HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: graff@atux01.att.com (Christopher Graff)
Subject: Re: Scuba help
Organization: AT&T Corporate Education and Training
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 18:45:20 GMT

In article <Bzunqu.3sB@world.std.com>, tdailly@world.std.com (Terry J Dailly) writes:
> 
> Hi, I new to this scuba stuff. What does one have to do to get certifed?
> How long is the class?? How much does it cost?? Thanks
> 
> .
	I paid $200 for my open water class instruction. $125 for my advanced
	instruction. Along the way especially in open water you will have to 
	purchase mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt, possibly boots and gloves
	, maybe a knife also. Your best bet is to find a few dive shops
	and get all the info you need up front; (what you have to purchase,
	how much are rentals for open water dives, open water dive fees,
	air fills for open water dives, exactly what equipment you need to
	purchase up front, class time(how much pool and classroom time),
	) then make an intelligent decision. Depending on what type of
	diving you will be doing and how far you want to go with scuba
	will also weigh in how much money you spend. The sport is not cheap
	but its great. A rounabout guess for how much you will spend for
	basic open water will be $500-600. This is a New Jersey estimate
	for a PADI certification. And it is also one persons experience.
	Definitely ask around for good training programs etc. The net
	seems to be a helpful source. I may have made a few different 
	decisions along the way had I researched a little more. I was
	certified when I was 16, NASDS certification and I barely used it.
	8 years later I got re-certified and couldnt wait to get back into
	scuba. I love it now. But I knew what to expect when I got back 
	into it. New divers can be a little overwhelmed by the investment
	. There can be a few surprises along the way if you dont get all the
	info up front.

	Have fun and good luck!

	Chris
From: Jordan Weinstein <jweinstein@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Date: 01 Jan 93 21:51 PST
Subject: FEMALE DIVE BUDDY WANTED, BOSTON
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1458600006:000:393
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!jweinstein    Jan  1 21:51:00 1993


BOSTON AREA, SJM, 43, NON-RELIGIOUS, SELF-AWARE, SOMETIME-ACTIVIST, NEWS
JUNKY, RADIO JOURNALIST.  INTO SCUBA, NPR, THE NATION, NOVELS, ETC. 
LOOKING FOR SPUNKY, OFF-BEAT, WARM, SENSITIVE, EDUCATED, FIT, 
SELF-AWARE, CREATIVE, NON-SMOKING, LEFT-LEANING, SINGLE FEMALE DIVE BUDDY,
30-40, WITH VARIED INTERESTS, SENSE OF HUMOR, HEALTHY SELF-ESTEEM FOR
SCUBA, SKIING, MOVIES, DINING OUT, AND...?
From: gd@gehenna.sw.stratus.com (Greg Dawe)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Divers' Environmental Survey Freshwater Bulletin
Date: 23 Dec 1992 14:12:41 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Software Engineering
NNTP-Posting-Host: gehenna.sw.stratus.com

I just saw a video made by some cave divers down in Acumel (sp?), in which
they had to penetrate a large H2S layer to find the opening of a cave in a
cenote.  There was a lot of decaying vegetation laying around the foggy layer
of H2S and the cloud litterly swallowed the beams of 50 and 200 watt lights
the divers were using.  

Am I correct in assuming that divers are likely to encounter H2S only in areas
where there's lots of decaying vegetation in undisturbed fresh water?

Perhaps some net.divers who've seen episodes of the old "Undersea World of
Jacques Cousteau" will remember when Cousteau and friends dove in the crater
of a dormant volcano and ended up penetrating a layer of H2S.  They complained
about stinging in their eyes.  Are H2S vapors an irritant, or was that perhaps
H2SO4 vapors?
-- 
Greg Dawe                        | Disclaimer: I don't speak for my employer,
Voice : (508)-490-6666           |             nor they for me...
e-mail: Greg_Dawe@vos.stratus.com|            
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: jeffs@.SanDiego.NCR.COM ()
Subject: Re: Diving in South Carolina
Keywords: diving
Reply-To: jeffs@spike.SanDiego.NCR.COM (Jeff Schwartz)
Organization: San Diego Porting Center
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 00:38:29 GMT

I went to Hurricane Dive Center.  The people were friendly and helpful and the
boat was reasonably priced and comfortable.  The thing I didn't really like was
that the dive profile was dictated by the fishing schedule.  The boat was 
scheduled for a fishing charter in the afternoon so the dives were limited to 
two dives at 30 minutes each regardless of air consumption, no-decomp limits
etc.

The dive site was what's left of a civil war wreck.  It's at about 18m and there
is almost no structure left but a couple of divers on our boat did find some
artifacts.  Viz was about 3m and water was about 35C.  I'm told that conditions
are usually much better in the summer months (I was there last April).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey A. Schwartz
NCR - San Diego Porting Center		jeff.schwartz@sandiegoca.NCR.COM
16550 W. Bernardo Dr ms5990		 (619) 485-2052
San Diego, CA  92127			 NCR Voice Plus 440-2052
============================================================================
The universe is an island, surrounded by whatever it is that surrounds
universes.  ......................................../|/|/ GO CHARGERS!
From: p_travers@icrf.icnet.uk
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: wanted: info on Adelaide diveschools
Date: 21 Dec 92 16:13:27 GMT
Organization: Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, UK
NNTP-Posting-Host: bonnie.lif.icnet.uk

Dear Dive-netters,
	I have a medic colleague who is off to do an elective in Adelaide
next year and who has expressed an interest in learning to dive.  Does
anyone have any experience of, recommendations for, warnings about etc
dive schools in Adelaide?

				Paul Travers
From: awright@gssec.bt.co.uk (Alan Wright)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Gozo or Red Sea
Date: 22 Dec 92 11:13:29 GMT
Organization: BT, Software Engineering Centre, Glasgow, UK

Here's the chance to get back at all those posts on Cozumel.

I have 3 weeks holiday left which I have to take in April and feel
obliged to go somewhere nice to dive. I had planned on Gozo since
a few people from my club went in September and thought it was great.

However, in a local shop someone suggested that I'd be better going
to the Red Sea. He also said that it is better to book the diving
once you get there as it can be half the price of booking it before
you go (haggle with the Egyptians).

I would be interested in experiences, recommendations etc. Any
comparisons between operations on Gozo/Red Sea would be useful.
Feel free to mail direct and I will collate and post the results.

-- Alan.
--------------------------------------------
awright@gssec.bt.co.uk (Alan Wright)
BT, Software Engineering Centre, Glasgow, UK
--------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: mta@MAS.ML.COM (Mike Askew)
Subject: Diving in South Carolina
Keywords: diving
Organization: Municipal Analytics & Systems, Merrill Lynch & Co.
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 15:50:55 GMT


Can anybody recommend a dive center in the Myrtle Beach area? Are there any good diving spots there?

Thanks...........Mike :)





Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: tdailly@world.std.com (Terry J Dailly)
Subject: Scuba help
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL3
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 1992 04:42:30 GMT


Hi, I new to this scuba stuff. What does one have to do to get certifed?
How long is the class?? How much does it cost?? Thanks

.
From: jdale@cats.ucsc.edu (Jonathan Dale)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: DI VERSI VESHI TEM ?
Date: 21 Dec 92 07:56:31 GMT
Organization: University of California; Santa Cruz
NNTP-Posting-Host: si.ucsc.edu


In article <65050009@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com> jewett@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com (Bob Jewett) writes:
>> What is the meaning of these words?
>
>I think it means "I'm having fun with the divers."  -- Bob

More explicitly, trying re-parsing, ie change the spaces.
 DI VERSI VESHI TEM
 DIVERS I'VE SHIT 'EM
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: jr@inset.com (JR Oldroyd)
Subject: USENIX San Diego Diving
Reply-To: "JR Oldroyd" <jr@onion.inset.com>
Organization: The Instruction Set, Waltham, MA, USA
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 16:06:55 GMT


I'm looking for recommendations for dive possibilities in San Diego,
around the time of USENIX there (Jan 24 or 25, or both, would be great
for me).  Main interest is wrecks, and preferably any less frequently
dived wrecks.  Also caverns and caves.

Please send suggestions to `jr@fulton.inset.com'.

Also let me know if you'd be interested in joining in.

	-jr
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: brucem@teal.csn.org (Bruce Makinen)
Subject: Questions about Antigua
Organization: Colorado SuperNet, Inc.
Distribution: rec.scuba
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 17:21:15 GMT

Greetings all!  Hope everybody had a terrific holiday!  

Let me start by saying I'm new to the group, new to diving, and I have
read the FAQ.  What I'm looking for is some current information about
dive sites and certification in Antigua.  My wife got me lessons locally
for my closed water certification for Christmas.  I'm planning on completing
my open water certification while we're on vacation. So;

1.  Any suggestions on where to get certified?  (We're staying at the
    Sandal's resort.) 

2.  Any suggested dive sites/charters?

3.  Any suggested restaurants and/or shopping and/or night life on Antigua?

Thanks for any and all info.  Feel free to e-mail or post.

brucem@csn.org
Bruce Makinen
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: ddozier@daled.unet.com (Dale Dozier)
Subject: Re: WHO IS AN EXPERIENCED DIVER ???
Organization: Network Equipment Technologies, Redwood City
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 23:26:27 GMT

In article <1992Dec23.151615.7646@nctams1.uucp> 0031b@pnet16.cts.com (Rmcs Falcone) writes:
>
>  Can anyone tell me at what point is a diver considered "EXPERIENCED"??
>Is it the number or dives ?? The level of qualification ??? Just what is it
>that allows a diver to consider themselves "Experienced" ?? I was reading an
>artical in "Dive Training" and it made me think....is there such a point in
>one's diving experience that you can qualify yourself as being an
>"EXPERIENCED" diver ???
>

Experienced diver =  number of years you've been diving +  How often you
dive + Environment you dive in. Someone that dove caves and wrecks
at 200+ feet 20 years ago is not and experienced diver present tense.
You have to keep your skills current. I dove with a friend that was and
instructor at a local college 20 years ago. He had logged over 500+ dives at 
the time. We went diving  a few months ago an this guy made me very nervous.
He did not have the basic skills needed to even pass basic certification. 
I have been diving 2 years with 80 logged dives an I was much more experienced
both in knowledge and basic skills. I also dove with someone that had the 
same number of dives that I did but in warm water only. We did not complete
the first dive. He could not handle the 1/4 inch wet suit and aborted the dive.
Experience is a relative term.

-Dale

Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: schludermann@sscvx1.ssc.gov
Subject: Re: Oceanic Datamax Sport
Organization: Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 12:18:39 GMT

In article <1992Dec21.143048.25974@eng.ufl.edu>, fortner@hal.eel.ufl.edu (Dave Fortner) writes:
> I bought my wife an Oceanic Datamax Sport for Christmas, when
> I went to buy it I found out a few things that may be of interest
> to other people on the net.
> 
> 1) The "New" model has a variable ascent rate indicator, graph
> style with the green, yellow, red color scheme like the rest
> of the computer.
> 
> 2) In a couple of months Oceanic is going to bring out an improved
> version in which the battery is user replaceable. According to
> the salesman (please concider the source), Oceanic is going to
> swap out exisiting Datamax Sports for the new improved (user replaceable
> battery version) for a "nominal" cost. When I find out more details
> I'll post the info.
> 
> 3) F.Y.I. Oceanic no longer has an 800 number :-( I feel that this
> is unfortunate because I have always found thier phone service to
> be informative and helpful.
> 
> Dave Fortner
> Fortner-D@3mail.ksc.nasa.gov
> 
> Disclaimer: I AIN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTHIN'

I just sent in a 91 Datamax Sports for upgrade for $200.

kris
From: graff@atux01.att.com (Christopher Graff)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Truk Lagoon, Palau & Yap Diving.
Date: 30 Dec 92 13:42:00 GMT
Organization: AT&T Corporate Education and Training


	I am seriously considering a trip to Truk Lagoon, Palau and Yap
	in November of 93'. The price is a little steep so Im trying to
	get some further encouragement to take the plunge. The trip is
	17 days total. Has anyone ever been or heard first hand stories
	of the diving there and is it "Worth the Trip". What Ive heard
	is a definite yes but Id like a few more opinions. Post them
	or e-mail. Thanks much.

	Chris Graff
	attmail!atux01!graff
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: pdavid@leland.Stanford.EDU (Peter David)
Subject: Re: Nitrox Diving Follow up on Viton composition
Keywords: Viton, Oxygen, Silicon rubbers, Nitrox|> > so!  It probably doesn't include a cleaned HP hose and cleaned SPG, but you
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 92 16:01:06 GMT

