Advanced technical, cave and wreck diving often requires advanced gear beyond the basic open water diving gear. The increased length, depth and danger of advanced diving calls for additional tanks of air, additional back-up regulators and other safety gear. Familiarize yourself with this gear and equipment before you begin an advanced certification course.
Mask
Advanced divers use compact, low-volume masks with narrow skirts and no bulky side panes. The high profile of common recreational diving masks creates too much drag for advanced diving. Cave and wreck divers do not wear a snorkel because of the risk that it will catch on something.
Wetsuit
You need a thick wetsuit or even a dry suit to protect your skin on deep, long technical and cave dives. Cave diving in 72-degree Florida springs, for example, requires a full-body wetsuit at least 7mm thick. You'll also need a hoodie to keep your head warm.
Twin Cylinder Gas Supply
Long, advanced dives require more air supply. Advanced divers usually carry two tanks, often filled with multi-gas Nitrox or Trimix rather than the compressed air used for recreational diving. Two separate first stages connect the tanks to the diver's regulators, ensuring that if one malfunctions the diver will be able to use the second. You need a wing or harness-style buoyancy compensator vest to carry two tanks.
Decompression Cylinders
Tech and cave divers taking very long dives often require decompression cylinders with independent regulators. Divers breathe from these cylinders during long decompression stops.
Regulators
Technical and cave divers carry regulators with much longer hoses connecting the mouthpieces to the first stage and the air supply. The longer hose allows for buddy breathing in narrow, single-file passageways. Advanced divers also carry an additional, secondary regulator as a back-up in case the first regulator and safety second fail.
Computers
Advanced dive computers can track information on multiple gases, such as Nitrox or Trimix. These computers also track decompression requirements for long dives. Advanced divers often carry a back-up computer in case the first one fails.
Dive Lights
Cavern, cave, wreck and night dives all require battery-powered dive lights. Cave divers carry large battery canisters to power their lights for longer. They also carry a backup light in case the first one fails.
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