Got a Smartphone? Don’t be stupid. ;-) Get Diving Apps! #iphone #droid #blackberry #diving #scuba

If you’re as addicted to your phone as you are to diving, check out these apps to fulfill your diving urges!

iPhone Apps:

Dive Log

This native application for iPhone and iPod touch is a full featured SCUBA dive log. It is designed to work either as your primary logbook application or in conjunction with compatible 3rd party desktop logbook applications. Now you can always carry your logbook with you.

Dive Log supports location management, per dive metrics, display of uploaded dive profiles from major Dive Computer manufactures, logbook statistics, equipment support and dive buddy management. Dive Log is integrated with the native facilities of iPhone. Dive Buddy support is fully integrated with the Contacts application. The built in location services can be used to automatically enter dive site GPS coordinates (manual entry is also supported) and dive sites can be displayed on iPhone’s built in Maps application.

Trimix Tools

You can use these tools to plan your mixes prior to arriving at the dive shop or to fill your cylinder at the air station or on the boat. Calculations are provided for the best Trimix given a planned depth and a desired maximum partial pressure of oxygen and equivalent narcotic depth (END). You can also calculate the ceiling and maximum depths along with your END based on your planned mix. The dive planning tools support both salt water and fresh water calculations. The blending tools provide for filling a cylinder with a remaining mix (or empty) to a specified target mix using oxygen, helium and a topping mix (air or another available mix). You can also calculate the result of topping an existing partially filled cylinder with a specific topping mix (air or another available mix). Trimix Tools supports calculations in both metric and Imperial/US systems of measure.

Nitrox Tools

This native application for iPhone and iPod touch provides Enriched Air Nitrox blending and planning tools in your hand and available at a touch. You can use these tools at your air station to provide the information you need to fill a Nitrox tank from any existing mix (or empty). A “bleed down” calculator is provided to easily adjust an existing mix with minimum wasted oxygen. Convenience calculations are also available for Equivalent Air Depth, Maximum Operating Depth at various oxygen partial pressures and a tool to figure out the best mix for a planned depth and oxygen partial pressure. The dive planning tools support both salt water and fresh water calculations.

Nitrox Tools – To be used free of charge on the Safari browser.

This web based application is optimized for use on the iPhone and iPod touch using the built in Mobile Safari browser. Designed specifically for certified Nitrox Gas Blenders, the Nitrox Blending Tools allow for blending calculations to be made while at the fill station using your iPhone or iPod touch.

Dive Buddy (Also Available on Droid)

Dive Buddy is dubbed “the Swiss Army Knife” of scuba diving apps for the iPhone as its comprises of a comprehensive Recreational Dive Planner for Air and Nitrox gasses, Dive Log with automatic recreational air and EANx calculations, a comprehensive Dive Site database with GPS and map support, Nitrox Best blend calculator for any given depth, and the list goes on! Dive Buddy includes the functionality of several dive apps featured above all rolled into one package for a very reasonable price.

Dive Locator

Dive Locator is a handy dive site database application that contains over 4,200 dive sites and is constantly increasing. Dive Locator allows divers to share dive sites and conditions to the database thereby allowing you benefit from the experiences of other divers and to help your fellow divers as well. Additionally, Dive Locator provides current conditions including weather, temperature, humidity, winds, barometer, as well as a multi day tide tables

Droid Apps:

Dive Buddy (for details, scroll up- also available on iPhone)

Go Scuba Dive (for details, scroll down- also available on Blackberry)

Dive Book

This app is a scuba diving logbook in your mobile.You can manage your dives, locate them on google maps and get coordinates, attach pictures taken with the mobile, backup dives and pictures on the cortex-apps.com server.

Blend Me

Application that assists nitrox gas blenders in blending the correct nitrox mix for SCBÙBA divers. Please note this is an early version and some features are still missing.

Gas Mixer

A SCUBA gas mixing application. Computes required amounts of oxygen, helium, and top-up gas (air or something else) to mix nitrox and trimix. Also computes MODs, EADs, ENDs, and best mixes.

Blackberry Apps:

Go Scuba Dive!

