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Paul Toomer: Wreck Head
Part 6 – And He Said, “Let There Be Light.” And There Was Light.
And on one of the days – I forget which one – God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light.
I just googled it and it was the first day, which makes sense otherwise He’d have been working in the dark, and that may have been quite problematic. The light He created came in the form of a very hot ball in the sky, and for thousands of years we happily basked in its wondrous light.
The problem with this fiery ball of light is that it cannot be taken diving. It also transpires that it is simply not bright enough for our modern day needs so, after many cave and wreck divers had said many “Hail Mary’s” and knelt at the side of their twinsets, God listened. He then popped out to his shed, much to Mrs God’s annoyance, and designed the Umbilical dive light! (Um… not sure that was God actually, Paul – I’ll check. – Ed)
It’s obvious that lights are as important to a wreck diver as wheels are to a car. When we plan overhead environment dives, we place as much scrutiny on our lights as we do on our gas supplies. We work our gas into thirds so we have a safety margin. We do exactly the same with lights. We carry three lights, thirds if you like. One primary light and two backups.
There are many different designs available. I am not going to look at manufacturers per se; I am rather going to look at design features. Dive lights also have many problems related to them.
Bulbs have been one of the major weak points in lighting but they are however getting more resilient and with the advent of LED technology we are now seeing fewer problems with bulbs disintegrating. To take a light underwater you have to seal it, and we normally use O Rings. They are more often than not a rubber derivative, and unfortunately they fail every now and again; and as we know, electricity and water are not really good friends. Batteries have a limited burn time and they do run out of power while on dives. Short of wiring the light to the national grid, this is a real problem. However, we have contingencies put in place for all these failures, and these days the dive kit manufacturers are really on the case with underwater lighting. It’s bloody big business after all!!!
Over the next few instalments of Wreck Head we will discuss bulb technology, torch design, batteries, primary and secondary lights, usage and storage. I am going to keep it simple though, I am not going to blind you with science and reams of nonsense about how a battery is made. I simply want this article to give you, the reader, a little more understanding when purchasing your next light.
So I guess we should start with the primary light. This is the “Daddy” in your lighting arsenal. It does however have quite a few requirements to enable it to be safely used in a wreck.
Right now you should be pulling your dive bag out from under the bed and unpacking your array of lights. This is where things may get a little tricky for me so I’m going to be diplomatic. If you answer, “YES” to these questions I’m afraid you are about to spend more money.
1) Is your torch yellow, green, lime, pink or anything other than predominant black?
2) Does your light have a pistol grip?
3) Does it have a lantern grip?
4) Does it have one of those nice lanyard things attached to it?
5) Does it fit in your BCD pocket?
6) Did it cost £5.00 from the dive show?
7) Did it come free with a dive magazine subscription?
If you answered YES to any or God forbid, all of the questions, it’s time to go torch shopping!
We use umbilical lights for our primary lighting. These systems have a lightweight light head that is attached to an umbilical wire, which is then attached to the rechargeable battery canister. On the light head we have a “Goodman’s Handle”. This handle basically wraps around the hand enabling us to use our hand while the light is perched over the knuckles. These lights are not just good for technical divers but are ideal for recreational divers too. I assure you, having a good light makes diving so much more fun. Of course it fulfills its main goal which is to see where we are going in the dark, but it’s also a great signaling device and enhances group dynamics as we can signal from further away than we can using simple hand signals. Also, you will not believe the fish life and colours you are missing not using a light, and I mean even in broad daylight.
I, like many other technical divers, like to wear my canister on my right hand waist strap. Most canister lights come with a belt attachment as standard. I use an extra weight belt buckle to stop the light from sliding on the belt especially when I’m preparing my kit. As a nice little tip, if you don’t want to buy another buckle or you forget yours at home, simply extend the webbing of the left hand waist strap thus moving the buckle towards the right. This will trap the canister and stop it moving.
I don’t like having my canister attached to my plate or especially my twinset, as if I needed to dump the light, entanglement etc, I can simply slide it off my belt and drop the light. It makes me that little bit safer. Plus I have access to all parts of my light throughout the dive. If the light were on my twinset I would struggle to get to it. When securing a light to the twinset you stand the chance of smashing your lights when penetrating though small gaps as sell.
