Scuba diving requires a lot of gear. The best way to not forget something is to keep a checklist and consult it before every dive trip. Most divers do not own their own tanks. They rent them from different outfitters. You can also rent most other dive gear, but if you dive often you'll eventually want to have your own.
Mask
The mask is a small, but essential piece of gear. All divers should own their own masks. Buy a mask that fits your face well. Bring a small bottle of mask defogger to use before each dive. Expect to share a few drops with less prepared divers. You'll also need a snorkel for your mask for when you're on surface of the water.
Fins
Fins make it much easier to swim with a tank on your back. Buy your own fins, rather than renting, to ensure a good fit. Put your name on the fins and make sure the straps and buckles are secure before you dive.
Wetsuit
Wetsuits keep you warm and protect your skin from stings and cuts. A 3mm wetsuit is enough for warm tropical diving, but colder water calls for a thicker wetsuit and a hood. Wear gloves and booties in all conditions to keep your hands and feet warm during long dives.
Weight Belt
A weight belt helps keep you underwater by preventing you from being overly buoyant. Different divers require different amounts of weight. If you know how much weight you need on your weight belt, you can rent a belt and weights, if necessary.
Buoyancy Compensator
A buoyancy compensator vest, commonly known as the B.C., controls your buoyancy by inflating and deflating. You add air to the vest to keep you bobbing at the surface, and empty the air to begin your descent. Rental B.C. vests are fine for infrequent divers, although they may not fit as well as you would like. Attach a clip to the B.C. to keep your safety second regulator from dragging across reefs.
Regulator
The regulator adjusts the tank's pressurized air to a breathable pressure. You breathe through one of the regulator's mouthpieces, and keep a safety second as a back-up. The regulator also attaches to the B.C. vest. If you own your own regulator, make sure you have it checked regularly by a local dive shop. You can also rent regulators.
Computer
Dive computers have become increasingly common. You can wear most computers on your wrist like a watch. The computer tracks your dive's depth, time and decompression needs, and often contains a compass as well.
Additional Gear
You may also need dive lights for night or low-visibility diving. Always bring your certification card, commonly referred to as the C-card, on all dive trips. Bring your dive log to record information about each dive you make. You also will need a gear bag for toting all your gear, as well as a dry bag for keeping your wallet, cell phone or other items clean and dry. Bring sunscreen and towels.
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