|> > won't need that for a standard ANDI/IANTD NITROX course.
|> > 
|> > I clean/service my own (and a few friends) O2 compatible regs.  We buy
|> > our O-rings either from a dealer (like Underwater Applications who kits them
|> > up for a particular regulator) or directly from a manufacturer.  The rings
|> > for an average reg, like a Sherwood Brut, shouldn't cost more than $12 or so.
|> > But you also need lubricant, solvent, clean gloves, etc - the costs mount up.
|> > And then there's the issue of clean HP hoses and gauges for EAN mixes with 
|> > more than 40% O2.  On top of it all, the current recommendations are that 
|> > gear setup for O2 service should be inspected/cleaned every 6 months or so.
|> > O2 cleaning/inspecting is probably going to turn into quite a business for
|> > the shops how want to do it.
|> > -- 
|> > Greg Dawe                        


|> 
|> 
|> 	Ok I received a bit more information from the shop. 
|> 	The Viton rings are silicon o-rings except that there lubricated
|> 	with a chemical called Critox (Unsure of spelling) instead of silicone 
|> 	grease. This prevents
|> 	corrosion and combustability with pure O2. They are replaced once
|> 	a year. They are installed in 1st stage and tanks. Most mixes of
|> 	Nitrox are usually under the 40% figure so you dont have to worry
|> 	about the clean equipment fear that much. There is more to the cleaning
|> 	of equipment in hoses and tanks but I didnt have time to get into a 
|> 	lengthy discussion about Nitrox. When I have more news Ill let you
|> 	know. The service is about $50. 
|> 
|> 	If you have any more info let me know.
|> 
|> 	Chris
|> 
|> 

	According to the Merck Manual, Viton is a synthetic rubber made of 
vinylidene floride and hexafluorpropylene.  This means it is basically a 
close relative of teflon.  There is essentially no silicon in Viton.
Resists 200 Celisus degree heat, most oils, chemical solvents and fuels and 
have good mechanical properties and resistance to ozone (common at seashores)
OXYGEN and weathering.

	Silicone rubbers also have a high resistance to oxygen and other 
chemicals.

	For oxygen clean equipment, the important detail is the resistance 
to oxidation by the oxygen, secondarily the absorbtion/reactivity with the 
cleaning solvents.  Also care should be taken with the greases used around 
oxygen equipment; only a very limited number are safe on high pressure 
oxygen lines.

			Peter D.
From: tho@sequent.com (Torsten Homeyer)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Tank sizes/capacities
Date: 21 Dec 92 09:01:59 GMT
Article-I.D.: sequent.1992Dec21.090159.3822
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.

In article <1992Dec19.132720.7001@nntp.hut.fi> s32905u@saha.hut.fi (Jouni Ilari Polkko) writes:
>In article <1992Dec17.154302.26112@sequent.com> tho@sequent.com (Torsten Homeyer) writes:
>>	Yes, same as in Germany. These tanks are also build by Draeger
>>	and are quiet common used by police, firebrigade and coast guard
>>	divers. Mostly in sizes smaller than 10 liters.
>
>Dr{ger doesn't make tanks. They use IWKA tanks and just install their
>valves, back-packs and harnesses onto the tanks and then sell them forward
>as Dr{gers.

	Thanks for clarification.
	As Draeger isn't too good known in Germany for price reasons.

	Torsten.

-- 
Name    : Torsten Homeyer                        Phone: -49/89/420995-57
Company :       Sequent Computer Systems GmbH, Schatzbogen 56-58, 
                          8000 Muenchen 82, Germany
DOMAIN  :       tho@munsqnt.de.sequent.com
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: chesnutt@adobe.com (Stan Chesnutt)
Subject: Re: Wanted Info on Belize Agressor
Organization: Tuesday Weld Fan Club
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 00:22:55 GMT

In article <1992Dec23.161217.5191@cs.tulane.edu> rg@crayamid.cray.com (Rich Garrett) writes:
>I have am going to spend a week on the belize agressor, and would 
>appreciated any info about the boat.  

I was aboard the Belize Aggressor for one week in July of 1992.  We dove
Turneffe Reef for a a day, then steamed out to the outer Lighthouse Reef
for many days of diving amongst the outer cays.  The outer dive spots were
really verdant and did not seem to be damaged by pollution or diver assault.

We also visited the Blue Hole, which is fun to go to, once.

You asked about the boat: it is the standard Aggressor, sleeps 18, with
double staterooms.  Sinks in each room. but no head or shower.  Two
bathrooms below deck, each with sink/head/shower.  If you dive a lot, you
will not spend much time below deck (only to sleep).  If you get the top
bunk, be ready for the Coffin Nightmare, which usually gets you at least
once during the week (when you are sleeping and hazily realize that there
is a roof 12 inches over your body).

