2004-06-07
The Right Diving Equipment
CaribbeanToGo.com Staff Writer
The right equipment can help to enhance your Caribbean diving experience. New divers usually rent their gear. However as divers become more experienced, it is usually best to own your own equipment.
People usually start with the mask, fins, and snorkel and become interested in exploring the underwater world after trying snorkeling.
It is imperative to purchase a proper fitting mask that fits your face and forms a seal for good visibility. Prescription masks are available to enhance the experience for those divers that usually wear eyeglasses.
The snorkel, used to breathe at the surface with your face in the water, comes in several designs some of which include a purge valve or can be worn on the left side of the face.
Fins should fit your feet comfortably and should allow the diver to easily maneuver in the water. There are 4 main types of fins.
Open Heel fins have adjustable straps and allow for use of booties for thermal protection. (Booties should be worn when trying on the fins if you intend to wear them to ensure the proper fit). Full Foot fins, typically used by snorkelers, are smaller and more lightweight. Long Blade fins with its longer length gives the diver speed and power over a shorter fin but can be more difficult to maneuver. Force Fins designed for efficiency, use special materials and come in a variety of styles.
A regulator carries the air from your tank, is comprised of a gauge and mouthpiece, and is an extremely important component of your gear. It is usually one of the more expensive pieces of equipment that you will need.
Buoyancy compensators and weights are used to maintain neutral buoyancy while underwater and at the surface. With the variety of buoyancy compensators available, you will be able to find one that works well for you. Weights are usually sold by the pound. Depending on your size and the depth of your dive, you will need to adjust accordingly.
To keep the diver warm a wet suit, semi-dry suit, or dry suit is worn. Whether you need a wet suit or dry suit depends on the water temperature. The wet suits are typically used for warmer waters. Wet suits come in a range of thickness, ½ to 3 mm for water 75-85 degrees, 4 to 6 mm for water 60-75 degrees, and 6.5-7 mm for water 60- 45 degrees. Dry suits are required for temperatures 45 degrees and below. For true thermal comfort many divers opt for dry suits no matter what the temperature, to allow for longer, deeper, or repetitive diving. The suits come in all sizes and should fit comfortably to allow you to move freely while diving. Booties, mitts, and hoods are necessary for colder water and oftentimes booties are worn for skin protection in milder waters.
Dive watches are necessary to monitor your dive time. Many dive computers include not only the time but can assist you in determining your decompression needs by displaying the current depth and tracks information to recorded later in the diver’s log book.
Tanks can usually be rented from the local dive shop in the area you are diving or provided by the tour operator. However many divers prefer to own and maintain their own tanks and valves. Divers can choose between steel high pressure, steel low pressure, or aluminum tanks. Aluminum tanks are less expensive than steel tanks and more buoyant. In some case divers need to add more weight to their belts when using aluminum tanks.
As the divers becomes more experienced they will often purchase other accessories that enhance their dives such as underwater lights, cameras, surface markers, knives, compasses, and collection bags.
Always rinse your equipment in fresh water after the dive, and allow to dry away from direct sunlight. The neoprene and rubber materials from which some of the equipment is made will deteriorate by prolonged exposure to direct sun. Store your equipment in a cool dry place and hang your suit on a non-wire hanger to dry.
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