Proper Use Of Scuba Diving Marine Equipment

By Author: Sam Werthers
Total Articles: 43
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Scuba diving is practised for many reasons such as recreation, but it also forms a part of many jobs within the oil and gas exploration sectors. The entire purpose of scuba diving gear is to sustain the diver while he is underwater for a prolonged period of time. Such marine equipment typically involves a canister of compressed atmospheric air (such as Nitrox) and a regulator through which the diver can breathe. The latter serves to convert the ambient tank pressure into atmospheric pressure, thus allowing the individual to reach depths that would otherwise be impossible. Buoyancy compensators can be used when one needs to dive below the accepted recreational standards. Since humans are incapable of breathing underwater, it is essential that scuba diving equipment be used properly in order to avoid potentially deadly occurrences.

Maintain All Marine Equipment:

It's not safe to assume that all equipment needed for a dive is in proper working order without doing a thorough check first. Even if you acquire your gear through a marine equipment rental ...
... company, you will need to perform the proper checks yourself. Of primary importance is any device associated with the free flow of air. This includes the rebreather, diving regulator and pillar valve on the cylinder tank. Pressure gauges and dive computers should be tested to ensure that their readings are accurate. Any storage instructions should be strictly followed, for example wetsuits are to be kept out of direct sunlight or they will start to degrade.

Pay Attention to Marine Equipment Meters:

Marine equipment, such as dive computers, was designed with safety in mind. They serve to furnish the individual with information on the depth attained, the time spent underwater and the remaining air supply. This allows for surfacing without running the risk of decompression, but only if any warnings are heeded. Ascending from a dive is a slow process and one should make allowances for the time needed to do so. Complacency is very risky.

Emergency Marine Equipment Is A Must:

Any experienced scuba diver knows that while there is much joy to be gained from it as a form of recreation, it is also a dangerous pastime. This is especially so for those whose jobs include underwater welding as they are often forced to work at depths that are not suitable for the occasional scuba diver. As such, taking along emergency marine equipment is a necessity rather than a choice. For those going to greater depths, a second cylinder tank, pony bottle and extra air source could be considered as vital supplies. Scuba divers who frequent caves, or dive at night, should arm themselves with at least three light sources.

It is the diver's responsibility to ensure that all marine equipment is in working order before attempting a dive. Not doing so can result in serious consequences. Not only are regular maintenance checks necessary but one must also exercise care when purchasing marine equipment in the first place. While cost is a factor, it is more important that the marine equipment dealer should be reputable and hold themselves to the highest standards of safety. If one is seeking scuba diving gear for recreational purposes, look for a company which is affiliated with industries as they tend to be more stringent.