THE COVERS Articles & Editorials JUNE 2001 • Volume 11 Number 6 
  
Photos by Barry Guimbellot
In this month's issue, we use our covers to highlight two stories in this issue: author Jan Neal explains why cylinder labels are a necessity in her article "Cylinder Labels: From Inspection Stickers to Tank Decals" and Lynn Laymon offers important computer tips in his article "Using A Dive Computer: Know How It Works Before Entering the Water."
FEATURES
34 Cylinder Labels: From Inspection Stickers to Tank Decals
As technical diving becomes more mainstream, the variety of gas mixtures used by divers makes cylinder labeling a necessity, but how this is accomplished is not standardized -- yet. This article takes a closer look at what labels get slapped on scuba cylinders and why.
By Jan Neal
48 The Seven Sins of Scuba: How to Avoid Diving's Dangers, Toils and Snares
It is believed, at least by some, that committing any of the seven sins buys you an eternity of damnation. When we translate the seven sins into a diving context, we find the lessons every bit as important to our physical well-being as they are in a greater context to our spiritual survival.
By Robert N. Rossier
62 Mollusks: Nudibranchs, Sea Slugs, Snails, Limpets, Abalone, Sea Hares, Clams, Scallops, Oysters, Mussels, Chitons, Octopuses, Squids and Nautiluses
This article is the fifth in a series that elaborates upon the marine animals that you and your diving pals are likely to encounter when you dive. An overview of the articles and the taxonomic system is provided in the February 2001 issue.
By Marty Snyderman
74 Pressure: Understanding the Big Squeeze
Diving involves many interesting and important scientific concepts. One such concept involves pressure. There are many nuances to pressure that can bring a greater understanding of the diving experience.
By Alex Brylske
COMMENTARY
8 Editorial: Fooled Ya! By Alex Brylske
10 Buddy Lines: Oxtox Issues  
18 Dive Observer: Down for the Count: Roving Divers 'Do a Number' in the Name of Research and other news from the diving industry By Gene Gentrup
127 No Dumb Questions: Dive Computers and Decompression, How to Use Non-Ditchable Weights, Questions from our readers By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
96 Dive Geo: Sister Act: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
Not identical twins, each sister island offers its own exciting diving and outdoor adventures.
By Karen and Ian Stewart
121 Dive Traveler: The Great Escape: How to Leave Work Behind and
Enjoy Your Vacation. Tips for a total getaway
By Barry Shuster
124 Passport: Dive travel incentives around the globe
Compiled by Cathryn Castle
 
EVERY MONTH
85 Scuba Skills: Using A Dive Computer: Know How It Works Before Entering the Water
Get the most out of today's dive technology
By Lynn Laymon
93 Always Learning: Taking Control: Looking Shoreward to Ease New-diver Anxiety
How starting out shallow can help alleviate deep fears
By Mark Twombly
89 Instructor Tips: Preventing Seasickness: A Primer for Scuba Instructors
Ways to help students avoid mal de mer
By Barry Shuster
105 Family Diving: A Parents Guide to Kids' Scuba Programs:
There's Something for All Ages. A look at the latest scuba offerings for kids
By Jeana Sciarappa Schott, Esq.
109 Dive Medicine: Vitamins: A Health Primer for Divers
A guide to vitamins and nutritional supplements
By Paul Auerbach, M.D.
115 What About: An Ocean of Life in an Unlikely Place:
Ocean animals alive - and thriving - in Utah
By Marty Snyderman
132 Dive Shop: Hot New Dive Gear
Compiled by Cathryn Castle
 
134 What's That?: Octopuses and Us, Part 3: Out and About at Night
Night-time octo observation tips
By Dee Scarr
139 Premiere Classifieds  
141 Classifieds  
145 Dive Training Quiz: Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue  
146 Final Check: What It Looks Like When... The Tank O-Ring Needs Replacing
When to spring for a new ring
By Lynn Laymon