Scuba Diving – Basic Scuba Equipment

Executive Summar of  Scuba Equipment By Felix Tero

Let us review a few scuba items and their pertinent functionalities to this end.

Diving Mask

Without the diving mask, the scuba diver will not get an excellent focus of underwater flora and fauna. By creating an air space between the eyes and the tempered lens of the mask, the diver catches a regular view of his surroundings instead of getting refracted or distorted images when the eyes are in direct contact with sea water.

Buoyancy Compensator Device

The buoyancy compensator device (BCD) and weights are designed to support the neutral buoyancy requirements of the diver. Getting a mid-range BCD with an integrated weight system better supports the objective of buoyancy and vertical cruise control.

Diving Wetsuit

The human body easily succumbs to cold when immersed in water. Thus, a diver would need a diving wetsuit to insulate his body from the chilly water temperatures as well as get protection from coral abrasion and jellyfish stings.

Diving Cylinder

The standard 80 cubic feet tank can hold compressed Air to a maximum volume of 4500 per square inch (psi) of pressure. While atmospheric gases remain as the commonly used breathing gas for scuba diving, professional divers have been utilizing Enriched Air or Nitrox mixes which increases Oxygen proportion in the mix (up to 40%) and reduces Nitrogen absorption by the body, resulting to increased bottom times and reduced decompression stops.

Scuba Regulator

The scuba regulator is integrated into the open circuit scuba set to minimize intermediate pressures flowing from the tank which could cause lung injury if air (in the tank) is fed directly to the diver. Basic components of this scuba equipment include the first stage, a mechanism that drops tank pressure to intermediate pressure and the second stage which converts intermediate pressure to surrounding water pressure. Breathable air flowing from the second stage is conveyed to the scuba diver through a mouthpiece.

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Scuba Wetsuit Buyers Guide – What to Look For When Buying Your Scuba Wetsuit

Executive Summary of Scuba Wet Suits by Kris Mifsud

Best Scuba Wet Suits

Buying a wet suit and choosing the style of wetsuit will depend entirely on the environment you intend to scuba dive or snorkel in.

The following are characteristics which you should look out for when buying a wetsuit:

Warmth

Choosing the right thickness of your scuba wetsuit is essential, for you to feel comfortable underwater. First and foremost you must determine in what water temperatures you will likely be conducting your scuba/snorkeling activity.

It goes both ways, if you are going to dive in cold waters then a thin wetsuit will be highly inappropriate. On the other hand, if you intend to frequently scuba dive in a warm climate then maybe a thinner one will be more suited for the warm waters.

Fit and comfort

When buying a wetsuit, choosing one that fits you well is one of the most important factors. You do not want fresh cold water constantly entering your wetsuit as it will be impossible for your body to heat up and will start to feel cold therefore rendering your wetsuit useless.

Arm, leg and neck openings must be secure to prevent water to enter however avoid buying a wetsuit which is too tight. If you feel so restricted in your movements, that you feel it difficult to stand up straight, then the wetsuit is too small for you.

Wetsuit quality

The quality of construction of your scuba wetsuit is an important factor when buying a wetsuit.

Neoprene – Check that the neoprene is stretchable. Find out if the neoprene is gas blown induced or chemical blown induced. Go for the gas blown induced neoprene as these are much more durable.

Seams – Check the seams of the wet suit. A good wetsuit should have its seams double glued and reinforced with stitching or thermal tape on the inside, or a combination of the two. This makes the suit more watertight.

Guide to Wetsuit Selection

Executive Summary of Scuba Wet Suits by Felix Tero

The scuba diving wetsuit provides the dual benefit of protection and insulation to the underwater diver. When lounging close to the surface, a wetsuit or even a thin bodysuit for that matter serves as protective barrier against sun exposure and from corals and jellyfish attacks. Now for underwater dives at a depth of at least 30 feet – particularly with the icy thermoclines of temperate diving spots, a thicker, cold water wetsuit is required to effectively insulate the body from chilly temperatures but without compromising the need for mobility when cruising the depths.

Here are a few guidelines that would help you choose an appropriate wetsuit for your underwater adventures.

