity X3 is the only "paddle" fin that benefits from Nature's Wing® Propeller

Fin Technology. This helps reduce the stress on the divers leg while accelerating water over the blade; resulting in increased velocity. Water movement through the PEV's also reduce lateral movement of the fin (wasted energy), increasing the efficiency of the kick. Patented Nature's Wing Propeller Fin Technology in a Paddle Blade Design

Power Enhancing Vents (PEV's) accelerate water over the blade for increased velocity Oversized side rails add rigidity for increased lift, power, and efficiency Easy on/off fin strap with thumb loop Rigid side rails for increased lift and efficiency Ergonomically designed foot pocket accommodates virtually all foot sizes and boot styles Angled blade for preferred angle of attack

And of course all Aeris products are available at Sunken Treasure Scuba Center

Scuba Tips:

Scuba Diving Tips on Tipping (from scuba-diving-smiles.com) Looking for some tipping scuba diving tips? Not sure how much, or even if, you should tip your divemaster and/or crew? Don't sweat it. We'll give you some advice. Your dive is supposed to be enjoyable and you don't want to be agonizing over how much to tip. So here are some tipping scuba diving tips you can use as a guide on your next dive: Tip or No Tip? This is the question. In the Caribbean, it is customary to tip your divemaster/crew. Some outfits will even have a tip jar in the shop or on the boat. Just in case you weren't sure. However, it is not mandatory to tip. If you received poor service or weren't happy with the trip, don't feel obligated to tip. Just keep in mind that for the most part, the DM/crew depend on tips for the majority of their income. So if you don't tip, please make sure the service warrants that action. Tip Divemaster and/or Crew? This one is a little more iffy. From my experience and reading around the 'net, I would say most shops pool the tips and split them among the divemaster and crew. Short of asking (which there is nothing wrong with) it is probably impossible to tell. If you are not sure, you can always give some to the DM and some to the captain. That way they decide how it is distributed. We've gone both ways when tipping on scuba dive vacations. Sometimes we'll give the tip to the divemaster and sometimes we will give part to the divemaster and part to the captain/crew. We make sure to split it if the crew has done a great job. The crews work hard and do alot of the heavy work. Whichever way you go, don't sweat it. Just make sure you tip if the service warrants it. More tipping scuba diving tips: Tip Each Day or End of Dive Trip? If you are on a multi-day dive trip, should you tip the divemaster/crew on a daily basis or at the end of your stay? If you know you will have the same divemaster and crew for the length of your stay, it is appropriate to tip at the end of the stay. However, one drawback here is that the crew may think you are not going to tip them at all. If you are going to tip at the end of the day, you should probably let the divemaster know. Human nature is human nature after all. If the crew changes daily, tipping at the end of each day is recommended. That way the tips will be distributed more appropriately to those who gave you the service. How Much to Tip? Ah, the million dollar question. There are 2 schools of thought on this. Some say tip according to the price of the dive while others say tip a dollar amount per tank. If you tip based on the price of the dive, a tip of 10-15% of the price seems to be the norm. Obviously you can tip more or less depending on the level of service you received. So on a typical price of $70 for a 2 tank dive, the crew would receive in the range of $7-$11. If you prefer to tip on a per dive basis, the general consensus seems to be $5-$10 per tank per diver. Again, adjust this according to the service received. So on a 2 tank dive the crew would receive $10-$20 per person. We tip on a per tank basis with the amount definitely related to the service received. When/How to Tip? We usually give our tips to the DM/crew at the end of the day as we are getting off the boat. Some boats will have jars but we prefer to give the tips directly to the crew. Either is appropriate, just do what you are comfortable with. Let's face it, as long as you are tipping, I don't think the crew will care how it is given. And that brings us to the last of our tipping scuba diving tips: Still Not Sure? If you still aren't sure about tipping for your scuba dive, just ask around. Ask some of the locals and some of your fellow divers. They can guide you as to what is appropriate and customary in the area. So there it is. Our tipping scuba diving tips (that's a mouthful). We hope it will make tipping the scuba crew a little less stressful. Have fun!

Dive Tips..For Boat Diving ... Invest in a boat bag. Most traveling scuba divers have a  dive bag  they pack and check onto the airplane and a smaller boat bag (often made of mesh) they use for hauling gear on and off the dive boat. Whatever you put your stuff in is likely to get wet so plan accordingly. A dry bag is also a good investment..

Keeping it Level
If you are having trouble maintaining your buoyancy, try these buoyancy control scuba diving tips. It can be frustrating if you are always adding air or letting air out of your BC.
It can also take some of the pleasure out of the dive since you are preoccupied trying to stay at the proper depth. No to mention adversely affecting your air consumption.
If that's not enough for you, DAN states that "Diving incident reports often cite overweighting and/or poor buoyancy control as a contributory factor to, or a factor associated with, accidents or near accidents."
So what can you do improve your buoyancy control? Try these buoyancy control scuba diving tips:

• Use the Proper Weight

Most beginning scuba divers are overweighted. This will generally cause more use of the buoyancy compensator inflater as you change depth. If you are wearing a scuba diving wetsuit you will also become less buoyant as you descend. With these factors, the needed adjustments to your BC to maintain proper buoyancy are magnified.
So what is the proper weight? The most common answer is when you are on the surface, you should be at eye level with the water with no air in your BC. However, this is with a full tank.
As you use up your air, your scuba tank will become positively buoyant. This is especially important at your 15 foot safety stop because if you use the above method, you will be underweighted and will begin floating toward the surface.
If you can't get a near empty tank to test your buoyancy at the surface, you should be a little negatively buoyant at the surface with a full tank and no air in your BC and your lungs half-full.
This does not mean to put 5 extra lbs. on your weight belt. A safe bet is to put 1-2 lbs. extra on and go from there.
Your goal is to be neutrally buoyant at your 15 foot safety stop. This method is also cited in articles on DAN's website (Divers Alert Network, a non-profit organization that provides emergency medical advice and assistance for underwater diving injuries, as well as scuba diving insurance.
So at your safety stop with no air in your BC, if you are motionless (concentrate on that!) and you start ascending, your are underweighted. Conversely, if you are sinking, you are overweighted. Make adjustments in 1-2 lb. increments on your next dive.

• Be Patient and Do it in Small Increments

If you add or release air from your buoyancy control device, give it time to take effect. It will not be instantaneous. If you don't give it a bit of time, you will have the tendency to overinflate (or deflate). Several seconds should be sufficient.
Also, just give the BC a short shot (or release) of air. See if that is sufficient. If not, you can always add more. You do not want to overinflate - or vice-versa.

• Remember the Effects of Your Wetsuit

If you are wearing a scuba diving wetsuit, it will become less buoyant as you descend. As it becomes wet and the bubbles in the wetsuit compress from the pressure, the suit will lose buoyancy.
You may think you are underweighted at this point but wait until you a down for a bit before you decide - especially if you are unfamiliar with the affects of your wetsuit.
In addition, over time your wetsuit will lose some of its buoyancy as the bubbles break down. Unfortunately, it also means it will lose some of its insulation effectiveness.

• Empty Your BC

If you feel you are underweighted, make sure your BC is empty of all air. Sometimes air bubbles can get trapped inside, the effect of which will be magnified as you ascend.
Some buoyancy control scuba diving tips to get the last of the air out of your BC:

• Hold the inflator hose straight up while pressing the release button.
• Do a little wiggle dance and see if any air escapes.(Hopefully no one will see you!)
• Hold the right side of your BC against your body and tilt a little to the right.
• Go upside down and pull the dump valve on the bottom of your BC.
• Roll backwards a little and give a little shake.

• Stay Horizontal

You should be horizontal in the water so your kicks propel you forward and not upward. You may have to adjust where your weights are to accomplish this. It is also a function of experience, so be patient. More buoyancy control scuba diving tips:

• Breath Control

Don't forget the air in your lungs. Do not hold your breath - which you know already. Besides being dangerous, it will give you extra buoyancy.
Eventually you will get to the point where you can ascend or descend a few feet solely by breathing in or out. Yes, it will happen. Which brings me to the last of the buoyancy control scuba diving tips:

• Dive, Dive and Dive Some More

Like all scuba diving skills, the more you practice them, the easier it will be. Once you get enough dives under your belt, relax under water and have experience with the weight you need, you will be diving without even giving scuba diving buoyancy a second thought.

Hopefully these buoyancy control scuba diving tips will help you with any buoyancy problems you may have. Believe it or not, after enough diving, you won't even be thinking about buoyancy control. So relax and enjoy and practice these buoyancy control scuba diving tips, you will soon be neutrally buoyant.

Safe Ascents.... Six Secrets of Safe Ascents
The conclusion of any dive is a safe ascent. To surface like a pro follow these six easy steps:

1. Agree with Your Buddy. As ascents are when many buddies become separated, signal your buddy that you are planning to ascend.

2. Find A Reference. In order to make it easier to keep in touch and control your ascent rate, pick a nearby reference , point it out to your buddy and swim to it. Make your ascent slowly from this point. If no reference is available, be sure to watch your bubbles and your buddy.

3. Prepare Before Ascending. Make sure your path to the surface is clear. Put away any accessories so your hands are clear. Have your BC inflator and your depth gauge in easy access and clear view. Face your buddy, give ascent signal and both start up at the same time.

4. Swim Up Slowly. Stay neutrally buoyant for the entire ascent. Don't use your power inflator as an elevator button. Ascend at no more than 60 feet per minute below 60 feet and 30 feet per minute above 30 feet. Don't get ahead of your buddy, the slower diver should control the ascent. Breathe as you should during the dive--slowly, deeply and relaxed. Keep looking up and around and keep an eye on your buddy.

5. Stop at 15 Feet. The safety stop has a number of purposes. Among these are: off-gas of some of the nitrogen you had absorbed, allow air pressure in your lungs to equalize, make sure your buddy is okay, and that the surface is clear of other divers, boat traffic and other obstructions.

6. Pause At The Surface. Inflate your BC so your head is completely out of the water. Exchange OK's with your buddy. Don't remove your mask or regulator until you are on board the boat or have reached the beach when shore diving.

Things that are BAD for your gear!
Freezing! ...Here in PA this is a real issue to deal with. If you store something wet and it freezes permanent damage may result! Seams can fail, rubber can crack, ice can cut, etc. Make sure all your gear is dry if you have to store it in a cold storage room or other unheated area.
Sunshine Isn't Healthy ... for Your Gear! Believe it or not leaving your gear laying around in the bright and hot sunshine for long periods of time is bad and will lead to drying, rotting, cracking, and fading of various parts of your kit. Neoprene rubber is affected by ultraviolet light and wetsuits, boots, hoods, gloves etc should not be left hanging in the sun any longer than necessary. Fin will warp.
Even better, find a spot in the shade to hang your gear to dry, it may take longer but your gear will last longer! BCD bladders, Low-Pressure Inflator Hoses, and Regulator components are also affected by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Once your gear is rinsed, of after it has dried, pack it away and move it into the shade.
Wet Storage. Okay, having wet gear in the trunk of your car for the drive home won't hurt, but leaving it in there for a week may cause your dive buddy (and even you) to hold your nose the next time you open the gear bag! This problem is compounded if you're one of those divers who frequently relieves himself (or herself) in the suit (while diving).
Go ahead, leave it damp in the bag - hope you like that strong ammonia stench that'll leave you gagging when you crack the zipper on the bag before the next dive! Do yourself and others a favor (especially if its rental gear!) Hang it up to dry as soon as possible and pack it away dry and clean. If you're packing it away for the season making sure things are dry is critical, not only for the gear, but for your health as well!
NOT Rinsing Your Gear in Fresh Water! Don't believe it? Spend $700.00 on a name brand regulator and don't rinse it a few times. Take it to the dive shop (along with a whole bunch-o-money) and they may be able to fix it for you! This applies to ALL equipment, even your gear bag! If you think that super expensive Titanium knife you invested in won't rust go ahead and give it a try. When advertisers claim titanium doesn't corrode they should finish the sentence - titanium doesn't corrode ... as fast as other metals!

Saliva Build-up......A problem with regulators is the saliva that accumulates during a dive. If this isn't washed out it can breed all sorts of diseases. This includes the alternate air supply .
A small amount of diluted disinfectant washed through the mouthpieces of regulators, buoyancy compensators and snorkels should kill any nasties.

Ear Problems
Many people have trouble clearing their ears as quickly as others. Many divers have felt the added pressure (no pun intended) of feeling like they are holding the whole group up as they try frantically to get that "click" that equalizes pressure between the inner and outer ear. Some are foolish enough to descend with the group anyway and experience damage or rupture to their eardrum accompanied by severe vertigo. If your ears take a bit longer to equalize, tell the divemaster or instructor about it beforehand. She or he can help you to buddy up with someone else who takes longer to clear. Also, if it's a guided dive the divemaster guide will know to wait for your "okay" sign until they start the tour. Tell your dive buddy, especially if you can't find someone else with ear problems. Make sure they know to wait for you instead of swimming off.

Computers...How not to get bent-using your computer to avoid DCS
Stay off the edge--Maxing out your computer's no-decompression limits greatly enhances your >>>chance of decompression sickness (DCS).
Avoid repetitive square dives--Recreational dive computers are intended for multilevel diving, >>>not for dives made repeatedly to the same depth and held there for the entire dive.
Stay within operating limits--Exceeding time, depth or decompression parameters can cause >>>the computer to default.
Follow the ascent rate indicator--So important is a slow, safe and controlled ascent.
Avoid direct ascents to the surface--Safety stops reduce the chance of DCS.
Maximize surface intervals--your body needs time for adequate recovery, to rehydrate, get >>>warm, rest and off gas.
Read instructions--and keep them handy on a dive trip.
Computers are tools--check it before submerging.  Underwater, monitor it frequently and take >>>action on the data displayed.

Equalizing
The six golden rules of equalizing from Rodale's 101 Scuba Diving Secrets
1 Equalize on the surface before descending
2 Equalize immediately upon descent and continue to do so every few feet to avoid discomfort
3 Don't wait until discomfort before equalizing
4 If you have trouble equalizing, ascend slightly and try again
5 Use a line to help control your descent and maintain a feet-down position
6 DO NOT attempt a lengthy or forceful Valsalva maneuver. You may rupture your eardrum

Lube that Dive Knife!! Here's a fact of life: Stainless Steel isn't Stainless! Even the best will rust if you don't take care of it. When you first buy the knife it is a good idea to take it apart and apply a hefty coating of silicone grease to all metal parts. Afterwards I recommend applying a thick coating of silicone any time its needed. The silicone grease keeps saltwater from contacting the blade and thereby protects it from rust taking hold. Now you may not want to use the knife for cutting your lunch apple without wiping it off first, but it'll last years and still shine if you keep it well lubed up! Take the time to do a little knife maintenance every time you wash your gear and it will keep a sharp edge and be ready when you need it!

Buoyancy: While buoyancy checks are very important anytime you go several months without diving or have any gear changes such as exposure protection, nothing beats logging your weight and exposure protections on every dive. You may still have to alter your weight, but you will get off to a quicker start if you know how much weight you required on previous dives with the same exposure protection in similar conditions.

Five Tips for Underwater Photographers
Photograph with Care - Dive carefully as many aquatic creatures are fragile regardless of size. Improper techniques while taking or editing photos underwater can damage sensitive aquatic life and harm fragile organisms with the bump of a camera or tank, swipe of a fin or even the touch of a hand.
Dive Neutral - Camera systems may add weight or be buoyant. Make sure to secure photo and dive equipment and be properly weighted to avoid contact with reefs or other vital habitat.
Practice buoyancy control and photography skills in a pool before swimming near sensitive and fragile environments.
Resist Temptation - Avoid touching, handling, feeding, chasing or riding aquatic life. Avoid altering an organism’s location to get the perfect shot. Many aquatic creatures are shy and easily stressed. These actions may interrupt feeding, disturb mating or provoke aggression in a normally nonaggressive species.
Easy Does It - While diving, move slowly and deliberately through the water. Be patient and still while photographing - allow organisms to show their natural behavior for a more significant and meaningful shot.
Sharpen Your Skills - Make sure the difficulty of the dive and the environmental conditions are appropriate for your current skills and comfort level. Avoid stabilizing underwater by grabbing onto the reef for a better photo. Enroll in PADI’s Underwater Photographer, Digital Underwater Photography and Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty courses to become a more skilled and successful photographer.

