Diving liveaboard in Thailand and Myanmar
  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Marine life in the Andaman Sea
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Guest Book
    • Diving in Thailand in 2022-2023 >
      • Ranong Departures >
        • 3D Thailand: Surin National Park
        • 4D Thailand from Ranong 5pm-7pm
        • 5D Thailand: Surin and Similan
        • 6D Thailand: Surin and Similan end to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: Surin and Similan from Ranong
        • 8D Thailand: North & South
        • Alternative itineraries for full charter >
          • 4D4N Evening to morning - Surin Similan
      • Khao Lak Departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Khao Lak to Phuket
        • 5D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: From Khao Lak to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 7D North Khao Lak to Khao Lak
        • 8D North & South Andaman Thailand
      • Phuket departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Phuket
        • 5D South Andaman: Lanta and Tarutao National Parks
        • 6D North Andaman: Phuket to Khao Lak
        • 8D Thailand: South & North
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Diving in Myanmar | Burma dive cruises >
      • 6D Burma : South Mergui Archipelago
      • 7D Burma: dive Black Rock
      • 8D Burma: Undiscovered Mergui
      • 9D Burma: Exploration trip
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a PADI specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Accommodation in Ranong
    • SHA+ hotels in Phuket
    • Bungalows in Koh Phayam
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
    • Covid-19 news & infos >
      • COVID-19 update travel to Thailand
      • Covid-19 protection on-board
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Whale shark expedition - 4 Feb 2023 - North and South
    • Manta rays expedition - 19 Mar 2023
    • Photo clinic + Blackwater 23 Jan 2024
    • UW Photo clinic North Andaman 31 Jan 2024
    • Manta rays expedition - 18 Feb 2024
    • Whale Shark Special - 19 Mar 2024 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts

Why you should dive Nitrox on your next liveaboard?

23/4/2022

0 Comments

 
Why you should dive Nitrox on your next liveaboard?

What’s the difference between air and Nitrox?

The air we breathe everyday is as a gas made of 21% oxygen, 78 nitrogen and 1% other gas.
Nitrox, also called enriched air, is a mix of the same gaz but in a different proportion, we enrich the air with extra oxygen so the oxygen proportion is bigger. Its name: Nitrox comes from the combination of Nitrogen and Oxygen.
We refer to Nitrox according to its oxygen percentage, for example a Nitrox 32 contains 32% oxygen and is the most commonly used.
What are the advantages of using Nitrox?

What are the advantages of using Nitrox?

If you remember your Open Water theory class, the amount of nitrogen entering your tissues is what limits the time you can spend at a certain depth.
The more nitrogen in the body, the more we risk a decompression sickness. Using Nitrox allows the diver to have less nitrogen in his blood within a given diving time, which gives Nitrox divers many advantages:
Picture
Picture
  • The ability to stay longer at a certain depth before reaching the same nitrogen blood level.
  • For example, if you dive at 30 meters, you could spend about 20 minutes on air before a decompression stop becomes compulsory, 30 minutes with a nitrox 32 and 40 minutes with a nitrox 36!
  • Having less nitrogen in your body also means your surface intervals could be shorter (which is a big advantage in some situation when you want to squeeze in 2 dives in a limited time).
  • I’m planning to dive with my friend who dives one air, what’s the point diving nitrox? Even if you follow the same dive profile as air divers, you will be far less tired then if you were diving on air and far safer as you will be further away from a risk of decompression sickness.
  • The nitrogen tissues desaturation is what tires you so much after a long dive. The less you have nitrogen in your blood, the less tired you will fill.
What are the advantages of using Nitrox?

What are the disadvantages of using Nitrox?

The “depth level” notion is the main disadvantage of Nitrox: the less nitrogen in your nitrox, the more oxygen you breathe. Oxygen becomes toxic with depth and it is important not to exceed a certain partial pressure or you risk in water-convulsions (which may lead to drowning!) These events are extremely rare and easily avoidable if you follow the brief. Nitrox is safer than air if used within its limits.

Can I dive deeper with Nitrox?

It is generally believed that Nitrox is used for very deep dives, but the reality is that it is a gas allowing longer diving time in mid-deep waters, perfect for recreational dives between 20 and 30 meters deep.
The only thing you need to know to dive using Nitrox is that beyond a specific depth, the oxygen becomes toxic. Nitrox being rich in oxygen, it becomes dangerously toxic, faster (less deep) than normal air.
But don’t get scared, after your course, you will know very well what will be your maximum depth on any given nitrox mix and plan your dive accordingly to stay safe!
Can I dive longer with Nitrox?

Can I dive longer with Nitrox?

Nitrox will make your NDL (no deco limit) time longer but if you breath through your gas fast, you will still need to ascend before being “out of air”. So it will make your dive longer only if you are good with air consumption. While Nitrox has many advantages, reducing your breathing rate isn’t one of them and you should not see any noticeable change on your air consumption when switching to Nitrox.
Can I dive longer with Nitrox?

Where can we dive with Nitrox?

