Diving equipment is equipment used by
underwater divers
This is a list of underwater divers whose exploits have made them notable.
Underwater divers are people who take part in underwater diving activities – Underwater diving is practiced as part of an occupation, or for recreation, where t ...
to make diving activities possible, easier, safer and/or more comfortable. This may be equipment primarily intended for this purpose, or equipment intended for other purposes which is found to be suitable for diving use.
The fundamental item of diving equipment used by divers other than
freedivers, is underwater breathing apparatus, such as
scuba equipment
Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface air supply. The name "scuba", an acronym for " Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", was coined by Chri ...
, and
surface-supplied diving
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scub ...
equipment, but there are other important items of equipment that make diving safer, more convenient or more efficient. Diving equipment used by
recreational scuba divers, also known as scuba gear, is mostly personal equipment carried by the diver, but
professional divers
A professional is a member of a profession or any person who works in a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skil ...
, particularly when operating in the surface supplied or
saturation mode, use a large amount of support equipment not carried by the diver.
Equipment which is used for underwater work or other activities which is not directly related to the activity of diving, or which has not been designed or modified specifically for underwater use by divers is not considered to be diving equipment.
Classes of underwater breathing apparatus
The diving mode is largely defined by the type of breathing apparatus used.
*
Surface supplied diving
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scub ...
- mostly used in professional diving. This category includes:
** Surface oriented surface supplied diving (Bounce diving), where the diver starts and finishes the dive at normal atmospheric pressure.
**
Saturation diving
Saturation diving is diving for periods long enough to bring all tissues into equilibrium with the partial pressures of the inert components of the breathing gas used. It is a diving mode that reduces the number of decompressions divers working ...
, where the diver remains under pressure in an
underwater habitat
Underwater habitats are underwater structures in which people can live for extended periods and carry out most of the basic human functions of a 24-hour day, such as working, resting, eating, attending to personal hygiene, and sleeping. In thi ...
or
saturation spread between underwater excursions.
**
Standard diving dress
Standard diving dress, also known as hard-hat or copper hat equipment, deep sea diving suit or heavy gear, is a type of diving suit that was formerly used for all relatively deep underwater work that required more than breath-hold duration, which ...
- mostly used in
professional diving
Professional diving is underwater diving where the divers are paid for their work. The procedures are often regulated by legislation and codes of practice as it is an inherently hazardous occupation and the diver works as a member of a team. Du ...
. Mainly of historical interest now.
**
Airline
An airline is a company that provides civil aviation, air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines use aircraft to supply these services and may form partnerships or Airline alliance, alliances with other airlines for ...
or Hookah diving.
** "
Compressor diving
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scu ...
" - a rudimentary form of surface supplied diving used in the
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
by artisanal fishermen.
** Recreational forms like
snuba
Snuba is form of surface-supplied diving that uses an underwater breathing system developed by Snuba International.
The origin of the word "Snuba" may be a portmanteau of " snorkel" and "scuba", as it bridges the gap between the two. Alternati ...
.
*
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface air supply. The name "scuba", an acronym for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", was coined by Chris ...
- The use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. This category includes:
** Open-circuit
scuba
Scuba may refer to:
* Scuba diving
** Scuba set, the equipment used for scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving
* Scuba, an in-memory database developed by Facebook
* Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array, either of two in ...
consisting of
diving cylinder
A diving cylinder or diving gas cylinder is a gas cylinder used to store and transport high pressure gas used in diving operations. This may be breathing gas used with a scuba set, in which case the cylinder may also be referred to as a scu ...
(s) and
diving regulator
A diving regulator is a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of breathing gas for diving. The most commonly recognised application is to reduce pressurized breathing gas to ambient pressure and deliver it to the diver, but there are als ...
(s)
**
Rebreather diving
Rebreather diving is underwater diving using diving rebreathers, a class of underwater breathing apparatus which recirculate the breathing gas exhaled by the diver after replacing the oxygen used and removing the carbon dioxide metabolic produc ...
, closed-circuit or semi-closed-circuit scuba
*
Free diving
Freediving, free-diving, free diving, breath-hold diving, or skin diving is a form of underwater diving that relies on breath-holding until resurfacing rather than the use of breathing apparatus such as scuba gear.
Besides the limits of breath- ...
or breathhold diving, where the diver completes the dive on a single breath of air taken at the surface before the dive.
**
Snorkel allows breathing at the surface with the face submerged, and is used as an adjunct to free diving and scuba.
*
Atmospheric diving suit
An atmospheric diving suit (ADS) is a small one-person articulated submersible which resembles a suit of armour, with elaborate pressure joints to allow articulation while maintaining an internal pressure of one atmosphere. An ADS can enable di ...
s and other submersibles which isolate the diver from the ambient environment. These are not considered here.
*
Liquid breathing
Liquid breathing is a form of respiration in which a normally air-breathing organism breathes an oxygen-rich liquid (such as a perfluorocarbon), rather than breathing air.
By selecting a liquid that is capable of holding large amounts of oxy ...
systems are still hypothetical and at an early experimental stage. It is hoped that some day practical systems will allow very deep diving. This is not considered here.
File:Working Diver 02.jpg, A US Navy diver at work. The umbilical supplying air from the surface is clearly visible
Image:Standard_diving_dress_1.jpg, Diver in standard diving dress entering the water at Stoney Cove, England
File:Buzo.jpg, Scuba diver with single cylinder and open circuit regulator
Image:Junko-Kitahama Apnea-Monofin cropped.jpg, Free-diver with monofin
A monofin is a type of swimfin typically used in underwater sports such as finswimming, free-diving and underwater orienteering. It consists of a single or linked surfaces attached to both of the diver's feet, emulating the fluke of Cetacean ...
, ascending
File:Newtsuit atmospheric diving suit.jpg, The Newtsuit
The Newtsuit is an atmospheric diving suit designed and originally built by Phil Nuytten.
The suit is used for work on ocean drilling rigs, pipelines, salvage jobs, and photographic surveys, and is standard equipment in many of the world's navies ...
is an atmospheric diving suit which has fully articulated rotary joints in the arms and legs.
Personal diving equipment
This is the diving equipment worn by or carried by the diver for personal protection or comfort, or to facilitate the diving aspect of the activity, and may include a selection from:
Underwater breathing apparatus
* Scuba equipment: Primary
cylinder(s), carried back-mounted or
side mounted and open circuit
regulator(s), or
rebreather
A rebreather is a breathing apparatus that absorbs the carbon dioxide of a user's breathing, exhaled breath to permit the rebreathing (recycling) of the substantially unused oxygen content, and unused inert content when present, of each breath. ...
sets.
