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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Selecting basic diving equipment

The basic scuba diving equipment now consists of mask, fins and snorkel, rather than the goggles and flippers worn many years ago. These are likely to be the first items of equipment the trainee will purchase. Selecting the right equipment is Important lf it is to correctly perform the tasi required. The trainee should consult their Instructor before buying any equipment so they receive professional advice and avoid costly mistakes.

The Mask eyes are designed to work In an environment of alr. Without a mask, the diver would be unable to focus on anything under water and would feel the discomfort of the seawater stinging his eyes. 'fhe mask provides the eyes with an air space, allowing hem to function as normal. It is Important to use a mask that is comfortable, as well as one which allows you an adequate field of vision. If the mask is not quite right it will distract your attention from the dive. A mask that fits without leaking will allow you to enjoy the dive. Masks can be classed as either low volume or high volume.

This refers to the amount of air space between the lens and the eyes. Most divers will choose the low volume type. This holds less flooded water, making lt easier to clear. The closer the lens of the rnask is to the eyes, the wider the view is likely to be; masks with additional side lenses Increase peripheral vision but can also increase the mask air space volume. There is a mask available that has additional lenses placed at the bottom of the mask to aid downward vision. This is useful vhen looking at diving instruments.

Types of Mask

Masks come in two basic types: rubber and silicon. The silicon mask is generally the more popular of the two, and there are a number of possible reasons for this. The silicon material is less likely to irritate the diver leith sensitive skin, and because it is translucent it lets in more light, ideal for the nervous diver. Silicon masks tend to be slightly softer, hence more comfortable, and on average they last a little longer than the rubber mask.

The silicon mask will, however, tend to be more expensive. When choosing a mask there are a number of important features to look out for. The mask must be made of toughened glass for safety reasons; cheap plastic lenses will soon become permanently scratched, reducing vision. all masks must have a comfortable skirt; a mask with a hard skirt will be uncomfortable and will irritate the diver. The mask must enclose the nose and have small finger pockets so that the diver can pinch the nose In order to equalize the increasing pressure on the ears .

The nose ls enclosed so that the artificial air space within the mask can be equalized as the diver descends. This ls achieved by gently exhaling through the nose. Goggles do not enclose the nose, making it impossible to equallze the pressure, and for this reason goggles are not acceptable for scuba diving. Fit is equally important when buying a mask. A mask that is too tight will leak just as much as one that ls too loose.

Most diving shops will allow the diver to try different masks in order to select the right one. When offered to the face the mask should stay In place (without the use of the strap) simply by the diver inhaling through their nose. As well as two basic materials, masks come In a variety of styles and colours, Including masks with a single front lens, twin front lenses, side lenses, bottom lenses, or any combination of these. Masks are also available with corrective lenses for those who wear spectacles, and with a small one-way valve at the bottom to assist clearing any flooded Water.

Fins for diving

The diver is virtually immobile without fins; they provide him sixth a means of propttision using a mlBmuln of effort. Types of Fin There are two basic types of fin: full foot and open heel. The open heel has foot pockets that are open at the back and utilize an adjustable strap for securing the fin to the foot. Thls type of fin ls normally used by divers in open water and is designed to fit over a diver's boot. Divers in tropical waters favour the full foot fin, which 1s ideal for pool use. All fins have common features, including side ribs used to strengthen the blade and increase efficiency, and comfortable foot pockets. When choosing open heel fins the diver should look for a fin which has an easily adjustable strap (one which can be adjusted even when wearing gloves).

The fin should also be rigid enough to provide the necessary propulsion, without being too hard. When choosing full foot fins it is vital that they fit correctly. The fin should be around the same size as your normal shoes (care should be taken as manufacturer sizes can differ). Extra long fins are available, however these are designed for fin swimming rather than general diving, and should therefore be avoided. Fins are made from several materials, Foot pockets are rubber, to provide comfort, stretch and grip. Plastic is used for tile slde ribs to aid strength and also to enable the fin to bend yet still return to lts original shape. A fin that is too hard will be Uncomfortable and will soon sap the diver's energy and enthusiasm, whilst a fin that i8 too soft will require extra effort from the diver.

Snorkel for diving

The snorkel allows the diver to observe the underwater world without having to constantly lift his head to breathe. It also makes surface finning easier and allows divers to conserve air. Types of Snorkel. A snorkel ls simply a tube and a mouthpiece joined together. Before buying a snorkel the diver should consider when and how they intend to use it.

A simple snorkel is available for occasional use when swimming on the surface, however if the diver intends doing a lot of snorkelling then a more sophisticated snorkel might be the best option. The main difference between the two is the added purge valve fitted under the mouthpiece. This is designed to make snorkel clearing easier. Many manufacturers are making snorkels with some form of fitted device designed to limit water entering from the top .

older-style snorkels have the standard 'U' or 'J' bend at the bottom. These could sometimes be annoying when the snorkel was not use, as it would hang from the mask with the Mouthpiece constantly getting in the way. However, many snorkels now have a short flexible tube at the bottom, allowing the mouthpiece to hang down out of the way when it is not being used during a dive. Snorkels generally come In standard sizes, although there are small variants on the actual shape.

Some important features to look for when choosing a snorkel include: a standard bore of 20mm, a typical length of arovtnd 300mm, and a clip for easy attachment to the mask. It is important to choose a snorkel close to these dimensions. A larger snorkel will be uncomfortable in the mouth, whilst a smaller one could create unwanted esistance, making breathing difficult and tiring.

The snorkel should not be so small In length that it is constantly dipping under the water, however if the diver tried to use an oversize snorkel under water they would find it difficult to breathe. This ls because the diver is trying to breathe air at atmospheric pressure (the surface) when their lungs are being Subjected to increased pressure.