Scuba gear is made to dive to a certain maximum depth and this is dictated by various factors like water clarity, weather conditions, etc. Before setting out on a Scuba diving adventure, you should first check out the maximum dive depth that your gear can cope with. Remember that it is important not to try to exceed the maximum depth, since doing so may put your life in danger. The following are some interesting facts about Scuba gear and why it is important to know them.
Maximum Depth – Scuba diving equipment is designed to dive to a maximum dive depth of up to nine metres (yards). However, you can get additional equipment for longer dives, if required. The average maximum dive depth for recreational scuba diving courses is around 95 metres (312 feet). If you plan to go much deeper than this, you will need the assistance of extra equipment like; oxygen tank, extra batteries for your dive cameras, extra dive cages, a decompression tank and a boat pump.
Obtaining Your Air Quality – When you are at the maximum dive depth, you would have no air and therefore the only thing that will help you breathe would be the presence of a supply of compressed air gas. There are two different methods of compressed air which are usually recommended. The first one is by using a pressurised bottle which releases the air into a cylinder. The other method is by using a non-pressurised bottle which releases air through a wienke (inflated ball). The wine has to be inflated to the correct pressure and then stored for the purpose of use. One benefit of the non-pressurized bottle is that there is a constant supply of air.
Basic Training – The process of diving should start off with a drysuit and then move on to the wetsuit. The wet suit is the most basic piece of equipment and is designed to protect you from water splashing around you. After this you move onto the lightweight open water suit, which is designed for maximum flexibility. It does not cover your entire body. There are advanced open water diving courses where you can learn about flotation devices and the use of floatation aids.
Advanced Open Water Diving Courses – The advanced divers usually undergo training in open water depths where they learn how to use decompression and the various gases. The decompression gases include; nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. You are taught how to use the decompression chamber which is a cylinder filled with pressurized gas. The gas is introduced to the body through the skin or via a mask. The amount of the gas needed depends upon the current air pressure and the current body temperature.
This is the basic process for decompression. After this the training is on to the gas generation and the different methods of using the decompression chamber. These methods include: surface compressors, oxygen and carbon dioxide generators, blowers and many other gas generating and gas extracting devices. One very important device used in decompression is the mask. A dive training course should include a complete demonstration of the various masks available and their use and importance in diving.
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