New SMB and Torch

I have just upgraded my 1 year old Mares SMB to this 2m smb by saekodive! I highly recommend that every diver dives with an SMB (and use it at the end of your dive, of course!). 

By the way, think i've missed this out previously, but i got a UK SL3 torch quite a while back. uses 2x C-size battery, feels nice and sturdy. Best part is the the light is bright enough to use in the day so that i can use it to point out things to divers even in the day. 

Orh Jiao calling Orh Quey, come in. over. Pssstttzz.

I've been wanting to get the Nautilus Lifeline the moment it debuted in the market, especially when someone was showcasing it at ADEX.. But i was sick then and give it a missed.. I thought it would be good too, to give the product some time to mature and iron out all the issues and come up with a newer, better version..

However, the not-so-recent case of divers going missing of Tioman waters actually prompted me to get it soon. The issue with these safety devices is that it's always too late by the time you need them. So getting it sooner actually gives me better utility since I will get to use it sooner (and hopefully more often!)

By the way, if you are interested in how it works, head over to http://www.nautiluslifeline.com/
With the Nautilus Lifeline, even if you lose sight of the boat you still can communicate with them!

I gave it a try during my last dive trip. The diveboat, Tinggi Harapan, was monitoring channel 09. It worked straight away after setting the correct channel. The most useful purpose during the trip was when we used it to comms the boat from Aur, during their night dive, to find out their status. The dive boat was out of sight, but we could hear them loud and clear over the radio, and even chit chat with them. I guess this radio can serve as a land based station instead of just being an emergency device. No more wondering when the dive boat will be back if you didn't go out with them. Just give them a comms over the radio. How wonderful! hahah..

Eh, what's the proper name for Flippers again?

Scubatrek finally delivered to me my Mew Safe Fins! Look at the name! Mew. Safe. I feel safer already. hahahah...

Eh dude, Where's North again?

I got myself a replacement compass! haha..

It's a Suunto sk7 dive compass, and i must say it feels sturdy and well built in my hands. I had another cheaper compass (less than half the price of the sk7) that works decently, but I was irritated by some issues. So much so that I gave it away to Charlene. =p I received my old compass in a brandless box, but i've seen sites only selling the Diverite compass that looks exactly like what I had. (see below)

My first compass

So, what i didn't like most about the first compass is that the bezel clicks are not on the mark. While cardinal bearings like 0, 90, 180, etc lines up perfectly, bearings like 30, 210 etc are either to the left or to the right of the center line. Each click is like 6.25 degress or something. The other issues were considered minor, for example, the side viewing window is too small even make out the numbers, or that the mount felt very boxy with pointy edges. Some people would complain that it won't work if not held horizontally, but that's not a problem with me, since i always hold my compass up horizontally when reading it.

Well, for the price i paid, I must say it's a cheap compass that does it's job. I don't even hesitate when i try to cut the excessively long end of the strap. Did I mention it even comes with a bungee/hose mount? Highly recommended for the price if you don't mind the look/off clicking bezel.

Then comes the Suunto Sk7 Compass. Each click of the bezel is 5 degrees precisely. The numbers are clear and easy to read, and the side window is large. It has smooth edges too. My only comment is that the profile is higher than the diverite compass, and that the strap is too long and i have no idea how to cut it. But overall a good compass.

Regardless of which compass you prefer, I need to say that it's always a good idea to dive with one. I have heard countless of stories of ppl getting lost and wishing they had their compass, I even had one experience in hantu where I was totally going the wrong direction and didn't realised until i surfaced to check. I have also heard many stories of people being grateful that they brought their compass along for their dive, if not they would be terribly lost. It could save your life, and it's not really that expensive (<$50 SGD). If you're regular customers of your dive centre and if you ask nicely i bet they could even loan it to you free.

Having said that, it's not enough just to have a compass with you. No equipment can replace the most important thing in diving; the diver. Learn how to use the compass, and learn it well. It's too late to figure out how to use that compass when you are lost. Practise using it often so that it's second nature. It doesn't take much to have a glismp at the compass and set your bearings before you descend.

So now, what are you waiting for? go diving and have some fun!