Alternative air source
In underwater diving, an alternative air source, or more generally alternative breathing gas source, is a secondary supply of air or other breathing gas for use by the diver in an emergency. Examples include an auxiliary demand valve, a pony bo ...
such as
bailout bottle
A bailout bottle (BoB) or, more formally, bailout cylinder is a scuba cylinder carried by an underwater diver for use as an emergency supply of breathing gas in the event of a primary gas supply failure. A bailout cylinder may be carried by a scu ...
or
pony bottle
A pony bottle is a small diving cylinder which is fitted with an independent regulator, and carried by a scuba diver as an extension to the scuba set. In an emergency, such as depletion of the diver's main air supply, it can be used as an alt ...
, and
decompression cylinders and their associated regulators.
Secondary demand valve (Octopus).
* Surface supplied equipment:
Helmet
A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. Ceremonial or symbolic helmets (e.g., a policeman's helmet in the United Kingdom) without protect ...
or
full face mask
A full-face diving mask is a type of diving mask that seals the whole of the diver's face from the water and contains a mouthpiece, demand valve or constant flow gas supply that provides the diver with breathing gas. The full face mask h ...
, diver's umbilical, airline, bailout block, bailout cylinder and regulator.
File:Draeger twin 7l cylinders with twin hose regulatorPB068176.jpg, Early twin cylinder set with twin hose regulator
File:Twin 300 bar cylinders with isolating manifold.jpg, Twin scuba cylinders with isolation manifold
File:Charging a spare air cylinder PB048172.jpg, Charging a small bailout cylinder from a larger aluminium scuba cylinder
File:Scuba 01.jpg, Scuba regulator: First stage with primary and secondary demand valves, submersible pressure gauge and low pressure hose for BC inflation.
File:DecompressionPrepEdit.JPG, Technical diver
Technical diving (also referred to as tec diving or tech diving) is scuba diving that exceeds the agency-specified limits of recreational diving for non-professional purposes. Technical diving may expose the diver to hazards beyond those normally ...
with back mounted open circuit scuba and sling mounted decompression cylinders
File:Diver using Inspiration rebreather at the wreck of the MV Orotava P6308046.JPG, Diving with a closed circuit rebreather
A rebreather is a breathing apparatus that absorbs the carbon dioxide of a user's exhaled breath to permit the rebreathing (recycling) of the substantially unused oxygen content, and unused inert content when present, of each breath. Oxygen is ...
File:IDA-71 with lid of casing opened showing interior P5167777.JPG, Russian made IDA-71 rebreather set
File:2011 06 04 Harburg Taucherhelme DSCI5241.JPG, Heavy standard diving helmet
A diving helmet is a rigid head enclosure with a breathing gas supply used in underwater diving. They are worn mainly by professional divers engaged in surface-supplied diving, though some models can be used with scuba equipment. The upper part ...
, lightweight demand helmet and band mask
File:US Navy 051026-N-0000X-001 Electronics Technician 1st Class Matthew Ammons, a diver assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two (MDSU-2), is fitted with a Kirby Morgan 37 Dive Helmet.jpg, Diver wearing lightweight demand helmet
Environmental protection
The underwater environment usually requires a diver to wear thermal, sting and abrasion protection.
* In cold water, a
diving suit
A diving suit is a garment or device designed to protect a diver from the underwater environment. A diving suit may also incorporate a breathing gas supply (such as for a standard diving dress or atmospheric diving suit). but in most cases the te ...
such as a
dry suit
A dry suit or drysuit provides the wearer with environmental protection by way of thermal insulation and exclusion of water, and is worn by divers, boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and others who work or play in or near cold or contaminated ...
(at temperatures of 0-10 °C), a
wet suit
A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports and other activities in or on water. Its pu ...
(at temperatures of 21-25 °C), or a
Hot water suit
A diving suit is a garment or device designed to protect a diver from the underwater environment. A diving suit may also incorporate a breathing gas supply (such as for a standard diving dress or atmospheric diving suit). but in most cases the t ...
(surface supplied diving only) is necessary.
*
Boiler suit
A boilersuit (or boiler suit), also known as coveralls, is a loose fitting garment covering the whole body except for the head, hands and feet.
Terminology
The term ''boilersuit'' is most common in the UK, where the 1989 edition of the ''Oxfo ...
overalls are often worn over the thermal protection suit by commercial divers as abrasion protection for the more easily damaged and expensive diving suit.
* In very warm water (temperatures of 26-30 °C), many types of tough, long, everyday clothing provide protection, as well as purpose made garments such as dive skins (made of lycra) and shorty wetsuits. In some cases, simple regular swimsuits are also used.
* Diving
glove
A glove is a garment covering the hand. Gloves usually have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb.
If there is an opening but no (or a short) covering sheath for each finger they are called fingerless gloves. Fingerless glov ...
s, including
wetsuit gloves and
dry gloves, mitts, and three-finger mitts
*
Diving hoods
* Diving boots - With dry suits, the boots are usually integrated.
*
Safety helmet
A hard hat is a type of helmet predominantly used in workplace environments such as industrial or construction sites to protect the head from injury due to falling objects, impact with other objects, debris, rain, and electric shock. Suspensi ...
for
scuba diving
Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface air supply. The name "scuba", an acronym for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", was coined by Chris ...
. (Not part of the breathing apparatus.)
* Diving
chain mail
Chain mail (properly called mail or maille but usually called chain mail or chainmail) is a type of armour consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. It was in common military use between the 3rd century BC and ...
may be used as protection against bites by large marine animals
*
Diver's cages may be used as protection against large predators
*
Atmospheric diving suit
An atmospheric diving suit (ADS) is a small one-person articulated submersible which resembles a suit of armour, with elaborate pressure joints to allow articulation while maintaining an internal pressure of one atmosphere. An ADS can enable di ...
provides complete isolation from the environment
File:Fullsuit.jpg, Full wet suit
File:Plongee CombinaisonsEtanchesDansLaGlace-199912.jpg, Dry suits
File:Wetsuit0806.jpg, Short and full length wet suits
File:Diving boots.JPG, Wet suit boots
File:Neoprene diving glovesP7100001.JPG, Neoprene diving gloves
File:Neptunic shark suit 1.jpg, Chain mail shark suit
File:Sharks outside cage.jpg, Shark proof cage
File:Deep Sea Diving Suit.jpg, Atmospheric diving suit
In-water stabilisation and movement
This equipment includes buoyancy control equipment and mobility equipment:
Buoyancy control is achieved by ballasting with diving weights and compensating for buoyancy changes during the dive using a buoyancy compensator:
*
Buoyancy compensator, also known as Buoyancy Control Device, BCD or BC - is usually a back mounted or sleeveless jacket style device which includes an inflatable bladder used to adjust the buoyancy of the diver under water, and provide positive buoyancy at the surface. The buoyancy compensator is usually an integral part of the harness system used to secure the scuba set to the diver. The earlier collar style buoyancy compensator is seldom used any more.
