There are a few key pieces of equipment that required for any dive, and some other equipment that is used for more challenging diving conditions. Beginners and novice divers, however, will definitely need the following:
Mask
The human eye cannot see clearly through water so a pocket of air is required to maintain vision when diving. A diving mask is like a large pair of swimming goggles with a silicone seal all the way round. It also includes a silicone pocket/seal for the nose, to prevent the wearer inadvertently trying to breathe through their nose and sucking in water instead. Diving masks are built to withstand the greater pressures found underwater, so a snorkelling mask is not suitable for diving.
Fins
Divers get quite shirty if you refer to fins as “flippers”, so be sure to get your terminology right! Physical effort, such as swimming, uses energy and to fuel that energy oxygen is required, which is why people breathe more heavily when doing exercise. Underwater, the diver wishes to conserve energy to make the air in his cylinder last longer. Fins, therefore, are used to make swimming underwater as effortless as possible. Fins are large, flexible blades attached to the feet, which provide maximum propulsion through the water for minimum physical effort. There are two basic types of fins: shoe fins fit onto the bare foot like a slipper, strap fins have a foot pocket with a strap that fits around the heel and are worn with boots.
Protective Clothing
Even in warm water, some form of protective clothing is required. There are four main types:-
• A skin suit is a thin layer that just protects the body from abrasion, either from the equipment worn or from brushing against rocks, corals etc. A skin suit is only worn in the warmest water.
• A wet suit provides some thermal protection as well as protecting against abrasion. Wet suits are available with long or short arms and legs and in a range of thicknesses. Made of neoprene, a wet suit allows water to flush through it, holding a thin layer next to the skin, which the body warms, providing some defence against slightly cooler water temperatures.
• A semi-dry suit is rather like a wet suit but has seals around the neck, wrists and ankles. Water ingresses into the suit and is then trapped there to be warmed by the body. A semi dry suit offers greater thermal protection than a wet suit.
• A dry suit is used for cold water diving and allows no water to ingress at all. A dry suit has built in boots and seals around the wrists and neck; inside the suit the body stays dry. Additional thermal protection is worn underneath a dry suit, in the form of warm under layers. Dry suits are made either from neoprene or a trilaminate membrane; neoprene suits tend to be slightly warmer than membrane, although membrane suits allow greater freedom of movement. When diving in cold water, neoprene hoods and gloves are usually also worn for warmth. Special training is required before diving in a dry suit.
Buoyancy Compensation Device
There are several types of buoyancy compensation device (BCD), variously known as BCDs, BCs (buoyancy compensators), stab (stabilizer) jackets and wings. All work in the same way. The BCD is worn like a jacket and consists of internal air bladders, a hose for adding or extracting air from the bladders, a loop system for holding an air cylinder and usually some pockets and D-rings for holding other pieces of equipment. The air that is added to or taken out of the internal bladders controls buoyancy underwater and the rate of descent and ascent to and from the surface.
Weights
A human being is naturally buoyant, and even when carrying a heavy dive cylinder will not automatically sink under the water. To counteract this natural buoyancy, therefore, divers wear lead weights, either on a belt, in a harness or in the pockets of their BCD. Whilst underwater a small amount of air is added to the BCD to keep the diver off the bottom, or at the depth they have chosen, and whilst on the surface the BCD is filled with air to counteract the negative effect of the weights.
Cylinders
Contrary to popular belief, diving cylinders to do NOT contain oxygen, they contain air. The air is compressed and held in the cylinder under pressure (measured in either pounds per square inch (psi) or bar) by a valve on the top. Cylinders are usually made of steel or aluminium and come in a range of sizes, measured in cubic feet or litres. The advantage of a larger cylinder is that it contains more air, and therefore the diver can stay underwater longer; the disadvantage is the heavier weight. All diving cylinders must be periodically inspected and tested by independently accredited testing facilities to ensure they are safe.
Regulators
Regulators, often referred to simply as “regs”, are more properly called “a set of regulators”, since there are several component parts. The air in the cylinder is held at very high pressure, which a human being cannot breathe, so the “first stage”, which includes a clamp that attaches to the cylinder, reduces the pressure of the air to around 140psi/10 bar above ambient pressure (ambient pressure increases with depth). Attached to the first stage are a series of high pressure hoses. In a typical set up for a novice diver, one of the hoses will be the “feed” for the BCD, one will accommodate the mouthpiece (or “demand valve”), one an alternative air source (also known as an “octopus”) and one a contents gauge.
• The Demand Valve (DV) delivers breathable air to the diver via a mouthpiece. The DV reduces the air pressure further to match the ambient pressure. The diver breaths in and out through the DV, the exhaled air being expelled through an exhaust on the DV, producing the characteristic bubbles associated with breathing underwater.
• The octopus is a second DV to be used by a diving buddy in the case of emergency. It is usually bright yellow in colour for easy identification underwater.
• The contents gauge shows the diver how much air is left in the cylinder and is usually a round dial with a needle to point to the appropriate level. Sometimes content gauges can be combined with other instruments in a console, which might include a depth gauge and/or a compass.
