1. Fill 'er Up
Scuba tanks, also called scuba cylinders, hold oxygen and are worn on the backs of scuba divers. Tanks are made of either aluminum or steel, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum tanks tend to be less expensive than their steel counterparts but are less durable. Steel tanks won't dent like aluminum tanks, but they're prone to rusting. Scuba tanks are filled to 3000 psi regardless of their size. Most tanks hold 65 to 100 pressurized cubic feet of air. Small pony tanks hold 6 cubic feet of air and are carried by divers as an emergency oxygen source.
2. A Critical Regulation
Regulators make it possible to breathe the air stored in your scuba tank. Scuba regulators consist of two valves. The first valve connects to the tank and lowers the air pressure to about 140 psi, so it's possible to breathe in the outflowing oxygen. The second valve, which is located directly behind your mouthpiece, uses a diaphragm or piston to deliver the air only when you're inhaling. The second valve has a purge feature that allows exhaled air escape the chamber without allowing water to come in.
3. Keeping Track of the Important Stuff
A scuba gauge tells you your depth and air consumption. Divers also need a scuba diving watch to keep track of how long they've been underwater. Divers need to know their depth so they don't ascend too quickly, which could cause decompression sickness. It's also important to be aware of how much air is in the scuba tank so the diver knows how long she can stay underwater. The air pressure gauge also tells the diver if any of the equipment is leaking or the valves aren't working properly.
4. Be Buoyant
Scuba buoyancy compensation devices, also called buoyancy control devices and BCDs, allow the diver to control his buoyancy. Buoyancy compensation devices jackets or vests that are inflated with air from the scuba tank. A scuba BCD has a harness for the tank and pockets and straps for your other gear. Scuba BCDs are rated by lift capacity. They should fit snugly without being uncomfortable.
5. A Warning on Your Wrist
A dive computer resembles a digital wristwatch. The small device keeps track of the diver's depth and time spent underwater, much like scuba gauges, but also alerts the diver if nitrogen levels get too high in her body. The dive computer tells the diver how to make the appropriate decompression to avoid injury if nitrogen levels get too high.
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