SCUBA Diving Equipment

Diving is a risky sport, but that is part of the fun. Going into an environment that you are not supposed to be able to enter is a challenge. The ability to explore a world where you can only survive for a limited time brings a thrill like no other.

The feeling you get when you're diving is like no other experience on Earth. In fact, SCUBA is the way astronauts prepare for outer space!

The ability to leave the oxygen filled world and travel underwater is only possible because of the technology we have. Dive equipment has come a long way in recent years. It allows us to breath and function underwater in relative safety. How cool!

Diving is impossible without all the right dive equipment. Usually you can rent it from your dive shop before your dive. But when making a living in commercial diving, you should have your own. With your own gear, you can be sure it is in top notch shape and does exactly what you want and need it to do. Plus you'll know it's quirks and kinks and can set it up however you want. Unfortunately, dive gear is expensive, but you don't want to buy cheap gear. Your life depends on it.

The basic gear you need to work in the recreational dive world is fins, mask, wetsuit, BCD, octopus, regulator, 2nd stage, knife, 2 flashlights, pocket mask for rescue breathing, wreck reel, snorkel, dive computer or depth and air gauge, safety buoy, whistle, dive charts, and compass. As you become certified you will learn all about equipment and even how to fix it on the fly. Wherever you dive, they will supply you with an air tank and weight belt, because that stuff is hard to lug around.

If you become a technical diver, you will need even more equipment. You'll add to your already overflowing dive bag - cylinder harnesses, pony bottles, extra regulators and second stages, gas delivery systems, rebreathers, gauges, clips, and lift bags.

As a commercial diver, the equipment gets even more intense. Diving helmets, welding equipment, dry suits, harnesses, and more are added to your dive gear. In commercial diving, much of your equipment is dictated by your job - salvage diving, oil work, HazMat diving, or scientific diving.

As you now know, SCUBA is an equipment intensive sport. And what is mentioned here is just a starting list. Some divers carry extra stuff, like slates and cameras strobes, and backup lights. You'll have to be in good shape to carry all this to the water, but once you're 20 meters under, it will all be as light as a feather. Remember if you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you!

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