There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pride that comes with completing your scuba diving certification. If you’re one of the nearly one million people that earn their diving licenses annually, you may be wondering what your next steps are.
While you may feel ready to explore the great deep blue, you mustn’t move too quickly. Before you head out to sea, you need to have the appropriate gear in tow. Below, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive scuba diving checklist to ensure you have everything you need to have a safe and fun-filled experience.
1. A Scuba Mask
A scuba mask is an essential piece of equipment, as it allows you to see where you’re going. The mask makes an air space directly in front of your eyes, allowing you to focus them underwater. It also comes with a nose pocket that lets you equalize the air pressure as you descend to greater depths.
You can purchase a scuba mask as a single or double lens. With a single lens scuba mask, you’ll have a much wider field of vision (and you’ll look like the actors from old adventure movies like Sea Hunt). Some divers prefer the double lens masks, as they can accommodate prescription lenses.
When you’re searching for the right scuba mask, you’ll want to make sure it fits snugly but isn’t restricting. One of the best tests to determine how your mask fits is the sniff test. Put your mask on your face without using the strap and look straight ahead. Gently inhale through your nose. If the mask seals easily on your face, it’s a good fit.
2. A Snorkel
Most recreational divers tend to dive no deeper than 130 feet underwater. But not all your water-based adventures will take place at these depths.
Whenever you’re paddling at the water’s surface, a snorkel will come in handy. This simple tube will let you conserve the oxygen in your tank for when you dive deeper later on in the day.
Your snorkel should have a mouthpiece that fits comfortably in your mouth. And, the tube should attach to your mask easily so that it doesn’t fall off mid-dive.
3. Scuba Fins
No matter how powerful your legs are, wearing fins can make your kicking movements more efficient.
Don’t underestimate the power of adding scuba fins to your pre-dive checklist, as water is around 800 times Denser then air. You’ll need all the help you can get to glide through the water.
Look for a pair of fins that fit snugly but don’t squeeze your toes.
4. A Dive Computer
Most scuba divers refer to a dive computer as a scuba diving watch. This diver’s watch monitors bottom time and depth and ensures you don’t spend too much time underwater or run out of oxygen.
The best wristwatch for divers will perform automatic calculations to provide you with longer diver times. All the while, it’ll keep you within a safe window of no-decompression time.
Carrying a dive computer on one wrist is essential, as it can make the difference between a safe and risky expedition.
We recommend also wearing a standard analog watch on your other wrist. While a standard water-resistant watch is no substitution for a dive computer, you may want to consider investing in one alongside your dive computer. An analog watch is much easier to read and interpret at a quick glance.
You can use can devices like H2HUB Watches for additional convenience. Tracking the second hand will let you know how long you’ve been under and when you need to come up. Some divers like the opportunity to look at a simpler water-resistant watch instead of deciphering all the information on their dive computer.
5. A Wetsuit
Spending a long time in the water is no joke. Water steals heat from your body much more quickly than air does, so it’s important to be prepared.
A wetsuit keeps water out and provides excellent insulation against heat loss. Even divers exploring tropical waters should still wear wetsuits, as the water temperature drops quickly as you descend into deeper waters.
As with most scuba equipment, a snug — but not restrictive — fit is ideal. Don’t purchase a suit that’s too loose, as gaps will let water circulate and prevent the suit’s ability to fight off heat loss. On the other hand, a too-tight suit will restrict your breathing and movement.
6. A Scuba BCD
A scuba BCD is a Buoyancy Compensator Device. This piece of equipment is like an intricate vest. It lets you:
- Hold all your gear in place.
- Carry your oxygen tank with little effort.
- Achieve neutral buoyancy at shallow and deeper depths.
Your BCD should never squeeze your body when it’s inflated. Instead, it should fit snugly. And you should be able to access all your valves, straps, and pockets with ease.
7. A Scuba Regulator
The air in your oxygen tank is under incredible amounts of pressure. A scuba regulator converts this highly pressurized air into something that you can actually breathe. This component also delivers air to other essential areas like your BCD inflator.
Your scuba regulator should deliver high air volume in all circumstances (even when you’re at great depths). Look for regulators that come with switches and knobs to help you regulate the delivery of oxygen.
Your Scuba Diving Checklist — Ensuring You Have Everything You Need
There’s much to consider when reviewing your scuba diving checklist. Many items are non-negotiable and essential to your safety, including the scuba BCD and regulator. Other items, like a wetsuit, aren’t necessarily required but will provide you enhanced comfort and peace of mind.
As you prepare to begin your underwater adventures, consider other items that you may need. Some divers like to bring an extra mask as a backup or a magnifying glass to get a better look at their subaquatic findings. Whatever your preferences are, you can use the above guide as a launching point.
If you’re interested in additional tips on pursuing your new hobbies, check out more articles on our site!