Did you know that the YMCA was the first organization in the US to certify dive instructors and divers?  The Y started the program in Chicago in 1959 and has continued for almost 50 years until now.  Now that program is coming to and end.  

The dive instructors at North Suburban Scuba Instructors (NSSI), who have taught YScuba for over 15 years, have chosen NAUI as the new certifying association. Why …

Have you ever heard of Golden Shellback?  Is it not a bird, a plane or a turtle.  It’s a new coating.  This unique coating was applied to an iPhone and a Blackberry.  Each was dropped in a glass of water and guess what?  Both worked after the test.  I not sure I would take my iPhone diving yet, but as divers and snorkelers we are always getting things wet.  This may a good …

Recently, Dave from TechLife sent me this link to Gizmodo, about the Pentax W60 waterproof camera.  The video on the link shows snorkelers swimming with a whale shark off the coast of Maui.  While the video sucks (due to the photographer), it does show how well the Pentax W60 works underwater (rated only down to 13 feet).  While the camera is not recommended for divers, it …

When was the last time you were in Malta?  Do you even know where Malta is? 

Malta is small group of 7 islands 58 miles off the southern coast of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea.  Many of us have been to a Stingray City type of park, but the Marine Adventure Park in Malta offers a different kind of experience.  The Idea behind the Marine Adventure Park which is being …

I often answer questions while feeding the fish and marine life when diving at Shedd Aquarium.  One of the most frequently asked questions is, “aren’t you afraid to be diving with those hammerhead sharks?”  I generally answer the question in 2 parts.  First these are not hammerhead sharks, they are Bonnethead sharks, and no I am not afraid, we humans are not on their food chain.

The bonnethead, Sphyrna tiburo, also called shovelhead, is a smaller version …

Whether you are a scuba diver, snorkeler, swimmer or someone who like to see interesting marine life you should be concerned.  As reported here previously, the ocean and life in it are in trouble.  Over 70% of the world is covered by water and about 95% is still unexplored, yet soon there may be not be much to explore or see.

Science Magazine is reporting the …

What do you know about NOAA?  First, do you know what NOAA stands for? Second, do you know what NOAA does and third do you know how you can be part of NOAA?

NOAA is the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, a division of the US Department of Commerce.  “NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing …

In our previous article we talked about diving the ABC island.  Now get ready to see them.  Here are 3 short video on each. 

Aruba http://youtube.com/watch?v=oOUN0QeOUqQ&feature=related

Bonaire http://youtube.com/watch?v=nEe9WWAvJ8c

Curacao http://youtube.com/watch?v=djx4tXy10sU

Do you remember the ABC song or maybe the Beach Boys Kokomo song?

Aruba, jamaica ooo I wanna take you
Bermuda, bahama come on pretty mama
Key largo, montego baby why dont we go
Jamaica……

Both The  ABC and Kokomo songs take us to the southern Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.  Often called the ABC islands, these 3 islands offer some of …

Divers and/or snorkelers like to be trim and neat as they enter the water.  The more hanging out, the greater the resistance, the harder to swim and the more air you use.  I try an keep my lightweight and emergency extras in the pockets of my BCD.  I usually carry a small b/u flashlight, my emergency rescue tube, a folding knife and my whistle.  What’s in YOUR BC pocket? Not your American Express …