I recommend putting a piston clip on the light head so you can secure it to the right chest D Ring when you are not using it. There are many conflicting ideas about which hand to wear the Goodman’s Handle on, right or left. I wear mine on my right hand as wearing it on the left requires that you switch to light to the right hand when gas sharing in a twinset as you will cover the long hose. You could feed it under the long hose when you put the light on, then deploying the long hose in the event of an emergency is easy. It does however sit over any stage bottles you may be carrying as most of us wear all our stage cylinders on the left hand side. The only time I wear my light on the left hand is when I am scootering, as I need that hand clear.
So there you have it. Primary lights in a nutshell, so to speak.
As ever, all opinions expressed are my own. I am in no way trying to replace proper instruction. My opinions may differ from agency to agency and instructor to instructor and I do not wish to disrepute any of them.
As a final note, could anyone tell me what day God and AC/DC created ROCK???
Paul is the Director of Training at RAID. To find out more about the courses that RAID offers, visit www.diveraid.com.
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
Welcome to Day 3 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Beuchat Voyager XL Travel Bag
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
The Beuchat Voyager XL travel bag is ideal for diving expeditions or other trips, with practical trolleys and two spacious compartments.
Large XL travel bag designed to meet all your travel needs, whether it’s a diving expedition, a scuba-hunting trip or any other adventure. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Here are the characteristics of the VOYAGER XL-BEUCHAT bag:
Big storage capacity
- Volume: 130 L
- Dimensions: 75x47x39 cm
- Weight: 3,6 KG
- Thanks to its large capacity, you can transport your equipment and personal items efficiently and comfortably when you’re on the go
- Beuchat Shell Case: semi-rigid, thermoformed EVA protective shell that combines lightness with extra protection for the contents of the bag during transport, handling and rolling.
- Padlock eyelets
- Molle system for attaching external accessories
- Inside mesh side pocket
- Two separate large interior compartments
- Backpack straps
- Telescopic pole
- Made in Ripstop, 600 denier and 1000 denier nylon/PVC: lightweight, highly resistant fabric
- Zipper protection for central compartment: shifted inwards to prevent rubbing on the ground
- Replaceable trolley wheel
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
AP Diving BCDs
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
Here’s some more inspiration & top-end gift ideas for the diver in your life…
Treat them (or yourself!) to a brand spanking new BCD from the AP range? Maybe a new Commando, Tekwing or Explorer? Or one from our lightweight Travel range – the Travelwing or Escape?
AP BCDs have been the gold standard for UK and northern European divers for over 40 years. They are designed by divers for divers, built to last and built for adventure and honed to perfection over the years by listening to what divers actually want.
From now until Xmas you can grab a 10% discount on any AP BCD. (see below for details)
Check out the AP BCD pages online for the full story:
https://www.apdiving.com/shop/en/bcd-open-circuit/bcds.html
GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on any AP BCD, AP Ratchet Reel or AP Surface Marker Buoy!
Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
SlipIns Swimsuits
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
The SlipIns Swimsuit is the perfect surf suit. Even in the heaviest surf or wipeout, the suit stays put. It is fabulous for all water shorts like snorkelling, paddling, kayaking, swimming or just lounging.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra swimsuit offers 4-way stretch for maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the worlds best sun protection is the most comfortable suit you will ever put on.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays
*Quick dry, breathable lycra fabric
*Flattering fit
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Icelandic Wool Gloves, Socks & Blankets
by KUBI
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
KUBI have worked closely with a quality manufacturer in Iceland to bring you a range of products made from very hardy & warm wool produced in the country.
We offer a range of Socks & Blankets, as well as our very popular Thermal Gloves from Iceland.
Socks are available in Icelandic Wool & Angora Wool in a mixture of colours & sizes to suit your requirements for winter.
We also stock the luxurious Icelandic brushed wool blankets, ideal for wrapping yourself up and snuggling in on a chilly evening.
Not forgetting as well, our outstanding Icelandic Wool KUBI Gloves, the most popular in our range
Ideal gifts for everyone this Christmas with – The Warmth of Iceland!
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
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