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OCEANIC+ Turns Apple Watch Ultra into dive-computer

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  Basic display on the Apple Watch Ultra with Oceanic+ app The Apple Watch Ultra, which goes on sale on 23 September, can be used as a dive-computer at depths down to 40m with the addition of a new version of the Oceanic+ app already used with iPhones. The £849 Ultra is certified to WR100 (waterproof to 5 bar), twice the resistance of the Apple Watch Series 8, to allow it to be used with air or nitrox at normal recreational scuba depths. It is also certified to EN13319, the international standard for depth gauges and other dive accessories.  The watch has its own basic built-in Depth app, which shows current time, depth and maximum depth while under water (to a maximum 40m), but Apple has also linked up with Huish Outdoors, which owns the Oceanic brand, to turn the Apple Watch Ultra into what they both describe as a “capable dive-computer”. Safety stop guidance The Oceanic+ app is based on a Bühlmann decompression algorithm. The watch’s new Action button can be programmed to l...

Review of the Garmin Descent MK2i

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  Building on the success of the Descent Mk1 GARMIN have released their eagerly awaited GARMIN Descent Mk2 and MK2i. As Divers we all love the latest shiny bits of kit and we will look to unpack what’s on offer and what its really like to dive with. This is a world class above and below water multisport watch. It’s based around the world class Fenix 6 multisport smart watch architecture with the added bonus of the dive computer and with the ‘i’ variant air integration. There aren’t many sports this watch doesn’t cover from Golf to mountain biking and running to name a few. It even has wrist-based heart rate monitoring including a Pulse Oximeter. Garmin have used premium materials such as Titanium and the added physical benefit of an easily detachable watch strap, it really looks the part either under or on top of the water. The watch benefits from an excellent surface GPS that is useful for entry and exit points and before anyone asks GPS still does not work underwater so it won’t ...

New Garmin Descent G1 dive computer

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  Sports tech specialist Garmin has announced the launch of its latest watch-style dive computer, the Descent G1 Solar. Following in the footsteps of the Descent Mk1 and Descent Mk2/Mk2S, the new dive computer comes packaged with 24/7 health and wellness features, smartwatch functionality and optional solar charging, all packed into a rugged design. ‘Whether you are looking to purchase your first dive computer or wanting to support your active lifestyle, our Descent G1 Series is the ideal companion for all types of divers who appreciate having a multisport smartwatch for all other aspects of life topside,’ said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. ‘Descent G1 Solar builds upon Garmin’s innovative dive technology line-up with the addition of solar charging, allowing customers more time to enjoy their topside activities.’ Garmin Descent G1 design The Garmin Descent G1 features an easy-to-read, high-contrast display built into a 45mm watch case which is rated to...

New Pics From:

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- Bonaire - Curazao, Netherlands - San Andres - Malpelo, Colombia Link: Os-Travel

Hilma Hooker Shipwreck, Bonaire

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The Hilma Hooker is a shipwreck in Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands. It is a popular wreck diving site. In the summer of 1984, the Hilma Hooker had engine problems at sea and was towed to the port of Kralendijk, Bonaire. It was already under surveillance by drug enforcement agencies. Docked at the Town Pier, local authorities boarded the ship for an inspection when her captain was unable to produce any of the requisite registration papers. A false bulkhead was discovered, and held within was 25,000 lb (11,000 kg) of marijuana. The Hilma Hooker and her crew were subsequently detained while the local authorities on Bonaire searched for the vessel's owners, who were never found. The Hilma Hooker came to rest on a sand flat between two coral reef systems in an area known to divers as Angel City. The wreck has subsequently become a prime attraction fo...

Dive Planning: Verzasca

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The  Valle Verzasca  is a valley in the  Locarno district  of the  Canton of Ticino ,  Switzerland . It comprises the municipalities of  Mergoscia ,  Vogorno ,  Corippo ,  Lavertezzo ,  Brione ,  Gerra ,  Frasco , and  Sonogno . As of 2004, the total population of 3,200. Mergoscia is at the geographical center of the Ticino, and none of the passes out of the valley cross cantonal or national borders. The valley is formed by the  Verzasca River  and is situated between the  Leventina  and the  Maggia  and culminates at  Pizzo Barone . A diver's paradise, the river and its lateral tributaries are also suitable for practicing other sports such as  canyoning  and  kayaking . Ideal for diving are some areas in Lavertezzo (scuba tank refills are in Lavertezzo and Vogorno). Many scuba divers also enjoy photographing with remarkable results.

Preparing my first mountain lake dive

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Blausee  (literally:  Blue Lake ) is a small  lake  in the Kander valley above  Kandergrund  at 887 m, near the river  Kander . Administratively, it belongs to the  Bernese Oberland . The lake has an area of 0.64 ha. The lake can be reached by bus from the train stations of  Frutigen  or  Kandersteg . It is a popular tourist destination.