DAN announces DES Quest III!

From DAN website Today...
Source: Divers Alert Network


Divers Alert Network, DAN, announced the DES Quest III earlier this month.

This "Quest" celebrates its third year and challenges all divers out there to gain knowledge of Dive Safety and achieve the Diving Emergency Specialist recognition. For those divers who qualify and are recognized as a Diving Emergency Specialist will receive special DES Quest T-Shirt, Ballcap, Patch etc. and the name probably will be published in Alert Diver, the DAN Membership magazine, for anyone obtaining this recognition between June 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

To qualify as DES, you must complete 4 different modules that DAN Training offers and one of which must be DAN O2 or equivalent and a Rescue Diver.

For more information on DES Quest III, visit: DAN DES Quest III Announcement

If you are looking for DAN courses, check out: Groupers' Calendar

If you are looking to become DAN member or renew your membership: Click Here

So... why not be a DES this year, impress your dive buddies and show them you care!!

PPSOP Introduces New U/W Photo Class

From My Inbox Today...
Source: Adorama Newsletter

The Photography Store in NYC, Adorama, along with the Perfect Picture School of Photography, recently opened up registration for 29 courses - 7 of them are new courses.

One of the new classes they offer is Underwater Photography in a Digital World. This class gives you an overview of technically everything, from equipment to travel concerns. Great for newbies as well as underwater photographer who is looking into building foundation.

Presented by Michele Benoy-Westmorland, who has works published in National Geographic Traveler, Sport Diver, and SCUBA Diving magazine to list a few.

This 8 weeks course starts from June 6, which is not too far away!

For more info: Perfect Picture School of Photography - Underwater Photography in a Digital World
or visit: Adomara.com

LIDA sponsors Annual Beach Clean-Up on 6/7

From My Inbox Today...
Source: Bill, The President of LIDA

This Saturday, June 7th, the Long Island Divers Association will be sponsoring a beach clean-up and dive at Secret Beach in Greenport. Following the clean-up we will be holding a barbeque with all food and refreshments provided by LIDA. Everyone is welcome to attend. It is requested that all participants RSVP to Bill Pfeiffer so that we can be sure to have adequate refreshments on hand.

The gates at Secret Beach will be open between 10:00 and 10:30 am and then secured. High tide is at 2:30 so we are planning on entering the water at 2:00pm. If you need more information or directions please feel free to get in touch.

For more information, visit LIDA online.

From My Inbox Today...
Source: Nationalgeographic.com

Check this article out:

PHOTO IN THE NEWS: Flat-Faced Crawling Fish Discovered

Expedition Fleet Liveaboards - Show Specials

Introducing our show specials for:

Beneath The Sea - 2008
New Jersey - March 28, 29 & 30
Booth# 710

Valid for new bookings only
Show specials will be available until
April 15 2008

Please see below for our contact information and specials
(if pictures do not show on this email, please check your attachments)

Expedition Fleet Liveaboards

Chuuk / Truk Lagoon
Pacific Explorer II
$2450
Sunday to Sunday
Included - Nitrox & Alcohol during meals
Special - $150 Gift Certificate (usable onboard)
Excludes- Fuel $100 and Dive Permit $30

Palau
Big Blue Explorer
Starrting $2149
Saturday to Saturday
Special - Nitrox or $150 Gift Certificate (usable onboard)
Excluded- Fuel $100 and Dive Permit $55

Philippines - Tubbataha
Oceanic Explorer
March to June
5 nights 4 diving days or 7 nights 6 diving days.
We can plan special trips for your groups such as:
Custom schedules and land tour and resort combinations

Philippines - Visayas (Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol area)
Borneo Explorer
July to February
7 nights and 6 diving days
We can plan special trips for your groups such as:
Custom schedules and land tour and resort combinations

Philippines - Apo Reef & Coron
Stella Maris Explorer
July to February
7 nights and 6 diving days

Philippines - DumagueteBahura Resort & Spa

Please visit our website at
www.islandcruiseadventure.com
for schedules, pictures, boat layouts and more

Capt. Kidd's Ship Found?!

From My Inbox Today...
Source: E-mail from Wrecksplorer & AP

Got a news that the famous buccanneer, Capt. William Kidd's ship was found off of Dominican Republic Island, according to the U.S. Underwater Archaeology Team this past Thursday.