Scuba Tips: Defog solutions--How to keep your underwater window clear...
Prep It. Follow manufactures directions to clean new masks before first use and periodically afterwards. Cleansers come with many masks or may be purchased at a dive store.
Rub It. Spit is not adequate for today’s silicone masks. Commercial defogs work best when starting with a dry lens. Rinse mask after applying defog to avoid eye irritation.

Scuba Tip.....It's been a long winter for so so here are some common gearing-up mistakes:
Leaving gear where it can get damaged or inconvenience other divers
Not unpacking and assembling in efficient order
Failure to request help when confused about scuba unit assembly
Letting second-stages and gauges drag on the bottom
Not coordinating gearing up with your buddy
Not preadjusting fin and mask straps before moving to the entry area, therefore delaying everyone's dive
Forgetting to hook up BC power inflator connection
Failure to calculate the proper weight to wear
Putting on wet suit to early, resulting in overheating
Forgetting to don weight belt before getting in the water
Not using a checklist

Scuba Tips: NOT Rinsing Your Gear in Fresh Water!
Don't believe it? Buy that name brand regulator and don't rinse it a few times. Take it to the dive shop (along with a whole bunch-o-money) and they may be able to fix it for you! This applies to ALL equipment, even your gear bag! If you think that super expensive Titanium knife you invested in won't rust go ahead and give it a try. When advertisers claim titanium doesn't corrode they should finish the sentence - titanium doesn't corrode ... as fast as other metals!

How To Wash Your Regulator ...Make your reg work better and last longer by cleaning it after every day of diving. When cleaning your regulator after a day of diving, the goal is to get rid of the sand and salt. Salt crystals can form as salt water dries, and crystals or sand on valve seats can cause your reg to leak. Salt also promotes corrosion of metal parts.
Do this at the end of each day's diving, if you can, or at least when you return home from your dive trip:
· Pull back hose protectors so you can wash the hose connections to the first stage.
· If you have a tank, mount the regulator to it and turn on the air to pressurize. While hosing or soaking the regulator, press the purge button to wash inside the second stage.
· If you don't have a tank, be sure the regulator's dust cap is firmly in place so water doesn't get into the first stage. While hosing or soaking, do not press the purge button. Without air pressure in the hoses, water will enter them.
· Pay attention to washing all swivels and hose connections as well as the auto inflate quick-connect fitting.
· Flush through the mouthpiece and out the exhaust tee. If you're soaking the reg, shake the second stage to swirl water through the tee.
· Spread the regulator and hoses in the shade to dry. Shake the water out of the exhaust tee. Don't hang your reg from a hook unless you can do so without straining the hoses. If you've used a tank, remember to dry the dust cap before replacing it.
Water in your first stage — now what?
Oops. You forgot to replace the dust cap and squirted a little water into the first stage. Can you just leave it in the sun to dry or something?
Afraid not. You'll have to take your regulator to a dive shop for professional help. You may
think just a few drops got inside, but you don't know that for sure. Nor do you know if your
drying efforts will work. Though salt water inside is much worse than fresh, small amounts of
either can cause enough oxidation to interfere with the close tolerances in the first stage.
Resist the temptation to take the reg apart yourself. Special tools and special training are
required. Remember, this is life-support equipment.
Act sooner rather than later. If you can get your regulator to the shop before corrosion has a
chance to take hold, you may need no more than a simple disassembly, drying and reassembly.
Reprinted from Scuba Diving - The Magazine

Now Don't forget the INSIDE of your BCD!
When you let all the air out of your BCD on a dive some salt water will get inside -
guaranteed! The more that accumulates inside the bladder the worse things will get. Your BCD is nothing more than a large heavy-duty inner tube and the worst thing is for the inside to get dirty. When the salt water dries inside it leaves crystals, that can have sharp edges and grind through the material. Just as bad is the mold that can take hold! When you rinse your gear it is important to remember the inside of the BCD. Press the oral inflator button while holding a hose (or faucet head) against the mouthpiece. Add a liter or two of fresh warm water to the inside of the BCD. If you have a BCD wash solution (available in most dive stores) add the recommended amount before adding the water. If you have nothing except water you can try a bit of baby shampoo (several drops will do it). Slosh the water around inside and drain. Repeat at least once, and more if you used a cleaner or shampoo solution. After you've drained as much of the water as possible inflate the BCD at least halfway and hang on a BCD hanger to dry (out of the sun please!). If its going to be awhile before you use the BCD again it is highly recommend inflating it with air from a scuba tank several times over several days. Tank air, being 99.9% humidity free will help dry the bladder inside and prevent mold formation.

Lubricate Your Zips...All zips work better when lightly lubricated with wax or silicone lubricants (non-petroleum based). Drysuit divers make a habit of waxing zippers before every dive outing. Not only does the wax ensure a good seal and reduce zipper wear, it also makes closing zippers easier, reducing the urge to "force it" and risk damaging the zipper or suit. Be careful not to clog the zipper teeth with too much wax! You should also take the time to clean the zip periodically to prevent old wax build-up. The best tool for zipper cleaning is an old toothbrush.

Wet Suit.....Preparing your suit for winter storage if your not planning on diving for awhile as follows...Find two clean large tubs –one for washing and one for deodorizing. STEP 1: Fill both tubs with enough warm or cold water to submerge your suit. To the first tub, add 2 capfuls (1/2 oz) of Wet Suit & Dry Suit Shampoo per gallon of water. For extra suit conditioning, add a few teaspoons of Aquaseal® Brand Silicone Pump in with your Wet Suit & Dry Suit Shampoo when washing your suit.

STEP 2: Give your suit a good scrub to eliminate saltwater, chlorine, sweat, urine and other residue. Regular cleaning maintains suit suppleness, keeps colors bright and eases suit entry. STEP 3: To remove residual odors and bacterial from your wet suit, add 2 capfuls (1/2 oz) of MiraZyme™ Enzyme Based Gear Deodorizer to the second tub. For stubborn odors, apply MiraZyme directly to problem areas with a spray bottle. STEP 4: Dip suit to saturate all areas. Remove from tub. Do NOT rinse.

H H BCD Maintenance Step 1: To clean the inside of BCD: Pour 4 inner capfuls (1 oz.) of B.C. LifeT through pressure inflator mouthpiece. Fill B.C.D. full with fresh water. Shake and tip B.C.D. to mix into all chambers. DRAIN AND RINSE THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER. REPEAT IF NECESSARY.

Finally....McNett UV Tech™ Conditions, Seals and Protects Plastic, Vinyl, Rubber, PVC, Leather, Fiberglass, Hypalon® and More.This reduces Damage and Fading From The Sun. Replaces Lost Plasticizers. Protects For Easy Cleaning. Improves Appearance, Enhances Color and is Nontoxic, Biodegradable, Nonflammable. IDEAL FOR: DIVE: Regulator Hoses, BCDs, Valve Caps, Snorkels, Latex Seals, Mask Straps, Fins/Fin Straps, Dry Suit Seals.

Common Gearing-up Mistakes:
Leaving gear where it can get damaged or inconvenience other divers
Not unpacking and assembling in efficient order
Failure to request help when confused about scuba unit assembly
Letting second-stages and gauges drag on the bottom
Not coordinating gearing up with your buddy
Not pre adjusting fin and mask straps before moving to the entry area, therefore delaying everyone's dive
Forgetting to hook up BC power inflator connection
Failure to calculate the proper weight to wear
Putting on wet suit to early, resulting in overheating
Forgetting to don weight belt before getting in the water
Not using a checklist

Safe Ascents....Six Secrets of Safe Ascents
The conclusion of any dive is a safe ascent. To surface like a pro follow these six easy steps:
1. Agree with Your Buddy. As ascents are when many buddies become separated, signal your buddy that you are planning to ascend.
2. Find A Reference. In order to make it easier to keep in touch and control your ascent rate, pick a nearby reference , point it out to your buddy and swim to it. Make your ascent slowly from this point. If no reference is available, be sure to watch your bubbles and your buddy.
3. Prepare Before Ascending. Make sure your path to the surface is clear. Put away any accessories so your hands are clear. Have your BC inflator and your depth gauge in easy access and clear view. Face your buddy, give ascent signal and both start up at the same time.
4. Swim Up Slowly. Stay neutrally buoyant for the entire ascent. Don't use your power inflator as an elevator button. Ascend at no more than 60 feet per minute below 60 feet and 30 feet per minute above 30 feet. Don't get ahead of your buddy, the slower diver should control the ascent. Breathe as you should during the dive--slowly, deeply and relaxed. Keep looking up and around and keep an eye on your buddy.
5. Stop at 15 Feet. The safety stop has a number of purposes. Among these are: off-gas of some of the nitrogen you had absorbed, allow air pressure in your lungs to equalize, make sure your buddy is okay, and that the surface is clear of other divers, boat traffic and other obstructions.
6. Pause At The Surface. Inflate your BC so your head is completely out of the water. Exchange OK's with your buddy. Don't remove your mask or regulator until you are on board the boat or have reached the beach when shore diving.