• If it’s too loose, you will not get properly insulated. Make sure that the neoprene wetsuit snuggly attaches to your body.
• If it’s too thick, wetsuit may restrict movement. Next to insulation, mobility is a major consideration in the selection of a wetsuit. In the past, the issue of mobility has always confounded the don of thick wetsuits. These wetsuits tend to restrict diver mobility at a certain thickness and induce stiff movements as the diver maneuvers the depths. Thanks to modern technology, wetsuits designed with a torso thickness of 4 can now achieve the flexibility of a wetsuit with a torso thickness of 2.
• Get one that is outfitted with spandex fibers. The neoprene material of the wetsuit may offer effective insulation but it is also likely to shrink over time. Integrating spandex fibers into the suit’s panel increases material flexibility, contradicts neoprene shrinkage and makes it easier to make adjustments in the future.

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Scuba Diving Fins – Which One Is The Best For You?

Executive Summary of Scuba Diving Fins By  Suzie Sanchez

One of the most important gears in scuba diving is the fins that divers attach to their feet. These scuba diving fins enable the divers to move through the water efficiently since human feet are too small to produce any significant thrust particularly when swimming underwater with several sets of equipment strapped on their bodies.

The materials used in making these fins are either plastic or rubber. There are many kinds of fins and these include the three most popular types which are paddle fins, split fins, and free-diving fins.

1). Paddle Fins

This type of fins is the most basic among the four types. They could either be made of stiff plastic or rubber blades that act as extensions of the feet. This type of fins can generate the kind of propulsion that divers needed to push them forward in the midst of underwater currents. Although this type of fin is not exactly the most efficient, it certainly is regarded as the most flexible when it comes down to diving conditions.

2). Split Fins

This scientific principle led to the development of split fins which aim to provide the scuba diver a more powerful and efficient underwater propulsion. However, though these particular scuba diving fins are considered as having one of the most efficient designs, some divers claim that there seems to be an issue concerning maneuverability when they are using this type of fin.

3). Free Diving Fins

Free diving fins have close resemblance to the paddle fins except for the fact that they have elongated designs which enables the diver to surge forward with just the slightest of kicks. This scuba diving fin is very effective in times when there is a need to conserve energy and oxygen.

Read other post about Scuba Wetsuit.

Features Of A Scuba Regulator – Useful Tips When Buying a Scuba Regulator

Executive Summary of Dive Regulator By Kris Mifsud

Although scuba regulators may seem similar in design, some regulators will perform better than others.

If you have rented an old scuba diving regulator you might know what I am talking about. You may struggle just to keep the regulator in your mouth by making that extra effort by biting on the mouth piece. When you exhale, the air bubbles may also flow directly in front of you, therefore restricting your vision.

Let us first look at some of the features which form part of the design of the scuba diving regulator.

The first and foremost most important feature when choosing your scuba diving regulator is ease of breathing. So how would you know whether a regulator is better than an other when breathing underwater? It’s simple really… Just ask around… Most divers will be more than willing to give their own opinion as to which scuba diving regulators provide the greatest performance.

Desirable features which make a good scuba diving regulator

When buying your new scuba regulator, ensure that it has at least some of the following features:

1). Piston better than diaphragm construction – Go for a piston first stage. This type of construction, although more expensive, has got less moving parts that its counterpart and therefore makes it much more reliable.

2). Balanced airflow – When buying your reg, choose the balanced type of scuba diving regulator. This will ensure that you will always have consistent airflow no matter how much air is in the tank or what depth you are. Unbalanced regulators require more effort to breath once your tank pressure decreases.

3). Sealed system – Sealed scuba regulators means that water does not enter the first stage. These type of regulators are usually used for cold waters, as they eliminate the possibility of water freezing up in the regulator, however if you are used to diving in warm waters, you might never know where you might be diving sometime in the future so might as well choose one which can be used in both warm and cold waters.

4). Self Adjustable second stage – You should understand that your scuba diving regulator’s breathing configuration will eventually change during the course of its use This is a great feature to have as it will allow you to fine-tune your breathing so that it is always at its optimum.