*
Diving weighting system
A diving weighting system is ballast weight added to a diver or diving equipment to counteract excess buoyancy. They may be used by divers or on equipment such as diving bells, submersibles or camera housings.
Divers wear diver weighting system ...
- to counteract the buoyancy of the
diving suit
A diving suit is a garment or device designed to protect a diver from the underwater environment. A diving suit may also incorporate a breathing gas supply (such as for a standard diving dress or atmospheric diving suit). but in most cases the te ...
and diver to allow descent. Professional divers may use additional weighting to ensure stability when working on the bottom
Mobility equipment allows the diver to move through the water and maneuver on the spot:
*
Diver Propulsion Vehicle
A diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), also known as an underwater propulsion vehicle, sea scooter, underwater scooter, or swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) by armed forces, is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers to increase range underw ...
- to increase the range of the diver underwater
*
Fins
A fin is a thin component or appendage attached to a larger body or structure. Fins typically function as foils that produce lift or thrust, or provide the ability to steer or stabilize motion while traveling in water, air, or other fluids. Fin ...
for efficient propulsion
File:DiverBC.jpg, Jacket buoyancy compensator
File:DiveXtras Sierra.jpg, Diver propulsion vehicle (scooter)
File:Zavorra.JPG, Weight belt
File:Scubapro bionica flips.jpg, Swim fins
Equipment for dive monitoring and navigation
These are the equipment used for monitoring the course of the dive and following the dive plan when undesirable events are avoided. They include planning and monitoring the dive profile, gas usage and decompression, navigation, and modifying the plan to suit actual circumstances.
*
Depth gauge
A depth gauge is an instrument for measuring depth below a reference surface. They include depth gauges for underwater diving and similar applications, and engineering instruments used to measure the depth of holes and indentations from a refer ...
lets the diver monitor depth, particularly maximum depth and, when used with a watch and
Decompression tables
There are several categories of decompression equipment used to help divers decompress, which is the process required to allow divers to return to the surface safely after spending time underwater at higher ambient pressures.
Decompression o ...
, also allows the diver to monitor decompression requirements. Some digital depth gauges also indicate ascent rate which is an important factor in avoiding decompression sickness
*
Pneumofathometer
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from sc ...
is the surface supplied diving depth gauge which displays the depth of the diver at the surface control panel. It uses hydrostatic back-pressure on a low flow rate open ended air hose to the diver to indicate depth.
*
Diving watch
A diving watch, also commonly referred to as a diver's or dive watch, is a watch designed for underwater diving that features, as a minimum, a water resistance greater than , the equivalent of . The typical diver's watch will have a water resis ...
is used with depth gauge for decompression monitoring when using decompression tables. Largely superseded by dive computers, where elapsed time is one of the standard displays, and time of day may also be available.
*
Dive timer is an instrument that displays and records depth and elapsed time during the dive. It is usually possible to extract the information after the dive. This function is often available as "Gauge setting" on dive computers.
*
Diving compass for
underwater navigation
Diver navigation, termed "underwater navigation" by Scuba diving, scuba divers, is a set of techniques—including observing natural features, the use of a compass, and surface observations—that divers use to Navigation, navigate underwater. ...
. This may be a regular magnetic compass, but is often a selectable function of a dive computer, where a miniature magnetometer is used.
*
Submersible pressure gauge
A diving regulator is a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of breathing gas for diving. The most commonly recognised application is to reduce pressurized breathing gas to ambient pressure and deliver it to the diver, but there are als ...
, also known as a "contents gauge" is used to monitor the remaining breathing gas supply in scuba cylinders.
*
Dive computer
A dive computer, personal decompression computer or decompression meter is a device used by an underwater diver to measure the elapsed time and depth during a dive and use this data to calculate and display an ascent profile which according to t ...
helps the diver to avoid
decompression sickness
Decompression sickness (abbreviated DCS; also called divers' disease, the bends, aerobullosis, and caisson disease) is a medical condition caused by dissolved gases emerging from solution as bubbles inside the body tissues during decompressio ...
by indicating the
decompression stops
The decompression of a diver is the reduction in ambient pressure experienced during ascent from depth. It is also the process of elimination of dissolved inert gases from the diver's body, which occurs during the ascent, largely during ...
needed for the
dive profile
A dive profile is a description of a diver's pressure exposure over time. It may be as simple as just a depth and time pair, as in: "sixty for twenty," (a bottom time of 20 minutes at a depth of 60 feet) or as complex as a second by second grap ...
. Most dive computers also indicate depth, time and ascent rate. Some also indicate
oxygen toxicity
Oxygen toxicity is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing molecular oxygen () at increased partial pressures. Severe cases can result in cell damage and death, with effects most often seen in the central nervous system, lu ...
exposure and water temperature, and may provide other functions. A display of cylinder pressure is available on air-integrated computers, either via a direct high pressure hose, or remotely via a pressure transducer and through-water transmission.
*
Distance line
A distance line, penetration line, cave line or guide line is an item of diving equipment used by scuba divers as a means of returning to a safe starting point in conditions of low visibility, water currents or where pilotage is difficult. They ...
, guide line, or "come-home-line" can be used to guide the diver back to the start point and safety in poor visibility.
** A cave line is a line laid by a diver while penetrating a cave to ensure that the way out is known. Permanent cave lines are marked with
line marker
In cave (and occasionally wreck) diving, line markers are used for orientation as a visual and tactile reference on a permanent guideline. Directional markers (commonly a notched acute isosceles triangle in basic outline), are also known as l ...
s at all junctions, indicating the direction along the line toward the nearest exit.
