Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Understanding Scuba Gear - From Basic To High-Tech Components

By Domingo Tigris Xavier


For the novice diver, finding the perfect scuba equipment can be frustrating because so much of it looks interesting and even cool. Do you have a unique sense of fashion? If so, you're in luck. With the many wetsuit designs available, you'll be able to find just the one that says, "This is me." A majority of the serious divers aren't interested in making a "fashion statement" however. They are looking for reliable, high-quality dive gear. One word of caution concerns buying used dive gear only because it is used. For one thing, with different types of equipment it's impossible to inspect the inner working parts to make sure they are not damaged or weak. The wisest counsel we can give you, if you are a "newbie" to diving, is to buy the best quality new equipment that you can afford for the time being and, after you have been around diving for a while, you will be better able to judge the merits of used gear.

There are two basic types of equipment configurations involved with scuba diving. What you need will depend on the application, diving conditions and the purpose of your dive.

For recreational divers, the open circuit set up is the most common. Most rebreather configurations are similar to semi closed circuits and ones that are completely closed. Although the closed circuit is archaic in comparison to the open circuit, it still has some potential with a variety of other applications. The primary difference between an open and closed circuit is that the closed one actually converts exhaled gas into a breathable type of air.

As you know, the mouthpiece will have a demand valve which is the second stage air regulator. Veteran divers are very fond of using what is called the octopus demand valve which is a spare valve used as backup when diving. On top of the primary regulator, located on the cylinder, there will be multiple hoses for this purpose. Keep in mind that this is a spare demand valve with extra hoses available. This will help ease a little bit of your worries as it will provide a way for you to breathe in case things go wrong. Usually you can tell if there is a support emergency device if it is yellow in color.

Though not for the rank beginning divers in our opinion, technical diving is spell-bounding. Varying scuba equipment needed for this are many cylinders that contain certain gases. One type of gas, Trimix, is used at deeper depths only, for example. Also, a cylinder of pure oxygen can be carried and used during ascent at decompression stops. There can clearly be problems with succeeding in proper buoyancy when there are extra cylinders carried. For this reason you will witness technical divers dressed in high capacity buoyancy compensator (BC). Many more things can be discussed and thought about regarding the gear for scuba diving. It is possible to get help from internet sites you can trust such as PADI or your diving instructor if you are a beginning diver. Determining the dive area is the smartest starting place. Due to needs being dependent on the water conditions, this is very important.

Obviously, deep-sea diving does not come without having pitfalls. This is exactly why you should get plenty of travel insurance prior to going on your next trip. That way, you will be protected, and you'll be able to appreciate your holiday.




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