Divers of any skill or experience level can benefit from the newest developments in scuba gear and technology. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a well-versed diver, your gear can play a big role in the quality of your scuba experience.
Many surf shops will have a selection of dive suits, masks, gloves, fins, snorkels, oxygen tanks and regulators, pressure gauges and buoyancy control devices (BCDs). At the minimum, these essentials will keep you safe during your dive.
In addition to this checklist, there are a myriad of diving accessories on the market to enhance your underwater experience even more! You can add these scuba diving accessories to your collection, regardless of your skill level:
Dry Bag
Storing your personal belongings on a dive boat is one thing; keeping them dry is another. Purchasing a dry bag is your best bet when it comes to keeping moisture away from your valuables. These air-tight bags protect your cell phone, towel, wallet and clothes from the water, even if it accidentally gets dropped overboard.
Dive Boots and Socks
If you aren’t venturing into the water from a dive boat and are entering from the coast instead, you may be walking on rough beaches. Dive boots help protect your feet from sharp rocks and coral underfoot, and can slide comfortably into your fins when you’re ready to suit up. If you want to take it a step further, dive socks also keep your feet warm and comfortable under your fins or dive boots. These aren’t necessary for a successful dive, but they can definitely keep you comfortable if you aren’t used to diving or if you dive often and want to protect your feet.
Dive Knife
Dive knives are made of stainless steel or titanium and are designed to cut through tangled fishing lines while you’re diving. You can also use them to tap against your tank to get another diver’s attention, but be sure you are not using them to harm or hunt marine life. Typically, dive knives have a sharp edge and a serrated edge, but come in other shapes and styles as well, depending on your needs.
Dive Light
Do you plan to explore underwater caves or sunken ships? Maybe you’re planning to take a night dive. Either way, a dive light can be a handy piece of scuba gear to add to your checklist. They vary in shape, size, brightness and function, so do your research beforehand and find the right one to suit your needs.
Underwater Camera or Drone
Underwater technology has vastly expanded the possibilities for scuba divers of any caliber, making it possible to document your journey up close with the help of underwater cameras and drones. With each new model, it seems there are more improvements in image quality, drone mobility and camera handling.
Navigation Accessories
Having the right navigational tools is important for any dive and luckily, there are plenty of options available on the market. Compasses, GPS devices and dive computers can show your exact location, how deep you are, and some can even signal your location to others in case of an emergency. These features ensure you’ll have everything you need to be safe, and some of the extra features add a bit of fun as well.
Retractable Gear Tether
With all these extra tools, a retractable gear tether can be a small, but worthy investment. These devices help you keep track of all your equipment, keeping it accessible and secured to your scuba suit. A retractable gear tether is an inexpensive way to make sure you don’t lose anything while you’re trying to move through the water.
If you’re on vacation, taking your very first dive, or if you’re an experienced oceanographer, these accessories could make your journey beneath the surface even more valuable. Every dive is different and each diver, regardless of skill level, has personal preferences to consider when thinking through the right scuba gear.
