Gear Scuba
Gear Scuba What are the advantages of having your own scuba gear? as opposed to renting 1/ You know the gear's service history. 2/ You bought it, it should fit. 3/ You're familiar with all the ...
Gear Scuba
What Scuba Diving Equipment Do I Need to Scuba Dive?
The human body is not the same as marine animals that are able to swim underwater safely. We need to use specialty scuba diving equipment so we can continue to breathe.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver the correct equipment is necessary for you to be able to stay underwater for any appreciable length of time.
Equipment required for diving:
The mask:
Diving masks are designed to create a pocket of air so the diver may be able to see. The human eye is not designed to see through water so it is essential to have a diving mask.
A good diving mask is like a very large pair of swimming goggles. It has a silicone seal with a picket/seal for the nose to prevent the diver inadvertently breathing through the nose and sucking in water. A good diving mask is designed to withstand great pressure underwater and is an essential piece of scuba diving equipment.
The Fins:
Any physical exercise requires a lot of energy. Swimming is no exception. To fuel that energy the diver requires oxygen. Divers need to conserve energy in the best possible way. Fins are used to help conserve energy and help the diver to swim more effortlessly underwater.
Fins are large flexible blades that are fitted to the feet. These provide maximum propulsion through the water and make swimming a lot easier.
There are two types of fins:
The shoe fin fits onto the bare foot like a slipper. Strap fins will have a foot pocket with a strap that fits around the heel and are worn with boots.
Protective clothing requirements:
Regardless of the weather, protective clothing is required to protect the human body from harm. The skin suit is used in the warmest water. It protects the body from cuts either from equipment or from brushing against corals and rocks.
The wet suit will provide some thermal protection. They come in long or short arms and legs and are available in a range of thicknesses.
Wets suits are made of neoprene. This material allows water to flush through it, holding it against the body. This allows the body to warm and provides defense against cooler water temperatures.
The semi-dry suit is similar to a wet suit except it has seals around the neck, wrists and ankles. It is designed to ingress trapped water and is warmed by the body. It gives greater protection than the wet suit.
And finally, the dry suit is designed for cold water diving conditions. This suit does not allow any water to ingress. Inside the suit the body remains dry. The suit has built-in boots and is sealed around the wrists and neck.
The dry suit is either made from neoprene or from a trilaminate membrane. In addition, neoprene gloves and hoods are added for extra warmth. Dry suits are usually part of the scuba diving equipment used by more experienced divers.
The dive equipment:
In addition to the necessary clothing you will also need:
Buoyancy Compression Device (BCD)
Lead Weights
Cylinders
Regulators
Some divers use computer equipment
Being properly outfitted with scuba diving equipment will ensure that you are comfortable and safe whilst you enjoy your dive.
Learn more about scuba diving equipment. Stop by MyDiveBuddies site where you can find out all about scuba gear and what it can do for you.
About the Author
Allyn Cutts is a scuba diving enthusiast, traveling the globe with his wife checking dive destinations off thier bucket, list one at a time. He is also the Dive Master at www.MyDiveBuddies.com, a private social networking community specifically for scuba diving fanatics.