Other considerations when buying your scuba diving regulator:

• When buying your regulator, try and opt to get it as a package with all the accessories including the alternate second stage, Submersible pressure gauge (SPG) and hoses.
• Be sure to get clips and attachment devices for your SPG and alternate second stage so they will not be left hanging when you are diving.
• DIN or Yoke system – Regulators and tank valves come either as DIN (where the regulator screws into the valve) or Yoke (regulator bracket slides down over valve). Your regulator and tanks should both be either DIN or yoke system.
• Try to go for flexible hoses- The regulator will be easier to pack and fit in your scuba gear bag. Also get hose protectors to reduce the risk of corrosion at attachment points.

Read other post about Scuba Wetsuit.

Snorkeling Equipment: Basic Equipment

By Risa Fitriani

Snorkeling equipment is used for 2 main purposes; as snorkeling gear only, or as part of scuba diving gear. Main equipments of best snorkel gear are:

Mask

How do you know that mask fits well? I usually use my instructor’s advice by putting the mask on my face with the strap hanging loose and see if it sucks up and stay in my face without holding it.

Snorkel

Snorkel lets you see the underwater by breathing through snorkel tube and still keep your face down. For scuba diver, snorkel makes them easier to swim facing down without wasting the air in the scuba tanks. There are many feature of snorkel, such as:

• Dry Snorkel. This feature prevents the water from coming in to the snorkel whether when you are in the surface (cause by wave) or when you are submerged (in order to see underwater creature closely). If there is water comes inside, it will be channeled out of the tube automatically, so there will be no water in your tube and you can resume breathing.

• Rotating Mouth Pieces. This feature allows you to move your head without causing jaw fatigue.

• Purge Valve. Purge valve has a membrane that will only allows water to comes out not comes in. The function of this feature is to control if the water gets into the snorkel. The water can be cleaned out from the snorkel by 2 ways; automatically and manual (by quick exhale).

• Clip System. This feature can be in mask to make it easier to attach and detach the snorkel from the mask..

• Flexible Barrel. This feature makes the snorkel becomes flexible to use. There is a flexible area between the mouthpiece and the barrel. Scuba divers, particularly, loves this feature because they can put aside the mouthpiece so it will not hurdling with the regulator.

Fins

Fins help us to swim easily and make us relax during our snorkeling time or scuba diving time. There are two common types of fins:

• Open Heel Fins. This fins type is commonly used by divers. Because divers usually use booties for diving underwater to keep them feel warm. The open heel fins has adjustable straps around the heels.
• Full Foot Fins. This fins type usually use for snorkeling, because it is very simple and cheaper. It is also usually used barefoot (without booties). But if you fell uncomfortable using it barefoot, you can always use dive socks.

Read my post about Scuba Snorkel on the other page.

Scuba Mask Care – Tips on Scuba Mask Defogging and Maintenance

Executive Summary of Snorkeling Masks by Kris Mifsud

Maintaining your mask

•Rinse thoroughly with freshwater after each use – After you have used your mask in saltwater, it should be soaked for several minutes in warm freshwater to prevent the build up of salt crystals which could damage the seals of your mask. A rinse with freshwater will eliminate contaminants and corrosion.
•Avoid leaving your mask in direct sunlight
•Store in a dry cool place – It is important that you dry your mask before storing it. Also take care to store your silicone mask away from black rubber products to prevent staining of silicone.

Mask Defogging Tips and Techniques

There are 2 simple mask defogging techniques which may be used. My favorite technique is before every dive, I use a mask defogger solution.

Basically before every dive just put a couple of drops on the lenses and rub around and rinse off the mask defogger solution thoroughly so as not to enter your eyes.

The next technique, I usually use after not wearing the mask for a prolonged period of time. Rub a non, gel tooth paste around the lenses. Just use a small amount of toothpaste as it may get within the seals and will therefore be hard to rinse out. Leave it for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly making sure that no residue of toothpaste remains as this will sting your eyes when wearing your mask under water.

Tips to Stop Snorkeling Masks From Fogging Up

Executive Summary of Snorkeling Masks by Gavin James

If you are pre-prepared, then before getting to the snorkeling spot, you can:

1. Soak the snorkeling mask in a tub or basin with warm water and plenty of dishwashing liquid. Put the dishwashing liquid in after you have filled with water because you do not want it to foam up. I even rub a bit of the dishwashing liquid on the snorkeling masks lenses. It only needs to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Alternatively, you can rub toothpaste on your snorkeling masks lenses. It pays to be careful the first time you try this with a new snorkeling mask or different type of toothpaste as some toothpastes can scratch the glass lenses. Therefore, just rub a little bit on the edge on a lens and then wash off and check the lens carefully to see if it is scratched at all. If it is not scratched you can then continue to apply to the rest of the lens or lenses.

