The acronym "scuba" stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, and with the proper scuba equipment, you can enjoy the abundant life of underwater reefs, walls or sunken ships. Unlike snorkeling, which requires you to stay near the surface to draw air, scuba diving allows you to take a supply of oxygen with you underwater. Having the correct equipment and understanding how that equipment works is imperative in the safety of your diving experience.
Mask, Fins and Snorkel
Your mask, fins and snorkel allow you to effectively move through the water while being able to see your surroundings. Fins help propel you in a smooth motion, and your snorkel lets you breathe while looking down into the water as you swim out to your dive site. While some dive shops will rent these items, investing in your own set will ensure a comfortable fit when you're underwater.
Buoyancy Compensation Device
The buoyancy compensation device, commonly called a BCD, helps you control your vertical position in the water. The vest attaches to your oxygen tank and allows you to add or remove air as you ascend or descend in your dive. Your BCD comes equipped with a series of straps and harnesses to attach your tank as well as diving gauges and your spare regulator, keeping them out of the way as you dive. BCDs can be rented at dive centers, but owning your own BCD gives you familiarity with the equipment and greater control over your buoyancy.
Regulator
Your regulator allows you to breath underwater, and is the most crucial piece of equipment for safety when diving, says the U.S. Dive Travel Network. The regulator attaches to the tank and adjusts the pressure of the air you're breathing according to the water pressure around you. The first stage of your regulator controls the pressure of the air flowing from the tank. The second stage, housed within the mouth piece, allows you to breath in and out naturally. Always have your regulator checked before each dive trip, and repair any signs of wear and tear before entering the water.
Gauges
Most BDCs come with a set of attached gauges, including a depth gauge, pressure gauge, timer and compass. The depth gauge helps you control your rate of ascent and descent by telling you how deep in the water you are. The pressure gauge monitors the oxygen level in your tank, allowing you to time your dive so you have plenty of air for ascending. The timer keeps track of your time in the water for dive log purposes, and the compass helps in underwater navigation, especially in cloudy and murky waters. Some divers have begun to replace the traditional gauges with dive computers that keep track of everything at once.
Weight Belt
Your body, wetsuit and oxygen tank combine to make you very buoyant in the water. Most divers must wear a weight belt with attached weights to offset their buoyancy and the buoyancy of their gear. Traditionally, solid weights are worn on a belt around the waist, but some BCDs come with pockets to add sacks of lead shot for a more comfortable and convenient weight system.
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