Check out: Capt. Kidd's Ship Found off Dominican Island Story by Associated Press

Stay Warm, guys!

Review of DAN "I May Be Bent... Now What?" DVD

From My Thoughts Today...
Source: Me

I received the DVD last week but didn't get a chance to watch DAN "I May Be Bent... Now What?" DVD until today. I must say that... it was great. It contains adequate information on Decompression Illness, its signs & symptoms, first aid, and treatment etc. Brownie points were given because Marty McCafferty from DAN Medical Services explained HOW DAN courses can help divers but it was mentioned in a way so that divers can help divers, and of course, which course can be best utilized which steps of an incident.

It was discussed in a way so that we all understand.

I am a DAN instructor, so you may think that I'm saying this for advertisement. (partially true...) I would like divers to watch this DVD to gain basic knowledge and understanding of Decompression Illness and what's involved.

It's finally the off-season, you may be itching to see what else you can do to dive. Going on a trip is one thing, taking an advanced class is another, to list a few. If you want to get together with divers and learn new skills (DAN O2 for SCUBA, for example) at the same time you chat about diving, why not consider safety training as your winter SCUBA Education?

RockGrip.com

From My Climbing Tonight...
Source: The guys at Island Rock Gym...

Many of us became a Diver & Climber since last year, thanks to people that are eager to try new sports to expand the circle!

The guys at Island Rock Gym told me earlier this evening that they created a new site called RockGrip. This is like MySpace.com, but it's a Rock Climbing version.

Check Out: http://www.rockgrip.com

Check out, sign up, and make me a friend if you are a diver & climber!

If you are a diver that is interested in Rock Climbing, even only for the off-season, come and join us! If interested, contact Paula @ PoshAngel1@aol.com to sign up and for more information. No worries for newbies, leaders will give you a lesson for a free of charge. Climbed before? Then come and climb with us!

Rock Climbing, even only in the indoor climbing gym, it's been a good mental and physical exercises. Good for Off-Season activity. It's not too late to start...

I know this isn't really related to DIVING, but Hey...

Pearl Habor Christmas

From My MySpace Today...
Source: Bulletin Board on MySpace

I noticed the new post on the bulletin board when I logged on to MySpace, and here it was... Free Short Story available! Yay!

The Short Story was written by Eric Douglas, the author of Cayman Cowboys and Bait & Switch, and it is available for Free Download on his website. The story is about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and the experience of one family around Christmas time.

As the weather turns into the winter mode, it is a great opportunity to get yourself into the world of reading, whether it's SCUBA related or not.

Download PDF version from: Short Stories on BooksbyEric.com

How to Research Shipwrecks and Maritime Disasters

From My Web Search Today...
Source: Result of Web Search

While I ran some searches on SCUBA related topics, I happened to run into this website that explains how to research shipwrecks and maritime disasters.

The reason why it caught my eyes was because of one of the presentations provided at LIDA Film Festival this past Friday at Cradle of Aviation. One of the presenters was a known treasure hunter down in FL - they have a TV show on Dish Network, Treasure HD.

Figured that introducing this website may be a good idea as many of fellow divers from Groupers participated in LIDA Film Festival this year, and of course, this is a good opportunity (or time) to spend some time with researching that ol'shipwreck you wanted to know more about.

Check Out: Shipwrecks and Maritime Disasters: How to Research Them

Don't forget also - Adam Grohman from Underwater Historical Research Society (based out of Long Island and visit them on the web: http://www.uhrs.org) will be holding a Free Lecture/Seminar at B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library at C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University this upcoming Friday from 8pm. This lecture is free to all, but must be R.S.V.P.ed. For more information, Call: (516) 299-2892, or email derek.stadler@cwpost.liu.edu. You can also find out the detail of this free lecture by visiting our Google Calendar and clicking on the event itself.

Stay Warm!

I May Be Bent… Now What?

From My Web Surfin' Today...
Source: DAN - Divers Alert Network

I came to find out that DAN, Divers Alert Network, was offering a FREE DVE called "I May Be Bent… Now What?" This is to educate divers out there on DCI (Decompression Illness) - risks, signs & synptom, medical evaluations etc. to increase awareness and preparedness.

DVD contains 40-minute presentation by Marty McCafferty, DAN Medical Informational Specialist. DAN Members, Dive Stores and Dive Clubs can obtain the copy for a Free of Charge by contacting DAN Membership Services. Have your DAN Member# with you - they'll ask!

