THE COVERS Articles & Editorials DECEMBER 2002 • Volume 12 Number 12 
  
By Keith Ibsen		 Diving is a gear-intensive sport. In addition to the basic scuba rig, there are numerous accessory items available - including some that you shouldn't leave shore without. In this month's feature article, "Accessorize Your Dives: Diving is Easier When You Have the Right Stuff," the author offers a guide to all the gadgetry you'll find inside your local dive center.
FEATURES
30 Accessorize Your Dives: Diving is Easier When You Have the Right Stuff
For divers, sometimes it's the little things - the accessories - that make the difference in terms of comfort, safety, and even survival. Just roam the isles and shelves of your local dive center, and you'll find all sorts of neat devices to add to your equipment package. It's choosing the right stuff for the right time and place that separates the proficient diver from the overweighted and overworked novice. 		By Robert N. Rossier
40 Cephalopod Soup: An Underwater Phenomenon
During the winter months, massive numbers of common squid invade the sandy shallow bottoms and marine canyon areas in the coastal waters of central and Southern California. When the "squid run" is on, there's no telling what fascinating underwater creatures you'll see. 		By Marty Snyderman
50 The History of Diving, Part I
The first article in a two-part series examines the exploits of the divers of antiquity, probes the evolution of the first diving machines and puts into perspective the enormous contributions made by hard-hat divers of the 19th century. 		By Alex Brylske
COMMENTARY
8 Editorial: It's Fruitcake Time Again By Alex Brylske
10 Buddy Lines: Shark Encounters  
18 Dive Observer: U.S. Coral Reefs Get Low Marks in First National Study and other news from the diving industry By Gene Gentrup
97 No Dumb Questions: Mangroves, Bandages and Dietary Concerns
Questions from our readers 		By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
72 Global Dive Exploration Map: A geographical guide to great dive destinations across the globe  
74 Dive Geo: Micronesia's Tropical Pacific Treasure: Palau: A dive destination rich in history and biodiversity By Cara Sherman
83 Dive Traveler: To-Go Gadgets and Gizmos: Little Things That Make for Happier Travel
Extras that offer ease and comfort while traveling 		By Cathryn Castle
88 Passport/Travel Briefings: Dive travel deals and updates from all over
Compiled by Gene Gentrup 		 
87 Diving USA: Dive travel opportunities across America  
EVERY MONTH
59 Scuba Skills: Handling an Out-of-Air Situation Safely: The Emergency Swimming Ascent. How to get to the surface on one breath By Lynn Laymon
63 Instructor Tips: Is It Time for a Tuneup?: Updating Your Rescue Plans. How to plan ahead and be prepared By Jeff Myers
67 Always Learning: Current Events: Wreck Diving Against the Flow. Lessons learned in a ripping current By Mark Twombly
90 Dive Shop: New products from the dive industry.
Compiled by Cathryn Castle 		 
92 Imaging: How To Enter a Photo Contest: Improving the Odds. Tips for prize-winning entries By Karen and Ian Stewart
100 Weather and Waves: Winter Weather Watch: Gearing Up for Another El Niño. Complex oceanic and atmospheric changes explained By Jack Williams
105 What's That?: Sharks: Up Close and Personal. Several species identified and explained By Marty Snyderman
107 Premier Classifieds  
109 Dive Training Classifieds  
113 Dive Training Quiz: Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue  
114 Final Check: What It Looks Like When... You Come Prepared To Dive. Don't forget your c-card - and your logbook By Lynn Laymon