MS 105 – Basic dive equipment
Basic Equipment
As divers you will need to
know the
• FUNCTION
• FEATURES
• SELECTION
• CARE
of your basic equipment
Mask
Function – provides a layer of air between the eyes and water to restore
vision.
***Note - Underwater objects appear ~33% larger and 25% closer. This is
due to Snell’s Law of Refraction – the refraction of light moving from one
medium (water) to another (air inside your mask) and the differing of
speed of light in varying media.
Mask Features
• Safety or tempered glass – not plastic. Held in place by
plastic ring for easy replacement.
• Low volume – easy to equalize pressure and to clear,
especially for skin diving.
• Wide view/Side lens
• Double skirt – for face seal
• Nose pouch/finger pockets – to aid in equalizing pressure
• Split strap
• Prescription lenses (optically corrected)– can be mounted
on inside of the mask or special lenses made. Contacts can
be worn if eyes are closed when mask is flooded.
• Clear Silicone – + clear lets more light in - glare
(opaque)
Mask
Selection – fit and comfort are the most
important. Try a variety on before making decision.
Hold to face and inhale. Try with reg. in mouth.
Care
• Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight
• Rinse after use, use soapy water if you have
sunscreen residue build up.
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ Defogger – Sí o no???
Cost ≈ $25 - $80 & ↑
Snorkel
Function – simple breathing tube
which allows divers to breath with
face in water. It is tiring to lift head.
Features –
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J-shaped  most efficient snorkle has shortest, smoothest flow of
air.
Flex-type  + easy to get in mouth
-restricts air flow and traps
water which facilitates fungal growth
Angled/Wrap around  fits close to face, less drag
Shot gun  purge valve clears ‘most’ of snorkle
Big bore  improved air flow ~ 7/8” diameter.
Contoured mouthpiece  moldable teeth grips
Snorkel tab/keeper  on left side of mask
Snorkel
Selection – do not get one that
is too small/large of a diameter
Care - Rinse, don’t crush
Cost ≈ $15 - $40
Fins
Function – provide increased
mobility and efficiency in the water.
More power and thrust with
minimum effort.
Features –
• Adjustable strap – should have locking devices
• Vented fins – water flows in areas of resistance
• Split fin – more thrust underwater, not always
on surface may have less turning ability.
What to consider when selecting fins
• Construction – durability pvc, rubber, etc
• Heels – open vs. closed
• Size and stiffness - largely dictate a fin's
efficiency
• Other factors include skill level and
conditioning
• Ability Level
Fins
selection criteria –
• Based on diver’s size,
strength and intended use
• Fit and comfort, no
cramping. If dive shop has
a pool try them out.
Care
• Avoid straining straps
when donning fins
• Same as other rubber
products
Cost ≈ $30 - $120
Booties
• Nylon covered neoprene
• Come in various thickness – 1/4” minimum
(7mm to 10mm)
• Come with various soles
• NO ZIPPERS – get filled with sand
Features:
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Dive Knife
Handle
Blade – non-corrosive
Serrated edge
Line cutter
Sheath
Straps
Underwater Watches
• Minimum for monitoring bottom time
• Must be water resistant well over diving depth (100m+)
• Analog vs. digital
– Analog
» Screw down crown
» Heavy construction / self winding
» Luminous dial
» Bezel
*** costs to replace batteries
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Digital
» Light
» Must be set
» More expensive
» More subject to failure
Seiko $120-250
Casio $25-60
Casio $25
Freestyle $35
Where to purchase
Monterey Monterey Bay Dive Center - http://www.montereyscubadiving.com/
Aquarius Dive Shop - http://www.aquariusdivers.com/
Bamboo Reef - http://www.bambooreef.com/
Santa Cruz –
Adventure sports - http://www.asudoit.com/diving/index.html
Aqua Safaris - http://www.aquasafaris.com/
Heat Wave (custom) http://www.heatwavewetsuits.com/hwhomepage.html
Bay Area–
San Jose – Any Water sports Dive shop 408 244 4433
Oakland – Steele’s Phone: (510) 655-4344
Worth checking out http://www.officialdivegearpage.com/
http://www.montereyexpress.com/DiveLinks.htm
*** SCUBA MAX
Bottom Timer
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Current Depth
Maximum Depth
Total Dive Time
Water and Air Temperature
Rate of ascent- some more $$ models
Surface Interval
Logbook – some more $$ models
KEY ADVANTAGE
MOST TIMERS START AUTOMATICALLY
Capillary:
Depth Gauges
• Nonlinear scale – harder to read at deeper depths
• Bubbles can invalidate readings
• Open – debris can block tube
Air/Oil-filled Bourdon tube:
• A c-shaped or spiral tube used in pressure
(depth) gauges. Increased pressure acts on the
tube by changing its shape. This movement is
used to change the position of a gauge needle
• Some have reset needle which marks
deepest depth if zeroed at start of dive
Digital:
• Based on above gauge type
linked to display with microchip
technology
Bourdon Instruments
• Movement gauge – flattened helical tube open at
one end and pressure uncurls it. Free end attached to
a needle.
• Open – tube end exposed to water
• Sealed Tube – tube is fluid filled and end plugged
with rubber diaphragm
•Oil-filled Bourdon tube –both ends
plugged and tube in oil
VS
•Diaphragm – does not use bourdon movement, only
a diaphragm
Submersible Pressure Gauges
Features:
• Attaches to first stage with high
pressure hose and provides
continuous readout of pressure
• First came out in 1954 but nobody
used it. resurfaced in 1966, now
standard/required equipment.
• Fits into console
• Luminous
• Readable at low pressures ‘red
zone’
• At 500psi, have accuracy range of
+/- 35-100psi
Compass
Features:
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Lubber line
Bezel
Readability
Fits into console or on arm
Luminous dial
Cost ~35-40.00$$
Weight Belt
Features:
• Quick release
• Lead Weight
• Many weights and sizes (plastic coated, lead
shot i.e. “soft vs. hard weight”)
• Clips
• Harness
Exposure Suits (wet vs. dry)
Features:
•Wet vs. Dry
Thickness – 7 mm(minimum for central coast north) -10mm
Material – Neoprene  Skin-in vs. plush/lycra
Two piece vs. one piece
Attached hood vs. non-attached
Zipper placement
Modern BCD – Buoyancy Compensating Device
Features:
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Large volume
Mouth piece for oral inflation
Power inflator
Overpressure relief valve
Shoulder straps
D-rings
Integrated weights
Gear snaps
Gear Bag, Duffle or Box
• One that can hold all dive gear
VS.
Action Packer
Rollie bag
Mesh Goodie Bag
• One that can hold fins, mask snorkle
Save-a-dive Kit
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O-rings
Extra straps (fin and mask)
Extra mouth piece
Cable / Zip ties
Pencils
1st stage port plugs
Scuba tool
Mouth piece
Dive Slate
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PVC Plastic
Clip
Pencil on bungie or string
Research Slate allows
addition of paper
MLML Slates -$15.00
Safety Sausage
• Roll-up sausage for BC pocket
• Increased visibility on surface