Basic Equipment

Divers need to carry a wide range of equipment. This can vary, depending upon the type of dive being carried out.

This section on equipment section is intended for those who are new to diving or are interested in taking up the sport and provides a brief look at the essential items of basic equipment needed for every dive.

Costs are intended only as a guide.

Mask

Masks are needed by to enable a diver to focus properly underwater.

A mask needs to fit comfortably in place without tightening the strap too much.

Corrective lenses can be fitted to masks for people with glasses.

Fins

Fins allow divers to move along through the water easily without the need to swim using their arms.

Fins are available in many types design and different colours.

Snorkle

A snorkle enables a diver to swim along the surface without needing to lift up their head to breath.

The snorkle needs to be a simple J shape tube without any complicated valves or floats.

Knife

A knife should be carried on all dives. A knife is essential if the diver ever becomes entangled underwater and needs to cut through a line or net.

The knife blade is normally stainless steel so that the risk of corrosion is reduced.

The handle should be large enough to handle comfortably while wearing gloves.

Weight-belt

A diver will need to wear a weight belt to compensate for the increased buoyancy caused by wearing a wet or dry suit.

The diver needs to balance the weight on the weightbelt correctly so that neutral buoyancy can be achieved throughout the dive.

There are various designs of weightbelt available.

Some are in the form of a simple belt with lead weights attached. Other weightbelt systems are pouches filled with lead shot and can form part of the divers buoyancy compensator.