Parts of SCUBA Gear

When taking on SCUBA diving, there are a number of things you will need in order to have a safe adventure. Proper equipment is imperative for your safety, as well as for the safety of those who join you. SCUBA is never a sport you do alone, so your preparedness affects that of your dive buddy.

  1. Mask, Fins and Snorkel

    • These pieces of equipment are the very basics of dive material. Your mask is what will allow you to see clearly underwater. Your fins will help you to move more rapidly through the water while diving. Your snorkel allows you to breathe at the surface while still looking at what is below you beneath the surface.

    Buoyancy Compensator (BC) Vest

    • A buoyancy compensator (BC) vest is the clothing that will attach your tank to your body. A BC vest also helps you stay afloat. To achieve zero gravity underwater, put weights in the pockets of the vest. The BC vest will also protect you from touching or scraping things you do not wish to touch. Since every touch of a reef kills underwater life, the vest will also help preserve the reef.

    Regulator and Octopus

    • The regulator attaches to the oxygen tank allowing you to breathe. With just small sucking motions you should be inhaling through your mouth and exhaling bubbles through the regulator. Your octopus is your spare. If your mouthpiece suddenly stops working, you should use your octopus. If you are still not getting air, then you can use your diving buddy's octopus until you are safely back at the surface.

    Tank, Depth Gauge, Tank Pressure Gauge, Timer and Compass

    • All of these safety devices go hand in hand and are essential during every dive. Your tank provides your air, while your depth gauge ensures that you do not dive too deep and keeps you within the limits you set. Your tank pressure allows you to determine how much air you have left while diving, and you should set a limit at which time you will start heading back to the surface. In case you get separated from your group, a compass will guide you in the right direction. Since you can only stay at certain depths for specific amounts of time, as determined by your dive table, a timer prevents you from going into decompression during deep dives.

    Dive Logbook

    • Since it is easy to forget what you have seen while doing multiple dives in one day, a dive logbook will help you keep a record of your daily dives. You can look back in your logbook to plan your next dive accordingly.

    Optional Items

    • Wetsuits are optional if the water is too cold. To look into small holes or shipwrecks, come prepared with underwater lights. On a night dive, you should have a light and a backup light. A diving knife will free you if you get caught in any sort of line. It is also helpful when picking up items others have left behind.