Nitrox is used everywhere in the world, and it becomes really advantageous when doing multiple dives a day such as on dive cruises.
Do I need another certification to dive nitrox?
Nitrox is used everywhere in the world

Do I need another certification to dive nitrox?

Yes! Because of the danger associated with diving nitrox, which are different from the dangers of diving with air (which you have learned during your open water course), you will need to learn a few more things to dive safely with Nitrox.
The Nitrox course is the most taught speciality in the diving industry, not only it is the easiest and quickest diving course, it can be done without even getting wet.
On the MV Smiling Seahorse, we teach Padi Enriched Air Nitrox for 6000 THB. It can be easily done onboard in a few hours but can also be done online before coming through PADI e-learning. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!
Want to reed more fishy stories? Check our most popular blogpost!
0 Comments

How To Make your Life Easier When Diving In a Current

15/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Most of the best dives are in a location where you are likely to meet strong currents. Take as example our beautiful Mergui Archipelago: currents bring nutrients and therefore lots of underwater life. But, it can be tricky to navigate, especially if you can't drift with it because the underwater topography doesn't allow it. Below you will find a few tips to make your immersion more comfortable and safe!
How To Make your Life Easier When Diving In a Current

1) CHECK THE CURRENT FROM THE SURFACE ​

If there are any marker buoys at the surface, have a look at them. Usually if there is some current you will see it splitting at the marker level. It will give an indication of the direction and the speed.
Check the tide timetable, it could give you indications of whether the tide is going down (you have more chance to have a North to South current), or up (South to North current). Currents are weakest when its at its highest or lowest point so depending on the dive site you want to explore, this can be a great time to dive.
Ask the diving professionals or the captain of the boat. They might know how to read the water movement from the surface and can even give you tips to be able to understand it yourself.  
Picture

2) USE AN APPROPRIATE ENTRY / DESCENT
​

Depending where you want to dive, you will have to chose the best and safest entry.
  • if you can find shelter at the surface: (a rock or island rising out of the water)
If you are diving from a big boat, it might be easier for the dive group to jump into a dinghy. This can allow you to get as close as possible to the entry point where you can be protected from a strong surface current which could make you drift away from the dive site before descending. Thereby, especially for beginners, you can still go into the water positively buoyant and take your time to go descend slowly.
  • If you dive a pinnacle (underwater mountain) :
From a big boat or a dinghy, the best way to enter will be with a negative entry (with no air in your BCD). You will not be affected by the surface current and will be able to go straight down and meet the group at the bottom.
The divers world...

3) BE STREAMLINED

If you have to swim against the current, you have to maintain a horizontal position in order to reduce water resistance. Proper weighting is the key of being streamlined!
Moreover, make sure all your equipment is streamlined. Any alternate air source hose, torch or pointer dangling off your gear can get stuck in the reef or make your movements more difficult.
If you are photographer, diving into current with very big cameras can be tricky. If you have the option to take a smaller device for strong current dives, don't hesitate!
If you find yourself out of breath or too tired to kick against the current, stay close to the bottom and find a piece of rock or dead coral to rest. You can also pull yourself with one or two fingers to help you reach the point of interest. Obviously do this while staying respectful to the environment; Don't touch anything alive, and limit contact as much as possible.

4) WATCH THE FISH!

Watching how this fish move can give you an idea of how to deal with the current.
For example, if you see a fish close to a rock staying still, you would want to seek shelter in the same place if you want to rest.
If you see a fish swimming in a vertical head up position along a wall or a slope, you understand that you will have to face a down current; don't panic and adjust your buoyancy.
Schools of barracuda or trevally hunt swimming against the current so seeing this behaviour can give you an indication of current direction. You can also observe how strong they are swimming to have an idea of the strength of the current.
Fish can manage with currents

5) ALWAYS THINK ABOUT SAFETY FIRST

- You will use more gas fighting the current, so check your air gauge more often.
- You might have to stay in deep areas to find shelter or to observe the underwater life revolving around you. Be careful to watch your No Decompression Limit closely!
- If you get caught in an uncontrollable current and have to end the dive, deploy your Surface Marker Buoy as soon as possible so the captain can follow you from the surface during your safety stop. It will avoid surfacing far away from the boat and long swims.
- Dive with a professional or experienced diver who can give you advice on your technique and guide you around the dive site safely.
​- If you don't feel comfortable, end the dive! Your well-being is the most important thing to consider.
Happy diving team!
0 Comments

Are you properly weighted for your dive?

3/6/2020

0 Comments

 
"How much weight do I need?" "Should I take one more kilo to be sure?", "how do I know when I can shed one more weight from my belt?".
These are very common questions asked to dive professionals all over the world. 

​Good buoyancy control is a crucial part of diving which allows you to dive safely, while avoid damaging the reef or your equipment. When properly weighted, you will consume less air, and generally enjoy your dive more.
Although mastering this art requires time and practice, a very good place to start is with appropriate weighting!
wonderful coral reef in Burma

Read More
0 Comments

How to be an eco friendly diver and Underwater photographer

25/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Now, more than ever, we are being conscious of our impact on the planet and its ecosystems. We take new steps every day towards more sustainable lifestyles, and that is just amazing.

