Whenever people hear the words scuba diving, they will
often think about tourists on some exotic tropical
country having a lot of fun exploring the underwater
world. However, you have to consider the fact that
scuba diving is not just a recreational activity. In
fact, in deep sea diving or commercial diving, you
will see that there are a lot of career opportunities
that one can enter.

For example, because oil companies are now tackling
oil reserves in the ocean, they will need deep sea
divers or commercial divers to help out when it comes
to getting the job done. Commercial divers are very
important in oil rigs. If something goes wrong with
the rig underwater, they will call on commercial
divers to fix the problem.

Commercial divers are a special breed of divers. First
of all, they have special training and attending a
special kind of scuba diving school. Here, they are
taught how to handle state of the art scuba diving
equipments as well as other underwater tools that are
needed to get the job done.

They are also trained to weld underwater, handle high
explosives and also taught how to handle dangerous
situations, such as nitrogen narcosis and
decompression sickness.

Commercial divers should also be in a very good
physical condition. Besides, working in an underwater
environment is a lot more stressful than working on
surface. You will be plagued with strong underwater
currents that can easily drain ones strength, and
commercial divers will also need to deal with working
in poor visibility.

The dangers are also there. Decompression sickness,
nitrogen narcosis and underwater predators will also
be a danger in this kind of work. Also, accidents can
happen if commercial divers are not careful enough.
This is why extensive training is required before you
can become a commercial diver. In fact, commercial
divers are even taught about diving medicine and how
to treat different ailments associated with diving on
very deep waters. Also, because you will handle and
operate machineries and handle hazardous materials,
you will be open to very dangerous situations.

Although there are dangers in deep sea diving or
commercial diving, you will see that the rewards in
this kind of job is very much worth it.

First of all, in commercial diving with oil companies,
you can expect to get a great pay. In fact, even when
you are new, you will be able to have a chance to earn
60 to 100 thousand dollars in a year. And, you will
only be working 8 to 9 months every year.

Aside from the pay, you will also be able to travel
the world. Wherever there is an oil rig owned by the
company you work for, you can be sure that you will be
able to go there. Just imagine, from the coast of the
United States to the waters of Asia, you will be able
to dive there. If you love scuba diving, there is no
better job than commercial diving. You get to travel
for free, and you get paid to dive.

As you can see, deep sea diving has its perks.
Although the dangers are there, you will see that
accidents are rare. This is because commercial divers
are highly skilled professionals that are trained to
do their job perfectly. So, if you love scuba diving
and you want to make a living out of it, being a
commercial diver for oil companies is the job for you.

Known as the “Venice of America” due its intricate and expansive canal system, it has the largest artificial reef program in the United States. This Florida city is considered to be the southwestern corner of the Bermuda Triangle. It is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean which has several miles of beachfront.

Fishing and yachting are popular activities, so it is with snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale. It has over 300 miles of navigable waterways and is a host to some of the largest cruise ships in the world. Thus, it is not a wonder why visitors are drawn to the natural beauty it offers. Below are some of the fantastic beaches lined- up in the metropolis.
* Deerfield Beach
With such a serene atmosphere, the Deerfield Beach is a total respite to some of the bustling areas in the country. However, there are still plenty of things to do aside from having a grand time snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale, you can also visit the Public Beach and International Fishing Pier. It features lifeguard stations for safety and recreational areas for games. The 56- acre Deerfield Island Park is only a boat- ride away where it offers a nature trail, boardwalk and picnic ground.

* Hollywood Beach
With a coastline that has a five- mile boardwalk and 27- foot wide thoroughfare, it has its own cycle path that parallels the palm- fringed beach. There are three distinct areas in Hollywood Beach namely North Beach, Central Beach and South Beach which are all great spots for snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale. North Beach will surely be a favorite for the shell- seekers while the Central Beach are for those who are in for people- watching. The South Beach in the otherhand is a residential city where you can have lodge for a night or two.
* Pompano Beach
Boasting with its Intracoastal Waterway, 3 ½ mile beach and offshore reef, the Pompano Beach is one of the highly recommended sites for snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale. The public beach is 100 to 150 feet wide which is made up of that fine, white sand that runs from the Atlantic Boulevard to the Northeast 16th Street. It highlights activities such as volleyball, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and sailing with a pier that is open for 24- hours a day.

* Dania Beach
Just a short drive to all the attractions in the sea, Dania Beach is located near the Hollywood Beach. It is a family- friendly location that has a unique semi- nole “chickee huts” for shade and playground on the white sands. With the Dania Beach Waterfront and Fishing Pier, it is such an amazing place for snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale. It has 2 ½ miles of natural beach that has two boat ramps with easy access to the ocean through the Port Everglades inlet. You can also choose to canoe along the mangroves for more wildlife escapade.

I know one thing that will certainly not get you that offshore job you have always wanted. It’s fear and doubt. Ok, call it two things. The moment you begin to question yourself because people say it’s tough, you begin to limit your chances. And then, you’ll simply never get there. Do yourself a favor now, and begin to think positive. Only remember to work it too.|Accommodations are the bum on offshore oil drilling rigs. Everywhere you are, they deal it so that you are most comfortable. They also give you the best of foods too. Who wouldn’t want to work and live like that? I know I would.

Have you ever slept over at any of those incredible five-star hotels? They are all around you if you care to look. That’s kind of what it’s like living on an offshore oil drilling rig. They try to see that what you lack in companionship, you make up for in luxury. And it’s only the tip of the iceberg. To think they pay you premium as well, it’s no wonder everyone wants an offshore job.|It is important that you know this now: not all offshore jobs will take you out to sea unto an oil drilling rig. However the chances are pretty good that you will get to see a bit of that. I mean, with the way oil seems to be getting thin these days, everyone tends to scavenge for oil out at sea. So even if what you get is an offshore job on some drill site out in the desert of Texas, you may yet realize your dream of working on a rig!|It is the pay, that’s what does it. It is the salary that they pay on those offshore oil drilling jobs that makes everyone want to work there. I know that’s what got me interested. You might want to ask yourself if the same applies to you. If that is not it, that what is? Knowing that answer will certainly help you keep things in focus out there.

When you have to sleep over on an offshore oil drilling rig, even if you don’t work there, it would be like spending a night at some upscale hotel in midtown. No wonder those guys come back looking so fat even when they are supposed to be working so hard. What a life!|Even though you are out at sea when you are working on an oil drilling rig, sometimes life out there is only little bit different from life on the soil. They have everything you can think of, and sometimes you don’t even know that you are out at sea until you have to step outside. At that time, reality hits you. But those times aren’t really a whole lot, especially since you are going to be very busy most of the time. It really is not so bad.

When working on an offshore oil drilling rig, you get served the best of everything. The only thing that you lack is the pleasure of dry ground, and you do get to get that every once in a while. Couple all that with the pay, and I can hardly think of a better life.|You have to work hard to get an offshore job. However, once you do get it, it is a lot of fun… at least, a good portion of the time. Although there are indeed times when conditions can get somewhat rough or very out of hand out there, for the most part, you do get to enjoy it. That’s what makes it so wonderful and worthwhile.|Offshore oil drilling rigs are not all the same size everywhere, but generally, they have one common design. Someone who has been keening to work on an offshore oil drilling rig should have studied them in detail and at least a have a good idea how to find their way around. That’s just a tip, so you know.

The estimated risk for rape survivors developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 49%. The risk for those beaten or experiencing physical assault is 31.9%, whilst the risk for others who experienced sexual assault is 23.7%. Given these figures, it is no wonder women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, as they are statistically significantly more likely to experience sexual assault.

Post traumatic stress disorder is characterized by intense fear, a sense of helplessness, or horror. It can affect all areas of a person’s life, their emotions, mental wellbeing, and physical health. And symptoms are generally worse in situations, like rape and abuse, where the trauma was deliberately initiated against those involved.

A person with post traumatic stress disorder may re-live the traumatic events, having flashbacks or other reminders and images that intrude on their waking hours, or in dreams and nightmares. These reminders may also trigger physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or chills. Or emotional problems, like anxiety, depression, and dread.

People with post traumatic stress disorder may avoid any reminders of the trauma, whether that is people associated with the experience, or places, or even thoughts of the trauma. They can distance themselves from family and friends, and withdraw from everyday activities and things they used to enjoy.

Relationship problems are common for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Some survivors avoid intimacy, others avoid sex, and some avoid both, and create patterns in their lives where those coping mechanisms are maintained. But sufferers of PTSD who did not experience any sexual abuse can also have problems in their relationships, or in social situations.

Another characteristic of post traumatic stress disorder is being on guard all the time, and suddenly feeling anger or irritability. There can be problems with sleeping and concentrating, and sufferers may be startled easily. Self destructive behaviours, such as gambling, risky sex, drug use, alcohol abuse, or other problems like dangerous driving, may be present. Depression, disassociation, or other mental health problems can develop.

Not all of these characteristics may be present in PTSD, and the degree to which one experiences them may vary also. And PTSD may not develop until months or years after the trauma. Particularly in relation to abuse in childhood, symptoms of PTSD can pass, then reappear later in life. This can make it difficult to recognize when PTSD is occurring, as survivors may not associate their current feeling and behaviours with pas events.

Each time symptoms appear, however, they provide an opportunity for healing. Post traumatic stress disorder can be treated, using a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Whilst medications were not thought to help in the treatment of PTSD in the past, they have been found to be beneficial now, probably due to newer ones being available. The SSRI’s (selective serotonin uptake inhibitors) zoloft and paxil are both approved by the FDA for treating PTSD. And newer antidepressants like effexor and serzone are also beneficial, and tend to be used when the patient does not tolerate paxil and zoloft, or those medications aren’t effective.

There are 3 types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat PTSD. These are exposure management, cognitive therapy, and anxiety management. A combination of all 3 may be used, or one individually. Each person is different in what they will respond to.

In exposure therapy, patients confront, in a safe therapeutic environment, the situations, people, and memories associated with the trauma. People with PTSD usually avoid this very thing, but by working through the trauma in this way, exposure therapy is actually very effective at healing PTSD.

Cognitive therapy helps in the process of understanding how our thoughts affect our feelings, and provides ways of shifting negative thinking. Negative thinking can perpetuate a mental prison where joy and interconnectedness is no longer felt. Changing those dynamics can provide a new framework with which to process the trauma, and allow healing to occur.

In anxiety management, skills are learnt that help one cope better with the symptoms and triggers of post traumatic stress disorder. They can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms, though they need to be practised to be effective. Anxiety management techniques can be very helpful in controlling anxiety whilst doing exposure therapy. Some techniques used include relaxation, breathing techniques, assertiveness training, and positive thinking and self talk.

References:
1. ptsdalliance.org/about_what.html
2. ptsd.factsforhealth.org/whatmeds.html
3. nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm

Sea Eagle.com is well known for their inflatable whitewater and ocean kayaks. The manufacturer offers a complete line of sea kayak accessories. Some of these accessory items are essential for your safety on the ocean or whitewater trips, others fit into the ‘fun’ category.

Some of the most common inflatable ocean kayak accessory items include:
Life jackets and paddling vests – Coast Guard approved PFDs are a must for owners of inflatable boats and kayaks.

Inflator pump – You can inflate your sea kayak with a hand operated pump. A 110 V high volume inflator/deflator makes the job easier and faster.

Repair kit for kayaks – This is an essential accessory item in case the kayak develops a leak. The kit contains two patches of the hull material, glue and a valve replacement tool.

Bilge pump – A high volume hand operated bilge pump is essential for getting the water out of the inflatable when on the water.

Storage bags for bow and stern – Great boating accessories for storing your supplies and gear.

Kayak carry bag – Deflate and roll up the inflatable sea kayak, then place it on the bag and wrap the bag around it for easy storage.

Seats – It’s nice to have a seat with a back rest in your ocean kayak for long paddling or rowing. These Deluxe seats are very comfortable
Although there are many more types of accessories you can get for your inflatable ocean kayak, this will give you an idea of what is available.

The most important accessory on the above list is the life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). A PFD is not considered an accessory for any boat, whether it is an ocean kayak or a dinghy. It is an essential part of any sea kayaking equipment and you should never go out in any inflatable without wearing a Coast Guard approved life vest.

The second most important inflatable boat accessory is your hull repair kit. Although Sea Eagle has a small patch kit for minor repairs there is a better inflatable ocean kayak repair kit available for bigger jobs from Tuff Coat. Most if not all of these boating accessories can be bought from the manufacturer or retailer where you bought the kayak.

Have you ever wondered why some people are able to make their dreams a reality while others’ hopes and dreams remain only a fantasy? What is it that propels some people to higher level of fulfillment; lifestyle and happiness while others remain stuck at the lover level their entire lives? Life is too short to waste on a treadmill, which makes us feel stuck and unhappy. We are not born to wake up each day to fulfill obligations and then to fall wearily into our beds at the end of the day.
Many books, CDs and seminars promise the quick fix and magic pill to make all your dreams come true or solve all your problems. What participants experienced is temporary motivation that fizzles out when days go by. The answer lies not in motivation, but inspiration.
Motivation is simply a result of inspiration. When you are inspired, your life takes on a new meaning and you embark on a wonderful journey with the assurance that you are going somewhere.
It is when life gets empty; we either occupy ourselves with diversions and unworthy distractions. Or, we can set out on worthy quests to reach higher levels of fulfillment. We need to know that true success comes from inspiration and not from the mere doses of short-lived motivation. Knowing that inspiration rather than motivation is the key to success is already half the battle won. Seek inspiration instead motivation and you will be greatly empowered in life to fulfill your great destiny!

The Costa Rica flag was formally adopted on November 27, 1906, nonetheless the blue, white, and red horizontal design of the Costa Rica flag was made and used since 1848 when the country of Costa Rica left the Central America Federation and proclaimed itself a Sovereign Republic. Pacifica Fernández, first lady and wife of President Jose Mariá Castro Madriz, designed the Costa Rica flag in 1848 inspired by the colors of the French Flag and French Revolution’s ideals of freedom, equality, and brotherhood.

The Costa Rica flag consists of five horizontal stripes with the colors, blue, white, and red. The red stripe is in the center between two white stripes, which are between two blue stripes. The stripes width is 1/6 of the total width of the flag except for the red stripe which is 2/6 of the total width of the Costa Rica flag.

Every color of the Costa Rica flag symbolizes important facets of Costa Rica. The color blue means the sky, opportunities at reach, perseverance to achieve a goal, intellectual thinking, eternity, infinity, and principles of the religious and spiritual desires.

The color white in the Costa Rica flag represents clear thinking, wisdom, happiness, power and beauty of the sky, and the inspiration of initiatives to search for new accomplishments, and the peace of Costa Rica.

The color red symbolizes the warmth of the Costa Rican people, their love of life, the blood they shed for freedom, and their generous character.

The national flag of Costa Rica or the state and war flag or the “Pabellón Nacional” includes the Coat of Arms of Costa Rica, and symbolizes the country and is used by public private buildings such as schools, public offices, foreign missions, government offices, and merchant ships. The Coat of Arms of Costa Rica portrays an important overview of the nation; the two ships on any side represent the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, both of which edge Costa Rica. They also stand for the maritime history of the country. The three mountains signify the three main mountain ranges of Costa Rica, and set to demonstrate the location of the country relative to the two bodies of sea. The existing coat of arms has seven stars that represent the seven provinces of Costa Rica. The old coat of arms had five stars that represented the nations that had made up the United States of Central America in the early 19th century. The nation’s name is on the white banner at the top of the shield and above this is a blue scroll that says “Central America”.

For civil activities or parties, the people use the national flag without the coat of arms printed on the center of the red strip called “Bandera”.

If you have recently been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you may find yourself in a sea of lawyers without knowing which one to choose. After being injured, many individuals turn to lawyers for help in protecting their rights and helping to ensure they are fairly compensated for lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.

Depending on the accident, medical attention may or may not be required. In an automobile accident, for example, the individual who caused the accident will be responsible for any repairs to the victim’s automobile, along with the previously mentioned compensation. Most individuals hire a lawyer soon after the accident occurs even though settlement negotiations will typically not begin until after medical treatment has ended.

After concluding medical treatment, lawyers will begin to negotiate with the insurance company representing the person who caused the accident. During this time, lawyers will assess the amount of medical bills, doctor reports and diagnosis, lost wages, damages and will attempt to estimate a fair amount of pain and suffering. After gaining your approval, personal injury lawyers will submit a proposal to the insurance adjuster for consideration. It generally takes 30 days for a response, which is expected to be a counteroffer. At this time, lawyers will discuss the offer with their client and see if a fair settlement can be reached. If not, the lawyer will prepare another letter explaining that the adjuster’s offer is not acceptable and will, once again, request that the case be settled for a slightly lower amount than the original proposed amount. This situation is a test of each side as the adjuster wants to settle the case for as little as possible while the lawyers want to make sure their clients are properly compensated. After several letters back and forth, and perhaps some telephone calls, the lawyers will advise their client when a fair offer has been reached. While they cannot instruct their client on what to do, they can advise them on the fairness of the offer and how that figure may change if the case were to proceed to trial.

For reasons of both time and expense, the majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. Once a trial is granted, attorney fees and court costs increase dramatically. An attorney receives a pre-negotiated amount of the client’s settlement, but receives a larger percentage if the case moves to trial. There are a number of lawyers who handle personal injury cases and it is always important to select one that is most sincere and seems most knowledgeable about the process.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, professional legal advice. Individuals who need legal help should consult one of the lawyers in their area who can assist them with their questions and concerns.

Tasmania is Australia’s island state, separated from the mainland by the 240 kilometre expanse of Bass Strait. A land of wild and beautiful landscapes, Tasmania boasts a comfortable temperate climate, quality wine and food, rich history and a leisurely, relaxed lifestyle. Tasmania is home to one of the world’s 10 best beaches (Wineglass Bay), the world’s best small town (Strahan) and is rated third in the world for wise management of the natural environment.

More than any other state in Australia, Tasmania enjoys four distinct seasons, each with its their own special characteristics. Both local Tasmanians and visitors enjoy the state’s temperate maritime climate. Summer is a festive season when the Launceston Festivale and the Hobart Summer Festival are held. Autumn is a mellow season with calm, sunny days when the native deciduous beech trees and European trees blaze with a riot of red, orange and gold colours. Winter days are crisp and clear with a dusting of snow on mountain peaks. Spring is cool and refreshing, with gardens bursting back to life as Tasmania celebrates the Blooming Tasmania festival.

Tasmania’s capital Hobart is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, a city defined by the river and sea. Hobart’s maritime focus can be appreciated with a harbour cruise or drive to the top of Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington – suburbs line the Derwent River, city buildings are clustered around the historic docks and the Derwent estuary broadens into Storm Bay. Only twenty-five kilometres from Hobart is the historic town of Richmond, home to the old Richmond Gaol and part of Tasmania’s early convict origins. The nearby vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley are home to many of Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines. Hobart is an ideal base from which to explore southern and eastern Tasmania.

Hobart has more summer daylight hours than any other Australian capital city. Tasmania is the southernmost of the eight Australian states and territories, and enjoys over 15 hours of daylight on the summer solstice (22 December). This is 2.5 more hours of daylight than Darwin (Northern Territory) receives and 1 hour more than Sydney (New South Wales) receives on the same day. Experts at the Launceston Planetarium claim that the day is even longer if twilight periods at dawn and dusk are taken into account. On the other hand, Tasmania receives less daylight than mainland Australian states and territories in winter. Hobart has around 9 hours daylight in winter, 1 hour less than Sydney and about 2.5 hours less than Darwin.

Rainfall in Tasmania varies dramatically from region to region. Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city after Adelaide, while on the West Coast an annual average of 2400 millimetres ensures that temperate rainforests thrive. Minimal artificial light makes Tasmania’s night sky an exceptional location for stargazing, including the wonder of the magnificent Aurora Australis.

Devonport is a diverse and interesting region, home to charming historic towns, beautiful beaches and forests, fine foods and the magnificent craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is a dramatic mountain peak in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a World Heritage Area. The mountain is one of the most popular features in the park, and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech trees, rainforest and alpine heathlands. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. The walk to the top of the mountain (1,545 metres) takes eights return. Lake St Clair is the deepest in Australia (190 metres), having been excavated by glaciers about 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Towering cliffs rise sheer from the waters of the lake, in which fishing and boating are allowed.

The east coast of Tasmania is a region of agreeable contrasts – sunshine and sea, wine and wildlife, rugged cliffs and glorious beaches. A centre of fine food and wine, the area is famous for its fresh, natural produce. It is also home to a series of excellent national parks, including Douglas-Apsley National Park with majestic rivers, eucalypts and Oyster Bay pines, Freycinet National Park which is renowned as a bushwalkers’ and sea kayakers’ paradise, and Maria Island National Park rich in history, scenic walks and fauna. The east coast’s history is told by its place names. Schouten Island and Maria Island were mapped by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, while the Freycinet Peninsula was charted by Frenchman Nicolas Baudin. Welsh settlers named the town of Swansea, while Triabunna and Wielangta recall thousands of years of Aboriginal presence in Tasmania.

One of the best parts of boating is taking trips to places you’ve always wanted to go. Boating trips can be simple day trips or week-long excursions. Many people say that just being on the water is a satisfying boating trip in and of itself.

When you are planning a boating trip, you need to decide many things. For example, how many people will be on the boat at one time? Is your boat equipped for overnight trips or just day trips? What supplies will you need to bring along with you? Answer these questions well before you leave so you will be prepared.

When you leave on an overnight boating trip, the first thing you should do is have your boat checked over by a professional. You will want the boat in top mechanical shape before you venture out on the water. Plus, you will want to be sure you have enough gas to make the trip. If you need to fuel up along the way, be sure you know where the gas stops are.

Map out your trip on a navigation map of the body of water you are going on. Physically, take a pen or pencil and draw the route you will be taking. When you have it all plotted out on a map complete with longitudinal and latitudinal lines will help keep you on track and reduce your chances of getting lost.

Be sure to tell someone you are going on a boating trip. Let them know your planned itinerary and when you will be in certain places along the way. It’s also a good idea to check in whenever you port so that they will know that everything is alright.

There are some great places you can go on boating trips. Of course, that depends on where you are located and whether or not you are willing to haul your boat to a place where you can “shove off”. However, many bodies of water like the Mississippi River link into other bodies of water like the Gulf of Mexico. You can literally leave out from St. Louis, Missouri, and boat all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ocean boating trips need to have special considerations during planning. Check with the Coast Guard as to how you should plan your trip so that you stay out of shipping lanes where the larger ships travel. This is especially true if you have a smaller boat, which you probably do. Avoiding accidents on the ocean is very important as it is on smaller bodies of water.

Boating trips are great ways to escape from reality and get some well-needed rest and relaxation. The water is soothing and you will be able to explore places from the comfort of your boat – your home away from home! Plan boating trips carefully and then enjoy your time on the water!