File:A depth gauge and submersible pressure gauge.jpg, A depth gauge
A depth gauge is an instrument for measuring depth below a reference surface. They include depth gauges for underwater diving and similar applications, and engineering instruments used to measure the depth of holes and indentations from a refer ...
and submersible pressure gauge
File:Pressure guage close up.jpg, Submersible pressure gauge
File:Surface supply air panel for 4 divers P3053737.jpg, A surface supply panel for four divers showing four pneumofathometer gauges
File:Suunto D9 Dive Computer.jpg, A watch
A watch is a portable timepiece intended to be carried or worn by a person. It is designed to keep a consistent movement despite the motions caused by the person's activities. A wristwatch is designed to be worn around the wrist, attached by ...
sized dive computer incorporating an electronic compass and the ability to display cylinder pressure when used with an optional transmitter
File:Dive computer logbook.jpg, Dive computer showing the log of a previous dive
File:UW Navigation tools.jpg, Nav finder and underwater compass - basic underwater navigation tools.
File:Suunto SK-7 diving compass in aftermarket wrist mount P9021026.JPG, Diving compass in aftermarket wrist mount with bungee straps
File:Shearwater Perdix and Ratio iX3M GPS in compass mode P9070460.jpg, Dive computers in compass mode
File:Distance line.JPG, 50 metres of line on a reel
File:Line_Arrow_of_Agnes_Milowka.jpg, alt=Line arrow marker, Line arrow marker
File:Mini SPG Diving.JPG, A miniature submersible pressure gauge (mini SPG) used on pony cylinders
Vision and communication
Underwater vision is significantly affected by several factors. Objects are less visible because of lower levels of natural illumination and are blurred by scattering of light between the object and the viewer, also resulting in lower contrast. These effects vary with wavelength of the light, and color and turbidity of the water. The human eye is unable to focus when in direct contact with water, and an air space must be provided. Voice communication requires special equipment, and much recreational diver communication is visual and based on hand signals.
*
Mask
A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment and often they have been employed for rituals and rights. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practic ...
s allow the diver to
see clearly underwater and protect the eyes.
**
Full face mask
A full-face diving mask is a type of diving mask that seals the whole of the diver's face from the water and contains a mouthpiece, demand valve or constant flow gas supply that provides the diver with breathing gas. The full face mask h ...
s protect the face from dirty or cold water and increases safety by securing the gas supply to the diver's face. If it contains no mouthpiece, the diver can talk, allowing the use of communications equipment.
**
Half masks cover only the eyes and nose. The diver breathes from a separate mouthpiece on the regulator or rebreather.
*
Diving helmet
A diving helmet is a rigid head enclosure with a breathing gas supply used in underwater diving. They are worn mainly by professional divers engaged in surface-supplied diving, though some models can be used with scuba equipment. The upper part ...
s are often used with
surface supplied diving
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scub ...
. They provide the same benefits as the full face mask but provide a very secure connection of the gas supply to the diver and additionally protect the head.
* Underwater writing
slate
Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. It is the finest grained foliated metamorphic rock. ...
s and
pencil
A pencil () is a writing or drawing implement with a solid pigment core in a protective casing that reduces the risk of core breakage, and keeps it from marking the user's hand.
Pencils create marks by physical abrasion, leaving a trail ...
s are used to transport pre-dive plans underwater, to record facts whilst underwater and to aid communication with other divers.
*
Dive light
A dive light is a light source carried by an underwater diver to illuminate the underwater environment. Scuba divers generally carry self-contained lights, but surface supplied divers may carry lights powered by cable supply .
A dive light is ...
s, which are usually waterproof and pressure rated
torches or flashlights, are essential for safety in low visibility or dark environments such as
night diving
Night diving is underwater diving done during the hours of darkness. It frequently refers specifically to recreational diving which takes place in darkness. The diver can experience a different underwater environment at night, because many marine ...
and wreck and cave penetration. They are useful for communication and signalling both underwater and on the surface at night. Divers need artificial light even in shallow and clear water to reveal the red end of the spectrum of light which is absorbed as it travels through water. Underwater video lights can serve the same purpose.
* Hand-held
sonar
Sonar (sound navigation and ranging or sonic navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in submarine navigation) to navigation, navigate, measure distances (ranging), communicate with or detect o ...
for a diver can provide a synthetic view using ultrasonic signals emitted and processed by an electronic device and displayed on a screen.
* Ultrasonic signalling devices which attract the buddies attention by vibration have been marketed and may have some limited utility.
Image:Scubamask.jpg, A diving half mask provides clear sight and protection for the eyes.
File:Full face diving mask - ocean reef.JPG, A full face mask covers the eyes, nose and mouth.
File:Dive light on soft Goodman type handle P4177480.JPG, One piece LED dive light with soft Goodman type handle
Image:Diving-torch.jpg, A "canister" style dive light
Safety equipment
* Diver's
safety harness
A safety harness is a form of protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection. The hazards a ...
, to which a lifeline may be attached, including Bell harness, AR vest, Jump jacket.
* (or tether): A line from the diver to a tender at the surface control point, which may be used for:
** communications, by diving line signals,
** to allow the diver to be found by the stand-by diver following the line,
** to provide a
guideline
A guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice. Guidelines may be issued by and used by any organization (governmental or pri ...
to the surface control point to guide the diver on return,
** to assist the diver to maintain position in a current,
** in an emergency, to recover the diver to the surface, and
** in some cases lift the diver out of the water.
*
Shotline
A diving shot line, shot line, or diving shot, a type of downline or descending line (US Navy), is an item of diving equipment consisting of a ballast weight (the shot), a line and a buoy. The weight is dropped on the dive site. The ...
: A line connecting a shot weight to a marker buoy, used to mark a dive site and provide a vertical reference for descent and ascent.
*
Buddy line
Buddy diving is the use of the buddy system by Scuba diving, scuba divers. It is a set of safety procedures intended to improve the chances of avoiding or surviving Diving hazards and precautions, accidents in or underwater, under water by having ...
: A short line or strap connecting two divers in the water, used to prevent them from being separated in poor visibility and for communication by line signals.
*
Jonline
There are several categories of decompression equipment used to help divers decompress, which is the process required to allow divers to return to the surface safely after spending time underwater at higher ambient pressures.
Decompression o ...
: A short line or webbing strap to tether the diver to the shotline in a current.
*
Surface marker buoy, which indicates the position of the divers to people at the surface.
* DSMB - (Delayed, or deployable surface marker buoy), or
decompression buoy
A surface marker buoy, SMB, dive float or simply a blob is a buoy used by scuba divers, at the end of a line from the diver, intended to indicate the diver's position to people at the surface while the diver is underwater. Two kinds are used; on ...
which is inflated at the start of, or during the ascent, to indicate the position of the divers to the surface team, and as a signal that the divers are ascending.