For more information, visit: DAN News - "I May Be Bent... Now What?"

To order call DAN Membership Services at +1-919-684-2948 or 1-800-446-2671 (from the U.S. or Canada) and ask for:

Title: I May Be Bent… Now What? with Marty McCafferty
Run time: 40 minutes
Product code: 171-0000
Cost: FREE

I already ordered - I'll post again to keep you posted on the review of this DVD.

As always, Safe Diving wherever you go!

Free Lecture: Secrets Beneath the Sound

From My Inbox Today...
Source: Wrecksplorers

The Post Library Association’s Friday Night Programs Presents

Secrets Beneath the Sound

Presented by Adam Grohman

By avocation Adam Grohman is a SCUBA Dive master, author and researcher. He will discuss his underwater research and explorations of Long Island shipwrecks and maritime history. He is the author of Non Liquet, the Bayville Submarine Mystery, and Runner Aground, a History of the Schooner William Bell, a story about a grounded rum runner. Currently he is engaged in several research projects including one on Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Sea Cloud. By vocation Adam is director of student conduct and community education at Post.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2007, 8:00 PM

B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library, Main Lobby

The Lecture Is Free.

There will be a dinner before the lecture in the Hutchins Gallery.

6-7 PM: social hour (cash bar) 7-8 PM: Buffet Dinner: $34 per person.

Reservation Required

Reservations become firm 48 hours prior to the event and cannot be cancelled.

Call: (516) 299-2892, or email derek.stadler@cwpost.liu.edu

Reef Check Featured on TIME Magazine Online Following Indo-Pacific Coral Study

(From My Inbox Today...)
Source: Reef Check Newsletter

I received the newsletter earlier this evening from Reef Check that their Indo-Pacific Coral Study was featured in TIME magazine online.

Check Out: Reef Check Featured on TIME Magazine Online Following Indo-Pacific Coral Study

Xray Mag issue 18 is now ready for download

(From My Inbox Today...)
Source: Xray Mag

Received a notification this afternoon that new issue of Xray Magazine, online dive magazine, is ready for a download. Xray magazine is free of charge for everyone.

This edition features Socorro Island, to Great White Shark, to Tiger Shark, to Manta Ray, to Treasure Cave... Sounds yummy.

Download: Xray Magazine - Issue 18

If you are diving this weekend, have a safe and great dive!

SCUBA STAR Network

(From My Web-Browing Yesterday...)
Sourse: DAN's website

I found out that the new dive-related website was announced via diversalertnetwork.org. This new website, Scuba STAR Network is a surveying website, where dive safety tracking has an importance, and they are independently collecting the data to promote dive safety. Sounds great, doesn't it?

"STAR" is standing for Safety Tracking And Reporting, and the name says it all. The online survey will be available shortly, and survey results also will be posted online for the enitre dive community to view.


Check out: Scuba STAR Network website

DAN EIT Award 2007

(From My Inbox... um the other day)
Source: DAN, Dive News Wire, and Me

Most of you may be aware - I'm not rubbing this on to you, but had to post this here - that I, Kei, have received the DAN Excellence in Training award for the year of 2007.

This award is usually given 1 DAN Instructor Trainer or Instructor per year, and this is their 4th year providing this honor. This year, the award went double - one went to Valerie Lyttle, also a first-year DAN instructor from Washington State, and the other came to me.

The press release was published through Dive News Wire on August 7, 2007, and the announcement was sent out to people in my Little Black Diver Book. This is not confirmed yet, but the article may be published in the Alert Diver magazine, which is DAN's quarterly membership magazine. I also heard back from SSI, SCUBA Schools International, earlier yesterday afternoon (where my original instructor certification is from!) that the article may be in DBI, which is SSI's Dive Leader magazine.

It has been quite an honor to receive this award, and I'd like to thank all of you for being there for me. I definitely could not have done it without you.

Check Out: DAN Instructors Excel press release from Dive News Wire

If you would like to know more about my DAN courses, FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL me from HERE.

PS> The same article was also posted on DiverWire.com - Click HERE

Man Sets Underwater Pogo Record...

(From My IM Today...)
Source: Yahoo! News

As I was reading this odd news sent via IM earlier this morning, I noticed the word "Underwater" on the side bar... Well, this video news was a little more "odd" than the one I was reading!

