#scubatravel

[scubatribe]

Bro, do you even float? The BCD at a glance.

The BCD also known as “Bad Conduct Discharge” kidding - I mean, also known as “Buoyancy Compensation/Control Device”.

The BCD is an essential piece of equipment for the scuba diver. It is worn like a backpack and attaches to the scuba tank. The BCD allows you to control your buoyancy, or how high or low you float in the water. You can inflate it with air to float up and deflate it to sink down. It also has straps that allow you to adjust your position in the water. In addition to controlling buoyancy, many BCDs also have pockets and D Rings to hold your dive accessories and a safety feature that allows you to quickly inflate the BCD in an emergency. 

Which type BCD should I get?

It is a popular question I hear from those starting to make their first serious investment, among one of the many significant investments into the scuba journey, and while popular, the answer is loaded with - it depends -. Yes, it depends on your scuba journey. We all have one and at times it organically changes, with our experiences and as our knowledge growths into this exciting sport.

So, to make this decision one must first understand the many types of BCDs used in scuba, which by the way is by no means this an exhaustive list but like much in the diving industry I find the technology has not changed much in the past 10-20 years and while new models claim to be revolutionary are simply aesthetics, type of material or gimmicky.

With that said, there are several types of buoyancy control devices (BCDs) used in scuba diving, including:

Jacket-style BCD

These are the most common seen type. It is shaped like a jacket that wraps around the diver's torso. They have a large bladder in the back that can be inflated or deflated to control buoyancy. It is easy to use, comfortable and allows you to keep nearly half your body above water, which to an apprehensive new diver provides great comfort. Newer models integrate the weight/ballast system with the jacket so no more weight belt to worry about, has large pockets and D rings that are easily accessible. Among the notable cons include how heavy and cumbersome they are to travel with, will hinder the diver’s mobility and are less streamlined than other types of BCDs.

Back-inflation BCD

These BCDs have the bladder located on the back of the diver, allowing for greater diver mobility and a more streamlined profile. Usually smaller and lighter than a Jacket-style BCD, known to be great for travelling. On the negative side, there are a lot of claims of not being comfortable and harder to control buoyancy, which I believe are criticisms hurled by less experienced divers that, with time, they will learn to control their own trim and buoyancy and this type of BCD will be a great improvement from the style they’ve started with. Full disclosure here, this is my go-to type of BCD and the one I use today. (Picture of my actual model below)

Wing and Back Plate BCDs

Wing BCDs have a large bladder that wraps around the diver's sides, similar to a "wing" shape. They are popular with technical divers due to their ability to provide the necessary lift for multiple tanks however, they tend to be bulky and unless it is used for its intended purpose, difficult to move in the water. On the other hand, the Back Plate BCD have a separate bladder (like a wing BCD) that attaches to the backplate, this type provides more mobility and streamlined and are great for keeping the diver horizontally underwater. The Black Plate option also allows for many different alloys and materials that make this BCD modular enough for assembling, customization and expanding its capabilities as well as making them easy to travel with.

What is the average lifecycle of a BCD?

Well, here is where the quality of materials and how well you care for your BCD needs to added to the algorithm. If well taken care of, a superior quality BCD will last you for about 8-10 years with constant diving. If a BCD is not used, its lifecycle could potentially be a lot less so get in the water!

Ultimately, the type of BCD that is best suited for a diver depends on your diving preferences, experience level, and the type of diving you will be doing. Jacket-style BCDs are great for beginner divers, while more experienced divers may prefer a back-inflation or wing BCD. Plate BCDs are typically used by technical divers.

Remember to never rush out to invest into a complex model just because you want to appear to be more experienced. I always recommend, you go to your local scuba shop, speak to them about your level of experience, your planned future dives and I can assure you that not only you will learn a lot about BCDs but you will end up buying a great BCD to fit your lifestyle and perhaps even a new friend!

When investing on any scuba equipment, focus on enjoying your time underwater, learn, learn and continue to learn. It doesn’t matter if you have 10, 50 or hundreds of dives logged, you will never stop learning. Let your learning dictate the time when you are ready to comfortably try other models and scuba techniques. Now let’s burn some bubbles!

