In all the years I have been diving and teaching I get this question asked a lot. My answer is simple YES but, (I know there is always a “BUT”), you have to receive good training!

I recently looked as some statistics published by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. In the year 2020 the total number scuba diving fatalities only total 6. Think about that for a moment, ONLY 6.

How many scuba dives were made in Los Angeles County in 2020? Let’s take a guess..ummmm..10,0000-20,000 or even 100,000? I don’t know, but only 6 fatalities. On a summer weekend, Casino Point-Catalina Island, has approximately 300+ divers who do an average of 2-3 dives a day. Do the math. It seems the risk is very low compared to other sports.

Los Angeles County also posted 2020 scuba diving injuries statistics within the County. They totaled a little over 100. Again, looking at how many dives were made in Los Angeles County, the ratio is very, VERY low.

ASK YOURSELF, “IS SCUBA DIVING SAFE”? You be the judge.

My passion for diving started in 1972 when I was a very young teenager. I still have that same passion today, many, MANY years later. Why?  Every dive I make is like my first, the underwater world is INCREDIBLE!

To be safe in this sport, you must receive good training. There are many, professionals who teach and provide good training. All of us at ALOHA DIVE are part of that group of professionals within the dive industry.

Call or Email ALOHA DIVE for questions you might have. chris@dive-aloha.com.

By: Chris Russello

NASE West Coast Regional Instructor Training Director
NAUI Instructor Trainer

As a Veteran Scuba Diver for over four decades and a Dive Leader Professional for many years I have seen a lot of changes in the Scuba Diving Industry.

A new year is upon us and as technology keeps advancing on-line shopping keeps growing and growing which spells bad news for the small Mom and Pop retail stores, including Dive Retail stores who find it harder to complete.

The other day I was browsing the “threads” on a scuba diving chat room and I came across a very interesting question which read “I am a newly certified diver where do I go to buy my own equipment”? Some of the answers were  “shop on-line you will get a better price”, “Go to your local dive store, look at equipment, ask some questions, then go on-line to get a better price”, “Buy on-line rather than your local dive shop because you get a better selection, the local dive retailer will only sell you what they carry and want to push you out the door” and “Get a quote on-line and go to your local dive retailer to see is they match pricing”.

I thought to myself, are you people “NUTS”?Don’t you understand how important it is to have the right scuba diving equipment, THIS IS LIFE SUPPORT!  Scuba Diving

Retail stores are staffed with PROFESSIONALS who understand how important it is to have the right equipment for the right type of diving in order for an individual to be safe underwater.Remember folks we are going from our natural environment to an unnatural environment.

I posted on this chat room some simple questions, “when you buy on-line who assembles or tests your gear?”  “How do you know on-line what type of gear is right for you for the type of diving you are going to do?” “Do you know the difference in the type of gear, i.e. balanced vs. unbalanced regulators?”  The bit about going to your local dive retailer, asking questions then buying on-line, PO’ed me the most, if a person does this; they have no morals or ethics.  Dive Store Retailers are your personal tailors in the Scuba business, I have said it before and I will say it again, they have the knowledge and experience to keep you safe underwater and if you visit their store and “pick their brains” about equipment, then you should buy from them! You might be surprised if you ask them to price match they might!

Keep your local dive retailers in business by supporting them. If the on-line trend in buying scuba equipment continues there might come a day, I hope not, when Scuba Retailers will be very, very few or none at all and if that happens how are people going to get all the other services they provide ( Scuba Certification Training, Rentals, Equipment Service, Air Fills etc), something to think about.

I have stated earlier, on-line technology has made is very easy purchase when you are home, at the office, or on the phone etc, however Scuba Equipment is a specialty, so get off your derriere “tush” and visit your local dive retailer.

ALOHA DIVE is your full service Scuba facility.

This is the opinion of one; I welcome any and all questions, comments etc. Please email us at aloha@dive-aloha.com

Until we talk again, be safe and keep diving.

Chris R
Aloha Dive

Scuba Diving is a wonderful sport.  Not only do you see things that most people only dream about but being in the water is one of the few environments where there are no phones, faxes or text messages.  The pure joy of dropping down and seeing a Giant Black Sea Bass or a harbor seal buzzing around you is amazing.  Giant kelp beds swaying in the water…just beautiful!  But, to keep the sport safe you should invest in yourself.

Why do I say to keep the sport safe?  Dive gear is a very personal thing and is very dependable.  It is your LIFE SUPPORT!  To be safe (after all we are visiting an environment where neither man nor woman was designed to go) you need gear that fits correctly and is comfortable, designed for the type of diving you will do, and you need to be trained in the proper use of the equipment.  Each piece of gear has a specific function and purpose and you need to understand the gear you are using.  You also need to keep it serviced at the recommended intervals.

An authorized dealer understands the products they sell.  They know the features, benefits, applications, are authorized and TRAINED to fit, assemble and service the gear.  They also provide the service of being the link between you and the manufacturer for sales, service, warranty repairs and recalls.

Most of us have heard the expression, “if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!”  This holds true for dive gear.  It is very easy to purchase gear online and for a “great” price.  But is it really such a good deal?  Are they an authorized dealer?  For example, many Internet sellers acquire the products they sell through gray market, or third-party channels.  They are not authorized to sell or service the products, they are not trained by the manufacturer and will probably not ship it assembled.  It might even be sold without the original parts or may have been used and returned.  For these reasons most manufacturers will not warrant products sold by unauthorized resellers, so they are selling it without a warranty enclosed or may include their own warranties that look valid by are not recognized by the manufacturer.  Additionally, you will not be notified if a particular product has a recall or an update.  How do you know if they are an authorized dealer?  Call the manufacturer directly or go to their website and check for authorized dealers.  If they are not on the list, check with the manufacturer directly and verify.

Here at ALOHA DIVE we strongly believe that the commitment to become a diver, and not just be certified, includes investing in yourself and purchasing dive gear.  It is a good investment and can last years of diving and travel.  It can take you to incredible places and give you memories that will last a life time while keeping you safe.  You know how it has been serviced and how it performs.  You are comfortable.  Our saying is “comfort + safety = enjoyment.”

At ALOHA DIVE, we sell gear from some of the worlds largest and most reputable manufacturers.  We know the products and can recommend what is best for you.

These are the opinions of the author and I invite any and all comments.