10 Secrets to Saving Air ....from Rodale's 101 Scuba Diving Secrets
1 Alter your breathing pattern. A relaxed divers natural breathing pattern underwater is: ....inhale-pause-exhale-inhale-pause-exhale.
2 Breathe deep. Slow down and give your body time to absorb oxygen efficiently.
3 Mimic a mime. Move slowly and deliberately. Water is 800 times denser than air.
4 Keep your hands to yourself. Keep your arms close to your body and become
.... more streamlined.
5 Stay neutrally buoyant. Perfect suspension, wear the least amount of weight that will
.... allow safety stops at 15 feet.
6 Stay Horizontal. The most efficient body angle for swimming underwater is about
.... 15 degrees.
7 Streamline your gear.
8 Stay Warm. Fact is warm divers use less air.
9 Fin efficiently. Swim at a slow, relaxed, steady pace.
10 Get experience and training. Diving improves diving.

The Top 5 Forgotten Items when Going Diving
1. Bathing suit
2. Towel
3. Logbook
4. Mask defog
5. C-Card

Weights...What to Do.....Go ahead, drop that 10-pounder on your regulator console and dive computer. Keeping weights in your gear bag not only risks damage to other parts of your gear, it makes for a helluva heavy bag! It also keeps our service department busy. So carry your weights separately, either on the belt or in a weight bag especially made for the job.

Beat it up : Go ahead, drop that 10-pounder on your regulator console and dive computer. Keeping weights in your gear bag not only risks damage to other parts of your gear, it makes for a helluva heavy bag! It also keeps our service department busy. So carry your weights separately, either on the belt or in a weight bag especially made for the job.

Lost 5 Steps to avoid getting lost while diving.
1. Begin from a stationary reference point (shore, anchor or mooring line).
2. Make mental notes of the area surrounding the starting point (depth, bottom contour, >>sun/shadows, current landmarks).
3. Move slowly and deliberately.
4. Swim either "out and back" or in geometric patterns (squares, rectangles).
5. Use a combination of mental and compass navigation techniques.

Boat Diving Tips....Since it's that time of the year more divers are going south to warmer weather and will be doing more boat diving here are a few tips to make your boat diving experience more enjoyable:
.• Make sure you pack all your dive gear.
.• Get to the boat early, but wait for permission to board.
.• Listen carefully to the captain and crew's instructions.
.• Stay clear of the entry/exit area until it's your turn.
.• If you're likely to become seasick, take medication.
.• If you become seasick, go to the leeward side; do not go to the head.
.• Work out of your gear bag; do not clutter the deck.
.• Make sure you don't leave anything behind when disembarking.

Time for a dive trip....Yes it's that time of the year divers are going south to warmer weather to enjoy their yearly dive vacation. Here are a few tips to make your diving experience more enjoyable and help you avoid feeling stressed at the start of a dive:

Remember, don't worry about getting to the bottom as quickly as you can. If it takes a few minutes to due proper preparation of gear before entering the water, clearing your ears and adjusting to the increasing pressure and decreasing temperature, it can, and probably will make the difference between a good dive and a great dive.

Also, the slight confusion experienced at the beginning of the first dive is gone by time for the second dive and you are ahead mentally--you know what to expect.

General:

The advantages of diving dry vs. diving wet are dramatically illustrated by the comparative levels of warmth at increased depth. NO CONTEST. Each diver has a different "comfort zone." Wetsuits

The compression factor: increased depth means increased pressure. The drysuit system's compression-resistant insulation means warmth

The most versatile drysuit undergarments Combining cutting edge fabric technology with gender specific design, the drybase range is fourth element's most versatile base layer, suitable for all drysuit divers. Especially those who 'already have everything'.

Designed to be worn as a next to the skin garment underneath any undersuit, drybase is also suitable as a lightweight undergarment for thicker neoprene drysuits, wicking away perspiration and creating a dryzone next to the skin. The drybase also makes and excellent thermal layer for everyday wear. Of course it's available at STSC .

Yes, babies at Lycoming...well sort of. If you have had the chance to met Peter Petokas here at Sunken Treasure or anyone of the other many places he has spoken about the Hellbender Project at Lycoming. Well they managed to get some eggs to hatch and the picture shows what has come about..

The final fate of the USS Hoyt S. Vandenberg was determined this week when the 524-foot former navy vessel was bought by The First State Bank of the Florida Keys for $1.35 million at a federal auction in Virginia. The sale has cleared the way for the final preparatory work to be completed to bring the former World War II-era missile tracking ship to the Florida Keys

NASCAR will be at Beneath the Sea Team Scuba and Diver Down Motor Sports introduced the first dive-themed NASCAR race car at the DEMA Show, October 31-November 3, at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando . The number 19 car is driven by 16 year-old Ray Black Jr., the car will compete in the NASCAR Busch East Series during the 2008 racing season. The car is painted as a dive flag, and the hope is to introduce the world of diving to the hundreds of thousands of

NASCAR fans throughout the country. The car was unveiled at a display inside the Rosen Centre Hotel at the Dive Industry Monster Bash party on the opening night of the show. Attendees were able to meet the driver of the 19 car: Ray Black Jr. and take a picture with the car and driver both at the Monster Bash Wednesday Night and the following days in the lobby of the DEMA Show. It will be on display at Beneath the Sea from March 28-30th.

And The Winner is........ Local diver Linda Barnes, took first place in this years Photo & Video Competition at Beneath The Sea in the Novice/Point and Shoot category with her photo titled - Mr. Cuda Linda Barnes, Associate Professor at PA College of Technology, is also one of the staff scuba instructors who teaches the credited program for PCT. The photo was taken in Bonaire

Underwater Journal, the free online dive publication for those who live in the information age has released its latest issue - UWJ-issue4.pdf for download. Features Include: · Diving with the Pacific's Giant >Octopus. · A visit to Destin, Florida, for an easy >shore dive along the jetties that can >provide hours of fun.
· Jupiter's Hole-in-the-Wall, one of South Florida's most famous sites for deep water, big >creature thrills. · Finding that there is more than meets eye about Gulf of Mexico's Flower Garden Banks >National Marine Sanctuary. · Out of the Gear Bag - Suprema LED Target Light · DVD Review - Discover California Diving Click: www.underwaterjournal.com

River Clean-Up Update...The July 28, 2008 river clean-up at Jay St yielded 104 tires and .3 tons of other trash collected by 62 people of which 23 where divers.
The August 11 clean-up in Jersey Shore was just unbelievable. A total of 10, 920 pounds of man-made debris including 155 tires was removed (7 dump truck loads of tires) from the site. Thanks to the help of a lot of people and the divers that keep tires floating down river for 2 straight hours to two different take out points in a 700 yard area. I'm sure glad there were a bunch of people to help get them out and load them.
A special thanks goes to Steve Bason and his son for providing his boat for both clean-ups and Howard and Gary for Citzen's Hose Company in Lock Haven for their help with their boat.
Pictures are posted in the photo gallery.

You can Take the Challenge Join the best of the best in recreational diving. Explore the underwater world like never before. Live the dive lifestyle. Up to it? Take the challenge - the Master Scuba Diver Challenge. Master Scuba Diver is PADI’s highest non professional recreational diving certification. This is what the best of the best reach for, because the dive possibilities are endless. To become a Master Scuba Diver, you must log 50 dives and complete the following PADI courses: PADI Open Water Diver PADI Advanced Open Water Diver PADI Rescue Diver Five PADI Specialty Diver courses Prestige isn’t easy to earn, but it is certainly well worth it. As a Master Scuba Diver, you’ll have a whole new level of training and experience, whether you’re diving local wrecks, quarries and reefs, or exploring exciting dive environments around the world. If you complete your Master Scuba Diver certification in 2006, PADI will reward your efforts with a customized wall certificate and embroidered Master Scuba Diver backpack. The challenge is on – it’s your turn Want It, Live It and Dive It ............... Contact Sunken Treasure and get started today.

