What constitutes the minimum equipment that recreational divers should have and use on every dive? To some degree, this will be a factor of the environment and the purpose of the dive. Divers in cold water require more thermal protection than divers in warm water. Divers engaged in activities, such as underwater photography or night, deep, wreck, ice or cavern diving, require additional specialized diving equipment that sight-seeing divers in shallow, open water may not need.
There is, however, certain equipment items that most experts believe recreational divers should have and use on every dive. The following is a brief overview of each of these items.
Mask, Snorkel and Fins
These are the most basic of all diving equipment. Masks allow divers to see underwater without distortion. Snorkels enable them to breathe at the surface without having to lift their heads from the water or use air from their tanks. Fins allow divers to move through the water with far great efficiency.
Exposure Protection
Divers require protection from both heat loss and abrasion. Heat loss is of particular importance, because water conducts heat away from the body 20 to 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Divers may become dangerously chilled in water that would seem uncomfortably warm, if it were air.
Thermal and abrasion protection may range from lightweight wet suits for warm-water diving to thick, highly insulative dry suits for cold water diving. Most divers also use some form of hand and foot protection. Wet suit boots are the most common form of foot protection. Hand protection may range from thick wet-suit mitts or light weight gloves.
Weight Systems
Depending on a diver’s natural buoyancy and the buoyancy of his equipment, he may need to use some form of weight system to offset excess buoyancy. The most common type of weighting is a weight belt, although general options are available.
Scuba Systems
Modern scuba systems integrate several components, including primary and alternate air sources, buoyancy-control devices (BCD’s) and instrumentation.
Air Sources
A diver’s primary air source consists of a cylinder of compressed air and a two-stage regulator that reduces this air to the same pressure as the surrounding water. The most common form of alternate air source is an additional regulator second stage, similar to the one the diver normally breathes from. This extra second stage is for sharing with other divers who may run low, or out, of air.
Buoyancy-control Devices
A diver’s buoyancy-control device (or BCD) is used for two purposes. When inflated on the surface, it allows the diver to rest or swim comfortably without having to struggle to keep his head above water. Under water, the BCD may be partially inflated to offset any decrease in buoyancy caused by compression of the diver’s exposure suit during descent.
Gauges
The minimal instrumentation with which every diver should be equipped with includes:
a means of monitoring air supply
an accurate means of determining depth
a means of measuring the time spent under water
I would also recommend that each diver have and use an underwater compass. This not only makes it easier for the diver to navigate, it also helps eliminate the need for long, tiring surface swims at the end of a dive.
Knife or Tool
Although the risk of becoming entangled under water is slight, it is recommended that all divers equip themselves with some form of cutting tool. Depending on its design, this tool may also be used for prying and measuring.
Log Book
Because certification cards only establish that, at one point in time, a diver met the minimum requirements for certification at that level, divers record their dives in log books. Log books provide a tangible record of the depth and breadth of a diver’s experience. An increasing number of dive resorts and charter operations require that divers present both certification card and a log book before they will provide diving service.
Slate
The ability to communicate under water using hand signals is limited. So, to convey more-complex messages to one another, divers use specially designed underwater slates.
Using slates may eliminate the need to surface in order to talk and can add the convenience and enjoyment of the dive.
About the Author:
Ian runs Scuba Shack, an online scuba diving equipment store. For new and pre-owned scuba diving equipment visit http:/www.scubashack.co.uk
