The Dive Otter

Knowledge Base

What is the bare minimum of information I think every new diver should know?

Checklists

When to use one. Why to use one. The ones I use as examples.

Hand Signals

The basics and what you are likely to see in Chicagoland

Safety Stop / Deco

Safety Stops, No Decompression Limits, Minimum Decompression are they different? Are they the same? Which one should I be doing?

Insta-Buddy Check

One of the greatest fears of showing up for a dive without a buddy you know is the "idiot" insta-buddy. In my opinion, the traditional Buddy Check is not effective in this situation, I propose an alternative that accomplishes the same thing and is more likely to actually happen.

Bubble Checks

What is a "bubble check"? Should I be doing one? (hint: yes)

Hose Routing

Generally there are three ways of running hoses. We'll cover all three.

Proper Weight

How do you know how much weight you need?

Ditchable?

Should you have ditchable weight and how much?

Balanced Rig

Is there an alternative to having ditchable weights?

Getting Into a Wetsuit

There has got to be a better way then yanking and pulling and fighting the fabric.

Your Ears

Protect your ears or they could end your diving career.

Giant Stride Entry

There is a safe way to do it.

Shore Entry

I only have two hands...how do I carry all this stuff?!