Well that’s what it feels like since Oceanic introduced the sweetest present that a scuba diver could wish for.  I am talking about the Oceanic OC1 Pioneer Limited Edition Dive Computer.  With all the limited edition and limited edition that is going on in the world today, I was skeptical.  But I was wrong.

I know that Oceanic reputation for quality products and their habit of defying convention got them where they are today which is truly a good place to be.  I read all the features of the OC1 Pioneer Limited Edition and realized that everything that I wanted in a  dive computer was right there plus a few new features that I didn’t realize I wanted until I read about them.

All right you can call me a bit of an egoist as I do like that each one is individually numbered and that there are only 1,000 available worldwide but that is really minor compared to how it functions.  There are 10 menus with 40 features that you can set.  Five operating modes.  It can be used for up to 3 nitrox mixes and as far as safety features there are 35 warnings and alarms built in.  The electronic compass sweetens the features list even more. Read more on the features and benefits of the Oceanic OC1 Pioneer Limited Edition Dive Computer.

You would think that all of these features would make the Oceanic OC1 Pioneer Limited Edition a gaudy clunky thing to wear on your wrist but you would be wrong.  The housing and band are ion plated full titanium (which allows a sleek low profile design) and the lens is diamond coated for the ultimate in durability.

To Oceanic I give, yet again, kudos for daring to take diving to the next level.

We learned about scuba cylinders during our initial scuba classes. We learned that a visual inspection (VIP) is required once a year and a hydrostatic pressure test is required every five years. We learned what the markings that are stamped on the cylinder mean and we also learned that scuba cylinders can be made out of aluminum as well as steel.

What intrigued me during my early days of diving was how scuba cylinders were made. Occasionally I would have a student of mine ask me that question and it would remind me that I had yet to research that information myself. Here it is, 25 years after I got my Open Water Certification card,  and I am now finding out how it is done.  I found a pretty cool video on You Tube that shows how scuba steel cylinders are made.

And here is how a scuba aluminum tank is made…

We have the pleasure of working with open water scuba students and they always ask, what is the average length of dive fins from top to bottom?

Fin length for scuba fins can range anywhere from 22 inches in length to 29 inches in length. The length of the fin can differ in relationship with the foot size. For instance an extra small in Oceanic’s Vyper Fin is 22 inches and the size large is 24 inches.

I have even seen fins with lengths that are closer to 34 inches in length which is typically used for freedivers and spearfishing but there is always the occasional scuba diver who thinks the need for length. I had a friend who had a pair of Cressi Gara 3000 LD Fins and he used them once and ended up cramping up too much because of the muscles needed to use them. I think they are still in a closet somewhere in his house!

No Manufacturer in the world wants to have the word “recall” associated with their product (Just ask the car industry) but recalls happen anyway. No company in its right mind would intentionally design, build and sell a product that could cause injury or death to the person using that product. In Scuba, the gear you use is basically a life support system. We at Visibility Unlimited Scuba feel that it is very important, if not our duty, to provide information on recalls of any scuba related products whether we sell that product or not. The reasoning behind letting you, the scuba diving public know about the various recalls is to be sure that the information reaches as many people as possible in an effort to avoid a problem before it could occur.

Manufacturers are very good about posting the recalls at their website and some even e-mail equipment owners through information found on their registered warranty. This is great for the person that registered their gear, but for someone who may have bought used gear that might be subject to recall disemination of recall information is spotty at best. We have included links to various recalls on scuba equipment to help you determine if you are affected by a recall or not. Check back frequently for any updates.

Ocean Management Systems BCD

Si Tech Dry Suit Inflator Hoses

Mares Dive Computer

And what is so funny about blessing mom with her own scuba gear?

When I was just a young lad, I always tried to make it a point to get something nice for my Mother on Mother’s Day. Every gift was distinctly feminine in nature. Flowers, plants, perfume and jewelry topped the list and a heartfelt Mother’s Day card always came with the gift. I guess you could say that, for the time,  these gifts were traditional. I have been noticing that the Mothers of today don’t quite fall into the same category as the Mothers before them.

The gift giving ideas have expanded to encompass a plethora of unconventional and interesting presents. What made me notice that the stereotypical mold that defined Mothers was broken? I have been coming across articles on the internet that show Mothers (and even Grandmothers) stepping out of their so called traditional roles by doing unconventional things like Scuba Diving, Sky Diving and even bunjee jumping. Such is the case of Ingrid Gaston of Yuba City California who at the age of 70 has “conductor, music teacher, singer, scuba diver, competitive swimmer, world traveler, bicyclist, kayaker, conservationist and gardener” as just some of her accomplishments. Her fascinating story appeared in the Appeal Democrat out of Marysville California May 1, 2010.  Her story opens up a whole new chapter on what gifts Mom might enjoy for this Mothers Day.  Inagine her delight and or surprise at opening her gift to find her own Oceanic Hera Scuba Equipment.

Happy Mothers Day to all of our special ladies…