Inside Scuba Issue #5

AuthorAuthor

Byron Conroy & Andy Deitsch
April 07, 2024

Welcome to issue #5 of Inside Scuba

Hello and welcome to the fifth issue of Inside Scuba. We’re excited to have you here. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

What’s happening in this edition?

Unveiling the Truth Behind Scuba Tank Valve Operation: Fully Open or Quarter Turn Back?

In the early days of scuba diving, the operation of tank valves was shrouded in caution. Divers were advised to open the tank valve fully and then turn it back a quarter turn to avoid the risk of the valve getting stuck in the open position. However, as technology has advanced and equipment has evolved, the necessity of this practice has come into question.

Decades ago, the concern over tank valves getting stuck open was valid. Tanks and valves were constructed differently, and the fear of a valve locking in the open position or damaging the high pressure seat due to overtightening was a real possibility. However, with modern manufacturing standards and improved materials, this concern has become virtually obsolete. Tank valves today are designed to withstand the pressures of diving without the risk of locking open when fully opened.

Modern tank valves can be fully open without the risk of locking them open

Yet, despite this advancement, the age-old practice of opening the tank valve fully and then turning it back a quarter turn persists in some circles. Many divers continue to follow this tradition out of habit or because they were taught this method when first learning to dive. However, it's important to recognize that times have changed, and so have the recommendations regarding tank valve operation.

In each issue of our newsletter, we will curate some top dive news from around the world. Links to each of the original articles are available.

Malta Independent: “One diver dead, 17 others rescued after distress call in Cirkewwa. A police spokesperson told The Malta Independent that the police force received a distress call at around 1:20pm stating at there were two groups of divers, totaling to at least 10 individuals, in difficulty.  That number was later updated to 18 by the Armed Forces of Malta, and again to 19 by a police spokesperson later in the afternoon.”

Dive Magazine: “The search for a lost German First World War submarine and the British ship that sank her - and sank with her - is to be showcased in a moving new BBC documentary.”

DivePhotoGuide: Best in Show Disqualification: The 2023 DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition has announced Suliman Alatiqi's captivating image of a crab-eating macaque as the new "Best of Show," following the disqualification of Marco Gargiulo's previous winner due to rule violations. Grace Pempek's shot of a critically endangered smalltooth sawfish is now awarded Gold in the Over-Under category, while Mirko Zanni's American alligator photo receives Silver. Additionally, another image from Alatiqi’s series claims Bronze in the same category.

DeeperBlue.com: “Dive RAID International Unveils New ‘Independent Diver’ Program. The folks at Dive RAID International this week unveiled a new course aimed at making divers competent in self-rescuing themselves in instances where their dive buddy might not be as experienced.”

Yahoo! News: “Inferno at sea: Tourist scuba boat engulfed in flames in Thailand. Dramatic footage captures a blazing inferno consuming the diving vessel Seaworld 1 near the Thap Lamu pier in the Phang Nga province of southern Thailand on April 2. Officials report that the scuba diving boat caught fire while anchored at the pier, with no passengers onboard at the time. The lone individual aboard was seen jumping into the water to escape the flames.”

X-Ray Magazine: “Jared Hires dies at Plura Cave. News has broken overnight that the 33 year-old diving industry stalwart, and Dive Rite's General Manager lost consciousness at Plura Cave on Wednesday 3 April 2024.”

Photo Tip of the Week - Mastering Advanced Strobe Positions

Once we have bought our strobes and learned the basics of strobe positioning, it’s tempting to settle into a comfortable rhythm with our photography. Basking in the praise from friends and family for our exceptional photos, we may become complacent. This is an easy trap to fall into and one I see many people do, because when you have some light on the subject, the photos look great in comparison to the majority of underwater shots taken solely with ambient light.

However, to truly excel in underwater photography, we must venture into creative lighting. Once you begin this journey, the sky is the limit, and the options are endless. In this article, we will discuss the most useful strobe positions that you can use, the benefits of them for your photography, and explain in what instances you should use these techniques.

Recently, I conducted an underwater photography macro workshop to a group of people who were keen to learn new techniques. One important aspect of teaching this course was to get people to realize that we should stop merely taking underwater photos and start making them. This can be achieved through both settings and creative lighting. The strobes we have chosen to buy will be used in almost every underwater photo we take, so it’s great to understand how to utilize them for individual shooting situations.

Creative lighting will take your photos to the next level

Exploring the Pristine Depths of Silfra Fissure: An Unforgettable Scuba Adventure in Iceland

Iceland, a land of stunning landscapes and natural wonders, offers a unique and mesmerizing experience for scuba divers at the renowned dive site, Silfra. Nestled within Thingvellir National Park, Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, providing divers with an extraordinary opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters that fill the gap.

Silfra from above

The Geological Marvel of Silfra

Silfra is not just any dive site; it's a geological marvel. The fissure is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly drifting apart. The result is an underwater chasm filled with some of the purest water on Earth, sourced from the nearby Langjokull glacier.

Visibility Beyond Compare

What sets Silfra apart is its unparalleled visibility. Divers often boast about the visibility reaching up to 330 feet (100 meters) or more, making Silfra one of the clearest dive sites globally. The pristine glacial meltwater, filtered through underground lava for decades, creates an otherworldly underwater landscape.

Byron and I recently returned from Lembeh Strait, considered by many to be the muck diving capital of the world. What is muck diving? Check out this excellent video highlighting the wonders of some of what you’ll find on a dive vacation to Lembeh!

Summary

Thanks for making it to the end of another newsletter. From the latest diving news to tips on how to position your strobes, we hope you found it interesting. Stay tuned for more in our next edition! Until next time, happy bubbles!

Andy & Byron

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