Line Cutter

My order from Divegearexpress.com just arrived in the mail yesterday! I ordered some other small accessories like bolt snaps and belt slides.. but the main item was this Hollis line cutter! haha.. (I also ordered a cam band, cuz my original order with northeastscuba only came with 1 cam band.. =.=)

Haven't found anything to test the knife with yet except paper, but so far it seems good! haha.. With that, my whole set of equipment is complete! (less compass, cuz i gave mine to charlene, and fins, which i'm still holding onto a set of gul super mew white fins waiting for scubatrek guys to replace with my gul mew safe)

So here's the complete list of equipment that i'm using:
1. Mask: Apollo Biometal Duo
2. Fins: Gul Mew Safe (still awaiting exchange from scuba trek)
3. Snorkel: Problue snorkel with purge valve
4. BCD: Oxycheq 30lb mach V wing, Oxycheq ultralight backplate, Oxycheq deluxe harness.
5. Regulator: ScubaPro MK2+ first stage, S600 Regulator, R295 secondary reg, and compact console
6. Visual signalling device: Mares 2m DSMB
7. Audible signalling device: Storm Whistle
8. Cutting device: Hollis titanium line cutter
9. Weight system: 2" webbing with metal clip
10. Watch/bottom timer: Swatch funscuba and Suunto D4i (of course i'll only be using one at any time.. =p)
11. Dive planner: PADI RDP and eRDP. D4i.
12. Camera: Canon S95 and WP-DC38
13. Gear Bag: Akona Dry duffle bag AKB720

Things that i'm looking for:
1. Compass: Probably getting oceanic or scubapro one.
2. Dive light: Any recommendation?
3. Wet notes and pencil.

=)

Dive Comp

I've finally gotten a Dive Comp as a present to myself!

I could go on and on about Dive Tables vs Dive comp, why i prefer dive tables over dive comp, but still got a comp anyway, etc etc.

But that's another post for another time!

Point, Point, Point.

Yesterday, some one walked into the dive shop and and asked what's a pointer used for. I find it hard to come up with an answer because of the way I've seen people use pointers. 

No, pointers are not there for you to poke the puffer fishes (or any other sea creature!). 
No, you do not use pointers to poke at corals so that you don't crash into them. you are not even supposed to end up in that situation in the first place!
No, you don't use the pointer to touch things that you won't otherwise use your hand to touch.
No, you don't use pointers to flip over rocks to see what's hiding under the rocks.
No, you don't need a stick to "protect" yourself. A magic wand from the pages of harry potter belongs in fiction.
No, you don't need a pointer to secure yourself to the sea bed when the current is too strong. (If it's too strong, what's the point in fighting against it? Do a drift dive please!)

The only (weak) reasons i could give him is that:
1. they are used as tank bangers (to make noise)
2. they are used as measuring devices (marked pointers can be used to estimate small distances)
3. In the unlikely event that you really need to hold your position on a SANDY BOTTOM, then u can stick it in. Then again, it is NOT Recommended.

You don't bring a stick when u visit the zoo, do you? so why bring it to poke around when diving?

Having said that.. a pointer is just a tool. it's usefulness depends on the user. So i don't blame the tool, I blame users who abuse the tool! hahah. Repent now u evil anyhow-poke-here-and-there-for-fun pointer user! =p

Mask Level Up!

I have finally upgraded from my 5.5 year old problue mask to a better Apollo Bio-metal Duo Mask!

I got it at a super good rate of $100 from William king, whom i got to know 5+ years back when diving with orpheus. He sold it to me second hand. haha..

Why is this mask better?
-It has very soft silicon skirting which makes it really comfortable to wear
-The soft silicon conforms to the shape of your face making it really fitting
-fitting means no leaks
-extremely low volume => easier to clear mask
-also means lens are closer to your eyes giving a wider field of view
-looking good is a bonus too!

Bad points?
I heard from him that people commented that the mask strap is too long. Not a problem for me i think.. hahah..

Anyway, William was also really kind to share with me care tips on the mask!
Tip 1: Do not Share your mask with anyone! at least initially.
This is cuz the soft outer silicon skirting actually molds to your face! so if you lend it to someone else it might not mold nicely. At least for the first 20 dives!!
Tip 2: It might leak initially cuz the mask is still trying to mold to the shape of your face! so just need to tighten it slightly initially
Tip 3: Keep the mask in the box at ALL TIMES when not in use. This is cuz the mask skirting is really very very soft! got to protect it! hahah..

Now.. if i just can find a matching snorkel.. =p

Diving Gear Has Arrived!

The dive gears that I have ordered from overseas has finally arrived! There were some issues with the supplier.. but that's another post for another time! Pictures now! (Obviously i need a lot more practice for photo taking and photoshop.. hahah..)

BCD Configuration
Oxycheq Mach V 30 lb Wing
Oxycheq Ultra Light Travel Plate
Oxycheq Deluxe Adjustable Harness

Accessories

Tank banger 

Storm Whistle

Underwater Compass

And then, there's also a Akona Drybag Backpack..

I didn't actually order this bag. I assisted my friend to order a Aqualung Ocean pack MESH bag, but this is what came instead. So I took it.. hahah.. will post my complains about this particular supplier next time.. 

Overall, I'm really excited about finally owing my own set of diving gears! Can't wait to try them out in the pool! This is a step I've been waiting to take since a very long time ago! hahah..