Why hire when you can own?

Thanks to Aquanaut Ezi-Pay, the weekly repayments on your own set of quality scuba gear (or your next dive course) can be less than the cost of a hire unit. In, fact it can be less than the cost of a good night out. The following are some indicative rates:

Scuba .Package Deposit .Weekly Payment
......$2000 .............$400 ............$30.77
......$3000 .............$600 ............$46.15
......$4000 .............$800 ............$61.54

Important Product Notice.

June 9, 2006 – Suunto Oy today announced an important safety notice regarding its D9 and D6 diving instruments. This global decision involves D9 and D6 instruments that have been delivered to distributors and retailers, as well as product that has been sold to consumers.

Cleanup Australia Day 2006

This year we held our Cleanup Australia Day at Kurnell National Park. Thankyou to all the volunteers that turned up and made our day a great success. We have cleaned up this particular site a few times over the years. Read more

Web Bulletin Boards

We have added a new bulletin board service to our web site to allow our customers to share experiences, ideas, industry information and ask questions. There is also a forum dedicated to the buying and selling of 2nd Hand Dive Equipment. The service is free and we encourage you to actively participate. Our staff monitor the forums and are happy to respond with any information.

Tonga 2005 Dive Trip Debrief

The trip started like all others. Beers in the departure lounge. Twelve of us were heading off to resound in the wonders that Tonga had to offer. We were to endure, two ordinary movies on our four hour flight to Tonga, followed by the obligatory painful line of immigration, and then it was a quick trip into town to find our illustrious hotel. After finding our rooms, (some of us wish we hadn’t), we headed back down stairs to the world famous Tongan karaoke bar. We hadn’t realized that Tonga was stuck in a 1960’s time warp. Well in no uncertain terms, we rocked the house down, renditions of waterloo, and uptown girl are still talked about today. Read more

Proposed Diving Licence for NSW

The New South Wales government is considering establishing an annual licence for scuba divers similar to that required by recreational fishers. Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald today said the scheme would involve the creation of an independent scuba diving trust, made up of industry members, who would allocate licence costs to programs to improve amenities for divers. Mr Macdonald said the trust also could invest funds towards programs to protect the habitat areas of the critically endangered grey nurse shark.

"The state government was previously considering introducing a fee to dive in these areas but the licence system will be simpler and fairer – instead of paying a fee for each dive in the habitat sites, divers will now have an annual fee," Mr Macdonald said. He said he had recently met senior diving industry representatives, who expressed support for the proposal.

Source: The Courier-Mail 22/9/2005

Should you wish to complain about the proposed tax write to Ian Macdonald;

Email office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au
His Fax Number is (02) 6391 3336
Discussion Paper / Online Survey

Congratulations Tanya & Bernie.

Most everyone who comes into Pro Dive Cronulla would know Bernie Etcell. Bernie started with Pro Dive in 1996 as a full time instructor and only recently left us to pursue a different career. I'm please to advise that Bernie's playboy bachelor days are now all over! Bernie and his gorgeous bride Tanya were married on the 21st of August 2005 and are now expecting their first child.

Congratulations Tanya and Bernie, all of us at Pro Dive wish you both joy and happiness in your future as Husband and Wife.

Mistral Regulator.

The new Mistral is a modern version of the original double hose regulator invented by Aqua Lung founder Jacques Cousteau and Emille Gagnan in 1943.Modern single hose regulators release exhalation bubbles directly from the mouthpiece in front of the diver. These bubbles can obstruct the diver's view and have long been a complaint with underwater photographers. Read more

Shop Talk - April 05.

Wow what a warm April we are having and the dive conditions have been good to match. Heaps of diving opportunities coming up over the next few Months. We have a Nelson Bay trip in late April. Jervis Bay in Late May. Montague Island with the seals in June. Read more

Certifications - Jan 05 to Mar 05.

Congratulations to all our new Open Water divers and our Continuing Education divers! All of us at Pro Dive Cronulla hope that you enjoyed your course as much as we enjoyed teaching it and we look forward to assisting you with any further education needs you may have in the future. Let's Go Diving! Read more

Certifications - Dec 04 to Jan 05.

Forster 2005 Trip Debrief.

The ship set sail from Cronulla Friday lunchtime, bound for the warmer shark-infested waters of Forster. Although a 5 hour drive preceded us, the group was in high hopes of an action packed weekend. Within 15 minutes of driving most were asleep and left me and the road to our own devices. And I'll tell you what…….its a real quiet place once the radio looses reception! Read more

New Pro XLT BCD.

The Pro XLT (eXtra Lift Technology) provides impressive lift capacities for those that need them. It offers all those features that you would find on a Pro QD plus an adjustable waistband and a very easy-to-use drop down pocket. If additional lift capacity is what you seek, this is the BC for you. An all-new expansion gusset along the underside of the bladder, coupled with the patented internal gusset found on Pro Unlimited lifts this BC to the head of its class.

Certifications - Sep 04 to Nov 04.

Explorer Club Membership Cards.

Please note that Pro Dive Cronulla will be issuing its members new membership cards commencing the 17th of November 2004. Members who have joined or renewed their membership within the last twelve months need only contact the shop to obtain their new card.

Members who have allowed their membership to expire can now renew their membership online over the internet, the new membership card can be mailed out to you or held in the shop for collection. Alternatively you can renew your membership at the shop.

Truk Lagoon Dive Trip Debrief

If you’re going to do something, then do it properly. Save your pennies, save your cents, cut back on the beer and the tobacco ….

Twenty one of us did just that….saved our cash and booked on the trip of 2004. Seven days aboard the SS Thorfinn. Truk Lagoon, Micronesia. If you have never heard of it and don’t know the history, then pull your finger out, because you’re missing out. If you’re into wrecks, get amongst it. Too many to list or describe…. Read more

New Suunto D9 Wrist Computer.

Suunto D9 is the world's first dive computer to integrate a digital compass and wireless tank data reception. Underwater a diver must monitor several gauges to receive the crucial information about the dive: depth, time, tank pressure, decompression status and direction to name just a few. Suunto D9 combines all dive-critical information in one instrument, conveniently mounted on your wrist. Read more

New Sea & Sea DX5000G Digital Underwater Camera.

No waiting: Snap what you see with the world's fastest shutter lag of only 0.12 seconds on a compact digital camera. Bring back crystal-clear 5-megapixel images with the compact DX-5000G housing. DX-5000G Accessories included: LCD monitor hood, O-ring, desiccant, strap. Read more

New Sunlight C4 eLED Underwater Torch.

The 6-watt white LED lamp contained in the sunlight C4 eLED dive light is the most indestructible source of illumination for diving available today. Unlike the standard glass envelope lamps used since Edison, the LED will not break when dropped. The life expectancy is well over 5000 hours. The light emitted by the LED (light emitting diode) is similar to sunlight and travels farther underwater than the more yellow light from an Edison lamp. In addition a power control circuit is built into the light to help maintain the same brightness throughout the discharge of a set of rechargeable batteries. A tough O-ring sealed ABS and polycarbonate case protects the components all the way down to 500 feet. The small size of the C4 eLED makes it ideal for revealing the incredible marine life hidden under ledges. Conversion kits are available for earlier models of both the Sunlight C4 and C8 torches.

Manly Oceanworld - Shark Dive!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime if you've ever wanted to dive with sharks. You'll get closer than you ever would in the ocean to huge grey nurse sharks, giant stingrays, sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, moray eels and a vast array of marine life. That's right, you get to dive inside in tank at the aquarium! Its lots of fun, exciting and not to be missed! So book on now as positions are limited!. The details can be found in the Coming Events section of our web site.

Shop Talk - March 04.

t certainly has been the endless summer this year and there have been more people than ever before diving over these past few months. We would like to congratulate all our newly certified divers and we look forward to taking you diving again soon. Our weekend and over seas trips have been a great success with lots of great diving and plenty of new buddy teams being formed. Both Truk Lagoon and Vanuatu (the Coolidge) have filled up for later this year. Read more

Important Product Notice.

Aqua Lung has received reports that some of the ribbed hoses on the Powerline Airway have been tearing at the top near the dual exhaust valve. The problem has been traced to an error in the moulding process from their supplier that occurred over a three-month period between 2001 and 2002. The best way to confirm whether or not you have one of the questionable hoses is to look at the serial number on the lower unit of the Powerline . If the serial number falls within the range of M48H to M52H (M48H, M49H...M52H), or M01I to M08I (M01I, M02I...M08I) and is the original hose, then it should get replaced. This affects both Sea Quest and Aqua Lung BCDs utilizing the Powerline inflator. If the ribbed hose were to tear near the top, the BC would not be able to hold air and a loss of buoyancy would occur. This could result in the need for the diver to ditch their weight pockets or rely on their buddy for assistance. In extreme cases it could result in result in panic, injury or death. If you have a spiral hose that falls within the serial number range bring it into Pro Dive to have it replaced free of charge. Read more.

Spare Air - Redundant Air System.

You've probably seen them on Baywatch! SPARE AIR is the smallest redundant SCUBA system available, yet is packed with 3000 psi to provide you with enough air to get you to the surface in an out-of-air emergency. Spare Air now has 57 breaths at the surface, or 3.0 cubic feet of air (approximately two - five minutes). In most diving situations, rising to the surface from recreational depths takes only a few breaths and no more than a few minutes. In an emergency situation, the same rules can apply if you're prepared. All divers should be trained and up to date in all the latest safety techniques, Spare Air gives you an additional safety tool should an out of air emergency occur.

Sea & Sea DX3100 Digital Underwater Camera.

The AquaPix fully functional 3.1 mega pixel digital camera that is fully amphibious. This greatly reduces the chances of water damage and flooding of the camera. Read more

Sea & Sea Motor Marine III 36mm Underwater Camera.

The new generation of Motor Marine is more rugged and offers more control than ever before. Designed to meet the needs of the amateur and experienced underwater photographer. With features like two point focus for fast reliable focusing and a target light for accurate framing, the MM III is a perfect choice for the beginning photographer. Advanced features like strobe bracketing control and push-button shutter speed control provide creative freedom for the experienced photographer. All the controls of the MM III are on the top or back of the camera making them easier to read and operate.

Forster 2004.

The van pulls away from the shop and begins its journey towards Forster. The group is very aware that it is going to be a long trip, so start the ‘are we there yet’ chants nice and early just to test the water. First stop Pymble pub and the drinking begins, as do the hunger complaints. Read more

New Gekko Dive Computer.

The Suunto Gekko is an ideal choice for sports divers who do not require a PC interface or simulation features. It can be used with both air and nitrox and is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation, including decompression, at a glance. Both ascent rate and available no-decompression time are displayed graphically with clear colour coded indicators. Visual and audible alarms are given when necessary. Maximum depth and dive time alarms can be enabled. Read more

New Passport BCD.

The new "Passport" BCD from Seaquest is fast becoming the BCD of choice for the travelling scuba diver. This BCD is light weight (30% lighter compared to other BCDs in its class) and folds small and flat, ideal for travelling. Pictured here with optional airsource regulator.

Features

Compact: Folds small and flat.
Light weight.
Integrated mesh carrying bag
Quick drying.
Can be rinsed and dried in the bag.
Integrated weights system.

Cairns 2003.

The top ten headed up north to Sunny Cairns in mid July. Having all flown in on different flights we caught up at the Balinese Hotel (modest but the swimming pool was not quite the size advertised in the brochure, however a spa size pool was quite adequate). We were on holidays and a dip in the pool just has to be done. Read more

Montague Island - June 2003.

Well, the bets had been placed when we pulled out of Cronulla at 3pm…The start of another long weekend in Sydney…How many hours would it take to drive south, and how many Police cars would we come across. (We’ll save the road kill count till the way home.) The winner takes all, a nice bottle of red. Read more

Eden 2003.

Its not often that a long weekend comes along which promises itself to be something special, so much so in fact that not only is the group as a whole looking forward to the adventure, but also leaves myself, eager to share with them all what Merimbula and the sapphire coast has to offer. The tradition Easter Eden weekend has grown in popularity over the years, so much so that we here at the shop get to fight over the rights to lead such a trip. Again, luck was on my side and again I made that arduous road trip south. Read more

Vanuatu 2003.

Once upon a time there were 22 divers who promised to return to Vanuatu a year after their initial visit. A short trip was planned. A quick seven days, enough to dive the Coolidge and not break the household budget. Only two, out of that twenty-two did make the journey, and I am hear to rub in the noses of the others what an incredible trip it was. Twelve of us left Sydney, our destination, Espiritu Santo (a northern island in the Vanuatu chain). Read more

UK Light Cannon 100 Underwater Torch.

New High Intensity Discharge (HID) illumination technology allows this dive light to emit three times more light per watt of battery power than standard xenon or halogen lamps. As a result it shines farther and produces a beam as white as the sun. Use it in or out of water. Beam adapters included for video lighting.

Features

Burn Time: 3-4 hours
Battery: 8 x Alkaline C-Cell
Power: 25 (Equivalent), 10 (Actual) watts
Beam Angle: 6 Degrees; 40-50 degrees with included wide angle video filters
Globe: HID Metal Halide (6000 Degrees K)
Rechargeable Option: Yes (Purchase of C8R Battery and Charger Required)

Contour Vest.

Coming into winter this is a must buy for the diver who wants warmth and comfort. This 3mm neoprene vest is designed with a smooth skin neck section for a superior seal inside the wetsuit neck section thus reducing the heat loss when compared to a standard hood. At only $125.00 this is a must buy!

Kurguelen Drysuit.

A 5mm neoprene sport drysuit with ultra-soft 5mm comfort panels at joints and on the bust of the ladies’ models.

Features
Apeks swivelling inflator. Manual and automatic purge on the left arm. 3mm ultra soft socks, can be worn with conventional dive boots. Protective spinal and kidney pad. 3mm “glideskin” coated wrist seals.

DUI TLS350SE Drysuit.

For those divers who thought they could never afford a DUI drysuit, DUI is proud to introduce the TLS350SE. It is a shoulder-entry drysuit made of the same high quality TLS material as the popular TLS350 which has been in the field over fifteen years. It is an entry-level drysuit in a class all it’s own offering the features you expect from DUI:

Features
TLS350 Material Latex Seals Attached Dipped Neoprene Boots Waist Cord TLS Knee Pads Unique Design Seven Year Warranty Sizes: SML-XLG Colours: Black/Royal Blue	Why Buy a Dry Suit?

New Aqua Lung BCD - Patriot.

New from Aqua Lung is the Patriot BCD. Built to the exacting standards of all Aqua Lung BCDs, the Patriot is designed for the technical diver who needs big lift, but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort or performance. Read more

Snap Your Own Pictures Underwater.

We have a Sea & Sea MX-10 Camera with Strobe (flash) available for hire for only $45.00 per day (film and batteries are not included). The MX-10 is waterproof to 45 metres, uses standard 35mm film and is very easy to use. Call us on 9544-2200 for more information.

Montague Island Trip Debrief.

Off we go south to Montague in a convoy, sending the scouts ahead (faster cars) to advise us on the next driver reviver stop. After a long trip in the bus we arrived at the Narooma Motel. The scouts had informed us of where they were (at the local watering hole of course). After acquainting ourselves with the local inhabitants and the publican whom Shane and Dennis were on first name basis with in the first 10 minutes. We headed back to the motel for a good night’s sleep, unfortunately this was not to be as the excitement of diving with seals and The Lady Darling had kept everybody awake with anticipation. Read more

Zoom Zoom Zoom.

There are many different fins on the market these days, but what makes TUSA's Zoom fins different? The split in the fins allows for more water volume creating more power and a slipstream. It’s hard to believe that something so easy works so well. Try them for yourself. Download the fact sheet for more information on these fins. Read more

Vanuatu Trip Debrief

After an arduous 3-hr plane ride, we alighted the plane to the refreshment of a south pacific thunderstorm. Clearing immigration had never been so ‘taxing’ knowing the fact that the toilets were on the other side of the stamp-wielding official. Transfers were confirmed and hotel rooms found. Let the games begin. A handful of revellers were keen to experience the Vanuatu nightlife, the others, well; there is no other way to explain it - were soft. The night was long, the rain came harder, and the talk quickly turned to our next days dives. Sleep was agreed upon and the next thing we knew our wake up call came and went. Read more

Note - All prices are in Australian Dollars and include Goods & Services Tax (GST).