Essential Scuba Diving Equipment

When it comes to diving deep into the ocean, the proper equipment is essential. Scuba diving requires more than just flippers and an air tank; there are many other features needed to keep you safe while you explore the ocean’s mysterious beauty. Before heading out on a dive, make sure you have this essential scuba diving equipment.

Diving mask

If you want to actually see the underwater places you explore, make sure to bring a diving mask. In addition to helping you see clearly, this mask protects your eyes from salt and other irritants in the water. For the best experience, invest in a high-quality mask that fits properly to avoid leaks while on a dive.

Dry suit or wetsuit

Dry suits and wetsuits are essential scuba diving equipment, as they help protect your skin and keep you warm. When diving beneath the waves, you never know what you’ll encounter. If you brush elbows with a jellyfish, you’ll be thankful to have a layer of neoprene between you and their tentacles. Depending on the temperature, you can choose between a thin wetsuit or a thick dry suit to keep you warm.

Compass

When underwater visibility is low, a compass can be a lifesaver. Navigating underwater can be difficult, and getting lost is extremely dangerous when you have a limited air. As such, carrying a compass with you is important to help you orient yourself.

Breathing apparatus

Perhaps the most obvious piece of essential diving equipment is your breathing apparatus. While you may feel like a fish, humans haven’t yet figured out how to breath underwater without a breathing apparatus’s aid. Until we do, you’ll need to bring a diving cylinder filled with compressed air of specialized gas mixtures to help you out. Another component of your breathing apparatus is a regulator. This piece of equipment will help convert the high-pressure air from your tank into ambient pressure, so that you can breathe it.

Depth and submersible pressure gauge

A depth gauge is a measuring instrument will record the current and maximum depth that is reached during a dive. Having a depth gauge on your dive will help you monitor your depth to keep you within a safe zone; this prevents you from going too deep too quickly. A submersible pressure gauge is also very important. It measures the remaining air in your tank, so that you know when to head to the surface.

For the perfect tropical diving destination, head to Cala Mia Island Resort. At our Panama scuba diving resort, we have a fully equipped dive facility located just 20 minutes by boat from the National Marine Park—one of the most plentiful eco-regions in the world. To schedule a dive, contact us today.