2006 A Dive Season in Review.... STSC continued to lead the way in 2006 . With so much happening , if you didn't participate , you just didn't make the time ! Not just the normal courses we have to offer , STSC started the year off on New Years Day at t he Antlers Club in Williamsport for a fun dive and quit e a few divers showed up. From there things just keep going down with over 35 scheduled fun dives; 20 - 6 pak dives; 7 day trips to Dutch Springs along with trips to NJ for sharks teeth; Florida to swim with the Manatee's and cavern diving and a trip to the Saint Lawrence Seaway. We offered the first Scuba Swap in the area along with participating at Lock Haven Universities Earth Day program and a river clean-up with PA Clean Ways , Rock River & Trail Outfitters and PADI's Project AWARE. Not just the usual Discover Scuba Programs , we also presented special programs for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Camp Cadet , BSA, a number of Church groups and help ed with Woodward Township 's Recreation Duck Derby. STSC had 8 Movie Nite/BBQ's, a Pig Roast and 2 FREE Gear Days for anyone without gear to come dive with us. We took a group to Beneath the Sea and DEMA. We had a PADI Instructor IDC for new instructors and a IDC Staff instructor upgrade program for the old instructors. We also had diver/guest speaker Conrad Pfeifer at the store who worked on the USS Monitor project , and diver/speaker Bill Reighard  who worked with Mel Fischer looking for the Atocha. To cap it all off , STSC received an award for 25 years Outstanding Service as a PADI International Training Facility.
So....stick around because 2007 is just started and at noon on New Years Day at Jay Street Bridge in Lock Haven was the first day of the new diving season and we were there...GO DIVE...the 2007 season is just starting !!

Why Buy Gear?>>>>by Mark Twombly
Scuba diving, like many recreational activities, is equipment intensive. Recreational diving has grown from an obscure sport practiced by a small band of youthful and athletic adventurers into an activity enjoyed by millions around the world in all kinds of water. Increasingly sophisticated and reliable equipment, and the training to use it properly, are largely responsible for that growth.
Whether an item of dive gear is considered essential or desirable, each was conceived and developed to satisfy a definite need and perform a specific function. From regulator to gauges, mask to fins, and buoyancy compensator to wet suit, recreational scuba equipment is purposeful, interesting to use, and a big contributor to the overall fascination and attraction of diving.
Acquiring your own dive equipment is a major factor in the enjoyment of the sport. Sure, you can rent gear at many dive destinations, but do you really want to rely on the availability of much-used rental equipment for your personal safety and enjoyment of diving?
Owning your own dive gear has many advantages. As a beginning Open Water certification student, you can speed your learning curve and progress quickly into the open-water environment by purchasing and using a basic dive equipment package-regulator and BC in addition to mask, snorkel, and fins. Learning how to scuba dive involves a lot more than learning how to breathe through a regulator underwater. You learn the art of buoyancy control, the subtleties of swimming and streamlining, and a host of other skills. Acquiring these skills quickly and comfortably has a lot to do with the equipment you use in training. If the BC is too small, you will struggle with it, which interferes with your learning. Fit and comfort are the prime criteria in selecting most items of dive gear, and in achieving maximum safety and pleasure underwater. The best way to ensure that your gear fits correctly and comfortable is to wear your own.
Even if loaner or rental equipment fits well, it may not be right for you because of particular features-or lack of them. Features are what distinguish one item of dive gear from another. When you buy your own gear, you evaluate and choose the features you need and appreciate. The process is fun, adds greatly to your knowledge of diving, and ensures that the gear you dive with does what you want it to, the way you want it to.
You will know how to operate it properly and care for it responsibly. You will know the condition of your gear, where it has been, and who has been using it. That familiarity contributes to the highest level of safety, which in turn gives you peace of mind.
Other less obvious but still important benefits accrue from owning dive gear. Buying gear deepens your relationship with your dive store. That store is your conduit to diving. It offers training opportunities, arranges trips, keeps you in contact with other divers, and services and supports your equipment. Having your own equipment also marks you as a serious, committed diver, and it encourages you to dive regularly, to stay involved in the sport.
The bottom line on equipment ownership: It's the way to achieve maximum enjoyment of diving. At Dive Training magazine we believe that part of the commitment you are making to learn to dive should include acquiring your own dive gear. It's an excellent investment in yourself and in your future diving adventures.

The Big Question...I receive lots and lots of e-mails every day. Some I ask for other's I don't. Thanks goodness for the delete key. However one e-mail I received from Drew Richardson at PADI summed up one of the most asked questions I get when I do presentation. So I've taken the liberty to post his e-mail on our web site:

Dear Fellow Diver, .
One question I'm often asked is, “Where is the best diving?” If you're passionate about diving, the answer is easy: Everywhere!
When non-divers think about great diving, they likely think of spectacular dives on coral reefs and wrecks in tropical water. While I wouldn't miss those dives for anything (and neither should you), I also love diving in kelp forests like you find in New Zealand and Southern California, or on spectacularly preserved wrecks (lower temperatures slow down deterioration) in the North American Great Lakes and both sides of the North Atlantic. Some of the most beautiful and awesome sea creatures live in the cooler waters in the more northern and southern regions of all the oceans, plus the European Mediterranean and other places around the world. These include gentle giants like the huge octopi you find in Puget Sound or the grey nurse sharks common to southwestern Australia.
If your first thought is “cold water is no fun,” I agree that being cold is no fun, but that doesn't rule out cooler water diving, thanks to dry suits. Although my wet suit gets lots of use, it's my dry suit that lets me make more dives and longer dives in cooler water, and make dives that I wouldn't make at all in a wet suit. In many places, a wet suit is more than adequate in the summer months, but a dry suit extends your dive season or even makes year-round diving possible. A dry suit is a big plus if you enjoy deeper diving, (recreational or technical) because deeper water tends to be cooler and because, unlike a wet suit, a dry suit loses little insulation with depth.
Since a dry suit surrounds you with air, there are some nuances and safety procedures to learn. They're not difficult, but they're not intuitive, so rather than learn the hard way, I recommend the PADI Dry Suit Diver course, as do many dry suit manufacturers. In the PADI Dry Suit Diver course, you learn some things that differ from wet suit diving, such as determining how much weight you need, maintenance and basic field repairs. You also learn how to prevent runaway ascents due to expanding air, and what to do if you accidentally find one starting to happen. The course consists of one dive in confined water and two in open water – a lot of fun while learning new techniques that expand your diving capabilities.
Of course, diving dry doesn't replace warm, tropical diving. It means you'll stop missing out on the rest of the world's great dive sites. See your local PADI Dive Center today about the PADI Dry Suit Diver course. Even if they don't offer the course themselves (many in warm climates don't for obvious reasons), they can hook you up with a PADI operation that does. And, don't forget that your Dry Suit Diver course can also get you one step closer to the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.

Sincerely,
Drew Richardson

Sure Drew is promoting Dry Suit Courses however how much diving are you missing only thinking diving takes place in warm water?

Training vs. Learning
Editors of DIVE TRAINING magazine have joined a new concept that is spreading through the diving community. They have changed the slogan at the bottom of each left- page from "A Good Diver Is Always Training "to "A Good Diver Is Always Learning".
Why the shift from training? The difference between the two words is more than semantics. The dictionary gives a clue. Training is defined as "making or becoming proficient through specialized practice, "while learning is, "gaining knowledge, comprehension, or mastery through experience or study." The difference in terms, while subtle, is very important. Training generally connotes practice, doing something to hone and improve skills. Just as an athlete is trained by a coach to do a skill over and over, the diver is trained by the instructor who explains and demonstrates skills to be learned, and then the diver and a buddy practice until they reach proficiency.
Learning, on the other hand, implies a broader, more comprehensive acquisition of skills and knowledge. It is as much an internal, intellectual process as it is physical training, and is achieved only through the cooperative efforts of both the teacher and the student. A student cannot learn without the guidance of a teacher, and an instructor cannot teach unless the student is open to learning.
We all know people who have had many, many hours, even years of training, and proudly display enough certificates and c-cards to have cleared an entire forest. Yet some are marginal- to- incompetent divers, thus proving that training does not translate into learning.
We in the diving community are fortunate to have an outstanding support structure in the learning process. Resources like dive magazines are important tools to aid in this process. However, how we use the tool will control what is achieved as a result of use of the tool.
That's where your local dive center comes to play. Dive centers and their staffs of professionals make learning happen. Whether it is studying advanced diving techniques, talking to knowledgeable staff regarding equipment, or practicing skills to the point of mastery, the dive center is where the rubber truly meets the road-where training becomes learning. The dive center's crucial role in diving education is the reason for dive magazines unequivocal support of your local dive center.
Stop by your dive center this week to see what learning opportunities await you. And remember , a good diver is not always just training, "A Good Diver Is Always Learning!"