Dive in!  Go Scuba Dive gives you easy-to-learn instructions on how to become a trained scuba diver.
Enjoy step-by-step instructions with excellent photography and illustrations to show you how to become an expert.
Sources: iTunes App Store, Blackberry AppWorld

Please note: Morse Diving, Inc. does not guarrantee these apps’ ability to function perfectly well, has no direct experience with these apps and has obtained this information from iTunes, BlackberryAppWorld, and AppsVu (for Droid). We therefore have no liability for any damage as a result of these apps. We do not necessarily endorse everything that goes with them.

See the GIANT Jellyfish! And What to Do When Stung by a Normal Sized One! #diving

Okay, so I was talking with a colleague today and she tells me a story – I have NO idea how this came up in conversation – about the time her daughter was stung by a jellyfish.

So then, of course, I get to googling these things. I found this insane video from Japan on a GIANT jellyfish. I’ve embed it below!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqfCm58SB6Y]

So, if I’m stung by one of these, do I pull a Friends-episode to take care of it?

Everyone knows the show Friends. if you don’t, let me brief you on this pop culture reference. In one of its semi-early seasons, one of the Friends –I can’t remember which one– was stung by a jellyfish. The Friends determined that if you urinate on the sting, it will heal faster.

In actuality, scientists say urine does nothing to relieve the pain. The only thing you get out of it are awkward stares.

So, no urine. Then what?

Well, of course, the first thing you do is seek medical attention. While you wait for them to arrive, you can actually apply vinegar to the sting to relieve the pain. Lots of it actually. You should flood the area and let it soak for 10 minutes. Applying pressure (if it’s on your arm or leg) can help to slow the spread of the toxin from the jellyfish. Actually, swimmers should always bring vinegar with them when they goto the beach. Be like a boyscout– prepared!

No Vinegar?

Use the salt water from the ocean and mix it with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Again, soak for 10 minutes so you can remove the tentacles safely. But do not rub the infected area or wash it with cold water. That will only speed up the toxin’s dissemination. Remove tentacles with tweezers or a stick. Safely!!! Don’t hurt yourself.

What Does Shaving Cream Have to Do With This?

Applying shaving cream to the infected area after you’ve soaked it for 10 minutes in the vinegar will eradicate any remaining “nematocysts” (say that three times fast!). In other words, by shaving the infected area, you’ll be eliminating any excess jelly sting debris.

You’ll probably want to also stock up on Tylenol or Advil to alleviate the pain until it is all gone.

Thanks for tuning in!

Oh and check out our new logo if you haven’t already!!!

Sources: WebMD, YouTube, ABCNews

Did you guys hear about this? Discovery of Sunken WW2 Ship #diving #scuba #awesome

I caught an article from the Vancouver Sun online recently– surprising especially because we’re in Rockland, MA! However, we love to stay in the know about what’s going on with diving.

Vancouver Sun names these two heros Canadian Scuba Sleuths! (What a cool title!) They’re actually referring to a father-son duo who star on the History Channel show Dive Detectives: Mike and Warren Fletcher. The team discovered a sunken World War 2 Vessel known as the USS Flier, which sank on August 13, 1944 — over 66 years ago! Check out this pull quote:

The USS Flier was lost after it struck a mine in the Balabac Strait entrance to the South China Sea on Aug. 13, 1944 — 66 years to the day before a memorial service for the lost seamen was held Friday at a Michigan naval museum.

The story goes on to get more dramatic. Aside from the tragic deaths of 78 men on-board the vessel, 14 of them swam for eighteen hours to land upon the vessels’ sinking— and only 8 actually reached shoreline, which ended up being an island without drinking water. Once discovered by US sympathizers, the 8 men were eventually brought home to the US.

“Sometimes, but not often, television is more than just television. Finding the Flier was one of those moments.”

Feel free to check out the full article. It’s extremely moving. Click here!

Night Diving – And Check Out These Pics! #diving #scuba

Night Diving… Why on Earth Would I Ever Do a Thing Like That??

EASY! It’s wicked wicked cool.

If you’re looking for a new way to dive, going at night allows you to see a multitude of new creatures you normally wouldn’t see during the day. Aesthetically, the colors pop at night– making this an entirely new visual experience.

If you are thinking of night diving, you should probably go somewhere you’ve been before– during the daylight. That way, you won’t necessarily be caught completely off-guard by a new, mysterious environment.

While I feel like I’ve recommended this before, it doesn’t hurt to say it again. Don’t go diving alone. Make sure you have a buddy with you.

