subject: Getting The Right Basic Equipment For Scuba Diving [print this page] This article contains a guide to what equipment you will need for scuba diving. Many people chose to hire out equipment at dive shops or schools but if you are a regular diver and want to buy scuba gear then I hope this will help you can an idea of what you will need.
First you must find the right pieces of clothing, including mask, fins, snorkel, wet or dry suit and protective gloves and booties. Tips on what to look for are, when you are looking for a mask ensure that it is tempered for pressure and has a nose enclosure. The fins should brought with a strap to support the Achilles tendon these are adapted and suitable for both hot and cold climates , it is also important that your snorkel tube has a purge valve almost all snorkels will do but it is wise to check.
It is also wise to buy a wet / dry suit with detachable hood, it is your choice if you want to buy a drysuit or a wetsuit. Booties and gloves must be made from neoprene, which provides protection against the cold and a few bites and scratches you can get in the water.
Next on the list is to buy a weight belt. They are usually made of lead and counteract the effects of the buoyancy from your diving equipment such as your air tank and wet/dry suit. There are different types and models of them, so look around for what suits you best. As well as a weight belt, you must use a buoyancy control device, these also come in different shapes, sizes, styles, etc. These are extremely important because you must the correct weight underwater, the devices of buoyancy control work in sync with weights for this purpose. Look for BCDs with many pulleys and hooks, as they will be very useful for diving.
You will also need a tank, this is obviously extremely important as it is your life line underwater. When looking for a tank look for one made from aluminium and holds 80 cubic feet, this is a generic material and size so will not be difficult to find. Scuba tanks come with a variety of valves , so shop around or ask the dive shops what they recommend. To monitor the pressure of gas in your diving tank you will also need to invest in a Submersible Pressure Gauge.
When purchasing your regulator you will need to make sure that it has the component that attaches to your tank, and also has the second part from which you will breathe from. You will need two of these, one your primary regulator and second a back up regulator (known as an Octopus) this is in case your buddy runs out of air or has a problem, or you have a problem with your primary regulator. Often people chose a brightly coloured regulator for their alternate regulator.
It is also wise to buy a watch or underwater timer. Of course, we must be careful of the depth of water resistance in. Most recreational diving takes place about 130 meters, so you should choose to buy a watch that it is rated for at least 200 meters to be cautious. It is better to buy a watch that has a locking clip, this is to prevent risk of losing it if you brush past anything that could knock your watch. Bright and luminous dials are also good as underwater visibility can be poor.
Purchasing and carrying a diving knife is also important in case of trouble underwater. Other equipment which is not so necessary but may be of interest are the following, underwater writing slate, diving computer, compass and dive light. All these will be found in a good diving shop.