HOT New Diving Book by Eric Douglas If you've finished reading Shadow Divers for the 100th time and want a little fiction in your life, Flooding Hollywood will be available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and from the author's web site Domestic terrorists plotting to destroy LA – simply a plot for new book, says author. “This book is pure fiction. To my knowledge, there haven’t been any terrorist plots uncovered in LA. Harbor,” said Eric Douglas, author of the new dive adventure novel, Flooding Hollywood.

“Rumors of dive teams planning destruction in California, or concerns about giving terrorists ideas are unfounded.” In this new dive-themed adventure novel, a group of domestic terrorists are plotting to use a dive operation to disrupt life in LA Harbor and ultimately destroy the city. The book begins with an underwater photo shoot to capture glamorous images of an actress enjoying the sport she loves–scuba diving around Santa Catalina Island– but things quickly turn serious. Flooding Hollywood takes readers to dive sites around Catalina Island. The characters in the book make dives in kelp forests and have an underwater sea lion encounter, while setting up the intrigue and adventure that makes the book exciting. Before it all ends, the hero and heroine must escape from the religious fanatics and stop an underwater explosion. This is Douglas’ second dive adventure novel. His first novel was set at Sunset House on Grand Cayman and described dives off of Sunset Reef, including a dive with the Sunset House Mermaid. Douglas began diving in 1990 and became a dive instructor in 1998. He is currently the Training Director for Divers Alert Network in Durham, North Carolina. Flooding Hollywood is now available through online retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or directly from the publisher.

Shadow Divers.....A must read In the tradition of Jon Krakauer¹s Into Thin Air and Sebastian Junger¹s The Perfect Storm comes a true tale of riveting adventure in which two weekend scuba divers risk everything to solve a great historical mystery ­ and make history themselves. For men like John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, deep wreck diving was more than a sport. It was an addiction. Testing themselves against treacherous currents, braving depths that induced hallucinatory narcosis, navigating through wreckage as perilous as a minefield, they pushed themselves to their limits and beyond, brushing against their own deaths more than once in the rusting hulks of sunken ships.

25 Years....A surprise visit from Stush Doviat, PADI's Northeast Regional Representative ended underwater at Jay Street Bridge in Lock Haven to present Rich Best, owner of Sunken Treasure Scuba Center with a recognition award for 25 Years of Outstanding Service as a PADI Training Facility since December 01, 1981.

Dive Portal Magazine...If you missed the last movie night at STSC you missed the showing of the premier issue of Dive Portal Magazine. Dive Portal is a magazine format DVD hosted by John Chatterton and Richie Kohler. In each Issue John and Richie dive exotic (and not so exotic) locations around the world, interviewing dive personalities, and investigating anything dive related! From Palau to Pittsburgh, they plan on diving it. From SCUBA to Rebreathers, they plan on covering it in one way or another. The Premier Issue Includes:

· · Diving to the bottom of the Blue Hole in Belize,
· · · An interview with Evelyn Bartman Dudas, a pioneer and member of Women Divers Hall · · · of Fame
· · · A discussion with Stan Waterman about his latest book Sea Salt: "Memories
......and Essays"
· · · Diving inside AQUARIUS, the US Navy habitat
· · · Diving for Maine scallops...in the dead of winter!
Dive Portal will come out three times a year and is available at STSC

In Stock Again...Dive Portal DVD Magazine... John Chatterton and Richie Kohler of Shadow Divers © and Deep Sea Detectives © fame are proud to announce the release of the second issue of their DVD Magazine. According to critics, its is even better than Issue 1. In this issue, Richie checks out what lies ahead for the world of diving in his visit to NEDU. From the next generation of rebreathers to the complete indoor Ocean Simulation Facility we've got your backstage

pass for a peek at what the Navy has going on in Panama City. The next stop is the letter "C" in the alphabet soup that is the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao. On their trip, Richie gets an underwater photography lesson from Marty Snyderman. The guys also spend some time on the shipwreck the Superior Producer and wrap up their stay with Annie...the dolphin. Explore Mall of America's Underwater Adventures Aquarium with John and Richie as they go diving with members of the DiveHeart Foundation, a group dedicated to aiding the physically challenged experience the underwater world. Deep dives and cave diving await the guys as they head to the gorgeous waters of the Dominican Republic. Also included are interviews with cave explorer and filmmaker Jill Heinreth, and Great Lakes historian and author of the new book “Great Lakes Diving Guide”, Cris Kohl. Each issue is just $19.95. Available at STSC Save the Manatee Club was established in 1981 by former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham and singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The Club was started so the public could participate in conservation efforts to save endangered manatees from extinction. Their mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitats for future generations. Save the Manatee Club is a membership-based, national nonprofit organization. Funds from the Adopt-A-Manatee program go toward public awareness and education projects; manatee research; rescue and rehabilitation efforts; and advocacy and legal action in order to ensure better protection for manatees and their habitat. For more information on Save the Manatee Club check out http://www.savethemanatee.org

Commission Votes To Down list Manatees In Florida Despite growing threats to the manatee's long-term survival and overwhelming public opposition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted on June 7 to prematurely down list manatees from Endangered to Threatened status. This decision plays right into the hands of those who want to exploit manatee habitat for development and high-speed recreation.

Even though the state found that the manatee population could be reduced by as much as 50% in the future and that manatees meet the federal and World Conservation Union's (IUCN) definition for Endangered, manatees no longer qualify for state Endangered status because the FWC arbitrarily changed its listing/de listing rules by adopting the IUCN criteria for Endangered and then calling it Threatened. The state claims the manatee population is growing. But a state report says only the two smallest subpopulations, comprising just 16% of the population, show clear growth. The Atlantic subpopulation has probable declined by about 3% per year over the last five years. The Southwest subpopulation is already in decline. And manatees continue to die from boat strikes in near-record numbers. The FWC insists protections won't change, but a review of Florida law shows Endangered species are afforded more protection than Threatened species. The Commission claims their Management Plan will protect manatees. However, Florida's Legislature will be pressured to reduce FWC's authority and funding to protect manatees. This will undermine the implementation of the plan, and prevent real recovery. In the meantime, manatees' projected loss of winter habitat could cause catastrophic future losses. You Can Help Make a Difference! Send an online letter protesting the manatee's reclassification.

Incredible news!! 12/6/07 from Save the Manatee Club....We just learned today that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) deferred the manatee's status change from Endangered to Threatened. They also directed their staff to undertake a review of the flawed state classification system for ALL imperiled species. These are two major victories for manatees that we've achieved with your help!
Citing the need for a better method to estimate the manatee population and the record 417 manatee deaths in 2006, Governor Charlie Crist asked the FWC to reject the status change and the Commissioners complied. ''We need to protect these gentle creatures,'' said Governor Crist in a recent interview with the The Miami Herald.
The state downlisting issue has spanned six long years but the governor's office received over 28,000 messages on manatees and the majority of them were in favor of keeping manatees designated as Endangered.
White House Unveils Plans to Address Trash in the Ocean
The First Lady called for an increase in public/private partnerships for cleanups, enhanced public education on marine debris prevention and an emphasis on international cooperation during the dedication ceremony of the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center-Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA.
"Whether we live on the shore or not, all of us have the obligation to care for these amazing natural resources," stated Mrs. Bush.
The First Lady has championed marine debris prevention since seeing the extent of the problem during a visit to the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Monument. She spoke about the importance of the ocean environment, promising to promote annual cleanups and make sure people are educated about marine debris and how to participate in solutions.
Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, Project AWARE's partner for International Cleanup Day, spoke before the First Lady last week and shined a spotlight on marine debris issues and the international cleanup efforts taking place each year.
"The First Lady's dedication to the issues we've been fighting for is inspiring - and, it gives a big push to the sea change that is underway," states Vikki Spruill, Ocean Conservancy President and CEO.
"We're thrilled about the new White House plan to address trash in our oceans," said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director, Project AWARE Foundation. "The announcement boosts Project AWARE's 12-year underwater volunteer effort to remove and prevent harmful aquatic debris - a human-induced and preventable problem."

