Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club

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Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club - Equipment

This page is dedicated to equipment that we use for diving and snorkeling. You can also view images of some of the equipment we have in the club.

SCUBA equipment is a huge area. From the smallest weight belt clip to a rigid inflatable boat you can spend as much or as little as you want. On this page dive equipment will be sub-divided into three areas...


Club Equipment	Basic Gear	Dive equipment

CLUB EQUIPMENT SECTION:
In Lough Derg Sub- Aqua Club we have lots of equipment to help us dive in safety. 2003 was a big year for us with the purchase of a new boat (see images below). "FLOJO" is a powerful rigid inflatable. Manufactured by "LENCRAFT" and powered by a150 HP YAMAHA motor, she can comfortably carry 10 fully kitted up divers safely to and from dive sites. Safety equipment on board consists of VHF radio, GPS (Global Positioning System), extra large emergency Oxygen cylinder, emergency medical kit, flares, auxiliary engine, Oh! and lets not forget a big anchor. "FLOJO" will get you home safe and sound. All club members are encouraged to learn to "drive" the boat, it's an exhilarating experience. Boat coxswains are very much in demand on club days out.
We also have a mobile breathing air compressor for filling our dive cylinders when away from base. The club also has access to a second compressor (static) with an air bank back in Nenagh.
BASIC EQUIPMENT SECTION.
Basic equipment for diving and snorkeling consists of just a few items. This gear is necessary when a person first joins the club and is needed for pool and initial training. These gear items are essential.
MASK - masks can be purchased in all dive equipment shops. They come in all sorts of shapes, colours, sizes, designs etc. etc. What is important is that a mask fits well and is comfortable. The glass must be tempered. It's hard to purchase a mask online, it must be fitted on to check for a good seal (shop assistants will advise on this). Swimming goggles will not do. A diving / snorkeling mask must fully cover the eyes and nose. It must be possible to pinch your nose with the mask on.
Fins - The diver uses fins as a means of propulsion underwater. A good set of fins should provide maximum propulsion with minimum effort. They should work as if they were an extension of your feet. These should be robust in construction. Again, whilst choosing a pair of fins the prospective customer will be spoiled for choice of colours, shape , design, etc. Fins can be sub-divided into two categories initially ,POOL and OPEN WATER
Fins should be comfortable, not too tight - not too loose and made of robust material. A strong bright colour is easier to see under water. There is a huge selection of brands and designs to choose from.
SNORKELS Not wishing to sound repetitive but here again you will be inundated with choice of colours, shape, etc. etc. A snorkel is used to breathe while face down in the water. It is simply a "J" shaped hollow tube. Many snorkels are now fitted with one way valves to allow water to escape quickly.
That was a quick run through the basic equipment necessary for pool training and snorkeling in open water. This equipment can be purchased in all reputable diving supplies stores (see links page on this site). All this equipment if cared for correctly will last for a long time. Club members and dive shop assistants are always willing to advise when purchasing gear.
DIVE EQUIPMENT SECTION
When moving on from pool training and snorkeling to open water "SCUBA" (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus), more equipment is necessary. I'll go through the basics at this level. There is an incredible array of choices, some of it necessary some not. I will only review the essentials here. As well as a mask, fins, bootees and snorkel (described above) the diver needs A Regulator Diving Suit Weights Buoyancy Device Diving Cylinder Depth Gauge Timing Device
Regulators are the means by which the diver is able to breathe underwater air from a diving cylinder. A regulator regulates the flow of air from the cylinder where the air is pressurised to a breathing pressure appropriate to the depth of the diver. Regulators consist of two stages connected by a hose. The first stage attaches to the diving cylinder and the second stage is held in the divers mouth. The diver breathes normally, inhaling and exhaling through the mouth.

