Scuba Diving Equipment and Gear
Scuba diving is one of the most popular recreational activities in touristic destinations that are surrounded by the sea. Tourists from across the world visit countries like Malaysia to spend their vacations by the sea, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Not only foreigners but also local tourists love spending their holidays observing and enjoying the mesmerizing sceneries in the deep sea. However, regardless of being a novice or expert, every diver must be fully equipped with all the necessary scuba diving equipment before they jump into the water.
Even though it is an exciting adventure, scuba diving is risky at times. As the human body is not created to properly function underwater, you need to wear the right scuba diving gear to protect yourself from danger. Read on to learn more about scuba diving gear before you go for a dive in the sea.
What are the Basic Scuba Diving Equipment?
If you are planning to go for a dive, you need to have sound knowledge of the basic scuba diving gear. These are the most common diving equipment that you can find in a dive shop:
1. Diving Mask and Snorkel
The diving mask is essential because your eyes aren’t made to see underwater. When you are wearing your mask, your eyes will have room created in front of them, allowing a clear underwater vision to you. . The snorkel is the tube that is attached to the mouth. When you’re swimming face down on the surface, this breathing tube is quite helpful. There are certain drivers who don’t need snorkels. More experienced divers don’t typically recommend carrying one, whereas beginners typically do. Snorkels also assist in preserving the air in your tank.
2. Wetsuits
Human bodies are not accustomed to staying in deep water for too long. As the temperature of the water rapidly drops the deeper you dive, your body functions start to become erratic. The wetsuit is a costume that typically covers the whole body of divers, providing them sufficient warmth during the dive. Wetsuits are skin-tight and thick enough to preserve the body heat within. They are made of neoprene and they lock a layer of water around your body to keep the warmth. Even though some divers don’t push themselves so hard to wear wetsuits in the tropical region, it is always better to wear one considering all kinds of mishaps that could occur underwater. Wetsuits do not only protect you from getting cold, but also they safeguard you from stings and bites from marine creatures such as jellyfish. Taking all these factors into account, it is advised to put on a high-quality wetsuit whenever you go for a scuba dive.
3. Scuba Gloves
Just like wetsuits, scuba gloves keep your hands warm while diving. However, many warm water divers don’t wear scuba gloves as the water temperature is not too low. However, if you are planning to dive among coral reefs or areas that have dense marine life, it is always safe to wear scuba gloves to protect your hands from cuts, stings, and other such injuries.
4. Fins
Fins are what help fish swim in the deep ocean. Since humans do not have natural fins, diving fins must be worn if you are going for a scuba dive. Fins help divers move through the water effortlessly, without spending too much energy. Scuba fins come in two variations: full-foot and open-heel. In cold water, open heel fins are frequently used. They are open at the heel as their name implies, and you can secure your feet with straps. In warmer water, full-foot fins are typically worn since they cover your entire feet.
5. Scuba Tank
When you dive, carrying enough oxygen to breathe underwater is crucial. A Scuba tank is an important diving gear as it stores the air you need to breathe throughout your dive. They are made of steel or aluminum and they come in various styles and volumes to suit your purpose. If you are not a professional or a regular diver, purchasing your own scuba tank will be unnecessary. You can easily get a scuba tank on rental from dive shops around your diving site.
6. Regulator
The regulator is what controls the pressure of the air that is coming from the scuba tank. The regulator is a must-have when it comes to scuba diving. The first stage of the regulator is a component that connects to your scuba tank and moves air from the tank when you inhale. The second stage is the part that you put in your mouth to breathe from. When purchasing or renting a regulator, always choose the diving regulator that offers you the most comfort and performance.
7. Depth Gauge, Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG), and Compass
A depth gauge, as the name suggests, identifies the current and maximum depth recorded during a dive. Additionally, your SPG will display how much air is remaining in your diving tank. This will guarantee that you can end your dive before your air supply runs out. Another essential piece of scuba diving gear that aids with underwater navigation is a compass. You can choose between digital and analog versions of any of these gadgets based on your preferences.
8. Dive Computer
A dive computer keeps track of how long you’ve been underwater, how deep you are, and how long you can stay there without risking injury. Some dive computers can also monitor the amount of air that is remaining in your tank. Owning a dive computer is preferable if you are a regular diver because renting one can be expensive.
9. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
The buoyancy control device is used to establish and maintain neutral buoyancy throughout the dive. It is a jacket that you put on when diving to assist you to control your buoyancy. There’s no need for a separate weight belt because many BCDs have built-in weight pockets.
10. Underwater Camera
It goes without saying that an underwater camera is an optional piece of gear and is not always necessary for a successful dive. But it’s a must-have if you want to record those amazing sights and experiences. The majority of divers now use GoPro cameras together with watertight housings and cases to enable them to go even deeper. There are many excellent underwater cameras that allow you to take quality pictures and films.
How to Maintain Your Scuba Diving Gear?
Purchasing expensive scuba diving equipment will be of no use if you don’t maintain them properly. You can extend the lifetime of your scuba diving gear and enjoy a safe dive by taking the following steps.
1 – After each dive, thoroughly wash your diving gear.
No matter if you are scuba diving in fresh or saltwater, always wash your scuba equipment with clean water after each dive. This will help in removing dirt and other impurities, such as microorganisms or coral or jellyfish stinging particles. Additionally, it aids in avoiding the creation of salt crystal buildup during ocean open-water dives.
2- Dry Your Diving Gear Properly
Try your best to dry off your equipment between dives. In addition to damaging your diving equipment, bacteria and fungus can quickly grow and spread when dive gear is left damp (particularly while stowed). This can also result in skin diseases and irritations. Hang your dive equipment outside to dry. Ideally, do not position it directly in the hot sun as neoprene and rubber parts may become brittle and materials may age faster in the presence of sunlight.
3- Check the Moving Parts for Dirt and Defects
All moving parts on your diving equipment, including the BCD buckles, inflator buttons, regulator purge buttons, etc., should be checked for cleanliness and functionality at least once every day. This will give you peace of mind that your diving equipment is free of any debris,such as sand, dirt, or salt crystals that could cause malfunctions during a dive.
4- Deep Clean Your Diving Equipment Regularly
In addition to rinsing your kit with clean fresh water after each dive, you should also wash your gear thoroughly at least once a week with a special cleaner designed for dive equipment. This applies not only to neoprene suits but also to your BCD.
Looking for Scuba Diving Gear in Malaysia?
Are you looking to purchase or rent scuba diving gear in Malaysia? Scuba Warehouse Malaysia is one of the leading dive shops in Malaysia, where you can find all kinds of scuba diving equipment under one roof. Visit our website or contact us at +603-77338910 to get top-notch scuba diving gear for a safe dive.