NAUI Scuba Diver 14 Diving Equipment LEARNING GOALS In this chapter you will: • Learn about the basic equipment you need to go skin diving. • Learn about scuba cylinders, including types and sizes, valves, maintenance, and inspections. • Be introduced to regulators and the equipment usually attached to the regulator. • Learn about different types of diving instruments. • Understand the types of buoyancy control devices and how to select one that meets your needs. • Learn about weighting systems. • Be introduced to the many different types of diving suits for warmth and protection and learn how to choose the right suit for your diving conditions. • Learn about some the accessory equipment that makes diving more enjoyable. You must use some specialized equipment to go skin diving or scuba diving. When you first put on the equipment needed, you will probably feel awkward before you enter the water. Keep in mind that each item serves a purpose in the underwater environment. The gear is designed to be comfortable in the water, rather than on land. The sooner you get in the water, the better the equipment will feel to you. BUYING EQUIPMENT FOR DIVING You can buy diving equipment from a variety of outlets. However, your best choice for purchasing equipment is your local dive shop or sporting goods store, if it has a dedicated diving section (figure 2-1). There are several reasons why you should buy your gear from a specialized retailer, such as a NAUI affiliated dive store. These include: • You can see and wear the equipment in the store before you buy it and possibly even try out similar rental items in the store pool. • Your local retailer is able to help you adjust items such as buoyancy compensators (BCs) and to FIGURE 2-1. A DIVE RETAILER IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR PURCHASING EQUIPMENT. measure you properly for custom-tailored wetsuits. • Local retailers can provide you with the instruction needed when you purchase a specialized piece of gear, such as a dive computer, video housing, or dry suit. • Your local retailer is usually able to service any gear that you buy at their shop. • Local retailers might rent or loan you equipment while yours is in the shop for repair. • Your local retailer is your only source for scuba cylinder fills and last minute required items. Develop a good relationship with your local diving retailer. The salespeople there will be able to help you select the right type of gear for local diving conditions and for your personal diving interests. Most new divers wait until they have finished their course to buy all of their scuba equipment. This is a good idea because you will usually have the opportunity to try several different types of gear during your course. However, most instructors will require that you have certain personal items of gear when you start your NAUI Scuba Diver certification course. These items can include: • Mask • Snorkel • Booties • Fins • Gloves
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