Dive Culture

Not everything in diving is covered by training materials. Some of it is learned through experience. Some of it is absorbed through group behavior. Some of it is just bad habits passed off as tradition. This section is where I attempt to explain what divers actually say, do, and believe and what it all really means.

Nitrox cylinder with oxygen label and MOD marking

Acronyms & Terms

Scuba diving is full of acronyms, jargon, and half-explained lingo. If you have heard a term and were not sure what it meant, start here.

Best YouTube Channels

Scuba diving keeps evolving, and YouTube is full of channels with gear reviews, safety tips, travel guides, and training for divers of all levels.

Find a Buddy

Finding a dive buddy can be tough, but there are good options. Join shop dives or clubs, take classes, use apps, or meet divers at local sites.

Insta-Buddy Checks

Most divers skip buddy checks. Shows how to weave safety into conversation by covering goals, gear, gas, and plan so checks actually happen.

Calling the Dive

Calling a dive means ending it early for any reason. Good teams support the choice, debrief later, and see early calls as maturity, not weakness.

Why Divers Quit

Divers often quit from cost, logistics, or confidence. Stay engaged with planning, community, good gear, and simple dives.

Diving & Family Life

Balance diving and family by sharing trips, respecting boundaries, involving partners, and creating rhythms supporting both.

Solo Diving Controversy

Solo diving replaces the buddy system with full self reliance, but despite training and redundancy it remains controversial and risky.

Diving with a Camera

Underwater photography adds joy to diving, but safety, awareness, and environmental respect must come before chasing the perfect shot.

Diver Code of Conduct

Emphasizes awareness, respect, and humility: protect the environment, support teammates, streamline gear, and let actions speak louder than words.