* Cutting tool
**
Knife
A knife ( : knives; from Old Norse 'knife, dirk') is a tool or weapon with a cutting edge or blade, usually attached to a handle or hilt. One of the earliest tools used by humanity, knives appeared at least 2.5 million years ago, as evidenced ...
to cut lines, nets or to pry or dig. Not intended for personal protection against underwater predators as it is generally ineffective for this purpose.
** Diver's net or
line cutter
Line most often refers to:
* Line (geometry), object with zero thickness and curvature that stretches to infinity
* Telephone line, a single-user circuit on a telephone communication system
Line, lines, The Line, or LINE may also refer to:
Arts ...
. This is a small handheld tool carried by scuba divers to extricate themselves if trapped in
fishing net
A fishing net is a net used for fishing. Nets are devices made from fibers woven in a grid-like structure. Some fishing nets are also called fish traps, for example fyke nets. Fishing nets are usually meshes formed by knotting a relatively thin ...
or
fishing line
A fishing line is a flexible, high-tensile cord used in angling to tether and pull in fish, in conjunction with at least one hook. Fishing lines are usually pulled by and stored in a reel, but can also be retrieved by hand, with a fixed attachm ...
. It has a small sharp blade such as a replaceable
scalpel
A scalpel, lancet, or bistoury is a small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, anatomical dissection, podiatry and various arts and crafts (either called a hobby knife or an X-acto knife.). Scalpels may be single-use disposa ...
blade inside the small notch. There is a small hole at the other end for a lanyard to tether the cutter to the diver.
**
Trauma shears
Trauma shears, also known as Tuff Cuts (a brand name), are a type of scissors used by paramedics and other emergency medical personnel to quickly and safely cut clothing from injured people. They usually consist of a plastic handle with a metal bl ...
. Very effective as a line cutter, with low risk of inadvertent injury or damage. Usually carried in a pocket or special purpose sheath.
* Automatic diver recovery devices which inflate the BCD if the diver stops breathing have been marketed. They are not generally used and the risks may outweigh possible benefits.
File:Diver harness with weight pocketsPA268054.jpg, Front view of jacket style diver harness with removable weight pockets
File:Aa scuba netcutter.jpg, scuba diver
Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface air supply. The name "scuba", an acronym for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", was coined by Chris ...
's net cutter. 7 inches long
File:Blue Reef Dive Knife.JPG, Underwater Kinetics general purpose dive knife
File:Trilobite line cutter with sheath on diving harness P3187295.JPG, Trilobite line cutter with sheath on diving harness
File:Aa trauma shears.jpg, Trauma shears
File:DiverGuard.jpg, DiverGuard automatically inflates the buoyancy compensator if the diver stops breathing.
File:Diving spool with double ender bolt snap P6147909.JPG, Spool with line and double-ender clip
File:Dive reel with DSMB P9245620.JPG, Dive reel with stored DSMB
Image:Avvolgisagola.jpg, A stainless steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is resistant to rusting and corrosion. It contains at least 11% chromium and may contain elements such as carbon, other nonmetals and metals to obtain other desired properties. Stainless steel's corros ...
line holder with a 20-metre line
Surface detection aids
![Personal locator beacon for divers P9170107](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Personal_locator_beacon_for_divers_P9170107.jpg)
The purposes of this class of personal equipment are to:
* allow the support
boat
A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats.
Small boats are typically found on inl ...
to monitor and find divers on the surface during or after a dive
* prevent the diver being struck by
boat
A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats.
Small boats are typically found on inl ...
traffic
* mark the diver's position when
drift diving
Drift diving is a type of scuba diving where the diver is transported by the water movement caused by the tide, an ocean current or in a river. The choice whether to drift dive depends on the purpose of the dive, and whether there is an option. ...
or while at the
decompression stop
The practice of decompression by divers comprises the planning and monitoring of the profile indicated by the algorithms or tables of the chosen decompression model, to allow asymptomatic and harmless release of excess inert gases dissolved in ...
* help rescue services in
lifeboat
Lifeboat may refer to:
Rescue vessels
* Lifeboat (shipboard), a small craft aboard a ship to allow for emergency escape
* Lifeboat (rescue), a boat designed for sea rescues
* Airborne lifeboat, an air-dropped boat used to save downed airmen
...
s and
helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by horizontally spinning rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward, backward and laterally. These attributes ...
s to locate the diver
Surface detection aids include:
*
Surface marker buoy, decompression buoy, delayed SMB, safety sausage or blob
* Red or yellow collapsible
flag
A flag is a piece of fabric (most often rectangular or quadrilateral) with a distinctive design and colours. It is used as a symbol, a signalling device, or for decoration. The term ''flag'' is also used to refer to the graphic design empl ...
- high visibility, robust, usually stored bungeed to cylinder
*
Whistle
A whistle is an instrument which produces sound from a stream of gas, most commonly air. It may be mouth-operated, or powered by air pressure, steam, or other means. Whistles vary in size from a small slide whistle or nose flute type to a larg ...
- cheap, will only be heard by people far from engine noise
*
Torch or flashlight - if at sea after nightfall
*
Strobe light
A strobe light or stroboscopic lamp, commonly called a strobe, is a device used to produce regular flashes of light. It is one of a number of devices that can be used as a stroboscope. The word originated from the Ancient Greek ('), meaning ...
- needs long-lasting batteries
* High pressure whistle - expensive but effective
* Orange
dye
A dye is a colored substance that chemically bonds to the substrate to which it is being applied. This distinguishes dyes from pigments which do not chemically bind to the material they color. Dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution an ...
marker - increases diver's visibility from search
helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by horizontally spinning rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward, backward and laterally. These attributes ...
s
*
Mirror
A mirror or looking glass is an object that Reflection (physics), reflects an image. Light that bounces off a mirror will show an image of whatever is in front of it, when focused through the lens of the eye or a camera. Mirrors reverse the ...
such as a used
compact disc
The compact disc (CD) is a Digital media, digital optical disc data storage format that was co-developed by Philips and Sony to store and play digital audio recordings. In August 1982, the first compact disc was manufactured. It was then rele ...
