The correct scuba gear allows you to breathe and move underwater almost effortlessly. Depending upon the depths and the conditions of the water, you may need to add a wet or drysuit, but the basic gear will get you diving and most of it can be rented from dive shops until you decide which brands and styles you wish to purchase.
Buoyancy Gear
The Buoyancy Control (Compensation) Device, or BCD, is an inflatable vest to which your air tanks are strapped. The vest can be inflated with the mouth or through the use of air from the tanks to regulate your buoyancy in the water. The BCD also possesses straps to control gear and may contain pockets for holding weights.
To help you overcome the natural buoyancy of your body you will need weights. Without them the air in your tanks and in your lungs will prevent you from descending beneath the water's surface. Weights can come in the form of a nylon belt threaded through lead weights or weight plates that slide into dedicated pockets on the BCD. Both types of weights can be quickly shed in the event that you need to surface immediately.
Breathing Gear
Aside from the air tanks, the most important piece of gear for breathing underwater is the regulator. The regulator consists of three parts: the first stage, which acts as a tap to regulate the pressure streaming from the air tanks, a hose and the second stage, which is the mouthpiece where you can control the amount of air you breathe. Systems will have a secondary regulator in case of emergencies.
To keep track of your breathing and your depth beneath the surface, you need to employ the use of a dive computer. This informs you how deep you're diving and how long you've been underwater so you can make an accurate assessment as to how much longer you should continue diving and how much decompression will be required when you begin your ascent. Dive computers are usually combined with an air gauge. This console alerts you to the amount of air remaining in the tank and your current depth.
If you lack a computer, you may use the traditional dive tables to calculate the time and depth of a dive.
Swimming Gear
A mask creates a pocket of air, which allows your eyes to focus underwater without distortion. If it leaks due to an ill fit or an accidental bump it can be easily cleared while you're underwater by exhaling hard through your nose. A snorkel is attached to the mask for use on the surface and when you need to conserve tank air when floating. Fins help propel you through the water and come in a variety of widths and lengths, depending upon the depth and type of diving you do.
Optional Gear
In warm locales you may feel comfortable enough to dive in your swimsuit. If the water is cooler or you wish to dive for extended periods of time, you may want to consider the use of a wetsuit or drysuit. Both will provide protection against cuts and scrapes caused by contact with corral or marine life. Wetsuits can be full-body or leave your legs bare. They come in a variety of thicknesses to counter different water temperatures. Drysuits are used in extremely cold temperatures and keep you warm by insulating you with air rather than water.
Member Comments