UPS AND DOWNS A time-tested toy from yesteryear, the Submarine Diver is one of a simple range of toys from a bygone age. Blow gently to make the diver rise and stop blowing to allow him to sink. It's the cheapest bit of diving kit you'll ever buy! Minutes of fun, but what do you want for 99p plus postage?

REBREATHERS ON VIDEO Mad Dog Expeditions and Training has released the first of what is intended to be a series of videos. These promise to tell you all you need to know about rebreathers before you decide to buy or train with any particular type. Cis-Lunar, Mk15.5, Inspiration, Prism and Dolphin units are included, and the producers say the first video will see you well on the way to making an informed decision. It runs for 80 minutes on VHS - specify PAL in the UK. US $39.95 plus shipping.

EAST MEETS WEST Tusa (TabataUSA) is a big brand from the west that has products made in the east. Innovative design combined with high-quality construction has been the hallmark of its success to date, and the importer expects the brand to have the same success in Britain as it has had in America. This Tusa Platina Evolution BC is a typical example of the sort of product on offer. It has integrated weight-pockets and a close-fitting design in sizes XS to XL, and costs £319.

SAVE A LIFE Pure oxygen can be a lifesaver for a diver involved in almost any diving accident. No dive boat or dive operation should be without an O2 administration kit. The Sabre Oxygen Kit comes with two demand and constant-flow masks and, not including the O2 cylinder, costs £393. Cylinders are rented from the oxygen supplier. You can protect the lot with a soft, padded, zipped Sabre bag (£73) or a tough watertight Pelican box (£229).

EASY DOES IT This instructional video was produced some years ago but there is still nothing else like it around. It will prove invaluable for those just starting out on underwater photography and perhaps equipped with one of those popular yellow amphibious cameras. Underwater Photography Made Easy has a run time of 45 minutes and covers everything you need to know, including examples of the work of Swedish photographer Tony Malmqist. You might recognise some of the other participants, too! It has been relaunched at £24.95 (VHS PAL)

BLAST FROM THE PAST Fancy a different sort of liveaboard? How about a trip on the in the Maldives? She's an authentic, timber-built replica of the Pinta, one of the three vessels used by Christopher Columbus, but with all mod cons including Volvo Penta engines and spacious en-suite twin and double cabins for 14 passengers/divers. A gourmet chef is among a crew of 11 ready to provide for your every whim. Gracious living comes with an introductory offer on selected departures that gives two weeks for the price of one. £1750 including flights.

BROCHURE TO BOOK? If the DiveQuest diving vacations live up to the promise offered by the DiveQuest 2002 brochure, they will be of a very high standard indeed. More like a coffee-table book, its 180-plus pages are loaded with nice illustrations and some very high-quality colour plates. All the prime diving areas of the world are covered.

WHETHER TO GO? You can get sailing weather forecasts direct to your mobile phone using SMS Weather, a new service. Delivered direct via text-messaging (SMS), forecasts cover the UK, Ireland and western Europe and are available with BT Cellnet, Vodafone, One-2-One, Orange and Virgin Mobile. Each message costs 30p and customers can use a credit card on-line at www.smsweather.co.uk or by calling 09064 660 801.

SNUG, NO BUGS For those of you who suffer from ear infections caught while diving, the manufacturer of the ProEar 2000 mask, which includes integrated ear-cups, has developed a coldwater hood to complement it. The hood is a double-layer affair that hides the ear-cups and avoids unwelcome jibes from those too embarrassed to try the ProEar 2000 mask.

DIVE DORSET Three dive centres, a chandler's and a hotel in Portland have got together to produce a promotional booklet that contains a lot of information about the immediate area. The current tide table for the area is included.

HUNG OUT TO DRY Having trouble drying or storing your drysuit? This Scuba Hanger is part of a range of products designed for the job, made from mild steel and dipped in a plastic coating. Typically, the AquaHanger+ complete with Wall Bracket costs £45, and each is available as a separate item.

THREE BEES Burma, Bali, and Bunaken Marine Park are the three diving destinations offered in a prize draw at the London International Dive Show 2002 jointly by Singapore Airlines and Silk Air. Together, these two airlines give access to a region with the most diverse marine life on Earth. Three winners will jet off with their chosen partners to one or other destination, and for other visitors there are hosts of consolation prizes, plus special offers on flights for those who don't get a freebie!