Scuba Gear Guide: What You Wear and Why

Mask and snorkel

The mask encloses your nose too, so you can pinch it while equalising your ears. Fit matters; a few sizes are tried on the boat. For glasses wearers, most centres offer a prescription mask option. We covered masks in detail in a separate post: How to Choose the Right Dive Mask

Wetsuit and booties

The neoprene suit protects you from the cold; its thickness is chosen by season. You dive in a thin suit in summer and a thicker one in the shoulder seasons; the centre decides which is needed, and all you have to do is give your size.

Buoyancy jacket (BCD)

The jacket on your back both carries the tank and keeps you balanced in the water by taking air in and letting it out. It's also what keeps you up at the surface; half the answer to "how do non-swimmers dive?" is this jacket. (The other half: your instructor.)

Regulator: air with you

This is the system that reduces the air in the tank to a pressure you can breathe. Next to the primary piece in your mouth there's also a backup (octopus); your instructor carries an alternate air source they can hand you as well. Pressure and breathing checks are done before every dive.

Tank and weights

The tank holds compressed air, not a special gas. The weights balance out the buoyancy of the wetsuit; your instructor adjusts the amount to your body and your suit. Carrying either isn't your job; everything is prepared on the boat.

What's included in the price?

On a try dive and on courses, all the equipment we've listed is included in the price; just bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. Certified divers who bring their own equipment usually get a price advantage at most centres. Thinking about your first personal purchase? Start with the mask: How to Choose the Right Dive Mask