- to reflect sunlight or searchlights
* Red pyrotechnic
flare
A flare, also sometimes called a fusée, fusee, or bengala in some Latin-speaking countries, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a bright light or intense heat without an explosion. Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, ...
s - for helicopters and lifeboats
*
ENOS Rescue-System
ENOS stands for "Elektronisches Notruf- und Ortungssystem" – "Electronic Rescue and Location System" - a system developed in Germany for use by divers at sea. ENOS allows people in distress to signal their location when drifting on the ocean's su ...
*
Emergency position-indicating rescue beacon (EPIRB)
*
Emergency locator beacon
An emergency locator beacon is a radio beacon, a portable battery powered radio transmitter, used to locate airplanes, vessels, and persons in distress and in need of immediate rescue. Various types of emergency locator beacons are carried by airc ...
- A transmitter carried by the diver that can send a GPS position by
VHF radio and/or
Automatic identification system (AIS)
*
Glow stick
A glow stick, also known as a light stick, chem light, light wand, light rod, and rave light, is a self-contained, short-term light-source. It consists of a translucent plastic tube containing isolated substances that, when combined, make light ...
- for night diving
Personal tools and accessories
![Odd Henrik Johnsen Scuba Diving](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Odd_Henrik_Johnsen_Scuba_Diving.jpg)
*
Camera
A camera is an Optics, optical instrument that can capture an image. Most cameras can capture 2D images, with some more advanced models being able to capture 3D images. At a basic level, most cameras consist of sealed boxes (the camera body), ...
, strobe (flash), video lights and
housing
Housing, or more generally, living spaces, refers to the construction and assigned usage of houses or buildings individually or collectively, for the purpose of shelter. Housing ensures that members of society have a place to live, whether it ...
- for
underwater photography
Underwater photography is the process of taking photographs while under water. It is usually done while scuba diving, but can be done while diving on surface supply, snorkeling, swimming, from a submersible or remotely operated underwater v ...
or
underwater videography
Underwater videography is the branch of electronic underwater photography concerned with capturing underwater moving images as a recreational diving, scientific, commercial, documentary, or filmmaking activity.
History
In 1909, Albert Samama ...
*
Diving reel, spool or line holder to store and transport a distance line or line for a surface marker buoy. A spool is a small flanged cylinder with an axial hole, around which a length of line can be wound, and a line holder is a flat H-shaped piece of rigid sheet material on which a length of
line can be wound, as an alternative to a reel or spool. The line may be used with a
surface marker buoy or a
delayed surface marker buoy
A surface marker buoy, SMB, dive float or simply a blob is a buoy used by scuba divers, at the end of a line from the diver, intended to indicate the diver's position to people at the surface while the diver is underwater. Two kinds are used; on ...
, where negative
buoyancy
Buoyancy (), or upthrust, is an upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of a partially or fully immersed object. In a column of fluid, pressure increases with depth as a result of the weight of the overlying fluid. Thus the p ...
of the spool or line holder will help with unwinding the line underwater.
*
Dry box
A dry box is a storage container in which the interior is kept at a low level of humidity. It may be as simple as an airtight and watertight enclosure, or it may use active means to remove water vapor from the air trapped inside.
Dry boxes are u ...
to hold objects the diver needs to keep dry at depth (wallet, cell phone)
*
Dry bag
A dry bag is a type of flexible container which seals in a watertight manner. Dry bags are often used in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, canyoning, and other outdoor activities in which sensitive items would otherwise get wet, as well as extreme spo ...
to carry items that must stay dry on the boat.
* Dive bag to hold equipment for travel.
* Tool bag to carry tools that may be required for the job. Various types and sizes are available.
* A rescue tether, or rescue rope, is a short lanyard or strap carried by a surface supplied stand-by diver to be used to tether an unresponsive diver to the standby diver during a rescue. It is attached at one end to a D-ring on the stand-by diver's harness, and has a clip at the other end which may be secured to a D-ring on the casualty's harness to allow the rescuer the use of both hands during the return to the bell or surface.
Diving team tools and equipment
![Водолазное снаряжение СВУ-5](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8F%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%A1%D0%92%D0%A3-5.jpg)
* A
jackstay
A jackstay is a cable or bar between two points to support and guide a load between those points, or as an anchor to attach something to be constrained along that line. The term is mostly used in a marine context and originated on sailing ships. N ...
is a form of
guideline
A guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine or sound practice. Guidelines may be issued by and used by any organization (governmental or pri ...
laid between two points to guide the diver during a search or to and from the workplace or to support and guide equipment for transport between two points.
*
Lifting bag
A lifting bag is an item of diving equipment consisting of a robust and air-tight bag with straps, which is used to lift heavy objects underwater by means of the bag's buoyancy. The heavy object can either be moved horizontally underwater by the ...
s, an item of diving equipment consisting of a robust and air-tight bag with straps, which is used to lift heavy objects underwater by means of the bag's buoyancy when filled with air.
* A
shot line
A diving shot line, shot line, or diving shot, a type of downline or descending line (US Navy), is an item of diving equipment consisting of a ballast weight (the shot), a line and a buoy. The weight is dropped on the dive site. Th ...
, consisting of a weight, line and
buoy
A buoy () is a floating device that can have many purposes. It can be anchored (stationary) or allowed to drift with ocean currents.
Types
Navigational buoys
* Race course marker buoys are used for buoy racing, the most prevalent form of yac ...
, is used to mark the location and identify the ascent and descent point of a dive site, allowing divers to navigate to and from the surface and to do
decompression stops
The decompression of a diver is the reduction in ambient pressure experienced during ascent from depth. It is also the process of elimination of dissolved inert gases from the diver's body, which occurs during the ascent, largely during ...
at a safe location and to help control rate of ascent and descent.
*
Decompression trapeze is used to assist in maintaining correct depth during in-water decompression stops.
*
Diving bell
A diving bell is a rigid chamber used to transport divers from the surface to depth and back in open water, usually for the purpose of performing underwater work. The most common types are the open-bottomed wet bell and the closed bell, which c ...
s and
diving stages are used to transport divers from the surface to the underwater workplace.
* A
downline is a line from the surface to underwater workplace used to control descent, ascent and the transfer of tools, materials and other equipment between the surface and the workplace.
A weighted version suspended from the surface is used to control working depth when
blue-water diving,
It is similar in function to a jackstay, with an emphasis on the vertical dimension. The terms are largely interchangeable – a downline can be considered a predominantly vertical jackstay.
Surface support equipment connected with diving and underwater work
![ICS Alpha](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/ICS_Alpha.svg)
![ICS Diver](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/ICS_Diver.svg)
*
Boarding ladders, particularly the ''Christmas tree'' ladder configuration, with a single central rail and cantilevered rungs on both sides, which allows a diver to climb while wearing fins.
