News
My tech diving purse and what’s in it
What? A tech diving purse… I got your attention here. Well, I am talking about what you may call a butt pack, a zip pocket or expandable pouch. Whatever you like to call it, this is the must have accessory for any sidemount / tech diving.
Even if you do have 2 pockets on your dry suit or wetsuit, sometimes it is more efficient to have your items in a different place, where they are easy to access.
When I do stage cave diving in sidemount, I do like to have a separate purse with additional items since the tanks have a tendency to take quite a lot of space, and I don’t like to over fill my pockets with back up pieces. I love to keep my muscle memory on top of the game so I almost always carry my purse doing rebreather, cave or wreck diving.
But I had to decide first what I really need. Too little is like too much. Here is my complete redundancy list no matter the kind of diving I will do.
The quick list of accessories I need:
- Primary Light
- 2 backup lights
- Primary mask
- Back up mask
- Wet notes
- Primary reel
- 2 spools and more
- 2 zknives or cutting devices
- 2 back up double ended clips
- Spare mouth piece
- Tie wraps
- Spare O’rings
- Adjustable wrench or stainless scuba tools
- Compass
- 2 back up clips with retaining short rope
- Pouch of liquid food
- Optional helmet with backup lights
Add ons for Open Water dives
- SMB
- Whistle
Add ons for survey dives
- Slate
- Short knotted line
Now that I have all the bits and pieces on my table, where do I put them on me?
If I have my helmet, both back ups are on.
On my harness, I have:
- Primary light
- The cutting devices that I can reach and use in each hand individually.
- Arrows and cookies
- Primary reel and 2 spools
In my pockets I carry:
- BU mask
- Wetnotes
- A spool if I need more than 2, for complex circuit or traverse
- BU light if I don’t have my helmet
And all the rest is in my pouch. It is all the equipment that I might not need or I hope I won’t need.
I like to have a double ended clip, in the unlikely event I lose one on my spools as I use it. You never know… even if it is something that happens a lot during training, we might need it one day. Same thing with the clip with a short rope. If your bungee brakes and you need to do a quick repair underwater, you will be all set with 2 clips, especially if you have a continuous thin binge.
In the last year, I encounter a lot of reg problems with my students when we are ready to go in the water. I don’t want to walk back to my toolbox in my car or on the boat, so if I can fix it at the surface, I am more than happy. A broken tie wrap or mouthpiece seems to be a classic, but on one occasion somebody’s hose wasn’t tight enough which resulted in an O’ring replacement and a retighting of the hose. So a stainless scuba tool is a must.
I have a small whistle as a safety device in open water. I carried it for more than 16 years before having to use it twice the same year. So I always keep it in my purse.
When I do surveys I carry my compass, a knotted line and my second wetnotes or slate.
And for the long dives, I love to carry a little bit of food. It can be a fruit compote or a syringe of Nutella for the higher demanding diver.
All of those items of redundancy equipment don’t weigh too much and don’t take up too much space, but if you have them, once in a while you’ll end up saving your dive or even your buddy.
Dive safe and have fun!
Find out more about Nathalie at www.nathalielasselin.com.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced