Although scuba diving comes with inherent risks, the right equipment can make it a safe and enjoyable experience. When purchasing the basic scuba diving gear it is important to consider comfort, fit and the type of diving it will be used for. To scuba dive safely, a diver must have the correct equipment and know how to use it effectively.
Scuba Mask And Snorkel
The scuba mask and snorkel are two basic pieces of equipment. A correctly fitting scuba mask will give the diver a clear view of the vast underwater world. When fitted properly, scuba masks should fit comfortably over the face and stay in place without the use of a head strap when the diver tries to breathe through his nose. A snorkel is a small tube, which hangs from the left side of the scuba mask and allows the diver to swim along the surface of the water without having to lift his head to breathe.
Scuba Booties And Fins
Scuba booties are like neoprene socks that keep the feet warm and protect them from cuts, abrasions, and blisters. Generally, scuba booties are sized similar to shoes and fit snugly under fins but are still comfortable enough to walk in. Swim fins enable divers to exert the minimum amount of energy and effort as they swim. If fitted correctly, fins allow divers to use the larger thigh muscles to propel themselves farther, faster and more effectively through the wate.
Scuba Weights And Weight Belts
Scuba diving weights are worn to help maintain neutral buoyancy. They do this by offsetting the buoyancy of a scuba diver's body and gear. A variety of different styles and weight systems are available on the market. However, the traditional scuba weight system is a simple nylon belt with solid weights that are slipped on and off as weight is adjusted.
BCDs
BCDs, or buoyancy compensation devices or buoyancy control devices, are an inflatable vest and backpack combination that gives a diver control over buoyancy and is fitted with a harness for mounting air tanks on the diver's back and pockets for storing gauges and gear. Most BCDs have a lift capacity of 35 to 40 lbs., allowing divers to adjust their buoyancy under water simply by inflating and deflating their BCD. On the surface a correctly fitted BCD will fit like a jacket, snug across the chest and belly, but not to tight under the arms.
Regulators And Gauges
The regulator is the device that allows divers to breath underwater. It does this by reducing the pressure of the air coming from the tank to the ambient water pressure and delivering it to diver for breathing. Regulators consist of two parts, the first stage that connects to the air tank and the second stage that connects to the mouthpiece. In addition to a regulator, a diver should carry a depth gauge, a compass and a means to monitor air supply. This allows the diver to monitor depth, air consumption and time. These pieces of information are vital for navigation, monitoring air supply, and determining when and how quickly to start ascending.
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