http://www.thumbthedive.com This SCUBA Blog is for sharing articles, comments and tips about SCUBA diving Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:47:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Here is an overview of what I like about my backplate and wing (BP/W) over a weight integrated BC. I am a recreational diver, so I do not need the double-carrying abilities. -   The shoulder straps attach to the backplate ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/04/11/differences-between-a-backplate-and-wing-bpw-and-a-weight-integrated-bc/ Via the Palm Beach Post. A diver on a live-aboard out of Florida was killed from a bite to the leg during a shark dive put on by the live-aboard.   I've yet to participate in one of these chummed water shark experience without shark cages, but it just kind of seems ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/26/liveaboard-diver-killed-from-shark-attack-off-the-coast-of-florida/ From www.surfshooter.com. Whoa! Photo by Kurt Jones. According to surfshooter.com this is actually a dolphin. Click the photo to go to the pics on surfshooter.com. http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/23/pucker-factor/ If you are looking for insulated dry suit socks/booties - I bought these Primaloft insulated socks from ProLiteGear.com for $35 + shipping. I've used these on several dives....so far so good. I chose them because I like Primaloft - they are not too bulky. They have a Cordura-like bottom for ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/21/36/ I recently bought the book "Wetsuit and Drysuit Maintenance and Repair" (by Steve Lindblom) from Airspeed Press. The following two images in this post are from the AirspeedPress.com site: I tend to be a DIY kind of guy, so my intentions were to see ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/21/great-book-on-wetsuits-and-drysuits/ Here is a product sold on the Petco web site - it is an acrylic aquarium in the shape of a SCUBA cylinder: Link to Petco's site http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/19/another-use-for-that-tank-that-failed-hdro/ In researching the REE issue I had in getting a plus/+ rating on the hydro of my LP tank, here are some topics I'd like to clear up from what I learned: - It is rumored that a hydro place can calculate the REE if it is not stamped on the ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/18/some-myths-about-getting-a-plus-rating-on-a-low-pressure-lp-steel-tank/ To follow up from a previous post about getting a plus/+ rating on a steel low pressure (LP) tank...I bought a Faber manufactured steel LP 95 tank that was manufactured and hydro'd in 1995.  The owner didn't use the tank much after purchasing it and never got it hydro'd again.  ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/18/follow-up-on-my-ree-adventure/ If you are working on an Associates or a Bachelor's degree, your school may accept PADI certifications for recreational/physical education credits.  The following PADI website has information on it: http://www.padi.com/padi/en/footerlinks/collegecreditsace.aspx http://www.thumbthedive.com/2008/02/18/get-college-credit-for-padi-certifications/ If you are buying a used tank, especially a low pressure (LP) tank, look around the top of the tank where the serial number is for "REE" and then a number.  This Rejection Elastic Expansion (REE) number is what is used to give the LP tank the "+" rating so ... http://www.thumbthedive.com/2007/10/23/if-you-are-buying-a-used-tank-look-for-a-ree-number/