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LP Manifolds and Switch Blocks
The Scuba Doctor offers a large variety of manifolds and gas switch blocks for recreational, technical, rebreather, sidemount and commercial diving applications.
Warning
Every time we sell a manifold or switch block, we shudder a little bit. The gas switch block is used in primarily by hookah surface supply divers to switch from surface supply to emergency bailout gas. Manifolds are primarily used in gas distribution systems. But the key here is that there are not different gas mixtures involved.
Unfortunately divers sometimes get the idea to match these products up with multiple cylinders and/or or quick disconnects to create some type of elaborate system for rapid switching between different gas mixtures and/or cylinders. Gas switching errors are very often involved in technical diving accidents. Over the years we've learned about several near misses and fatalities that were directly attributable to mistakes with switch blocks that were connected to different gas mixtures. No matter how careful the diver, or how many safeguards, we think using switch blocks with different mixtures is a very bad idea.
PADI Wreck Diver
Whether purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, or lost as the result of an accident, wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, airplanes and even cars are fascinating to explore and usually teem with aquatic life. Each wreck dive offers a chance for discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying something others have missed. The PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course is popular because it offers rewarding adventures while observing responsible wreck diving practices.
What You'll Learn
Your training starts by reviewing guidelines for researching and respecting wrecks. You'll also learn:
- Safety considerations for navigating and exploring wrecks.
- Surveying and mapping a wreck.
- Using penetration lines and reels to guide exploration.
- Techniques to avoid kicking up silt or disturbing the wreck and its inhabitants.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Age Requirement
16 years or older
Course Prerequisites
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or proof of equivalent diver certification from another training organisation
Time Commitment
Approximately 4 hours
Equipment
It's best to use your own scuba equipment, including a dive computer, plus a dive light to see the wreck, a slate and underwater compass for mapping and navigation. Your PADI Instructor can help you find the equipment that is appropriate for local wreck Diving.
Personal Equipment — You'll need to provide your own bathing suit and towel. For your personal hygiene and comfort, there are some things that we simply choose not to provide you with, and this is more out of concern for your health and well-being than anything else. These include:
- Snorkel — Risk of orally transmitted diseases
- Mask — To prevent masks fogging, divers spit in their masks. Would you like to put on your face something that someone else has recently spat in?
- Gloves — Dermatitis
- Dive Boots — Tinea is a nasty fungal bug that loves to jump from one person to another
- Fins — Complete your own snorkelling kit
If you don't already have them, you can buy these items in our dive shop online or in-store. Our experienced dive shop staff can help you with the right equipment choices.
Rental Equipment — Rental gear is not included in the price. The Scuba Doctor has high-quality BCDs, Regulators with Dive Computers, Scuba Cylinders, Wetsuits and Weight Belts available for hire. See Scuba Equipment Rental for details.
![Halcyon Infinity 30lb System [SS Small Backplate]](/diveshop/images/halcyon/Halcyon-Evolve-Wing.jpg "Halcyon Infinity 30lb System [SS Small Backplate]")