*
Breathing gas analysis equipment
*
Dive platforms (or swim platforms) on boats.
*
Diver down flag
A diver down flag, or scuba flag, is a flag used on the water to indicate that there is a diver below. Two styles of flag are in use. Internationally, the code flag alfa/alpha, which is white and blue, is used to signal that the vessel has a div ...
which is flown to warn others that divers are underwater in the vicinity
*
Diver lifts, to conveniently transport a diver from the deck level into the water near the surface and back out in full equipment.
*
Diving air compressor
A diving air compressor is a gas compressor that can provide breathing air directly to a surface-supplied diver, or fill diving cylinders with high-pressure air pure enough to be used as a breathing gas. A low pressure diving air compressor us ...
to fill diving cylinders with high pressure air or other gasses
*
Diving chamber
A diving chamber is a vessel for human occupation, which may have an entrance that can be sealed to hold an internal pressure significantly higher than ambient pressure, a pressurised gas system to control the internal pressure, and a supply of ...
s for
surface decompression and treatment of
decompression illness
Decompression Illness (DCI) comprises two different conditions caused by rapid decompression of the body. These conditions present similar symptoms and require the same initial first aid. Scuba divers are trained to ascend slowly from depth to av ...
*
Diving support vessel
A diving support vessel is a ship that is used as a floating base for professional diving projects. Basic requirements are the ability to keep station accurately and reliably throughout a diving operation, often in close proximity to drilling or ...
s
**
Dive boat
A dive boat is a boat that recreational divers or professional scuba divers use to reach a dive site which they could not conveniently reach by swimming from the shore. Dive boats may be propelled by wind or muscle power, but are usually pow ...
***
Day boats, which may be
rigid-hulled inflatable boat
A rigid inflatable boat (RIB), also rigid-hull inflatable boat or rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), is a lightweight but high-performance and high-capacity boat constructed with a rigid hull bottom joined to side-forming air tubes that are ...
s
***
Live-aboard dive boat
**
Dynamically positioned vessel
*
Echo sounder
Echo sounding or depth sounding is the use of sonar for ranging, normally to determine the depth of water (bathymetry). It involves transmitting acoustic waves into water and recording the time interval between emission and return of a pulse; ...
,
side-scan sonar
Side-scan sonar (also sometimes called side scan sonar, sidescan sonar, side imaging sonar, side-imaging sonar and bottom classification sonar) is a category of sonar system that is used to efficiently create an image of large areas of the sea ...
and
multi-beam sonar for location, depth measurement, and profiling of dive sites
*
GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally Navstar GPS, is a Radionavigation-satellite service, satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of t ...
receiver - for locating dive sites
*
Surface-supplied diving
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scub ...
breathing gas supply system, including:
**
Low pressure breathing air compressors
**
High pressure gas storage equipment
**
Breathing gas distribution panels
**
Diver's umbilical
Surface-supplied diving is diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel, sometimes indirectly via a diving bell. This is different from scu ...
s
**
Diver voice communications equipment
**
Gas reclaim system
Saturation diving is diving for periods long enough to bring all tissues into equilibrium with the partial pressures of the inert components of the breathing gas used. It is a diving mode that reduces the number of decompressions divers working ...
for deep heliox diving
**
Gas blending
Gas blending is the process of mixing gases for a specific purpose where the composition of the resulting mixture is specified and controlled.
A wide range of applications include scientific and industrial processes, food production and storage and ...
systems
*
Gas blending systems for scuba diving
*
Hot water systems for supply of heating water to divers wearing hot water suits
*
Light and shape signals indicating underwater operations
*
Marine VHF radio
Marine VHF radio is a worldwide system of two way radio transceivers on ships and watercraft used for bidirectional voice communication from ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore (for example with harbormasters), and in certain circumstances ship-to-ai ...
- for communicating with rescue services and other vessels
*
Proton magnetometer
A proton magnetometer, also known as a proton precession magnetometer (PPM), uses the principle of Earth's field nuclear magnetic resonance (EFNMR) to measure very small variations in the Earth's magnetic field, allowing ferrous objects on land ...
- for locating ferrous wrecks
*
Saturation systems providing surface support for
saturation diving
Saturation diving is diving for periods long enough to bring all tissues into equilibrium with the partial pressures of the inert components of the breathing gas used. It is a diving mode that reduces the number of decompressions divers working ...
.
File:Air panels and comms box at a surface supplied diver training operation P3118538.jpg, Surface supply air panels. On the left for two divers, on the right for three divers
File:Surface supply diving communications box P3103773.jpg, A hard-wired diver communications unit mounted in a waterproof box for convenience of transport and protection.
File:US Navy 010707-N-3093M-003 Diver Transfer Capsule.jpg, Personnel Transfer Capsule - a dry bell
File:Christmas tree style diver's boarding ladder.png, Christmas tree style diver's boarding ladder
Special equipment for underwater work not carried by the diver
*
Remotely operated underwater vehicle
A remotely operated underwater vehicle (technically ROUV or just ROV) is a tethered underwater mobile device, commonly called ''underwater robot''.
Definition
This meaning is different from remote control vehicles operating on land or in the ai ...
- for locating dive sites, observing the environment, conducting visual searches, monitoring divers or performing physical work. Mostly used in professional diving applications.
Maintenance
Life support equipment must be maintained and tested before use to ensure that it remains in serviceable condition and is fit for use at the time. Pre-dive inspection and testing of equipment at some level is standard procedure for all modes and applications of diving. The use of checklists is known to improve reliability of inspection and testing, and may be required by the applicable code of practice or operations manual, or manufacturer's operating instructions. Inadequate pre-dive checks of breathing apparatus can have fatal consequences for some equipment, such as
rebreather
A rebreather is a breathing apparatus that absorbs the carbon dioxide of a user's breathing, exhaled breath to permit the rebreathing (recycling) of the substantially unused oxygen content, and unused inert content when present, of each breath. ...
s, or may require the diving operation to be aborted without achieving its objective.
Maintenance can be categorised as:
*Planned periodical maintenance, such as annual service and inspection of breathing apparatus, pressure equipment, lifting gear and other items according to manufacturers' recommendations or legislation.
