Dive Otter Site Updates and Content Changes
Scuba diving is a lifelong learning process and I believe websites about diving should reflect that too. This page is my global changelog: a transparent record of the major updates, additions, and revisions I make to Dive Otter over time. Whether I update a safety tip based on new research, revise a gear recommendation after more experience, or just explain something more clearly, I want to be open about what changed and why.
Why I Publish This Changelog
- Content evolves. My explanations and opinions improve as I dive more, train more, and learn from others.
- Corrections matter. If I spot something unclear, outdated, or just wrong, I fix it and I want you to know I did.
- Trust is earned. If I change my mind on something important, I think you deserve to hear that directly.
If you’re looking for changes to a specific page, check the “Revision History” section at the bottom of that article. These page-level logs are powered by the same system that feeds this sitewide changelog.
Note: The changelog system did not begin until May 8, 2025
January 2026
- 2026-01-01 – Added Toucan Dive to the Chicagoland diveshop list (/chicagoland/chicago-dive-shops.php)
- 2026-01-01 – Added Basic Scuba Travel Packing list as Journal subscription incentive (https://journal.diveotter.com)
December 2025
- 2025-12-30 – Removed IID and Elmer's from Chicagoland shop list as they closed in late 2025 (/chicagoland/chicago-dive-shops.php)
- 2025-12-22 – Simplified into 3 steps. (/getting-started/index.php)
- 2025-12-21 – Updated for SEO and readability (/choosing-training/choosing-dive-agency.php)
- 2025-12-05 – Broke up the master playlist into topical playlists (/getting-started/youtube-channels.php)
November 2025
- 2025-11-26 – Rewritten for clarity and hero style (/getting-started/discover-scuba-what-to-expect.php)
- 2025-11-26 – Rewritten for clarity and hero style (/safety/human-factors-in-diving.php)
- 2025-11-26 – Rewritten for clarity and hero style (/safety/situational-awareness.php)
- 2025-11-21 – Refactored the main navigation again and added breadcrumb system ()
- 2025-11-17 – Corrected several errors in the trip report (/trips/2025-waikiki-hawaii-trip.php)
- 2025-11-17 – Began buildout of digital downloads area (/packs/index.php)
- 2025-11-13 – Initial Instagram links in bio page deployed (/links.php)
- 2025-11-12 – Initial trip report published (/trips/2025-waikiki-hawaii-trip.php)
October 2025
- 2025-10-31 – Automated journal publishing index built (/journal/index.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Refined the language for better reading flow (/safety/human-factors-in-diving.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Refined the language for better reading flow (/skills/why-teamwork-matters.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Refined the language for better reading flow (/skills/mentoring-new-divers.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Refined the language for better reading flow (/dive-culture/why-divers-quit.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/safety/emergency-preparedness.php)
- 2025-10-30 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/safety/medical.php)
- 2025-10-29 – Creation of the Editorial Integrity statement (/integrity.php)
- 2025-10-29 – Made the math examples hopefully easier to understand (/planning/recreational-gas-planning.php)
- 2025-10-27 – Rebuilt and reworded for better flow and understanding (/getting-started/basic-safety-rules.php)
- 2025-10-27 – Rebuilt and reworded for better flow and understanding (/safety/understanding-risk-vs-hazard.php)
- 2025-10-26 – Rebuilt and reworded for better flow and understanding (/getting-started/open-water-scuba-class.php)
- 2025-10-25 – Launched the YouTube channel (currated playlists only) (/recommended-videos.php)
- 2025-10-24 – Added 33 FAQ questions and restructured the format (/answers/index.php)
- 2025-10-24 – Improved usability and flow of the page (/getting-started/index.php)
- 2025-10-18 – Refined and clarified (/index.php)
- 2025-10-05 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/gear/gear-guides.php)
- 2025-10-04 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/safety/understanding-risk.php)
- 2025-10-03 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/skills/core-diving-skills.php)
- 2025-10-03 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/skills/entry-and-exit-skills.php)
- 2025-10-03 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/skills/underwater-skills.php)
- 2025-10-03 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/skills/teamwork-skills.php)
- 2025-10-03 – Modified into the new card and matrix style (/dive-culture/index.php)
September 2025
- 2025-09-30 – Rejiggered the gear purchasing tiers to be easier to understand and explain ()
- 2025-09-28 – Fully reworked the example as I found an error in the calculation. (/planning/calculating-mgr.php)
- 2025-09-28 – Expanded the variables available for user selection to allow for full GUE style CAT calculation method. (/tools/mgr-calculator.php)
- 2025-09-01 – Trimmed the navigation menu by 90% and transitioned to a pillar and cluster model ()
August 2025
- 2025-08-31 – Consolidated all the 'card' styles on the website into a unified format ()
- 2025-08-29 – Corrected some invalid HTML header content ()
- 2025-08-28 – Added addresses and contact info (/chicagoland/chicago-dive-shops.php)
- 2025-08-25 – Cleaned up and reworded for clarity (/mygear/index.php)
- 2025-08-23 – Added callout to Crystal Blue Diving (/chicagoland/index.php)
- 2025-08-22 – Rebuilt the sub navigation pages with new format ()
- 2025-08-18 – Rebuilt the main navigation landing pages with new format ()
- 2025-08-11 – Launched the self-published book section as a pre-release (/books/index.php)
- 2025-08-08 – Rebuilt the main landing page with improved hero image and readability ()
- 2025-08-01 – Refactored the navigation menu system for easier finding things ()
July 2025
- 2025-07-25 – Rebuilt to have a better visual appeal and similar style as the dive trips (/chicagoland/chicago-dive-shops.php)
- 2025-07-19 – Initial creation of the Affiliate Disclosure in preperation for linking gear (/affiliate-disclosure.php)
- 2025-07-17 – Rebuilt to have a better visual appeal (/trips/index.php)
- 2025-07-11 – Completely redesigned and added more content (/choosing-training/choosing-dive-agency.php)
- 2025-07-02 – Refactored the navigation menu system for easier finding things ()
June 2025
- 2025-06-25 – The initial load of roughly 30 gear reviews (/gear-reviews/index.php)
- 2025-06-11 – Updated max bottom time calculator to account for descent time and added a danger warning for time at or below 0 minutes (/tools/mgr-calculator.php)
- 2025-06-08 – Fully reworked and rebuilt (/about.php)
- 2025-06-08 – Original was too snarky and harsh. Rephrased and changed the voice (/dive-culture/responsible-diver-code-of-conduct.php)
- 2025-06-06 – Implemented a new navigation menu system ()
May 2025
- 2025-05-27 – Modified to focus on travel insurance instead of medical/dive insurance (/travel/dive-travel-insurance.php)
- 2025-05-26 – Added the initial medical content (/safety/medical.php)
- 2025-05-26 – Duplicated my personal gas planning chart format (/tools/mgr-calculator.php)
- 2025-05-26 – Added the initial book review content (/book-reviews/index.php)
- 2025-05-22 – Added additional information and restructured (/about.php)
- 2025-05-21 – Created the Dive Culture section of the website and populated with the core material. (/dive-culture/index.php)
- 2025-05-17 – Eliminated the Blog section and moved the content to static navigation areas. ()
- 2025-05-16 – After more dives, changed opinion from positive to neutral. (/gear-reviews/deep6-eddy-fins.php)
- 2025-05-12 – V1 of Buoyancy and Weight Estimator published (/tools/buoyancy-calculator.php)
- 2025-05-09 – Updated to reflect new electronic liability form and new entry/gate procedures (/chicagoland/chicago-dive-sites-pearl-lake.php)
- 2025-05-08 – Clarified how to secure second stage. Added picture of properly configured pony. (/safety/should-you-carry-pony-bottle.php)