Turtles Released at Florida Park...Reprinted from Scuba News Magazine
The Florida Park Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released 56 loggerhead turtles at Sebastian Inlet State Park last month. The three-year-old turtles, weighing approximately 50 pounds each, are graduates of an innovative National Marine Fisheries Service program. “The Indian River Lagoon is an ideal location for released sea turtles to enter the Atlantic Ocean,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “By releasing all 56 turtles at this state park, we can ensure they have safe access to pristine, protected habitats.”
The turtles helped marine scientists test the effectiveness of a commercial fishing apparatus known as the Turtle Excluder Device (TED). It is a metal grid of bars attached to a shrimp trawling net. It has an opening at either the top or the bottom, which creates a hatch allowing larger animals such as sea turtles to escape while keeping shrimp inside. In 1987, the U.S. implemented regulations that require shrimpers to use TEDs on their trawlers.
Of the seven sea turtle species worldwide, Florida's waters are home to five, including the leatherback, green and loggerhead turtle. These three threatened and endangered species nest on the state's beaches during the summer months. This year, the shores of Sebastian Inlet State Park holds more than 300 loggerhead nests, more than seven green turtle nests and one leatherback nest. Two museums provide a history of the area and three miles of pristine beaches provide opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, shelling and sunbathing. The Indian River Lagoon is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and cruises by Pelican Island, the first national wildlife refuge in the U.S.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation's best state park service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 725,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. They offer swimming and diving in Florida's rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails.
For more information, visit the web site: www.floridastateparks.org.

	New Movie...Sharkwater... released nationally on November 2nd.  Unfortunately it isn't going to be in our area but if your in a major city it looks like the type of film worth seeing.  Below is a brief synopsis from the Sharkwater web site : "An eye-opening film...visually stunning... this movie will change the way you see our oceans." - Bonnie Laufer, Tribute Magazine For filmmaker Rob Stewart, exploring sharks began as an underwater adventure. What it turned into was a beautiful and dangerous life journey into the balance of life on earth. Driven by passion fed from a lifelong fascination with sharks, Stewart debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas. Filmed in visually stunning, high definition video, Sharkwater takes you into the most shark rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. In an effort to protect sharks, Stewart teams up with renegade conservationist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Their unbelievable adventure together starts with a battle between the Sea Shepherd and shark poachers in Guatemala, resulting in pirate boat rammings, gunboat chases, mafia espionage, corrupt court systems and attempted murder charges, forcing them to flee for their lives. Through it all, Stewart discovers these magnificent creatures have
gone from predator to prey, and how despite surviving the earth's history of mass extinctions, they could easily be wiped out within a few years due to human greed. Stewart's remarkable journey of courage and determination changes from a mission to save the world's sharks, into a fight for his life, and that of humankind. If you have high speed internet you need to check out The Making of Sharkwater

 

Local Divers Experience Silent Diving... This years dive trip to the Saint Lawrence offered a number of local divers that were interested in diving rebreathers just that chance. If you haven't been to the photo gallery stop by and check out these divers photo experience. If you missed the Seaway trip this year 2006 we are currently doing a poll on who would like to go next year.

Recalls

Aqua Lung America Recalls Apeks WTX Power Inflators Due to Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product. Consumers should stop using products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Hazard: The oral inflator button is not properly bonded to the oral stem and can fall off during use, posing a leak of the buoyancy compensator contents. This poses a drowning hazard. Description: The power inflator is the black mouthpiece with the two brass buttons at the end of the corrugated hose. The recall involves all models of the Apeks WTX power inflators. Some of the recalled components were included on complete air cells. Those model numbers are: 388032, 388060, 388080, 388145, 388260, and 42775. The model number of the air cell can be found on the tag sewn on the center of the air cell or bladder.

Sizing Problem with SeaCure Sport Custom Mouthpieces

Sport I and Atomic regulators manufactured in 2005 and thereafter (orifice measures 1-7/16 >>x 13/16) Sport II / Professional Sport and Cressi-sub Ellipse regulators Sport II and Zeagle regulators >>Stretching due to improper fit may cause the yellow insert to dislodge and enter the regulator >>which could create a breathing problem Stop using these SeaCure Sport custom mouthpieces immediately if you have a newer Atomic regulator, a Zeagle or a Cressi-sub Ellipse regulator and contact us for a free replacement Hi-Flow custom mouthpiece.

Mares Issues URGENT SAFETY RECALL

Announcement involves company's NEMO air dive computer. Mares Diving has announced a product safety recall involving the company's NEMO Air scuba diving computer. Under certain circumstances, the O-ring can fail and cause a slow leak of breathing gas through the Quick Connector, which could require a diver to surface quickly and face possible risk of injury or running out of air. Any air leak resulting from an O-ring failure would be slow, because these fittings are designed to the EN250 standard, which requires a very small (0.3mm) opening in the high-pressure hose fitting, but we nevertheless take this issue seriously and intend to correct all affected units. For detailed information please go to www.mares.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Cressi-sub RECALL Scuba Regulators Recalled by Cressi Due to Risk of Drowning Distributor: Cressi-sub USA, of Westwood, N.J. Hazard: Partial obstruction of the High Pressure (HP) port can produce an inaccurate reading on the pressure gauge, resulting in a slow descent of the needle in the pressure gauge. The inaccurate reading on the gauge poses a drowning hazard to divers. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of inaccurate pressure readings while the scuba regulators were in use. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves regulators used to control the flow of air while scuba diving, making it possible for divers to breathe under water. The recalled regulators have model name Ellipse Black MC5. "Cressi MC5" and "Cressi Black" are printed on the regulator. Sold at: Authorized dive shops nationwide and on the Internet from March 2009 through August 2009 for between $280 and $309. Manufactured in: Italy Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the regulators and return them to a Cressi authorized dive shop for a free repair. Consumers can also return the product to Cressi at One Charles Street, Westwood, N.J. 07675. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cressi at (800) 338-9143 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.cressi.com .

Halcyon Announces Important Product Recall

Halcyon Manufacturing Inc. in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has initiated a voluntary recall of select Eclipse, Evolve, Explorer, Pioneer and CCR35 buoyancy compensators (BCDs) manufactured between January, 2006 and September, 2008. In addition, select Halcyon inflatable devices (Lift Bags, SMB's, DAM's, Surf Shuttles and Diver Lift rafts) may also be affected. Please visit our website at www.halcyon.net/opv-recall for more detailed information and video to support inspection of your Halcyon product. For US information you can also visit this site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10002.html These BCDs or Inflatable Devices could develop excessive corrosion or rusting problems with the stainless steel Over Pressure Valve (OPV) spring, causing the spring to fail and the BCD or Inflatable Device to leak through the OPV.  It is unlikely that most of these units will experience any problems since the potential defect is limited to a very small portion of the total number of OPV springs used during this time period. However, given the potentially serious implications all OPV springs should be checked to minimize risk or inconvenience to Halcyon customers. BCDs manufactured after September, 2008 are not included in this voluntary recall. Please reference press release and website information for details on how to identify the BCD serial number. Inflatable Devices do not have serial numbers and should be checked based on customer purchase date if possible. If there is any doubt as to the serial number or date of purchase, Halcyon recommends inspecting the OPV spring at the request of the customer.

Scubapro X650 Voluntary Recall
SCUBAPRO is conducting a voluntary recall of the X650 second stage regulator. A manufacturing error could cause the main housing of some regulators to change shape over time, and the cover and diaphragm to become dislodged. If this occurs, air flow will be interrupted and the regulator will no longer function. Only X650 second stage regulators purchased from authorized Scubapro dealers from November 2004 through May 2006, are affected by this recall.
You can determine if you have one of these units by looking for a visible raised bump located on the right side of the regulator between the letter “C” and where the mouthpiece attaches to the regulator body. At Scubapro, safety comes first and they ask that you stop using the X650 second stage regulator immediately. For replacement contact your Scubapro dealer or call 800-808-3948.