Aim your light downward when you go night diving and stay close to your buddy. It’s actually smart to bring a back up light as well in case the first goes out. Don’t shine it in your buddy’s face as a joke or as a way to blind him. It’s not nice. And if you do this to a fish, you could really startle them. You want to be moving slowly. You are a guest in their house. Got it? (Shameless Plug: We sell Dive Lights at our online store: www.MorseDiving.com)

Some AWESOME photos from fans like you!!! These come from Diver Kathrin Hatchenberg:
PS – Try to guess what these sea creatures are!!!



Source: About.com

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We LOVE @TheThreeP Holiday and Dive Resort- Get 10% Off Your Stay If You Mention @MorseDiving #diving #scuba #vacation

We just got to connect with this BEAUTIFUL resort on Twitter. The management is so friendly that we decided to share it with you guys! If you are as wooed as we are by the stunning vistas and great prices, then you should go. @TheThreeP was nice enough to offer a special Morse Diving discount to our readers – 10% off! Go now!!

Check out these beautiful photos from their resort!
WHERE YOU’D STAY

AND THEN, THERE’S THE DIVING!

Below, you’ll find a map showing all of their dive locations!

For a complete list of prices, you can check out their website.

And remember, you get 10% OFF IF YOU MENTION MORSE DIVING!!!! Call it a Morse Diving Discount!

For more information, connect with them on their homepage and their Twitter!! :)

Diving with Sharks – A Few Tips From Morse Diving


-Before you go diving, briefly research the area to see what types of sharks most commonly frequent the water.

-If you are in the water (swimming or diving) and you see the fish and the turtles start to freak out and vacate the area, that is usually an indication that a shark is coming. You should probably leave too.

-If you didn’t leave in time, and you see a shark approaching, remember that you are a guest in the shark’s house. Not the other way around. If you see a shark, don’t make the first move. Don’t be the one to initiate confrontation.

-Be aware of where the shark is, but do not stare it. Do you like being stared it? Chances are that you don’t. The shark doesn’t like it either. Watch him out of the corner of your eye.

-Fit in with the topography of your area. Try to stay as still as possible. And stay low. Any sudden movements will aggravate the shark. If you’re swimming, this means refraining from flailing or splashing excessively.

-Don’t travel in packs. In other words, don’t stick to your fellow divers in the company of the shark. It may look like you are ganging up on him. This does not mean dive alone, as that is way more dangerous. Just don’t cluster.

-Scuba Suits made out of kevlar are not shark-proof. They are cut- proof, but do not protect you from the impact/pressure of a shark attack.

-Swimming in murky water or swimming at night increases the chances of a shark attack.

-Do not wear high-contrast anything. Shark’s vision is extremely keen on contrasting colors. So don’t even think about wearing your neon green wetsuits and your hot pink diving helmets. The 80s are over anyway.

-Sharks are pretty stealth too. If you feel something just brush up against you, you might have actually been bitten. There have been reports of people not even feeling pain when bitten by a shark.

-If is attacking you, quit playing defensively. Hit him with everything you have got. Anything that can be used as a weapon could save your life. Go for his snout as it is known to be sensitive.

-If you are bitten, do your best to stop the bleeding by applying a lot of pressure. Seek medical attention immediately even if it “doesn’t seem that bad”.

Sources: ElasmoResearch, National Geographic.

Examiner Coins “Sharkmania” in Light of Many Shark Sightings in MA

Mari DeAngelis of the Examiner.com-Boston calls the recent influx of great white sharks in the MA beaches, “Sharkmania” (Examiner). It’s really one of those terms that could cut loose on Twitter… I wouldn’t be totally surprise if it already has!

As reported by 7News-WHDH Boston, a portion of Chatham, a popular beach destination on the cape has recently been closed down due to several sighting of sharks (7News). DeAngelis reports that scientists believe the sharks’ clamoring to the MA ocean area could be due to “a growing seal population” (Examiner).

DeAngelis sheds light on how to report a shark sighting:

Public officials ask that anyone who thinks they have spotted a shark to report it immediately. To report shark sightings, contact the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries at 508-965-4394. In the Chatham area, call the harbormaster’s office at 508-945-5185, or the police department at 508-945-1213.

Of course, you should call the local authorities in your area if you ever see a shark in order to protect fellow beachgoers! Stay tuned as I think my next post will discuss what to do when you’re diving and happen to come across one of these nautical beasts!