3. Another option available is to purchase a commercial defogging product, however, many people do not believe that this works any better than any of these above mentioned methods.

If you are not pre-prepared or are already at the snorkeling spot you can:

1. Spit into your snorkel mask. Rub the spit around the lenses with a finger, then rinse just a little bit with water and put onto your face.

2. Some people find that if your snorkeling mask has fogged up on you while snorkeling, you can simply take the mask off, hold it under water and give the lenses a good rub with your fingers and then put the mask back onto your face.

I suggest that you try a few of these methods out to find out what works best for you.

Read my post about Scuba Snorkel on the other post.

A Common Sense Guide to Buying Snorkel Equipment

Executive Summary of Snorkel Equipment by Claire Capes

Best Snorkel Equipment

This is a common sense guide to help you purchase the proper equipment. Do not cheat yourself by purchasing low quality diving equipment this equipment is not only to make your underwater world more pleasurable it is for your safety as well.

Snorkeling – also known as “Free Divers” because they do not depend on clunky scuba gear to do this dive. It is limited to close to shore diving or shallow water because visibility to the bottom is your goal underwater; the more water between you and your subject the less clarity. You will see there is very little equipment needed.

THE MASK – the mask is very important it is your window to your underwater world. Beside the view the mask also encloses your nose which helps to maintain a comfortable pressure while underwater. Not to mention keeping the ocean water out of your nose. Try it on make sure it is a good fit but not too tight ask the salesperson for advice.

THE SNORKEL – There are several designs, some have funny twist others are designed to follow the contours of your head and then bend opposite of your head so you are not giving yourself a “water torture” every time you expel water from the tube. The hard rubber mouth piece is special fitted so that it sits comfortably between clenched teeth. People with braces may need to speak with their orthodontist before they dive. Pressure from the hard rubber can cause irritation and bleeding of the gums even to those that do not wear braces.

THE SWIM FINS – Swim fins can also be purchased although not necessary if you just want to hang out in the calm shallow waters. Fins come in two types the slip on (like slippers) or the suggested adjustable strap fin. The adjustable strap comes in three fin sizes small, medium and large you need to know the larger the fin the more water resistance, the more muscles used to propel you in the water. If you are a small framed person or not very athletic I would suggest you start with the small or medium fin. Neoprene booties are almost always worn with fins to keep the feet warm and comfortable they also prevent blisters.

THE UNDERWATER DIGITAL CAMERA – This is optional but I think you will live to regret it if you do not take one with you on this meaningful occasion when man tests the unexplored world beneath the Sea.

Tips For Purchasing Snorkeling Equipment

Executive Summary of Best Snorkel Equipment by Billings Farnsworth

Whether you live near a beach or travel to tropical climates frequently, snorkeling equipment may be a necessary accessory for your outdoor activities. Occasional snorkelers may get by with renting snorkeling equipment, but rentals from excursion companies may not fit right or be adequately sanitized before getting passed from one user to the next. In many cases, purchasing snorkeling equipment is the ideal option, especially if you know exactly where to shop and what to look for.

Snorkeling equipment basically consists of a mask, snorkel and fins. The snorkel you choose should have an efficient system for expelling water that will inevitably get into the tube. It is also important that the snorkel fits comfortably in the mouth, although you may have to pay a bit more for this comfort factor.

The mask also needs to fit well so that water doesn’t get inside. The best snorkeling equipment is made of silicone rubber and includes tempered glass lenses.

Fins are also a common component of snorkeling equipment, although they are not completely necessary. Many will choose to leave fins at home when packing for a trip, because they are not essential and they can take up too much room in the suitcase.

Read my post about Scuba Snorkel on the other page.

A Scuba Diving Mask Buyers Guide – What to Look For When Buying a New Scuba Dive Mask

Executive Summary of Best Scuba Diving Mask by Kris Mifsud

Best Scuba Diving Mask

As in any sport, having the right scuba/snorkeling gear is essential. There is nothing worse than snorkeling with a leaking mask or one that causes you irritation. So take your time when choosing your scuba mask / dive mask, so that you may fully enjoy the experience of underwater sight seeing.