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Scuba Diving Equipment – the Completely Equipped Diver
|
|
Scuba Diving Wetsuit Hood with face seal – NEW $26.97 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 10 $0.99 |
|
|
Full 3mm Wetsuit Spearfishing, Scuba Diving $99.22 |
|
|
Mens Semi-Dry Scuba Diving Wetsuit 7mm XL XLS XXL 3XL $189.05 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 9 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 10 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 10 $0.99 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT BLACK $12.95 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT CAMIO $12.95 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT CAMIO $12.95 |
|
|
Women’s Diving Wetsuit 3mm Body Glove $124.16 |
|
|
Womens 7mm Scuba Diving Wetsuit Body Glove $164.54 |
|
|
Body Glove X2 3mm Womens Diving Wetsuit CLOSEOUT SALE $108.73 |
|
|
7mm 7 mm Scuba Diving Mens Full Length Wetsuit Stretchy $185.25 |
|
|
1978 Hang Ten Scuba Diver Diving WetSuit mask Print AD $9.99 |
|
|
1975 Harveys Scuba Diver Diving Custom Wet Suit AD $9.99 |
|
|
New 6mm 3PC Hooded Fullsuit Wetsuit Dive Scuba Men L/XL $125.99 |
|
|
New 3mm wetsuit shorty diving surfing men’s M,L,XL,XXL $29.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Suba Snorkeling Wetsuit Boot Size 10 black $0.99 |
|
|
New 5mm Scuba Diving Fullsuit Wetsuit Men’s L/XL/XXL $86.98 |
|
|
Scuba 3mm Kid’s Full WETSUIT Surf Diving Snorkeling# 6 $49.99 |
|
|
New 3MM Wetsuit Shorty Diving Surfing Men’s M,L,XL,XXL $45.99 |
|
|
New 5mm Scuba Diving Dive Wetsuit Fullsuit Men L/XL/XXL $89.95 |
|
|
NEW MENS PLUS SIZE 5X,6X SHORTY WETSUIT 3M DIVE GEAR 09 $62.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Suba Snorkeling Wetsuit Boots Size 9 black $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 9 $0.99 |
|
|
New 6mm hooded 2pc full wetsuit dive scuba men L/XL/XXL $116.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 10 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Suba Snorkeling Wetsuit Boot Size 11 black $0.99 |
|
|
New 2.2mm Scuba Fullsuit Dive Surfing Wet suit Men’s XL $41.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 11 $0.99 |
|
|
New 3mm wetsuit shorty diving surfing men’s M,L,XL,XXL $29.99 |
|
|
NWT 2.2mm FullSuit Diving Surfing Scuba Wetsuit Men’s M $38.99 |
|
|
5mm SCUBA DIVE SNORKEL HOOD XXL XX-LARGE Wetsuit Divers $19.98 |
|
|
NEW NEOsport Wetsuit 7/5MM Scuba Dive Diving Womens NEW $119.98 |
|
|
New 3MM Wetsuit Shorty Diving Surfing Men’s M,L,XL,XXL $45.99 |
|
|
1pc WETSUIT-S-LESS-SCUBA-DIVE-COLD WATER-LADIES/YOUTH S $8.49 |
|
|
NEW 7mm Scuba Dive Wetsuit Womens Women Diving LARGE 13 $139.98 |
|
|
New 3mm wetsuit shorty diving surfing men’s M,L,XL,XXL $29.99 |
|
|
MARES FLEXA 8MM SCUBA DIVE WETSUIT NEW FOR 2010 $400.00 |
|
|
MARES REEF 3MM SCUBA DIVE WETSUIT NEW FOR 2010 $160.00 |
|
|
2mm Women Scuba WETSUIT Scuba Dive Surf Snorkel SAMPLE $49.99 |
|
|
New 5mm Scuba Diving Dive Wetsuit Fullsuit Men L/XL/XXL $89.95 |
|
|
NEW 7mm QUALITY SCUBA Dive Diving Wetsuit Mens SMALL $139.98 |
|
|
6.5mm NEW Wetsuit Farmer Jane Scuba Dive Diving Womens $79.98 |
|
|
O’Neill 7000X Wetsuit 7mm Womens 8 Scuba Dive Snorkel $149.98 |
|
|
New 3MM Wetsuit Shorty Diving Surfing Men’s M,L,XL,XXL $45.99 |
|
|
Henderson Mens Hyperstretch 7mm Wetsuit Scuba Diving L $299.95 |
|
|
5mm SCUBA DIVE SNORKEL HOOD XXL XX-LARGE Wetsuit Divers $19.98 |
|
|
6.5mm NEW Wetsuit Farmer Jane Scuba Dive Diving Womens $79.98 |
|
|
NEW DIVE SUIT Scuba Diving Wetsuit Small Mens Boys S $79.98 |
|
|
Henderson Farmer John Wetsuit Hood Scuba Dive 7mil L $30.99 |
|
|
New 3MM Scuba Wetsuit Shorty Dive Surfing Men’s S/L/XL $35.99 |
|
|
6.5mm NEW Wetsuit Farmer Jane Scuba Dive Diving Womens $79.98 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT CAMIO $12.95 |
|
|
NEW DIVE SUIT Scuba Diving Wetsuit Small Mens Boys S $79.98 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 11 $0.99 |
|
|
6.5mm Wetsuit Farmer Jane Scuba Dive Diving Womens XS $79.98 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 9 $0.99 |
|
|
New 3mm wetsuit shorty diving surfing men’s M,L,XL,XXL $29.99 |
|
|
