Scuba diving equipment makes it possible for you to explore comfortably
underwater for extended periods of time. That is, a mask doesnt see for
you, but allows you to see underwater. A dive regulator doesnt breathe
for you, but allows you to breathe underwater. A wetsuit doesnt make
heat, but allows a body to more effectively retain its own heat.
The Gear You Need Depends on Where You Scuba Dive.
You
can dive almost anywhere theres water. The gear you use will vary
somewhat depending upon your diving environment, as well as your
preferences. There are four general categories for dive equipment, but
some gear fits in all the categories for example the mask you use for
tropical diving is probably for temperate or cold water diving, too.
Scuba BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)-
holds your gear in place, lets you carry a tank with minimal effort,
floats you at the surface and allows you to achieve neutral buoyancy at
any depth. Look for one that fits snugly but doesn't squeeze you when
inflated).
Scuba Regulator and Octopus
your regulator takes high pressure air from your scuba tank and adjusts
it to the pressure you need for breathing. It supplies air only when
you inhale (on demand), and directs your breath into the water when you
exhale. It also routes air to your BCD, instruments and dry suit if
you’re using one.
Instruments
( gauges) tells you how much air remains in your tank so that you can
end your dive well before you get too low. The SPG may be an independent
gauge, or it may combine into a console with one or more additional
instruments you use while diving. It may also be integrated into your
dive computer. Independent SPGs are analog gauges, whereas those
integrated into computers are digital.
Scuba Computer
(unlike the dive table, the scuba computer automatically calculates
your nitrogen intake so you can better plan your decompression times)
Tanks a
cylinder (more commonly called “scuba tank”) holds compressed breathing
air that you use during the dive. Modern scuba tanks are made from
aluminum alloy or steel alloy and are rated to hold pressures as high as
200 bar/3000 psi. Your dive regulator attaches to the cylinder valve.
Scuba Mask
the human eye cannot focus in water. The mask provides an air pocket so
your eyes can focus and you can see clearly underwater. Your nose must
be within the eye pocket so you can adjust for pressure changes. This
is why swim goggles cannot be used for scuba diving. Look for Tempered
glass - Plastic fogs up and standard glass is hazardous if accidentally
broken. Desirable features (found in virtually all masks intended for
scuba diving) Feathered, double skirt - Makes mask seal more reliable
and comfortabl, Wide strap with touch buckle adjustment - Mask adjusts
quickly, easily and stay adjusted during the dive and Low volume - The
smaller the mask, the less drag it has while diving. Your face may
require something a bit larger, so don't consider this an absolute.
Fins
provide a large surface area to push against the water. This allows you
to swim using your powerful leg muscles. This moves you more
efficiently and frees your hands.
Snorkel lets you breathe at the surface with your face in the water without wasting air from your scuba unit.
Home »Unlabelled » Scuba Gear lets you adapt to the underwater world