CYLINDER

Keep the cylinder vertical, with the air outlet opposite the diver. When the diver is not holding a cylinder it must always be left lying down.

BCD

Fix the BCD onto the cylinder checking the position so as to avoids the valves hitting the back of the divers head when in the water.

REGULATOR

Before assembly a regulator check the condition of the O-ring, which should exhibit no cuts. At this point connect the regulator first stage closing gently the fitting system, while checking the exact position of the hoses. The second stages must be on the right. Connect the inflating hose of the BCD; put the pressure gauge and the second regulator in their supports in the BCD. Slowly open the valve while keeping the purge button pushed on one of the second stages and leave it when the air begins to get out. This operation is useful to extend the life of the regulator, because the pressure that reached the first stage is not released too strongly, now it is possible open the valve completely. Breathe a couple of time from both the regulators so as to check them. It is important to look at the pressure gauge when breathing, because if the pressure falls drastically this means that the valve is not completely open or something is obstructing the flow of air at the first stage. Inflate and deflate the BCD a couple of times in order to check the functioning of the valve. Once the equipment is assembled lie the cylinder down in a safe position.

Putting on the scuba equipment

SUIT

With a two piece suit put on the trousers first then the jacket, if edgings in soft neoprene are present roll them outwards to help the suit to slip on.

FOOTWEAR

Put the edge of the boot over the suit trousers. This ensures a better seal.

WEIGHT BELT

Always have a keeper on the opposite side of the weightbelt from the buckle to avoid to loosing the weights. The two main methods for wearing the belt are:
– passing the belt behind the back holding it with the right hand then grab the buckle with the left hand, lean forward and place the belt on the back, then fasten the buckle
– with the buckle to the left, take the two ends of the belt, step over it and repeat the previous procedures It is very important to check that the buckle is on the right, because in an emergency it will always be clear how to release one’s buckle.

FINS

The best position to put fins on is when one is sitting. If it is necessary to put them on while standing, do it
with the help of a companion. It is important to remember that the left hand put on the right fin and vice versa.

MASK

To position the mask hold the skirt in position against the face with one hand, while the other positions the strap round the head. The headstrap must not be too tight as it could deform the mask, causing water to get in. With a hooded suit make sure that the edge of the mask is in contact with the face by passing a finger around the edge of the hood.

SNORKEL

The snorkel must be put on the left side so as not to obstruct a regulator.

GLOVES

In order to have a better control of dressing it is advisable to put the gloves on last.

PUTTING ON EQUIPMENT WHILE STANDING

To put on equipment while standing get a friend to take the weight of the cylinder thus making it easier to put on the BC and to hold it until the harness straps have been fixed.

PUTTING ON EQUIPMENT WHILE SITTING

This is a more practical and comfortable way of putting on the equipment but it is not always possible. It is generally possible when we dive from a large boat.

PUTTING ON THE EQUIPMENT IN WATER

Putting on the equipment in water is not too difficult but not advisable in rough water. In any case the use of a line is advisable. To speed up the fitting of equipment it is better to place the back against the inside support of the BC, the arms can be put through the jacket one at time and then it can be fastened. At this point a normal position can be taken and the line can be abandoned. This operation should be carried out as quickly as possible so as to leave space at the entry point for other divers.

Enter the water

The way of entering the water must always be chosen by considering its easiness and safety for the diver and the companions. In order to achieve positive buoyancy it is advisable to slightly inflate the jacket before entering the water.

FROM A LOW POINT

The simplest way is to put the hands down by the side of the body, then allow the body to roll into the water, ending up with the face turned back to the point of entrance, so that there is always something to steady oneself with.

FROM A HIGH POINT

Entering water from a boat is normally done by taking a step forward while keeping a vertical position until impact with the water, this means that the body does not sink fast. Before doing this always check for the presence of other divers or obstacle of some sort. When entering is very important to avoid slipping out of the equipment, to do so it is advisable to keep one hand on the mask and regulator and the other on the weight belt.