The Dive Suit Diving Suits come in various types, sizes & colours. It is necessary when diving in Irish waters and all northern hemisphere waters to wear a dive suit for thermal protection from the cold water. Normally they range in thickness from 4 - 8mm. Semi-Dry or Dry Suits are worn to keep the diver snug while under water.
	Dry Suits (left)keep the diver completely dry (In theory anyway). Sealed boots and neoprene or latex rubber wrist and neck seals ensure a good waterproof seal. The diver enters the suit by means of a water proof zip		Semi-Dry suits (left)allow a thin film of water into the suit which is warmed by the divers body heat. Seals at the ankles, wrists and neck reduce the movement of water out of the suit and keep the heated water within the suit.

Weights - A diver or snorkeller wearing a suit above will find it very hard to submerge underwater. Lead weights are used to neutralise the buoyancy of the diving suit. A weightbelt shoud be made of strong material (usually nylon) and it is essential that it has a quick release buckle. Worn around the divers waist, it can somtimes be a little un-comfortable. "Shot type "belts might be a bit more comfortable.

Buoyancy Device. One of the most important pieces of diving equipment, it provides the diver with buoyancy control at various depths. Also known as Stab Jacket, B.C.D., Buoyancy Compensator, B.C.. This "jacket" has many function's. The dive cylinder is usually attached to the Buoyancy device. It provides a safety role by allowing the diver to float face up on the surface of the water if resting and also if incapacitated. Buoyancydevice's also have pockets and clips for attaching other diving equipment. Buoyancy device's are attached to the air source in the cylinder to allow the device to be inflated and deflated. This inflation and deflation allows the diver to ascend or descend in the water.
		For diver safety it is essential that divers wear the Buoyancy device as a primary means of flotation and buoyancy control at all times.

Diving Cylinder. The dive cylinder (Tank) and the "Reg" are the main source of air available to the diver while underwater. Sport divers mainly breathe AIR not oxygen (looking at too many movies again?) Though now-a-days the use of enritched air NITROX is becoming popular. Nitrox has a higher percentage of oxygen. The volume of gas (air, nitrox etc.)in a tank is monitored by using an air contents gauge.(On this page we will confine ourselves to AIR as our primary Gas) Tanks are constructed of various materials, usually steel or aluminium. Steel would be more popular for size and compactness and corrosion reasons. The air capacity of a dive cylinder can be monitored during a dive by using a CONTENTS GAUGE. Tanks come in various sizes (capacities). A cylinders capacity is determined by filling the cylinder to the top with water and measuring this volume in LITRES. To determine a cylinders air capacity this volume is multiplied by the cylinders tested and stamped working pressure (in BARS). Dive Cylinders all have markings stamped into the metal, these yield information about the cylinder such as tank material type, Manufacturers mark / Serial No., Date of Manufacture / Test, Volume / Capacity, Weight, Working Pressure and Test Pressure.
			National Diving Federations require that all diving cylinders undergo stress tests at regular intervals. The Club equipment officer will be able to advise of current rules regarding these tests.

	Depth Gauges come in all sorts of types now also analogue and digital		Depth Gauge. The Diver must be aware of his/her depth at all times. An accurate, reliable depth gauge is an essential piece of equipment. The maximum depth and present depth of the diver is necessary for dive planning and for safety during all dives. Time underwater and maximum depth are two figures that the diver must be aware of at all times.

Timing Device.It is really important that the diver know the length of time that he / she has spent underwater. The Dive Time is another essential variable that the diver must keep track of. This is done by means of a simple waterproof watch but often easier now with the aid of digital underwater timers and depth gauges combined.			Divers are fond of large "chunky watches"

There are many more items of equipment that divers use, ie: Dive Computers, Knives,Torches, Safety Markers, Flashing strobes, Divers Condoms (dont ask!), Reel Lines etc. etc. Just pay a visit to your local dive store and take your credit card. I hope this review of the basics of diving equipment will have been of help to you. Please ask lots of questions regarding dive equipment. Club members and dive shop assistants both will be very helpful.Check out some of the online stores on the links page of this site.