MASK
In order to obtain increased clarity and visibility underwater, a mask must be worn. By wearing it, an air space is placed between the diver’s eyes and the water so the objects can be properly focused.
A mask consists of:
– Lens, which is made of high impact, tempered safety glass
– Skirt which is in silicone (translucent or black) or in rubber. It should ensure perfect fitting to the face in order to avoid the passage of water. It should also have a comfortable space for the nose and suppleness for compensating.
– Faceplate, which is of rigid material into which the lens is fixed and the part of the headstrap which, can be regulated.
– An adjustable rubber headstrap, of the same material as the body, which will allow you to regulate the pressure and therefore the position of the mask on the face so that it is correct.
In order to choose the mask that fits our face it must be held in the correct position without the headstrap, while inhaling lightly with the nose, the suction that is created causes the mask to stick well to the face. Different masks are used according to different activities.
Those with a small volume are usually used for snorkelling, as they only need a small amount of air in the manoeuvre of compensation.
In Scuba activity the volume is irrelevant to the compensation, therefore a mask with a bigger and a wider view can be used. The use of silicone or rubber is not important as far as the performance is concerned, but rubber doesn’t last very long because of exposure to sun and to salinity. The materials employed by the firms during the stamping of the components for the masks leaves an oily film on the mask, which mists up easily. It is advisable to clean the glass of a new mask with toothpaste, as this has an abrasive effect, unless the lenses have already been treated. If the film persists it is better to wash it with a neutral soap. On the market you can find special products to use on the lens after each dive. For those with eyesight problem, suitable masks are on sale. After the use the mask must be rinsed with fresh water and replaced with the glass downwards so that the soft part does not become deformed.
SNORKEL
It allows breathing on the surface with the head underwater thus keeping the seabed in sight. The snorkel is composed of two parts: the mouthpiece and the tube. The mouthpiece must be made of soft material and must have a form that fits well into the mouth so that it can be easily held thus avoiding any passage of water. The tube can be made of rigid or semirigid material and it must be flexible without breaking. The inside of the tube must be smooth with only slight bends so as to avoid collecting water and keeping the flow of air constant. In order to spot the diver it is advisable to colour the end part of the tube that emerges from the water. The snorkel has an attachment, which can be fixed to the mask strap. Care must be taken that it is in the correct position. Some models have a valve for emptying the end of the tube.
WEIGHT BELTS
In order to achieve neutral buoyancy the use of weights is essential.
This is obtained by wearing lead weights, which are fixed to the weight belt; the belt should also have a quick release buckle.
There are also belts on the market which have useful pockets to hold various numbers of weights. The proper weight to be carried depends on the thickness of the suit, on the equipment, on the type of water (sea water, fresh water) and on the type of dive.
FINS
Fins are a useful part of the equipment, which helps the diver to move underwater more efficiently. They are available in a variety of lengths, sizes, and models.
They can be made in rubber or synthetic material, closed or open, with an adjustable heel strap (in this case it is advisable to use a type with a rigid sole). Fins are chosen according to the nature of the task to perform. For snorkelling fins with a longer and narrower blade are used, whereas for Scuba diving fins of medium length and a wider blade are more suitable.
Technical research of recent years has created blades, which can make movements easier through water. It is also very important to bear in mind that a fin must not be too tight, in order to avoid problems with circulation, which could cause sensitivity to cold or cramps.
SUITS
Suits are protective clothing, which help to minimise thermal exposure effects on the body; this is due to the high thermal conductability of water (about 25 times higher than air). In order to obtain the necessary thermal insulation, su its must prevent the passage of water to the in side as much as possible.
Wet suits are generally made of neoprene, of different thickness (from 1.5 to 8 mm), lined on the inside and outside with special cloth that make them more comfortable. Suits vary according to the use. They are available on the market in one piece with or without hood or in two halves (a jacket and a salopette) with or without a zipper, in different thickness of neoprene, with seals at the wrists, neck, and ankles, to make them air-tight. When choosing a type and size it is important that no air pockets are found between the suit and the skin. This would interrupt thermal insulation. For use in tropical seas, where the water is warmer, light wet suits are now available in lighter synthetic materials (Lycra, Darlexx etc.) These kind of materials allow the diver ample movements as well as providing a certain thermal insulation.
GLOVES AND FOOTWEAR
Gloves and footwear should be worn together with a suit because limbs are very sensitive to cold. Gloves in neoprene provide a good protection and there are different types with different levels of protection. Footwear depends on the fins used. From a simple type in neoprene of 2/5 mm for the closed fins to those which have a built-in shoe with a rigid sole, used for open fins.
