Press Release
Received from: Buddy Dive

Bonairean Darion Pietersz Becomes PADI Dive Instructor Through Murphy Henar Foundation

Buddy Dive

His achievement not only serves as an inspiration to young Bonaireans aspiring to build careers in the diving industry but also demonstrates that there are multiple pathways to professional success on the island.

The Murphy Henar Foundation was established in memory of Murphy Henar, a beloved employee of Buddy Dive Resort who was known for his passion for the ocean and his commitment to mentoring young people. 

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Tech Diving: A Late in Life Guide

Curious about technical diving? Underwater photographer Don Silcock shares his experience of starting training in technical diving later in life.

Words:
Don Silcock
Images:
Don Silcock
UW photo by Chris Gamlin
Don Silcock with instructor Chris Gamblin and dive buddy Sab O’Hara after a successful dive on sidemount to 45m.
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training

Like many things in life, my technical diving itch began as a small curiosity and slowly grew into something much more compelling. It all started during the pandemic with an innocent question about the GUE training a friend of mine had recently completed.

Her answer was both honest and intriguing: It had been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it left her wanting more. Sure enough, before long, she was learning to dive with a rebreather and went on to cave diving. That got me thinking!

Press Release
Received from: Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire Welcomes New Course Director

Buddy Dive

The new course director, Rosie Alvelais Crocker, brings international teaching experience and a strong passion for professional dive training to the island.

Rosie’s journey into scuba diving began far from the ocean. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, she developed an early fascination with marine life during family beach trips. 

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Shoot Down This Myth

A routine dive trip ended in tragedy for a newly certified, inexperienced diver. The novice did not die from illness or extreme conditions, but from a series of preventable oversights, misplaced assurances and long-standing assumptions about what beginners can safely manage. Simon Pridmore debunks these myths and offers practical advice on how to avoid such casual negligence.

Words:
Simon Pridmore
Images:
Simon Pridmore
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Op'eds and commentaries

I have chosen to dedicate a column to this story, not because it is particularly dramatic, but because it is so mundane. A diver died, not through illness or because they did something wrong, and not as the result of a freak weather event, but simply due to a sequence of instances of casual negligence and the perpetuation of a myth about what new divers are qualified to do that needs to be debunked.

Press Release
Received from: NAUI

NAUI Launches Automated DAN Student Membership Program

NAUI

The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) is proud to announce a groundbreaking advancement in diver safety: the launch of the DAN Student Membership Program automation, an initiative that streamlines the process of protecting student divers through free, automatic access to DAN Student Dive Accident Insurance.

Press Release
Received from: Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort Academy IDC Program

Buddy Dive

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.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Converted! Jacket to Wing BCD

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.

Words:
Simon Pridmore
Images:
Andrey Bizyukin
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training

I write frequently about the merits of harness and wing BCD systems, not because I want to persuade all divers to use them, but because most people learn to dive using jacket-style BCDs, and I want to let divers—especially new divers—know that there are other options, so they are fully informed before they choose what to buy.

Press Release
Received from: NITDS

NAUI Worldwide Announces 2025 NAUI International Technical Diving Summit

NAUI

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.

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