[x-wingkc]

No diving today due to a storm down in the harbour where they park the boats. Storm winds are kicking up here but we are on the lee side so not as bad as around the bend.

[missylou22]

Carpe Vita <3

Thinking of the Maldives for your next trip? Do it!! #liveaboard #scubadiving #scubatravel

It seems like 2023 is our year to break out of our regular and comfortable travel experiences. Not only were we able to visit the beautiful Country of Africa (South Africa; Johannesburg, Cape Town, Franschhoek, and Hoedspruit ��� Thanks Live Life Safaris!) but we ALSO just returned from an amazing Maldives Liveaboard with Mujavaz Scuba & Travel! We are absolutely Seizing LIFE this year. I’ll have…

[swimsuitmanaic]

[happy-little-elf]

🔥 The Galapagos sea iguana - the only marine lizard species in the world

source

[sea-of-emocean]

Another, “look at those oral tentacles!!” photo.

Photo by me.

[seasunandtravel]

Planning a August Dive Trip to Bali

My love for diving started in 2015 during a trip to Bali when I undertook a Discover Dive and absolutely fell in love with the magical World Beneath the Waves. Sinking below the waves somehow seems to disconnect me from all the stress and relaxes me like nothing else.

Over the last few years, I have been diving regularly across Asia and while I have returned to Indonesia many times, Bali somehow was never on the map. I also for various personal reasons have not been able to go on a dive trip since end 2020.

So as I started planning a dive trip in August, I realised that it is a great time to go back to Bali and get a chance to perhaps meet the Mola Mola :).... Fingers Crossed...

Thus started my research

First started the research on flights and my initial flight search showed some crazy flight pricing of 1000-1300 dollars for an economy class ticket from Delhi to Bali (almost double of what I have paid pre-pandemic) and I almost decided to cancel the plan in favour of going to Maldives . But luckily got a sweet deal on Malindo Air via Kuala Lumpur and the decision was done. It is quite sad that there are no direct flights still from New Delhi to destinations like Indonesia and Philippines while there are multiple direct daily flights to different destinations in the US.

I then started reading up on where do I dive in Bali, there are many options - I finally decided to stay on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. Both islands are just off Bali and you dive the same sites and August is said to be a great time to catch the Mola Mola, the largest bony fish in the Sea. Nusa Penida is a bit secluded with not much to do beyond diving but beautiful naturally but Lembongan has a good mix of activities on land and on the sea, I was ok with both and identified a couple of good dive centres - Scuba Junkie Penida and Two Fish Lembongan, I have dived with both outfits in other locations and was quite happy with the experience. Scuba Junkie did not have availability hence Two Fish is now finalised for 8 days of diving off Nusa Lembongan. But I will soon be diving again with Scuba Junkie in the near future in October at Sipadan.

But Bali has another underwater attraction not to be missed viz. The Liberty Wreck near Amed/Tulamben which is perhaps one of the best known ship wrecks and I decided to start my break a few days early and start my dive trip with a 3 day visit to Amed to dive the Liberty Wreck with Adventure Divers Bali. This will be my first time shore diving so that should be fun in itself.

I wanted a dive centre close to Tulamben instead of doing a day trip since Liberty Wreck can get quite crowded during the day and I am keen on doing a dawn or a night dive on the wreck as well which will be difficult if I am commuting from a dive centre or a hotel which is further away e.g. Seminyak or Kuta.

Since I have not gone on a dive trip since 2020 ( Liveaboard trip in the Maldives - but more on that later), I will do a one day refresher to get my skills into shape and the easier diving in Amed/Tulamben will help before tackling the currents in Lembongan.

I did think of extending the trip to include Lembeh near Manado but that seemed like a bit much to put together in one trip. So now the itinerary is fixed.