*Cleaning and inspection after use, and appropriate storage. A large part of this is washing off salt water to prevent it from drying on the equipment and leaving corrosive brine or abrasive salt deposits, which can cause accelerated deterioration of some materials and jamming of moving parts. The ultraviolet component of sunlight can also damage non-metallic components and equipment, and ozone produced by electrical equipment is known to adversely affect some materials, such as the latex seals on dry suits. Most diving equipment will last better if stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
Decontamination and disinfection
Diving equipment may be exposed to contamination in use and when this happens it must be
decontaminated This is a particular issue for
hazmat diving
Hazmat diving is underwater diving in a known hazardous materials environment. The environment may be contaminated by hazardous materials, the diving medium may be inherently a hazardous material, or the environment in which the diving medium is s ...
, but incidental contamination can occur in other environments. Personal diving equipment shared by more than one user requires
disinfection
A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than st ...
before use. Shared use is common for expensive commercial diving equipment, and for rental recreational equipment, and some items such as demand valves, masks, helmets and snorkels which are worn over the face or held in the mouth are possible
vectors for infection by a variety of
pathogen
In biology, a pathogen ( el, πάθος, "suffering", "passion" and , "producer of") in the oldest and broadest sense, is any organism or agent that can produce disease. A pathogen may also be referred to as an infectious agent, or simply a germ ...
s. Diving suits are also likely to be contaminated, but less likely to transmit infection directly.
When disinfecting diving equipment it is necessary to consider the effectiveness of the disinfectant on the expected pathogens, and the possible adverse effects on the equipment. Some highly effective methods for disinfection can damage the equipment, or cause accelerated degradation of components due to incompatibility with materials.
Development, manufacture and marketing
History
With the partial exception of breath-hold diving, the development of underwater diving capacity, scope, and popularity, has been closely linked to available technology, and the physiological constraints of the underwater environment which the technology allows divers to partially overcome. The timeline of underwater diving technology is a chronological list of notable events in the history of the development of underwater diving equipment.
Standards
National and international standards have been published for the manufacture and testing of diving equipment.
Underwater breathing apparatus
Underwater breathing apparatus is equipment which allows the user to breathe underwater.
The three major categories of ambient pressure underwater breathing apparatus are:
*Open circuit scuba, where the diver carries the gas supply, and exhaled ga ...
* Respiratory equipment - Self-contained re-breathing diving apparatus
* Transportable gas cylinders. Periodic inspection and testing of seamless aluminium alloy gas cylinders
* Transportable gas cylinders. Periodic inspection and testing of seamless steel gas cylinders
Swim fins
![Full-foot fin and open-heel fin with indication of foot length and foot width](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Full-foot_fin_and_open-heel_fin_with_indication_of_foot_length_and_foot_width.jpg)
* US Military specification. Swim fins, rubber.
* USSR/CIS standard, Ласты резиновые для плавания. Общие технические условия. Swimming rubber flippers. General specifications.
*
DIN 7876:1980 German standard, ''Tauchzubehör. Schwimmflossen. Maße, Anforderungen und Prüfung''. Diving accessories for skin divers. Flippers. Dimensions, requirements and testing.
*
BN-82/8444-17.02 Polish Industry standard. ''Gumowy sprzęt pływacki - Płetwy pływackie'' (Rubber swimming equipment - Swimming fins).
* Malaysian standard, Specification for rubber swimming fins.
* Austrian standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör; Schwimmflossen; Abmessungen, sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfung, Normkennzeichnung''. Diving accessories; fins; dimensions, safety requirements, testing, marking of conformity.
* Malaysian standard, Specification for rubber swimming fins. First revision.
* European standard, Diving equipment. Diving open heel fins. Requirements and test methods.
Diving masks
![GOST 20568 compliant Russian and Ukrainian diving masks](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/GOST_20568_compliant_Russian_and_Ukrainian_diving_masks.jpg)
* British standard, Specification for snorkels and face masks. Amended 1977.
* USSR/CIS standard, Маски резиновые для плавания под водой. Общие технические условие. Rubber masks for submarine swimming. General specifications.
* German standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör. Tauchbrillen. Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfung''. Diving accessories for skin divers. Diver's masks. Requirements and testing.
* Polish Industry standard, ''Gumowy sprzęt pływacki - Maski pływackie'' (Rubber swimming equipment - Swimming masks).
* American National Standard, Underwater Safety. Recreational Skin and Scuba Diving. Lenses for Masks.
* Austrian standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör; Tauchmasken (Tauchbrillen); Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfung, Normkennzeichnung''. Diving accessories; divers’ masks; safety requirements, testing, marking of conformity.
* Chinese National Standard, 潛水鏡. Diving mask.
* Chinese National Standard, 潛水鏡檢驗法. Method of test for diving mask.
* European standard, Diving equipment. Diving mask. Requirements and test methods.
Snorkels
* British standard, Specification for snorkels and face masks. Amended 1977.
* German standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör; Schnorchel; Maße, Anforderungen, Prüfung''. Diving accessories for skin divers. Snorkel. Technical requirements of safety, testing.
* Austrian standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör; Schnorchel; Abmessungen, sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfung, Normkennzeichnung''. Diving accessories; snorkels; dimensions, safety requirements, testing, marking of conformity.
* German standard, ''Tauch-Zubehör; Schnorchel; Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfung''. Diving accessories for skin divers. Snorkel. Safety requirements and testing.
* European standard, Diving accessories. Snorkels. Safety requirements.
* European standard, Diving equipment. Snorkels. Requirements and test methods.
Buoyancy compensators
*
BN-82/8444-17.05 Polish Industry standard. ''Gumowy sprzęt pływacki - Kamizelki pływackie'' (Rubber swimming equipment - Swim vest).
Instytut Przemysłu Gumowego STOMIL (Łódź) (1982) ''BN-82/8444-17.05. Gumowy sprzęt pływacki - Kamizelki pływackie''. Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Normalizacyjne „Alfa”. Document retrieved on 26 November 2020 at bc.pollub.pl
/ref>
* Diving accessories. Buoyancy compensators. Functional and safety requirements, test methods.
* Diving equipment. Buoyancy compensators. Functional and safety requirements, test methods.
Wetsuits
* 濕式潛水衣. Diving Wet Suit.
* Diving suits. Wet suits. Requirements and test methods. Diving suits. Wet suits. Requirements and test methods.
Dry suits
* Diving suits. Dry suits. Requirements and test methods. Diving suits. Dry suits. Requirements and test methods.
Depth gauges
* Diving accessories. Depth gauges and combined depth and time measuring devices. Functional and safety requirements, test methods.
References
External links
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