NYC man sets a record in underwater Pogo and Hula Hoops. I must say that I have not done either of them underwater before, but I did some stuffs close to that underwater! For example, Underwater Crafting (yes, cutting a sheet aluminum and actually hammering them onto the piece of wood to create art...), Underwater Sliding (going down the incline with a set of weights in the milk crate...) and the best was Underwater Swing (yes, SWING, being neutually buoyant underwater and sit on the swing that's built with a bunch of plastic pipes hang off of pool dividers...)! Swing was so much fun although the whole purpose of having these pipes was for students to practice neutual buoyancy (Buoyancy Hoops, they say), but hey, no one played with underwater swing set before!

So, here it is - think of something you can do other than Underwater Poker, Underwater Black Jack, Underwater Swing! I would love to try Underwater Pogo some day.

Check Out: Man Sets Underwater Pogo Record on Yahoo! News (Video News)

Breast Augmentation Surgery and Diving

(From My IM Today...)
Source: Co-Worker

While the amount of Plastic Surgery performed has significantly increased past couple of years, we as a diver still ask this ultimate question, " what would happen if we descend??"

Scar tissues may absorb more nitrogen during the dive, or your body may not be ready to perform skills underwater safely. There still are little information available to us.

From your open water certification class, you must be aware of Boyle's Law. So... if I get a breast augmentation, does the volume of my implants change also??

Um... Good Question...

There are 2 articles sent to me via IM today, in regards to Plastic Surgery, but Breast Augmentation Surgery and Diving in particular. Links are below.

AS ALWAYS, YOU MUST SPEAK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE YOU START ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND THIS INCLUDES SCUBA DIVING. THIS BLOG ENTRY ONLY PROVIDES INFORMATION.

• Changes in breast implants during diving and at high altitude
• Breast Augmentation Surgery and Diving by Divers Alert Network

Safe Diving if you are diving this weekend!

Designating Underwater Wrecks to New York State Historic Register

(From My ... um... RSS Reader Today...)
Source: Dive News

The news was posted about 6 days ago, but hey... I just read it! There was this interesting news in regards to designating certain ship wrecks to NY State Historic Register.

Check out: Designating Underwater Wrekcs to New York State Historic Register on Dive News

Next NYUPS Meeting Announced - 8/9

(From My Inbox Today...)
Source: NYUPS Letter

NYUPS announced today that the next meeting is held on Aug. 9, 2007 from 6:30 in the evening at the Rock Theatre. The detailed information is below.

According to some of my friends participating NYUPS meetings actively, the meetings have been very informative yet fun. Another congratulation to Jason Heller, the President of NYUPS and the guest speaker of the evening at 8/9 meeting.

All meetings by NYUPS must be R.S.V.P.ed every time.

Enjoy the meeting!
--------------------------------------------
We're pleased to announce a cool break from the hot NY summer - come enjoy "A Mid-Summer Break With NYUPS"!

The next NYUPS event will be held on August 9th at 6:30pm. It will be another exciting event, complete with an educational session, a short film and an interactive image review and discussion.

More details here.

Planning Your Shot, and Shooting to Win: by Jason Heller, underwater photographer, founder of DivePhotoGuide.com and NYUPS President.

Saving the Dragon: a film by by Rick Morris, an environmental documentary film maker and fellow NYUPS member.

Image Submission and Reviews: Upload a couple of your best shots and we will randomly select a bunch of images to collectively review and discuss.

Admission to our August event, "A Mid-Summer Break With NYUPS" is free, however, those who have not yet paid the pro-rated 2007 dues of $29, we ask you to please contact David Borus (membership@nyups.org) to make arrangements to do so before the September meeting. As of September, non-members will have to pay a small admission fee for each meeting/event.

Please RSVP for the event with your full name and city. Space is somewhat limited for our growing group, so please RSVP sooner than later to ensure your spot.

A detailed description of the event can be found on the NYUPS website.

Location:
The Rock Theater @ Times Square Art Center
300 West 43rd Street (bet. 8th & 9th) 5th floor

Time:
6:30 - 9:30pm

Again, please send your RSVP to RSVP@NYUPS.ORG. We look forward to seeing you on August 9th!

Cheers,
The NYUPS Team