new 6mm hooded 2pc full wetsuit dive scuba men L/XL/XXL $119.95 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuits Woman Scuba Dive Gear SZ 7 $77.98 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuit Man Scuba Diving Shorty SZ XXL $49.98 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 9 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 11 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 10 $0.99 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuits Woman Scuba Dive Gear SZ 5 $77.98 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 11 $0.99 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuit Man Scuba Diving Shorty SZ XL $49.98 |
|
|
Wetsuit Scuba Dive Diving Womens Ladies Large 10-12 BLK $49.98 |
|
|
6.5m Wetsuit Scuba Dive Diving Womens Ladies X-Small XS $99.98 |
|
|
Parkway 3mm Wetsuit Scuba Dive Diving Pyrostretch Sz 10 $9.99 |
|
|
Parkway 3mm Wetsuit Scuba Dive Diving Pyrostretch Sz XL $9.99 |
|
|
Parkway 7mm Wetsuit Scuba Dive Diving Pyrostretch Sz 12 $9.99 |
|
|
ACTION PLUS DIVE/WET SUIT 5MM 2PC WOMENS LARGE $47.99 |
|
|
Water Pro Diving WetSuit 5/4mm Fullsuit WPF13 XS-XXL $90.19 |
|
|
Water Pro WetSuit 5/4mm Fullsuit Unisex Gd For Diving $90.19 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuits Woman Scuba Dive Gear SZ 11 $77.98 |
|
|
New 5mm Scuba Diving Dive Wetsuit Fullsuit Men L/XL/XXL $89.95 |
|
|
New 3mm wetsuit shorty diving surfing men’s M,L,XL,XXL $29.98 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuit Mens Scuba Dive Diving SZ XXL $77.98 |
|
|
NWT 2.2mm FullSuit Diving Surfing Snorkeling Wetsuit M $39.99 |
|
|
New 5mm Scuba Diving Fullsuit Wetsuit Men’s L/XL/XXL $86.98 |
|
|
Water Pro 2010 Diving WetSuit 5/4mm Fullsuit Wp9 S-XL $130.79 |
|
|
Folding Travel Wetsuit Hanger SCUBA diving NO RESERVE $0.99 |
|
|
Superstretch 3mm Wetsuits Woman Scuba Dive Gear SZ 9 $77.98 |
|
|
Water Pro Diving WetSuit 5.5mm Unisex Super Warn S-XL $99.21 |
|
|
New 3MM Wetsuit Shorty Diving Surfing Men’s M,L,XL,XXL $45.99 |
|
|
DIVE N’ SURF BY BODY GLOVE 3/2mm NEOPRENE WETSUIT SZ. M $5.50 |
|
|
MARES 6.5mm Semi Dry Scuba Diving Wetsuit SMALL w/hood $99.99 |
|
|
NEW Snorkeling Scuba Dive Wetsuit LYCRA SKIN Suit LARGE $34.98 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 11 $0.99 |
|
|
Diving Shoes Boots Scuba Snorkeling Wetsuit Size 9 $0.99 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT BLACK $12.95 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT CAMIO $12.95 |
|
|
DIVING HOOD, SCUBA , SURFING, SNORLKING, WETSUIT CAMIO $12.95 |
|
|
SUPERSTRETCH 3mm WET SUIT WOMENS SCUBA DIVE GEAR 11 $77.98 |
|
|
SUPERSTRETCH 3mm WETSUIT WOMENS SCUBA DIVING SHORTY 11 $49.98 |
|
|
O’NEILL ONEILL WET SUIT SZ XL SURF DEEP SEA DIVE MINT $19.99 |
|
|
NWT 2.2mm FullSuit Diving Surfing Snorkel Wetsuit XL $43.99 |
|
|
U.S. Divers Mercury Shorty Adult Wetsuit $69.99 This U.S. Divers’ Mercury wetsuit–made of the highest-quality materials available–offers a superior combination of fit, performance, and style. The “shorty” suit is distinguished by its short-sleeve arms and legs and its titanium-blend 3 mm chest panels, which reflect heat back to the body to keep divers and surfers warm in cool currents. The suit also features 2 mm side panels and super-stretch… |
|
|
NeoSport Wetsuits Full Body Sports Skins Divers and snorkelers looking for UV protection and a defense against sea lice, jellies and other biological irritants will love this super stretchy and comfortable Lycra sport skin. Easy to don, it’s naturally form fitting to reduce drag in the water while providing full-body protection. The long front zip makes donning and doffing lightening fast and foot stirrups prevent the suit fromriding up … |
|
|
U.S. Divers Mercury Full Adult Wetsuit $89.99 This U.S. Divers’ Mercury wetsuit–made of the highest-quality materials available–offers a superior combination of fit, performance, and style. The full-size suit is distinguished by its titanium-blend 3 mm chest panels, which reflect heat back to the body to keep divers and surfers warm in frigid conditions, and the 2 mm side panels, which are pliable enough for upper-body twists. The suit also… |
|
|
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Bottom “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Bottom” combines the snappy humor and broad diving experience of PJ Ryan with the wonderfully funny original art work of Steven Choi and Karin Marlett Choi…. |
|
|
NeoSport Wetsuits Youth Premium Neoprene 5mm Youthrens Boots The warmest boot we’ve found in little kids sizes. 5mm neoprene insulates feet even when wet. High top with zipper for easy on and off…. |