Computer
Nearly all modern divers use a computer. The computer is worn on the wrist like an oversized watch and has many functions. The computer will tell the diver his depth, how long he has been diving and how long he can remain underwater without the need for decompression stops on ascent. It also measures the rate of ascent back to the surface (it is very important to control this as ascending too quickly can cause decompression sickness, also known as “the bends”). The computer has other functions such as calculating decompression stops and some can also be used for accelerated decompression using a mixture of breathing gases, but these are advanced techniques and therefore need not concern the beginner.
IMPORTANT NOTE
It is IMPERRATIVE that anyone considering scuba diving undertakes proper training with a recognised training body. None of the equipment mentioned in this article should be used without instruction. With proper training, scuba diving is a fun, exciting, pleasurable hobby; without, it can be very dangerous indeed.
Scuba diving equipment has evolved to become sophisticated, incredibly safe, reliable and high performance. There’s a massive range of options and features available, to allow scuba diving in any environment.
To familiarize you with how a set of scuba diving gear works, we’ll run you through a basic set, and discuss what options and features would be suitable for warm water Koh Tao diving.
How Does Scuba Gear Work: A Typical Koh Tao Diving Setup
Scuba Cylinder
Firstly we need somewhere to store the air which we’ll be breathing whilst underwater. Scuba cylinders or tanks) come in a range of sizes and materials. Scuba diving Koh Tao we opt for aluminum cylinders, which are resistant to the corrosive salty ocean conditions, compressing air into 12 litre cylinders at two hundred time normal atmospheric pressure (200 bar). That volume of air allows an average diver to dive for about 45 minutes at normal recreational depths, (factoring in a safety margin).
Regulator – First Stage
This is the bit which attaches to the valve of the scuba cylinder. Since the air inside the cylinder is at two hundred times normal pressure, we need to reduce that pressure down to make it breathable. This is the job of the regulator first stage. Most first stages reduce down the pressure to about ten bar above ambient water pressure (called the intermediate pressure), which is then fed down to the ….
Regulator - Second Stage
This is the bit that you put in your mouth and breathe from. The second stage contains a large diaphragm which the surrounding water pressure pushes on. What that does is adjust the intermediate pressure (delivered from the first stage) to exactly the same pressure as the surrounding water. The result is that when you breathe in, a valve opens and allows air to flow freely. When you stop breathing in or exhale, the valve remains closed allowing you to conserve your air supply.
Regulator - Alternate Air Source
In case your buddy has an equipment problem, you also have a alternate second stage attached to your first stage, which means in the event of an emergency your buddy can also breathe from your cylinder. This is one of the reasons why it’s always a good idea to stick with a buddy when scuba diving.
Buoyancy Control Device - BCD
Obviously we need a way of keeping the cumbersome cylinder attached to us, so the BCD is a robust jacket which allows you to strap the cylinder to your back. The BCD also has a second important function. You can adjust the amount of air inside the jacket so that you hover motionlessly in mid water and control your position underwater. Whilst at the surface you can inflate the BCD to avoid swimming to stay afloat, and save energy.
Wetsuit
Your body looses heat about twenty times faster in water than air, so you’ll need to wear some kind of exposure protection to keep warm. The good news is, Koh Tao diving has very warm water – usually about 30C. That means during the Padi open water course we usually wear a 2.5mm neoprene ‘shorty’ wetsuit , which keeps us comfortable during the dives.
Weights
The bad news is that neoprene is buoyant (as is body fat), so to be able to descend underwater we have to carry some lead weights. The easiest way to do this (adopted by most Koh Tao dive schools) is to attach the lead to a weight belt which you secure around your waist prior to each dive.
Scuba Diving Mask
Your eyes can’t focus in water, so you need to wear a mask to be able to see when diving. If you have a little spare cash and plan to invest in piece of scuba diving gear of your own, make sure you buy a mask. A good diving mask makes all the difference to your Koh Tao diving experience – if you can see properly you’ll have a much better time!
Diving Fins
With all this gear, it becomes a bit tricky getting around underwater. To make life easier we wear large, rigid diving fins which take all the effort out of swimming, allowing us to maintain our air supply and explore the Koh Tao dive sites with ease.
For more info, visit the Simple Life website [http://www.simplelifedivers.com], and don’t miss part two of our series of lessons from the Koh Tao Padi open water course, where we examine some realities and myths of dangerous aquatic life!
For more info visit the Simple Life Diving Koh Tao website at:
http://www.simplelifedivers.com
Or tel/fax +66 77 456 329
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/lessons-from-the-koh-tao-open-water-diving-course-part-1-equipment-1098793.html
If you're one of the many who are not sure whether you want to dive or would even like diving then the discover scuba would be for you. With this you will be able to see what scuba diving like without having to go through the whole course.
What is Discover Scuba Diving?
All agencies have there own version of this course and the overall course out lay is much the same. Discover Scuba Diving allows people who are interested in scuba diving to dive, learn a few basic skills then do a dive or two under close one to one supervision. This will take around one day and can be done on holiday or at your local dive centre.
Can I do try Discover Scuba?
Basic requirements are you need to be 10 years or older and have no health concerns.
How long will the Program Take?
The program can be from 2 hours to several days depending on your skill level.
What are the requirements of the Course?
Scuba Knowledge Development
Here you will be taught the basic scuba safety requirements and watch a short video or a safety briefing from your instructor.
Confined Water Training
Here you will learn some basic skills that will make your dive safer and far more enjoyable as you will be more comfortable, here is a list of some the basic skills you will learn but your instructor may teach you more:
- Regulator Clearing
- Mask Clearing- this is how to clear water from your mask.
- Alternate Air Source Use- learn how to share air if any emergency
Open Water Dive
This is the bit you have been waiting for the bit where you can enter the water and see the fishes. The first dive is the same as you will do on the open water course and will count towards your curse if you continue. Some places may add additional dives to the course depending on the package. All these dives will be done under close supervision of the instructor.
What does the program qualify you to do and how to sign Up?
After you have completed the discover scuba course you will count as partial completion towards the open water course, you can find out more or do the discover scuba at most dive centre and resorts.
Simon James has been diving for 15 years and is an authority in the field so take a look at this website called M2 Nocturnal Lights and SLX 300 Nocturnal led dive lights
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/discover-more-about-scuba-diving-978682.html
Air Source
One more Spare The Air day ... this one is for Saturday
A Spare The Air Alert has beed called for all of Saturday, banning people from burning wood for heat indoors or outdoors unless that is your only heat source.
For More Air Source Info Click On The Blue Links Below
Brief history of tapping solar energy:
From times immemorial the importance of solar power as a source of energy has been recognized. In earlier days, reflectors were used for interior lighting during day time. At the same time, day time lighting also involved proper design of windows and doors to allow light and fresh air. In so far as lighting during night time is concerned, we normally depend on electric power. But in these days of rising costs, every one attempts to save as much as possible. One of the items which call for savings is the electricity bill. So an alternate source of power is required.
Solar power saves money:
Solar power involves tapping the solar rays to produce the energy required. The energy so produced is stored and it is used during the night time. It can be used for lighting homes, offices, street lighting, lighting the gardens, etc. In fact its use as a source of lighting the garden has been receiving prominence recently. The main requirement for lighting using electric power is wiring. The power travels through the wire and it lights the bulb. In solar lighting, the wiring of individual lighting point is not required. Each lighting point is fitted with a solar cell, battery, LED and sensor. So the solar cell draws the solar energy. The battery stores the energy. The sensor switches the battery when it is dark and switches it off when it is light and the LED glows to give light. So there is no use of electric power and this brings savings on electricity bill.
How is it useful in lighting the gardens?
The expensive portion of lighting the garden is wiring. It has to be through cables. This is because the wiring is done underground, particularly when lighting the fountains, pathways, etc. Underground cabling is quite expensive. Since each of the solar power light is independent of itself, it does not require any wiring. So this saves the cost. At the same time, since solar energy does not require electric power, it does not cost anything on monthly power bill.
What are the other advantages?
It allows for change of lighting arrangement at any point of time as none of the lighting point is connected by cables or wires. Further, it can be used for both internal and external lighting of the gardens. It is quite safe because it is shock proof. With minimum sun light, it stores enough power to glow during the night time and so it can be effectively used during cloudy days also.
The Blinkingsun website features a huge variety of
garden lighting, including solar security lights, solar shed lights and patio and
decking lights. All the garden lighting offered on the site can be ordered for immediate delivery.
Many thanks for reading our Air Source article
Recent Air Source deals on ebay
Airsource Air Source 3000 Replacement Module 55103 NEW LK, SCUBA BCD BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR NEW MEDIUM WITH ALTERNATE AIR SOURCE AND AIR HORN, Viair 20005 12 Volt 150 PSI Onboard Air Source Kit, Scuba Diving Dive Seaquest Apeks Inflator Hose Zeagle Air Source Octo, Shaklee Airsource 3000 Purification System Module still Good life still in it, DAEDALON EA 20 AIR SOURCE LAB EQUIPMENT QUALITY PROFESSIONAL, A C Compressor with 8 Groove Clutch Sanden SHD, VIAIR 20003 120 PSI Air Source Kits Free shipping Free Lanyard, VIAIR 20 Gal Tank Air Source Kit High Flow 150 150 PSI Compressor 12V, VIAIR 20008 PSI 20 Gal Tank High Flow 200 Air Source Kit FreeShippingLanyard, 10 2 1 2 off 1 Air Wick Freshmatic Starter Kit Coupon Ex 2 26 Smart Source 1 28, In Cab Air Filter, A C Compressor w 6 groove clutch 7H15, Blower Motor Freightliner, A C Compressor with 6 Groove Clutch Sanden SHD, Storz 615 Variable Light Source with Air pump, Climate Master 4 Ton Central AC and Heat Water Source HeatPump Air Conditioning, Viair 15 Gal Tank Air Source Kit Fast Fill 120 New, Three Control Outputs LCD screen Air source Heat Pump Water Heater Controller, Air Source Treatment Filter Regulator Lubricator Combinations Gauge Air Tool NEW,
