THE COVERS Articles & Editorials

 October 2007 Volume 17 Number 10

  
PHOTOS BY JOSEPH C. DOVALA
The worlds of commercial diving and recreational diving both require training, skills and an appreciation for being underwater. The similarities end there. In this month's cover feature, "Getting In Deep: Considering a Career in Commercial Diving," author Robert N. Rossier explains the realities and opportunities of commercial diving.
FEATURES
22

Getting In Deep:
Considering a Career in Commercial Diving

Experience as a recreational diver is a good foundation for exploring the field of commercial diving. But diving into the commercial world takes another form of discipline, dedication and understanding. It's not an experience akin to some of your more cherished dive memories involving azure water, 100-foot visibility and abundant marine life. Not even close. In fact it's quite unlike anything else.

By Robert N. Rossier

 36

FEAR FACTOR:
A Physiological Perspective

Maybe you have unpleasant memories of childhood fears - the dark or lightning storms, or just from being alone. We all know what fear feels like. But understanding exactly what happens to the body under conditions of stress and how it adapts is another matter. And for divers, understanding is the key to managing fearful situations that may occur underwater.

By Alex Brylske

48 THE UNDERWATER HUNTER:
The History and
How-to of Responsible Spearfishing

What was likely man's first form of fishing, spearfishing has evolved from the primitive methods of a sharpened stick to the modern choice of a spear gun. Spearfishing today is a sport that commands a genuine respect for the underwater realm, and allows for a highly selective method of capture.

By Jesse Cancelmo

 
COMMENTARY
8 Editorial: The Plight of the Big Mamas

By Alex Brylske

10 Buddy Lines: Hooked on Mneumonics  
12 Dive Observer: Dive Schools Await Government Decision on Bridges
And other news from the diving industry
By Gene Gentrup
90 Topics
Imaging: Common Sense and Your Underwater Camera System:
Simple Tips for Photographic Success
Don't overlook the 'other things'
By Marty Snyderman
97 No Dumb Questions: Weighting for Diving, Assistance from Buddies, Lightning Strikes
Questions from our readers

By Alex Brylske

DIVE EXPLORATION
70 Global Dive Exploration Map
A geographical guide to great dive destinations across the globe
 
72 Dive Geo: Pleasantly Surprised
in the Philippines: Diving Puerto Galera
A sea of mixed culture
By Joseph C. Dovala
83 Dive Traveler: Flight Planning and the
Public Charter: What You Need to Know
Before You Book Air Travel
Plain talk about plane travel
By Patricia Luebke
87 Passport:
Dive travel deals from all over
Compiled By Gene Gentrup
88 Diving USA:
Dive travel opportunities across America
 
EVERY MONTH
59 Scuba Skills: Successful Safety Stops:
It's a Matter of Control
Tried-and-true techniques
By Lynn Laymon
63 Instructor Tips: And Then There Was the Time...
Telling Stories That Teach
How to captivate students

By Robert N. Rossier

67 Always Learning: Honoring a High-Wattage Friendship: Remembering My Friend Jim
Thoughts 'outside the box'
By Marty Snyderman
94 Dive Shop Compiled By Gene Gentrup
101 What's That?: Sea Creatures With Big Appeal: Charismatic Megafauna
Sizing up marine life
By Marty Snyderman
107 Premier Classifieds  
108 Behind the Lens: Get Close,
Get Low, Shoot Up
'Get rid of the water'
By Marty Snyderman
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 Make Positive Identification
How to find your gear
By Lynn Laymon