That being said, there’s still a long way to go in terms of humans reconnecting with nature, and we must change a maximum of behaviours in many aspects of our lives. Here, we are going to discuss responsible scuba diving. Basically, are you an eco-friendly diver ?

​Let’s bring to light some considerations you should be aware of for the next time you go visit the underwater world, from fin kicks to photography skills, we got you covered! 
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

5 Things You Should Do During Surface Intervals

12/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Surface intervals are not always enjoyed by eager divers but they are so important!
Multiple dives per day make you accumulate a lot of Nitrogen into your body which makes these breaks even more necessary during a dive cruise. Those times between the dives are essential to lower Nitrogen in your tissues and avoid Decompression Sickness (DCS)! 

Safety first !
5 things you should do during your surface interval blog post header

Read More
0 Comments

How to avoid ear injury while scuba diving

29/12/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
One of the most common injuries while diving is a painful Middle Ear barotrauma, I’m sure you all felt a squeeze in your ears, even when only snorkeling and trying to go a few centimeters below the surface without equalizing, while diving, your ear are subject to the pressure around you and this squeeze can become very painful and cause serious permanent damage to your ear.

As you might know, pressure increase when going deeper below the surface. Your middle ear is a dead air space, connected to the back of your throat by the normally closed Eustachian canals, if you fail to fill up this space with air when the pressure around you increases (this is called equalizing) this is what’s happening:


Read More
2 Comments

    The Smiling Seahorse Diving Blog

    A blog about our diving adventures in Burma and Thailand. Diving trip reports, guest reviews, fishy stories, wildlife fun facts and much more...
    Picture
    Search on this blog:

    Picture

    Authors

    ​The Smiling Seahorse has been running dive cruises from Ranong since 2012.
    Our team of instructors are reporting with a short blogpost after every trip.
    Camille, Franck and some guest writers also contribute during the off season writing on various topics.
    Keep tuned for more fishy stories :)
    Picture
    Want to receive the next articles via email?
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Diving Burma/Myanmar
    Diving In Thailand
    Diving News
    Diving Security
    Environment Protection
    Fun Facts
    In The Press
    Marine Life Fish ID
    Mergui Archipelago
    Most Popular
    Nitrox Dive
    North Andaman
    Reviews
    Richelieu Rock
    Scuba Diving Various
    Similan Islands
    South Andaman
    Surin Islands
    Trip Reports

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    March 2014
    September 2013
    May 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    July 2012
    April 2012

    RSS Feed

    See also...

    - About Myanmar liveaboards
    ​- Best Burma dive sites
    ​- Marine life in Andaman Sea
    ​- The Mergui Archipelago
    ​
    - Best dive site in Thailand

Our dive cruises

Our schedule and prices
​Dive in Thailand
​Dive in Myanmar
​Discover our boat
Our blog
​
GCS
Picture
Picture

More information

Our pictures
Our videos
​
In the press
Our guest book
Privacy policies
​Partners

The Smiling Seahorse

170 Ruangrat Rd, Tambon khao nivet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000​
Phone: +66860110614​
​Mail: info@thesmilingseahorse.com

www.thesmilingseahorse.com/
​

TripAdvisor

Picture
Responsible Manta Tourism Operator
TAT Licence number : 31/00935
© COPYRIGHT 2018-2020. The Smiling Seahorse ​
  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Marine life in the Andaman Sea
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Guest Book
    • Diving in Thailand in 2022-2023 >
      • Ranong Departures >
        • 3D Thailand: Surin National Park
        • 4D Thailand from Ranong 5pm-7pm
        • 5D Thailand: Surin and Similan
        • 6D Thailand: Surin and Similan end to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: Surin and Similan from Ranong
        • 8D Thailand: North & South
        • Alternative itineraries for full charter >
          • 4D4N Evening to morning - Surin Similan
      • Khao Lak Departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Khao Lak to Phuket
        • 5D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: From Khao Lak to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 7D North Khao Lak to Khao Lak
        • 8D North & South Andaman Thailand
      • Phuket departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Phuket
        • 5D South Andaman: Lanta and Tarutao National Parks
        • 6D North Andaman: Phuket to Khao Lak
        • 8D Thailand: South & North
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Diving in Myanmar | Burma dive cruises >
      • 6D Burma : South Mergui Archipelago
      • 7D Burma: dive Black Rock
      • 8D Burma: Undiscovered Mergui
      • 9D Burma: Exploration trip
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a PADI specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Accommodation in Ranong
    • SHA+ hotels in Phuket
    • Bungalows in Koh Phayam
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
    • Covid-19 news & infos >
      • COVID-19 update travel to Thailand
      • Covid-19 protection on-board
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Whale shark expedition - 4 Feb 2023 - North and South
    • Manta rays expedition - 19 Mar 2023
    • Photo clinic + Blackwater 23 Jan 2024
    • UW Photo clinic North Andaman 31 Jan 2024
    • Manta rays expedition - 18 Feb 2024
    • Whale Shark Special - 19 Mar 2024 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts