Safety Culture - diving in the zone
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“Thank [beep] for that! How lucky were we? We better not do that again.
Don’t tell anyone though, we don’t want to look like amateurs...”
Tech and Training
Dive Instructor Arrested in 12-Year-Old Student’s Death
The arrest of dive instructor William Armstrong follows months of scrutiny after the young student died during a certification course in August 2025. As previously reported by X-Ray Magazine, the case raised serious questions about supervision, training standards and the handling of evidence in the aftermath of the accident. At the time, concerns were also voiced about missing dive computer data and the apparent lack of a thorough initial investigation.
NAUI and Ocean Reef Launch Full Face Mask Courses
The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Ocean Reef Group to offer specialty courses focused on diving with Ocean Reef full face masks. This collaboration brings together two dive industry innovators committed to safety, comfort, and expanding access to underwater exploration.
Checklists: A Rebreather Safety Strategy
Rebreather diver (Photo by Robert Hornung, CC BY 2.0)
In rebreather diving, preparation and checklists are essential for staying alive. So, why do some rebreather divers skip their checklists? Simon Pridmore takes a closer look, offering insights and tips for diving safely in an excerpt from his recent book, Technically Speaking: Talks on Technical Diving, Volume 2: Foundations and Strategies.
Why Cave Divers Still Die: Stable Failure Modes in an Overhead Environment
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Cave diver. Photo by Andrey Bizyukin.
An analysis of persistent accident mechanisms, despite modern training and technology. Technical diving instructor, cave diver and researcher Michel Ribera provides insights into fatal cave diving accidents and the factors that lead to them.
Buddy Dive Resort Academy IDC Program
Buddy Dive Resort, one of Bonaire's premier diving destinations, continues to offer its IDC, a comprehensive and internationally recognized program that trains aspiring scuba instructors to the highest professional standards. Held year-round in the idyllic setting of Bonaire, the IDC at Buddy Dive has become the go-to course for divers looking to advance their careers and gain PADI Instructor certification.
Are you an aspiring diver looking to go professional? Buddy Dive academy offers the chance and resources for you to become an instructor.
Mystery and Outrage Surround Death of 12-Year-Old Scuba Student
The death of 12-year-old diving student Dylan Harrison during a certification course in Texas has sent shockwaves through the international diving community. While every training fatality is tragic, the circumstances of this case—and the subsequent handling of evidence—have provoked widespread anger and calls for accountability.
Converted! Jacket to Wing BCD
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Andrey Bizyukin
There are pros and cons to using a wing BCD system, as well as the jacket-style BCD. Photo by Andrey Bizyukin.
What are the pros and cons of using a wing BCD system compared to a jacket-style BCD? Simon Pridmore and one of his readers share their views, experience and insights to help you decide which one is best for you.
New Oxygen Exposure Limits Proposed for Divers
A panel of diving medicine experts has recommended revised exposure limits for central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity when divers breathe an inspired partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) of 1.3 atmospheres. The changes are based on recent research and field experience, aiming to bring guidelines in line with modern technical and scientific diving practice.
NAUI Worldwide Announces 2025 NAUI International Technical Diving Summit
NAUI Worldwide is proud to extend a global invitation to the international diving community for the 2025 NAUI International Technical Diving Summit (NITDS), hosted by NAUI Affiliate North Florida Cave Training, taking place Friday, October 31 through Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Fort White, Florida.
Discover Florida Cave Diving
For divers worldwide, Florida is more than just shore and boat dives; it’s also home to some of the most legendary freshwater cave systems on the planet.
Announcing Bonaire TeK 2025 at Buddy Dive Resort
Buddy Dive Resort is getting ready for the 14th edition of Bonaire TeK – Caribbean’s premier tec diving event - set to take place September 27 through to October 3, 2025.