California Diving News

The Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) has approved the “Introductory Scuba Experience Standard.” This standard became effective January 1.

Each year hundreds of thousands of people world-wide experience diving by participating in an introductory experience. Until now each agency affiliated with RSTC has had their own standard for this program. This standard establishes the minimum standards requirements such as depth, ratios and who can conduct the introductory experience.

Previously, RSTC has approved minimum training standards for Open Water Diver, Dive Supervisor, Assistant Instructor, Scuba Instructor and Instructor Trainer levels.

For additional information on the Introductory Scuba Experience Standard, contact any RSTC member organization or contact RSTC at 3047 Joan Court, Land ‘O Lakes, FL 34639, (813)996-6582 (phone and fax).

RSTC consists of International Diving Educators Association (IDEA), Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Professional Dive Instructors Corporation (PDIC), Scuba Schools International (SSI), and Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and meets throughout the year to deal with issues involving training in the scuba industry.

Luxfer Acquires Seagate to form New Cylinder Distribution Business

Luxfer, Inc. has acquired assets of Seagate Cylinder Company, Inc. of Santa Rosa, CA. Prior to the acquisition, Seagate was a major distributor of aluminum scuba cylinders manufactured by the Luxfer Gas Cylinders Division of Luxfer, Inc.

Luxfer, Inc. also announced plans to merge Seagate with Tanks D’Art, a wholly owned subsidiary of Luxfer Gas Cylinders, to form a new distribution company known as ScubaLux. As part of this merger, the Seagate facility in Santa Rosa will be closed and consolidated with the Tanks D’Art facility in Simi Valley, CA. Tanks D’Art is a recreational scuba equipment supplier that specializes in custom graphics for scuba cylinders. A Seagate facility in Coconut Creek, FL, will be expanded to include similar graphics capability.

ScubaLux will sell and distribute Luxfer aluminum scuba cylinders, Faber steel scuba cylinders, and Thermo scuba valves. Seagate served as the sales, distribution and fulfillment entity for scuba cylinders for Aqua Lung USA, and ScubaLux will continue in that role. ScubaLux will also act as a cylinder distributor for Luxfer’s existing scuba customers. “This acquisition and merger will create the world’s largest distributor of scuba cylinders,” said James R. Ament, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Luxfer Gas Cylinders.

Dodie Meister, general manager of Tanks D’Art, will become general manager of ScubaLux. Ron Pavelka of Seagate will become the ScubaLux sales and marketing manager.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders is the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum cylinders used for a wide variety of applications, including medical oxygen, life support, fire extinguishers, scuba, automotive and other services. The company operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, England and Australia.

For more information, contact Ron Pavelka at (805) 583-5842.

Lois Ann Offers Inexpensive Intro To Nitrox Dives

Lois Ann dive charter boat in San Diego is now offering introductory nitrox dives for only $15 in addition to the trip fee. Nitrox tank is included but the fill is not. This fee allows the novice to try nitrox without committing to an entire certification course. Participants may dive nitrox on their trip as many times as they wish (tank fills additional). A Lois Ann staff Instructor gives a brief introduction to diving nitrox and explain and work out a profile on nitrox tables for the participant’s dives. If the participant decides to get nitrox certified, their fee towards the certification class.

Also just recently introduced is Lois Ann’s “Nitrox Fridays.” On these special Friday afternoon open boat trips participants can do the intro to nitrox for only $10 (in addition to the trip fee). Again, nitrox tanks are included and a reduced rate of $5 per fill of 32% @ 80 cubic feet. While the initial destination is Wreck Alley, the boat crew is open to other dive spots and welcome suggestions.

Lois Ann offers on board nitrox fills. For more information call 800-201-4381 or visit www.loisann.com on the web.