One of the most common questions I’m asked is “What are gradient factors and which ones should I use when diving?” I can help explain what they are and you can decide which gradient factors may be best for you. PLEASE NOTE THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES ONLY A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF GRADIENT FACTORS AND DECOMPRESSION DIVING. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR […]
The arrival of warmer weather signals the start of scuba diving season across the Great Lakes. From historic shipwrecks to dramatic underwater rock formations and surprising freshwater visibility, the lakes offer some of the most unique diving in North America. But diving here isn’t quite the same as heading to a tropical reef. Cold water, changing conditions, and the sheer scale […]
When most divers hear “gas blending course,” they immediately picture technicians in fill stations surrounded by oxygen cylinders, noisy compressors, and a maze of hoses and fill whips. It’s easy to assume these courses are only for people who plan to blend nitrox or trimix themselves. But in reality, a gas blending class offers tremendous benefits for every diver, including those who intend to […]
I’m making some changes for 2026 to make it more convenient for you to get the training you want! I’m now booking classes for 2026 and my calendar is beginning fill. Contact me to discuss class options, available dates, and costs (rick5440@gmail.com). The courses I offer are: Contact me and let’s start planning your continuing dive education for 2026! rick5440@gmail.com
I’m frequently asked if you need a rebreather for technical diving or if you can still use open circuit. It’s a tough question, and I don’t have a definitive answer. I can give you some things to consider that may lead you to the answer that works best for you. Where I’m coming from Here’s a bit of my background for […]
Hearing of a newly discovered wreck really gets a wreck diver’s heart pumping. In June 2018, I heard about a newly discovered wreck in Georgian Bay. Although there wasn’t much information available at first, more information gradually became available. I learned that the vessel was a package steamer, located at a depth of around 200 feet, which was a good depth […]
I love the Straits. It’s always a great trip. The dives are not deep, but they are loads of fun. I always schedule this trip early in the summer so it serves as a warm up (pun intended) for deeper dives later in the season. You can do all sorts of things after the diving is done. Some divers bring their […]
Safety stops are a critical part of scuba diving safety. We all learned about them in our Open Water Diver course. The concept was reviewed and reinforced in every course after that. Yet I can’t help but feel most divers don’t truly appreciate the importance of the humble safety stop. Let’s take a look at how safety stops reduce risk and […]
There’s an old joke that goes something like, “The absent-minded maestro was racing up New York’s Seventh Avenue to a rehearsal when a stranger stopped him. “Pardon me,” he said, “can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?” “Yes,” answered the maestro breathlessly. “Practice!” For technical divers, practice is no joke. It may be cliche to say that sharp skills can […]
