Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Metric system conversions

Being based on units of ten, the metric system makes it convenient to convert from one scale to another. This is why the sciences generally use the metric system. Divers, however, tend to use the system their culture uses, so it’s useful to be able to convert from the metric system to the imperial system. Here are some common equivalents that you may find handy.


1 centimetre = 0.3937 inches
1 metre = 3.28 feet
1 kilometre = 0.62 miles
1 inch = 2.54 centimetres
1 foot = 0.3038 metres
1 mile = 1.61 kilometres


1 gram = 0.035 ounces
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
1 metric ton = 2204.6 pounds
1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
1 ton = 907.2 kilograms


1 litre = 0.22 gallons
1 litre = 0.9 quarts
1 quart = 1.1 litres
1 gallon = 4.4 litres
1 gallon = 0.15 cubic feet
1 cubic foot = 28.3 litres
1 cubic foot = 6.4 gallons


To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit:
(C° × 1.8) + 32
To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius
(F° − 32) × .555


1 calorie = the amount of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water 1°C
1 BTU (British Thermal Unit) = the amount of heat required to raise 1 pint (1 pound) of water 1°F
1 BTU = 252 calories.

Monday, 24 November 2008

The winter scene

Feels like its been ages and a day since I put finger to keyboard, so apologies.

Contrary to common belief the sun isn't always shining above Athens. Three hundred or so days of sunshine, cannot be considered a poor score by any means, especially for those from northern Europe, but Athens does get its fair share of winter every year too.

Come the autumn, the locals slowly withdraw from the beaches and prepare for this very Greek, twice-a-year ritual of replacing their personal wardrobes. In mid October, all the summer gear, T-shirts,. shorts, flip flops etc is put away till next May, and sweaters, coats and scarves are unearthed. On the city front now, although the tables never disappear from the pavements and the squares, people from now on tend to stay indoors and many restaurants, bars and nightclubs closed for the whole summer are now back in business.

For those of you who started diving in the summer, I sincerely hope you won't be packing away your dive gear. The water's warm enough for a 5mm full wetsuit with hood, gloves and booties. Best of all, for most who shore dive, the parking is easy and the sites deserted.

Saturday, 8 November 2008

Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos

The construction of the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos in Gournes, Iraklion, Crete was made possible through European Economic Area grants.

As recreational scuba diving service providers we can all support its marine research and conservation efforts by arranging visits to the museum. For example: it's easy for service providers in Crete to pre-register their students enrolled in fish identification courses and following the required dives, to award their 'c' cards during their visit to the museum. Students, in turn, can invite friends and family and can enjoy showing them their experience and expertise.

Click on title for more information on Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos.