Guide to Scuba Diving Accessories for Any Level Diver

Whether you’re a first-time diver or a seasoned underwater explorer, your gear can make or break your scuba experience. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes time to select your equipment, and it’s important to know which essential items and other accessories work best for your situation.

The basics include a dive suit, mask, gloves, fins, snorkel, oxygen tank and regulator, pressure gauge and a buoyancy control device. At the minimum, these items will keep you safe and allow you to explore ocean life and underwater sites with control and comfort.

In addition to the diving essentials, there are a number of scuba diving accessories that can enhance anyone’s diving experience, regardless of skill level:

Dry bag

Finding a dry place to store your personal belongings on a dive boat can be tricky. Investing in a good dry bag will give you peace of mind when it comes to your valuables. These air-tight bags are designed to keep moisture away from your cell phone, towel, wallet and clothes, even if dropped overboard.

Dive boots and socks

Dive boots and socks aren’t necessary for a safe and successful dive, but they can definitely make your experience more pleasant. If you’re entering the water from the beach, rather than a dive boat, it’s not uncommon to have to navigate sharp rocks and coral. Dive boots can protect your feet and slide comfortably into your fins. Dive socks can also offer you additional warmth and comfort under your fins or dive boots.

Dive lights

You may be exploring underwater caves or sunken ships for the first time on vacation, or you could be an experienced oceanographer discovering a new site or diving after dark. Either way, a dive light is a handy addition to your scuba gear checklist. If you plan to invest in a dive light, make sure you look at the different sizes and functions available to cater to every type of need.

Underwater camera

New developments in underwater technology have made it possible to document your journey with precision and clarity, with the help of underwater cameras and drones. Some of the most notable improvements include image quality, drone mobility and camera handling. This equipment has enhanced the scuba diving experience – for leisure or professionally – as divers can now capture memorable moments up close and explore everything the ocean has to offer.

Navigation accessories

Any diving instructor will tell you how important it is to have the right navigation devices with you during your dive. There are compasses, GPS rescue devices and dive computers that can tell you exactly where you are, how deep you’re journeying, and can even signal your location to others in case of an emergency.

Dive knife

A good dive knife can help cut through the tangled fishing line or tap against your tank to get the attention of another diver on your team. Typically, dive knives are made of titanium or stainless steel and have both a sharp edge and a serrated edge to use for multiple situations. However, there are a variety of shapes and styles available on the market, depending on your needs. A dive knife is not a weapon used to harm or hunt marine life, but rather a multi-use tool to make the diver’s experience easier.

Retractable gear tether

This seemingly small addition to your dive gear can save you a lot of trouble. A retractable tether can help you keep all your gear close by, accessible and secured to your suit. This accessory is an inexpensive way to make sure nothing gets lost or floats off while you’re trying to move through the water.

Every dive is different, and each diver has personal preferences when it comes to scuba accessories. Regardless of your experience level, these items can help ensure your dive is not only safe but fun, efficient and memorable.

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About the Author

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This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media