Scuba Accessories

8 Scuba Diving Accessories Divers Can’t Live Without

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Scuba diving is a great recreational activity to practice if you spend your holidays by the sea. It is quite popular among both locals and tourists due to Singapore’s rich marine biodiversity. However, considering the risks that come with it, divers are always advised to be properly geared up with the necessary scuba diving accessories before they get into the water. 

A nice and safe diving experience always depends on having the appropriate diving gear. Whether they are novice or expert divers, everyone needs to have top-notch diving gear and the right knowledge to use it properly. Here are 8 scuba diving accessories that divers must have when going for a dive.

1. The Regulator

The regulator is one of the most crucial accessories of a scuba diver. The pressure regulator is employed in order to provide all pressurized breathing gas to the diver at ambient pressure. The regulated gas is delivered by a valve that automatically shuts off the flow of a liquid or gas at a specified pressure. Regulators are frequently purchased in three pieces. The primary and first stage clamp is the first purchase, followed by the alternate air source and gauges.

Most divers prefer having their own regulator rather than renting it from a dive shop. If you have a personal regulator, you can be certain that it is maintained regularly and that you are aware of its usage patterns.

2. The Cylinder

The cylinder is the tank that contains pressurized gas that divers breathe. They carry it on their back, and it is constructed of cold-extruded aluminum. The gas is delivered from the cylinder via a valve that regulates the pressure. These gas cylinders must be regularly maintained, and the usual procedure is to replace the pillar valves, add protective meshes, carry handles, and add valve dust. Regular maintenance of cylinders not only prolongs their lifetime but also minimizes the rate of accidents that can occur underwater.

3. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)

Divers wear a jacket known as a BCD, or buoyancy control device, to regulate and control their buoyancy in the water. In order to descend and rise, the device adds and removes air from a bladder that is built into the jacket, changing the volume to alter the neutral buoyancy in the ocean. BCDs come in a variety of sizes, from portable backpack-friendly models to heavy-duty models with lots of lift and frequently integrated D locks for cold water divers.

4. Diving Computers

Not knowing the time duration that you can spend in the water, the level of oxygen in your tank, your location, and the stability of your body brings potential life risks when diving. A diving computer can help ensure a diver’s safety and enable them to spend more time at the bottom. 

One of the most dangerous events that can happen to a diver is going through decompression sickness, which is also known as the bends. Hence, it is crucial to carry dive computers to calculate the amount of time required at each level of ascent for the body’s gasses to safely dissipate. Today’s diving computers are typically wireless, console-mounted, wrist-mounted, or built into the diver’s mask. They also automatically relay information and data on tank pressure.

5. The Mask

The mask is one of the most important scuba diving accessories that a diver should wear. The diving masks give you clear vision, keeping your eyes dry. They are airtight and prevent seawater from reaching your eyes. The three primary varieties of scuba mask are single lens, multiple lenses, and split lens, which has two distinct tempered glass lenses. Divers can select between various materials for the skirt of the mask as well as between a frameless and framed option. 

By holding the mask to your face and inhaling through your nose, you should always make sure it fits comfortably before using it in the water.

6. Wetsuits

For protection, buoyancy, and temperature, wetsuits are essential. A quality wetsuit can make the difference between a safe and risky dive. A person who enjoys surfing will already be familiar with wetsuits, but there are several differences to consider when purchasing one for scuba diving. Since the temperature of the seawater swiftly lowers once you begin to descend, 3mm wetsuits, which are popular among summer surfers, are only appropriate for diving in the tropics. 7mm wetsuits are typically recommended for cold water diving.

7. The Fins

The fishes swim easily in the water with the help of their fins. Since humans do not have fins, going deep in the water while controlling your movements with bare feet is nearly impossible. Therefore, divers have to wear artificial fins before they jump into the water. Fins are a vital component of any diver’s equipment kit since they allow for more mobility. Your choice of fins will be influenced by your personal style, preferences as well as the type of diving you intend to conduct. These are the most common varieties of diving fins:

  • Paddle shaped fins
  • Vented fins
  • Split fins
  • Free diving fins

8. Other Accessories

Apart from the above-mentioned accessories, there are a few more tools that scuba divers associate with. Here are some:

  • Buddy line: A short line that connects two divers together to avoid separation.
  • Hoods: Helps divers control body temperature.
  • Knife: Used to escape from entanglements while at the bottom of the sea.
  • Torch: used to get a clear vision when the water gets dark.
  • Surface marker buoy: Indicates the diver’s location to those who are on the surface.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from stings and abrasions while diving.

Looking to Buy High-Quality Diving Equipment?

Are you looking for a reliable dive shop to purchase top-notch scuba diving gear? Contact Scuba Warehouse Singapore to find all the diving gear you need to enjoy a safe diving experience under one roof.