Day 1: Scuba Refresher

Day 2-4 - Dive in Amed & Tulamben on Liberty Wreck and a couple of other sites

Day 5 - Travel to Lembongan

Day 6-13 - Dive in Nusa Lembongan with Two Fish Divers

Day 14 - A Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Day 15-16 - Chill in Seminyak

Day 17 - Fly Back Home.

Excited!!!!

Now to check all my gear and update the software on my Dive Computer :)



[sparviero44]

Yesterday 3 July, release of the new 2nd grade CMAS of the Udinese Underwater Club in Kostrena (Fiume) Croatia, on the east coast of 'Istria. Wonderful day, with multiple species of fish, including a beautiful Octopus, a bit scared.

Ieri 3 luglio , uscita dei nuovi 2° grado CMAS del Club Udinese Subacquei in Kostrena(Fiume) Croazia, costa Est dell 'Istria. Giornata stupenda , con molteplici specie di pesci , tra cui anche un bellissimo Polipo, un po' impaurito.

[timmurleyart]

Fishing in Castries. 🎣

[scubatribe]

Great dive with Dive Adventure in Portobelo, Panama. Thanks to the Captain, Kike Full vid in YouTube https://youtu.be/KFKkAdmQ2hQ. #scuba #naui #diving #panama #underwater

[cazzmm]

Raggie aka ragged Tooth shark

[southaridivecentre]

If you want to enjoy your stay in Maldives swimming with whale sharks, South Ari Dive center can accomodate your stay in Maldives with a reasonable price. We are located in the whale shark point of Maldives with more than 40 mesmerizing dive sights. Whale sharks are spotted all year round around South Ari Atoll. . . . . . . Book your trip now... Info@southaridivecenter.com +960 7970010

[swimsuitmanaic]

[fvmscubaclub]

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Fuvahmulah is prominent for our tiger shark dives. Book your trip now and swim with these docile creatures. We provide budget friendly yet worthwhile and memorable experience you wouldn't want to miss. Our crew here in Fuvahmulah scuba club are highly trained professionals and we pay utmost importance to the safety of our clients.

+960 7970010 hello@fvmscubaclub.com fuvahmulahscubaclub.com

[divingspecials-shop]

5 Dive equipment's you should have

#1. 3mm Neoprene Torch Holder Glove

On your next night dive, leave your hands free of hassle with this torch holder glove. You will have the ability to take photos or checking your SPG without the worry of losing your torch. Available in multiple colors!

#2. 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit: Diving Suit

The perfect suit? Of course a wetsuit! Get this super stylish 3mm neoprene wetsuit in the form of an underwater suit.

#3. Scuba Diving Mouthpiece Dust Cover

Cleanliness is a must for a diver, especially when it comes to a mouth piece. Avoid dust or dirt particles from entering your mouthpiece and regulator using this duscover. Your regulators daily upkeep will be on point!

4. Stylish 20L Dry Bag in white or black

Get yourself the stylish dive boat companion in the form of the 20L dry bag! It comes with a handy mesh bag in the front and attachable shoulder straps. High-quality production and a must for every diver. White or black? What do you prefer?

#5. Hot & Cool Diver Below SMB

Get yourself the coolest SMB with magnet closure and two-sided slogans. For hot or cool divers only 👌 Limited edition with 100 pieces only!

[sparviero44]

Nuovi 2° Grado CMAS (FIPSA)

Brevettati secondi grado Ieri 19 e sabato 18 giugno , si sono svolti gli esami per il conseguimento dei brevetti di 2° Grado della FIPSA (CMAS) , per 9 allievi di 1° Grado del Club Subacqueo Udinese in località Labin ( Albona) Croazia , sulla costa Est dell'Istria.

Tutte le immersioni sono andate benissimo , con svariate difficoltà, che gli allievi hanno saputo destreggiarsi egregiamente.

Yesterday 19 and Saturday 18 June, the exams for the achievement of the 2nd Degree certificates of the FIPSA (CMAS) were held, for 9 1st Degree students of the Udinese Underwater Club in Labin (Albona) Croatia, on the est coast of 'Istria.

All the dives went very well, with various difficulties, which the students were able to manage very well.