Enjoy the diving, and post a report when you return!

Stan
a bit jealous ...

-- 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Stan Chesnutt,  Adobe Systems			      chesnutt@mv.us.adobe.com
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
From: jd@mars.nwc.navy.mil (John de la Garrigue)
Subject: Re: USENIX San Diego Diving
Reply-To: jd@mars.nwc.navy.mil
Organization: Science Applications International Corporation
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 23:49:21 GMT

In article 1025@inset.com, jr@inset.com (JR Oldroyd) writes:
>
>I'm looking for recommendations for dive possibilities in San Diego,
>around the time of USENIX there (Jan 24 or 25, or both, would be great
>for me).  Main interest is wrecks, and preferably any less frequently
>dived wrecks.  Also caverns and caves.
>
>Please send suggestions to `jr@fulton.inset.com'.
>
>Also let me know if you'd be interested in joining in.
>
>	-jr

Let's see, let's see..

No caverns or caves, really, but the canyon off La Jolla Shores is pretty
spectacular.  Go early in the morning, it's a favorite spot for classes and
such, and the parking situation is really bad there.  Ditto for the Children's
Pool off La Jolla cove, just down the beach.  Keep going further down the beach
to Hospital Point - there are some really nice rock formations there, including
an arch about 30' under.  Be prepared for harbor seals - they are around, and
are fun to watch!  Further north there's a place called Swami's, in Carlsbad -
supposed to be a good spot, tho I've never tried it.  It's at the top of a large
cliff, with narrow steps down the face to the beach - looks like a pretty nasty
hike with all kinds of stuff on your back after 40 minutes in the (very cold)
water!

So much for shore diving.  The real fun is on the boat dives.  There are several
operators in San Diego harbor, and Mission Bay, I guess.  They go to the
Coronado Islands (in Mexico, but only an hour away by boat), wreck alley, the
kelp beds off Point Loma, and on and on.  Try the _Horizon_ - she's a really 
nice boat, built for diving, and the crew is great!  Or, try any of the dive
shops in town - check the phone book.  I usually deal with Sport Chalet, in
Point Loma/Sports Arena area, or University Town Center (UTC).  They usually
have good trips available.

Keep in mind that the water off San Diego right now is COLD (normal for this
time of year), and the air temperature is colder than normal.

Other than that, have a great time!

---
                __
           /  /   \
          /  /    /
   /     /  /    /
  /_____/  /____/
From: gd@gehenna.sw.stratus.com (Greg Dawe)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: Nitrox Diving
Date: 21 Dec 1992 14:18:06 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Software Engineering
NNTP-Posting-Host: gehenna.sw.stratus.com

In article <1992Dec18.200249.13155@atux01.att.com> graff@atux01.att.com (Christopher Graff) writes:
>	Im thinking about taking the Nitrox course next summer and I plan
>	to purchase a Poseidon reg setup early next year. 
>	What bit I know is that you can have 
>	Viton rings installed in the 1st stage and maybe 2nd stage of the reg.
>	and I think they install them on the tanks also. There purpose is
>	that they dont corrode fron the higher O2 concentrations so you
>	wont have to have them replaced. I was told they run about $50-60
>	. So Im going to have them installed when I buy the reg setup. 
>	Next time I get over to the shop Ill see if I can get more details.
>
Does the $60 include O-ring installation and cleaning?  For that price I hope 
so!  It probably doesn't include a cleaned HP hose and cleaned SPG, but you
won't need that for a standard ANDI/IANTD NITROX course.

I clean/service my own (and a few friends) O2 compatible regs.  We buy
our O-rings either from a dealer (like Underwater Applications who kits them
up for a particular regulator) or directly from a manufacturer.  The rings
for an average reg, like a Sherwood Brut, shouldn't cost more than $12 or so.
But you also need lubricant, solvent, clean gloves, etc - the costs mount up.
And then there's the issue of clean HP hoses and gauges for EAN mixes with 
more than 40% O2.  On top of it all, the current recommendations are that 
gear setup for O2 service should be inspected/cleaned every 6 months or so.
O2 cleaning/inspecting is probably going to turn into quite a business for
the shops how want to do it.
-- 
Greg Dawe                        | Disclaimer: I don't speak for my employer,
Voice : (508)-490-6666           |             nor they for me...
e-mail: Greg_Dawe@vos.stratus.com|