Scuba Tanks
Most scuba tanks contain compressed air containing 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. Enriched nitrox is sometimes used for deeper or longer dives. It contains up to 32 percent oxygen which reduces the likelihood of decompression sickness caused by nitrogen bubble forming in the blood. The scuba tanks contain concentrated air that allows the diver to breathe underwater for extended periods of time.
Regulator
A regulator converts the compressed air in the scuba tanks into air the diver can breathe. It does this by reducing the air pressure in two steps. First, it reduces air pressure to an intermediate level, then it pumps the air through tubes to the diver at the ambient water pressure. Air is regulated every time the diver takes a breath. The regulator then shuts off as the diver exhales bubbles.
Weight Belt
Every time a diver inhales a breath of compressed air, the air pressure in his lungs increases. This causes the diver to sink. However, the body is naturally buoyant. To get a diver to descend, they must wear a weight belt. The amount of weight varies from diver to diver, depending on the diver's natural buoyancy.
Buoyancy Control Device
When it comes time for the diver to ascend, they need to become more buoyant. This is achieved by using a buoyancy control device, commonly referred to as a BCD. This is an inflatable bladder that fills with air from the scuba tanks. As it fills with air, it makes the diver float upward or on the surface of the water.
Mask and Snorkel
A scuba mask allows the diver to see underwater and restricts breathing through the nose. A snorkel is always attached to the diving mask. It allows the diver to breathe natural air when he is floating near the surface. This is important for conserving precious air in the scuba tanks.
Wetsuit or Drysuit
A wetsuit insulates the body of a diver. Heat is rapidly lost from the body while in water. A wetsuit traps a thin layer of water next to the skin. The diver's body heat warms this water, and it acts like a blanket. A dry suit is used in cold water dives. It keeps all water away from the skin. Dry suits are stiffer and more difficult to use. Valves must be adjusted while ascending to release gas bubbles that form inside the suit.
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