Thankfully, we’re here to simplify things with our scuba diving gear checklist. In this article we will list all of the essential gear required, as well as a list of accessories to further enhance your scuba diving experience.
A good diving mask will allow you to see with absolute clarity while underwater. While you can technically go diving without one, the refractions between light and water will blur your surroundings, making for an underwhelming experience.
Comfort is paramount when buying a diving mask, which is why many divers opt for a mask made from high-quality silicone. Silicone also moulds well around the eyes, creating a watertight seal, another vital quality of a diving mask.
If you require vision correction, you should consider purchasing a custom-made prescription lens mask to get the best out of your dives.
The primary job of a diver’s wetsuit is to provide insulation, as they help to regulate your body temperature while you’re underwater. Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which has additional practical benefits, such as buoyancy control and protections against cuts, scrapes, and stings.
The wetsuit you choose will depend on when and where you plan to go diving. Thicker wetsuits suit cooler waters, while thinner wetsuits are best for warmer areas. This is especially important to consider if you plan on going cold water diving.
A scuba tank, or scuba cylinder, is the mechanism that divers wear on their back to allow them to breathe underwater. It’s important to opt for a scuba tank that has enough capacity for the type of diving you want to do.
While frequent divers may choose to buy their own cylinder, they are usually available to rent at diving destinations. Renting is a more favourable option for tourist divers, as cylinders take up a lot of valuable luggage space.
Regulators are contraptions that reduce high pressure air from the scuba tank into breathable air, allowing divers to remain underwater for extended periods. They ensure the diver has a steady stream of air, often only providing air when divers inhale.
Without a regulator, the scuba tank would be obsolete.
While you won’t be using your snorkel while fully submerged, it’s an important piece of scuba gear to own. They are useful for conserving the supply of air in your tank while you are on the surface, affording you more time underwater.
They can also be used for surface diving, or swimming between diving sites.
Human feet just aren’t designed for propelling through water at speed, which is why having a pair of fins is essential. They help you to move through the water effortlessly, allowing you to see more of your surroundings while you still have air in your tank.
When buying a pair of fins, you’ll have to decide between open-heeled and close-heeled variations. Open-heeled fins are best for cold water diving, as they can fit over the top of dive boots. If you prefer warmer climates, close-heeled fins are the better option.
Buoyancy control devices are like jackets, and allow divers to hover in the water without sinking or rising. They are essential for making divers feel comfortable and in control.
Divers will often attach their scuba tanks onto the back of their BCD, and they often feature pockets for accessory storage.
While they may seem like an accessory, dive knives can help you free yourself, or marine life, from entanglements like fishing nets. They can also be knocked on your dive tank to get the attention of other divers if you’re in need.
A surface marker buoy, or SMB, is an important safety device used by divers, and comes in the form of a brightly coloured inflatable buoy. Divers will deploy an SMB during a safety stop or before ascension to let those on the surface know where they are.
Diving masks can be vulnerable to fogging up under the surface, a problem that can ruin the quality of your dive. Applying anti-fog spray or solution to your mask before you dive can prevent this issue.
If you’re a more experienced diver wanting to explore cave systems or dive at night, you’ll need the assistance of a dive light. Dive lights attach to your head, allowing you to see what’s in front of you.
Once you’ve used a dive computer, you’ll likely see it as an essential part of your setup. While it’s called a computer, it fits around your wrist like a watch, displaying real-time information about your dive.
This information includes:
Dive computers are an excellent accessory for staying safe and ensuring you get the most time possible underwater.
This isn’t something you’ll be taking underwater with you, but it’s always useful to have on the boat. With rock scratches and animal stings a possibility during a dive, it’s good to know you’ll be able to patch yourself up when you ascend.
Being aware of your surroundings during dives is always important, and made easier with a scuba mirror. Mirrors are usually worn on the divers hand or wrist, and allow for easy all-round vision without having to turn around.
If you require vision correction, checking off the diving mask on your scuba diving gear checklist doesn’t have to be difficult.
At Dive Sight, we offer the highest quality prescription diving masks to ensure you don’t miss a single detail of your diving adventure. There’s something for everyone in our range of masks, including children’s sizes.
Order online today or speak to our team if you require any further information or advice.
