Diving, scuba diving & snorkeling articles: Scuba diving equipment checklist

Diving, scuba diving & snorkeling articles: Scuba diving equipment checklist

Scuba diving equipment checklist

As safety should be the most primary concern when scuba diving you should always check and re check your gear before attempting any dive. It is also important for you to make a checklist when preparing for a dive as many a dive has been ruined due to forgetting a vital piece of equipment. Your checklist should be divided into two groups, equipment you need specifically for the dive and equipment you need for the on boat journey.




Equipment for the dive

Your mask - your mask is essential for your dive for visibility.

Snorkel - this will be used at the waters surface to extend the air in your tank.

Fins - fins are essential if you are diving below 30 feet.

Boots - in cold-water boots are essential to help prevent hyperthermia.

Gloves and hoods - again in cold-water gloves and hoods are essential to avoid hyperthermia.

Wet-suit - the wet suit will help to protect you against elements such as sea urchin stings.

Weight belt - this is essential to help you deal with buoyancy.

Regulator - the regulator allows you to breathe air at low pressure.

Dive tables - dive tables are a piece of essential equipment to help you avoid decompression.

Accessories - these are items such as knives, collection bag, dive float and depth bag.

The boat trip

Sunscreen, hat and long sleeves - if you are diving in warmer weather it is essential that you prepare yourself against the sun, if the boat trip is a long one you don't want to risk spoiling the dive by getting sunburnt .

Water to drink -
it is important that you stay hydrated before your dive.

Towels - you should remain as dry as possible both before the dive and after the dive.

Lunch and snacks - don't rely on the dive group providing snacks, you should ask beforehand if lunch and snacks are included.

Sea sickness medication - if the sea is very rough then you could get sea sick, medication can be bought from the chemist and taken with you as a precaution should you need it, sea sickness can ruin your chances of diving.

Windbreaker - if you are in non tropical climates and out on the open sea winds can get pretty strong, you should always keep warm before your dive and wind chill can soon lead to hyperthermia.

Maintenance tips for your regulator

Your regulator is an essential part of your diving equipment along with your tanks they should be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Things to check are:

* Inspect your hose before every dive for bulges, cracks or abrasions.

* Replace a damaged hose even if the damage is only minimal.

* Make sure that you rinse your hose after every dive.

* Never over coil your hose.

* Be aware of any sharp or heavy objects when packing your hose.

* To prevent dry rot when storing your hose by spraying them with a silicon based spray protector.

Scuba diving equipment checklist

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Diving - nitrogen narcosis

Pressure problems - Nonpulmonary Barotrauma

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