Signals

BASIC SIGNALS TO DO WHEN ON SURFACE

Adjustment

MANOEUVRE OF COMPENSATION

As the diver sinks the ambient pressure rises, because of the weight of the water. This rise of pressure is also felt on the human body that is basically composed of liquid and solid but will only have problems where air spaces are concerned. Where the volumes are reduced by the increase of pressure they must be compensated.
For this reason the water pressure on the eardrum must be balanced by internal pressure so that it is not damaged. This procedure is called compensation. It is necessary to compensate every time there is a need, without waiting to feel the pain .The most common manoeuvre of compensation is that of “Valsalva”. Which consists in holding the nose with the finger to create pressure inside and then forcing the air towards the middle ear. In order to carry out this manoeuvre successfully, avoid using earplugs that isolate an air space inside the ear, as this cannot be compensated. Water should be allowed into the hood. The use of nasal drops can cause irritation to the nasal mucus, causing difficulties in compensation. If it is impossible to compensate in a correct way it is advisable to stop and ascend. Blow the nose to free the air passages, and try again to descend, compensating with the head held back. In any case if the difficulties persist any further dive should be given up. Blowing air from the nose should also compensate air held in the mask.

SOUNDS UNDERWATER

Because of the higher density of water, sounds reach the diver more rapidly than above the surface. Sounds made to call attention, like hitting a knife on metal can be heard at great distances. On the other hand when underwater it is difficult for a diver to distinguish where and from what distance a sound comes: for example the noise of a boat engine. The speed at which sound travels through water makes it difficult for his senses to judge the direction. Therefore great attention must be shown while ascending from the seabed.

SIGHT UNDERWATER

We all know that if we keep the eyes open underwater the resulting vision is very confused. This is because air and water have a different index of refraction; therefore the vision is unfocused. In order to have clear vision underwater it is necessary to have a layer of air between the eye and the water. This is the reason why a mask is used.

NO COMPENSATION
DO NOT DIVE !

CONTROL OF THE BUOYANCY

A body immersed in water will receive an up thrust equal to the weight of water it displaces. As consequence the weight and volume of a body are very important as well as density of water and thickness of the suit we have on. The weight belt gives the possibility to keep neutral buoyancy. This is the condition, which allows you to float without sinking nor ascending. The right weight is achieved when standing in water and breathing out normally, one does not sink below the eye level.

BREATHING WITH THE REGULATOR

Breathing with the regulator does not require any particular ability; the only thing to remember is to have a regular breathing with no pause. If the regulator gets out of the mouth it must be emptied before starting breathing again. The emptying of the second stage can be done after having replacing it in the mouth and blow a firm breathe through, or by the help of the button on the front part. (Purge button)

EMPTYING THE MASK

It is possible that water will leak into the mask during a dive. To get rid of the water, lift away the bottom part of the mask while standing up if on the surface. This can also be carried out when the glass needs cleaning. The differences between the air temperature and the water often cause the mask to mist up.
During a dive breathing slightly through the nose can empty the mask if at the same time you hold the upper edge of the mask and keep the head facing upwards.

STARTING THE DIVE

If we want to dive, keeping a vertical position, the B.C.D. must be deflated by using the exhaust valve.
During descent, in order to slow down the speed, small amount of air must be inflated in the B.C.D. through the inflate valve.

FINNING UNDERWATER

The right finning is performed with feet and legs extended, with a slight rhythmic movement of the hips.
Generally the fins for SCUBA diving move in both directions with a strong effect. The finning must be ample otherwise the effort will be useless. In order to be more hydrodynamic during finning the best position is horizontal with the arms at the side.

REGULATOR RECOVER

During diving it is possible to lose contact with the regulator, to recover it a round movement of the arm must be carried out, beginning from the bottom and passing it close to the body, which must be slightly bent on the same side. Therefore when the arm is brought back to the front the hose will be caught by the arm. As the body of the second stage will be flooded it will be necessary to empty it. The recovery procedure is made easier if the equipment has been put together properly.

ASCENDING

The ascent starts finning towards the surface, in order to control the speed; the B.C.D. must be deflated. It is important to check the way back and as the surface is approached it is advisable to extend the arm for protection in case any obstacles are present. Breathing must always be regular and with no stops.

GETTING OUT OF WATER

The procedure to get out of the water must always be safe and easy to be carried out. It is important to take in consideration the method of entry and the general condition of the environment.

MAINTENANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT

After a dive all the equipment must be washed in fresh water, let dry out of the sun and stored in a dry place. The importance of small repairs mustn’t be underestimate. Scuba diving equipment needs to be inspected regularly and at least once a year it must be tested in a specialised center.
The regulator must be washed in fresh water after each immersion putting the protection plug of the filter back on the first stage. It is important not to push the button of the second stage so that water will not get into the hose and the first stage where it could cause damage to the piston.