Chapter 5- Introduction to Deeper Diving
Introduction to Deeper Diving
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EQUIPMENT
In addition to your regular diving equipment — an
extra second stage on your regulator and a low pressure
inflator on your buoyancy compensator, a dive computer
and backup instrumentation, and an underwater slate are
recommended. Your equipment should also be in good
condition and in excellent working order.
An extra second stage can simplify air-sharing situations
underwater, but for deeper diving a complete backup
or “redundant” scuba system such as a “pony bottle”
with its own regulator is recommended (figure 5-1). Your
instructor will probably show you a back-up system, which
has the advantage of being a completely separate source
of air for either the person wearing the unit or for another
diver in need of air. Since you are only being introduced
to deep diving, you will not be required to have a back-up
unit, but you should be familiar with them and know of
their desirability for dives to greater depths.
Instruments are important for diving, but they are
essential for deep dives. First and foremost–as always–is
the submersible pressure gauge. It is required on all
dives, but is critical for deep dives to help you avoid running
out of air.
Depth gauges are also essential, as are watches
or dive timers (figure 5-2). A reliable depth gauge is
absolutely necessary for dives planned using dive tables.
FIGURE 5-1. A completely redundant air supply is recommended for
deeper water diving.
FIGURE 5-2. Depth gauges come in a wide variety of designs with many different features. Your local NAUI Affiliated dive center can help you make
a good choice.