THE COVERS
Articles & Editorials
February 2012 • Volume 22 Number 2

    

Photos by Barry & Ruth Guimbellot

As in any relationship, good buddying as divers starts with good
communication. This month's cover feature, "True Togetherness:
Exploring the Buddy System," gives divers some talking points to
cover before plugging the ol' pie hole with a regulator mouthpiece
and taking the plunge.
FEATURES
20
True Togetherness:
Exploring the Buddy System
Let's say you have a dive buddy, but do you have a buddy system? The author explains that in order to get the best of buddying up, we need a system that we put in place before we gear up and go under. Good buddying starts with having a chat with our dive partners, buddy to buddy, and finding out what "togetherness" really means to them.
By Robert N. Rossier
30
Chapter Two of 'The Complete Diver' Book Series: The Untethered Diver
and Daddy Scuba
While an individual is normally "credited" with an invention, the truth is that inventions are the result of a historical, evolutionary process in which new ideas and technology build on older ideas and technology. So, too, is the story of modern scuba. We continue to review the history of scuba diving.
By Alex Brylske
40
Safety Through Service:
Why It's Important to Take
Care of Your Scuba Gear
Your scuba equipment is your life-support system. Modern scuba gear is mechanically sophisticated and highly reliable and will function properly for years if taken care of properly and serviced regularly. And that's the key — your life-support system requires periodic service as well as
regular maintenance in order to stay in good condition.
By Linda Lee Walden
COMMENTARY
8
Editorial: Human Sponges
By Alex Brylske
10
Buddy Lines:
The Cold Truths About Ice Diving
 
12
Dive Observer:
Sunken Plane Sheds Light On Coral Reef Development
By Gene Gentrup
79
No Dumb Questions:
Questions from our readers
By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
62
Global Dive Exploration Map
A geographical guide to great dive destinations across the globe
 
64
Dive Geo:Sweet Curaçao: Exploring Diving's Secret
Getaway in the Caribbean
By Greg Laslo
72
Passport:
Dive travel deals from all over
Compiled by
Gene Gentrup
74
Diving USA
Dive travel opportunities across America
 
EVERY MONTH
51
Scuba Skills:
Removing and Replacing the Scuba Unit
On the Surface: Two Skills Rolled Into One
Off and on again with ease
By Lynn Laymon
55
Instructor Tips:
Yes, No, Maybe So:
How To Teach Decision-Making
Help students decide
By Greg Laslo
58
Always Learning: Familiar, But Completely Different:
An Underwater Photographer On Dry Land
A lesson in adapting
By Marty Snyderman
84
Dive Shop
Compiled by
Gene Gentrup
86
What’s That?: A Robust, 'Friendly' Traveler:
The California Gray Whale
A lover, not a fighter
By Marty Snyderman
92
Behind the Lens: A Common Lens Dilemma
Which lens, why, and when
By Marty Snyderman
91
Premier Classifieds
 
93
Dive Training Classifieds
 
97
Dive Training Quiz
Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue
 
98
Final Check:
What It Looks Like When…
You Orally Inflate the BC Underwater
Make sure the air stays in when inflating
By Lynn Laymon