The scuba dive/snorkeling mask is your window to the underwater world. This piece of equipment allows you to see clearly underwater by creating an airspace. During immersions at depths greater than 3 meters, this airspace must be equalized to prevent the mask squeezing to your face. For this same reason, your nose must be enclosed in the mask so you can exhale into it and equalize.

Features of the scuba dive mask

The mask consists of the lenses also known as a faceplate, a comfortable skirt and a head strap. There are different types of styles and shapes. These range from oval shaped models to lower internal volume masks and both may be made from two different materials; Neoprene or silicone. Neoprene Rubber is usually black in color and silicone is translucent. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Neoprene masks are cheaper than silicone masks. I find that for snorkeling, neoprene masks are more adequate since they do not let light in from the sides. However having said that, silicone masks are more durable and much more comfier to wear. These types of masks are more adapted for scuba diving.

Read my other post about Scuba Snorkel on the other page.

Types Of Scuba Masks

Executive Summary of Diving Masks by Naomi West

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba diving is a great hobby that people share all around the world. In order to see the gorgeous scene beneath the surface you need to find the right kind of scuba mask that might fit your face and give you clear vision.

Single Pane
These kinds of masks are constructed with a single lens that is on the front of the mask and a lens that is placed on either position of the face.

Double Pane Lens
This is similar to the single pane except that it is constructed with two lenses in the front and one lens on either side of the face

No Purge
These are designed with a plain rubber nose that serves to keep water from leaking within and dimming your vision.

Purge
These are produced with a purge valve that is set under the nose. This works to help to clear the mask when the person breathes out into it.

Full Face
These are designed to cover the individual’s entire face. This helps to keep the water out completely and has a mouthpiece built into the mask.

Is A Full Face Mask For You?

Executive Summary of Scuba Diving Masks by Greg Deskin

Why dive in a full face mask?

No leaks - with a positive pressure regulator this mask will not leak. Even if you remove the mask under water, just reseal the mask to your face and exhale or use the purge valve to clear the mask.

Increased visibility - your visibility under water will increase while using the full face mask. Traditional full face mask position the glass lens as close to the divers eyes as possible. The closer the lens gets, the wider field of view the diver has. With Full Face masks, the lens surrounds the complete field of view. This mask even helps divers with claustrophobia.

More comfort - With the Full Face mask will eliminate jaw fatigue caused by biting down on the regulator mouth piece. The regulator is mounted onto the mask and does not use the mouthpiece.

Security of the mask on your face will increase. As a Scuba instructor, an occasional student with flailing arms will knock my mask askew. When I wear my Ocean Reef mask with its multi-strap head piece, the mask is very difficult to know off.

Relaxation – Anytime you can breathe naturally and calmly underwater you will relax. Inhaling through your mouth or nose is just plain relaxing.

Read my other post about Scuba BCD on the other page.

Essential Diving Accessories For Your Gear

Executive Summary of Diving Accessories By Frances Van Den Berg

Scuba Diving Accessories

When you think of accessorizing above sea level, you think of extra trims and sparkle. Accessories simply something extra and perhaps aren’t strictly vital for your everyday survival. However, it’s an entirely different ball game where diving accessories for your scuba diving gear are concerned.

1. Knives
   Divers (and marine creatures) could get tangled in abandoned nets and fishing lines and even in their dive lines, and so a knife is an indispensable addition to your scuba diving gear. Diving knives are made from titanium or stainless steel, although titanium is a better option because it doesn’t rust. Those who need to cut wire should opt for steel, as this is a harder metal than titanium.
2. Underwater watches
   Diving watches have been ousted somewhat by computers that can do your time keeping for you, however, they are always useful and are great for back-up in a crisis.
3. Dive lights
   Underwater lights are essential diving accessories for cave or night dives and help the diver to see the spectacular colours of the underwater far more clearly.

   The brightness of the torch you use will depend on where you are diving. A very bright light won’t be very good in an area of water with a lot of suspended particles but a small bright light is perfect for looking at finer details. If you want to venture into an area of complete darkness, use a wide-beamed and less intense light instead.

Read my post about Scuba BCD on the other page.