URGENT RECALL: Aeris Savant, Atmos Pro, Atmos Sport, 100S and 300G Dive Computers - Date: 1999-12-03
AERIS has received a few isolated reports of units that have shut down and/or cleared their memory of repetitive dive data being calculated on the basis of previous dives. This random occurrence was upon reactivating the unit while in the Fly Mode.
Close examination and extensive testing have revealed that an interruption of an internal electronic communication can occur when a defective battery, or one with low power level, is in the unit and the computer is reactivated by depressing the activation button while in the Fly Mode. This may randomly occur if the unit is reactivated at a specific instance while a periodic self-diagnostic voltage check is being performed. The result is that the defective or low-power battery may create a significant voltage dip causing the unit to shut down, erasing any calculations. Should the unit be restarted and dove, the unit would function as if no previous dive occurred. This could potentially result in serious injury or death of the user.
Although the likelihood of this occurring is highly improbable, AERIS recommends that you return your unit for factory replacement with one reconfigured to prevent such an occurrence.

AERIS Announces Voluntary Recall of EPIC Wrist Watch Dive Computers...February 12, 2007– San Leandro, CA – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AERIS of San Leandro, California, is voluntarily recalling AERIS EPIC Wrist Watch Dive Computers. AERIS has been notified by its supplier (Pelagic Pressure Systems) that they received isolated reports that two dive computers that use the same software program as the EPIC locked into the Gas Switch-to screen and did not return to the Main Dive screen when the divers switched the units from Gas 1 to Gas d2 during dives when they were only using one Transmitter, and Pressure associated with Gas 2 was being provided by an Analog Gauge.
Affected are AERIS EPIC Wrist Watch Dive Computers having serial numbers 1 through 712 that were sold between October 2006 and February 2007, and are being used for diving activities that include use of multiple gas mixes not associated with multiple transmitters.

Sherwood, Genesis, Aeris BCD - Date: 2001-05-03
Sherwood Scuba, Aeris and Genesis Scuba have announced they are recalling several BCDs in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Sherwood made the following statement about the recall: "It has recently been identified that molding variations in one component of the overpressure valve (OPV) used in Sherwood Scuba and Genesis Scuba Buoyancy Compensators (BCD) could, in rare instances, prevent the OPVs from sealing properly.
Although this variation is not present in every OPV, and due to the difficulty in determining in the field which OPVs are suspect, we are requiring that all affected BCDs be updated with new OPV assemblies.
Replacement OPV assemblies are now being supplied to Authorized Sherwood Scuba Dealers to facilitate this replacement."

Sherwood and Genesis BCs:
Sherwood - Silhouette, Magnum, Avid, Luna, Outback and Freedom models purchased after September 1, 2000 with a serial number between 21280001 and 22010740.
Genesis - Cayman, Cobra, Athena, and Phantom models purchased after September 1, 2000 with a serial number between 21280001 and 22010740. 
Talon and ReCon models purchased after July 15, 2000 with a serial number between 20520001 and 22010740.

Scubapro Regulator....Johnson Outdoors Inc has announced a recall of 48,500 Scubapro MK20 first stage regulators because the products may be damaged during servicing, creating a potential for drowning.
According to the CPSC recall announcement (see below), no injuries or incidents have been reported, however, Scubapro has received eight reports of units that failed after being serviced. Over-tightening of the yoke or din retainer during annual servicing of these regulators could result in a stress crack and failure of the regulator. In that event, air flow could be interrupted to the diver.
The recall affects Scubapro MK20 first stage regulators sold from January 1996 through
December 2001.
Owners of Scubapro MK20 first stage regulators affected by the recall should stop using the defective regulators immediately and contact Scubapro.
Consumer Contact: For assistance in locating the nearest authorized Scubapro® dealer or for more information, contact Scubapro® USA toll-free at (800) 731-6685 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at www.scubapro-uwatec.com

Recalls: Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo.is recalling about 170 swivels for a scuba regulators The swivel, which is attached to a diving regulator, could separate while diving. This will result in a complete and sudden loss of the diver's air supply, causing the diver to engage in emergency ascent procedures. This poses a risk of decompression sickness due to rapid ascent, and air embolism or drowning if the diver panics or the emergency ascent procedure fails.

They have received one report where the swivel separated during a dive and caused the diver to ascend using the buddy breathing technique. No injury was reported. The recall involves the HO110 Swivels sold as an aftermarket regulator component. There are no markings such as a date or production code embossed on the unit. Sold at: Specialty retail dive stores nationwide from January 2006 through March 2007 for about $40. They also could have been installed by a dive shop regulator technician. Consumers should stop using regulators with the swivel attached and contact the dive store where purchased for a refund. For additional information, contact Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc. at (800) 472-2740 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.innovativescuba.com Apeks Customers: There may be a potential problem with the yoke clamp screw on any yoke clamp type regulator with the serial number starting from 7010001 – 7053528. All Apeks dealers have been made aware of this issue. Please return your Apeks regulator or just the yoke clamp screw to your nearest Apeks dealer for inspection. If you need assistance finding your nearest Apeks authorized dealer, please use the dealer locator found at aqualung.com. Do not dive with the regulator until it has been inspected. Apeks apologizes for any inconvenience this recall might cause. We are dedicated to making the world's best diving products and to ensuring diver safety at all costs. This solution is the only reasonable course of action. Please contact the Technical Department at Aqua Lung America at 877-253-DIVE (3483) if you need any assistance or have any further query. Suunto has announced a recall of some D6 and D9 dive computers due to a software bug that causes the affected units to track dive time incorrectly. According to Suunto's recall announcement (see below), the affected units are: D9 serial numbers 62102582 and below D6 serial numbers 62103693 and below Owners of the affected Suunto D6 and D9 dive computers should stop using the defective units immediately and contact Suunto and/or their local dealers for software updates. EANx32 Recreational Dive Planner.....PADI Americas is recalling a single version of the English Imperial EANx32 Recreational Dive Planner used for calculating dive profiles. A printing error caused a series of numbers to be out of alignment, thus incorrect. The risk of injury from these errors is remote and no injuries have been reported. All RDPs included in this recall bear the printing mark "Printed in the USA" located on the back of the table, upper right corner. The product number and production code are located on the lower right corner, also on the back of the table. The product number and production code affected by this recall are: Product No. 60049 Ver 1.2 (Rev 02/03) XXXPDK7 The product code digits indicated by "X" may vary. The last four digits "PDK7" indicate a recalled table, irrespective of what the first three digits are. As a double check, on Table 3, check the 110 foot row under Pressure Group G. The table should indicate a Residual Nitrogen Time (upper number in white) of 13 and an Actual Bottom Time (lower number in green) of 12. If this box is blank, you have a misprinted table. Stop using the recalled RDP immediately and bring them to any PADI Dive Center/Resort or return them to PADI for a free replacement. Aqua Lung Announces Regulator Recall.....Aqua Lung was recently informed about the breakage, under pressure, of a TITAN/CONSHELF DIN HANDWHEEL RETAINER weakened during service by manual torque loads superior to the recommended values. Aqua Lung asks all the owners of TITAN DIN regulators whose serial number is lower than 6062501 or TITAN/CONSHELF DIN adaptors that are marked 300 BAR MAX to return their regulator to their Aqua Lung authorized retailer for an upgrade. The corrective action is replacement of the brass DIN HANDWHEEL RETAINER by another stainless steel DIN HANDWHEEL RETAINER marked 300 BAR MAXI . This replacement is made under warranty. All the TITAN DIN regulators whose serial number are above 6062501 and\or whose DIN hand wheel retainer is marked 300 BAR MAXI are assembled with a stainless steel DIN hand wheel retainer and are not affected by this recall. For more details, contact your Aqua Lung representative. Limited Recall of Apeks TX, ATX and XTX 2nd Stages....This is limited to those 2nd stages/octopus that have not undergone an authorized annual service. It has come to our attention that an incorrectly assembled 2nd stage has been purchased. If you have an Apeks regulator or octopus that has never had an authorized annual service, regardless of how recently purchased, please take the regulator/octopus to your Apeks dealer to be visually inspected. All Apeks dealers and distributors have been made aware of this issue. Do not dive with the regulator until it has been visually inspected. Apeks apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. We are dedicated to making the world's best diving products and ensuring diver safety at all costs. For more details, contact your APEKS representative.

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