You've decided to explore all the wonders of the ocean deep and are all set to swim among the coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of fish. Yet before taking the plunge into the blue, you need to make sure you have all the necessary scuba gear and diving equipment! While the most obvious aspects that may come to mind are the scuba diving masks and flippers, there is a bit more comprising that essential list. To make sure that you are fully outfitted with all the scuba gear you will need, be sure to read on!

With any scuba gear and diving equipment that you buy, you need to ensure that it all fits you snugly and comfortably. The wrong mask or a scuba wetsuit that is too small is a sure way to make your dive less than ideal. So when picking out your scuba diving mask, make sure that it can stay in place and that you can see well behind it. The snorkel should fit well with your scuba diving mask on, and it is to be worn on the left side.

Next up for your scuba gear are the fins, and be aware that some of them should be worn with booties. You will now want to find either a wetsuit or a drysuit. You will want to feel free to move about, but it should be snug against your body. These are all a few of the staples in scuba diving equipment, and now we come to the more complex scuba gear. You will need a buoyancy control device (BCD) with your scuba diving equipment and this not only helps to keep you supported while under water, but also the regulator, weight system, and air cylinder too. It is the regulator that then makes it possible for you to breath while you are scuba diving.

You will want to find a high quality brand when selecting your scuba gear, as this is an imperative aspect of the experience, and each regulator in turn should come complete with a second oxygen source, or an octopus. Next is the scuba cylinder, and you will want to buy this last.

Lastly, you will do well to consider adding a diving flag and float to the list of your scuba diving equipment, as it is required in some areas. With all of your scuba gear properly fit and selected, you can now head off to find your adventures under the sea, and swim among sunken ship or possibly even sharks!

Humans are not made to naturally swim underwater safely unlike marine animals. That is why, we need to use specialty scuba diving equipment.

Dive learners or even an experienced diver uses proper equipment necessary to stay underwater for any appreciable length of time.

Equipment such as:

Diving mask:

Human eye is not designed to see through water. Diving masks are designed to create a pocket of air so the diver may be able to have an underwater view.

A noted good diving mask is like a very large pair of goggles with a silicone seal/picket needed to avoid inadvertent breathing through the nose and sucking in water. Diving masks are designed to withstand great pressure underwater which makes it a vital piece of scuba diving equipment.

The Fins:

Swimming is a physical exercise that would require a lot of energy and oxygen. Divers need to conserve energy in the best possible way. Fins are used in this manner by providing a diver means to swim more effortlessly underwater.

Fins providing maximum propulsion through the water are large flexible blades that are fitted to the feet.

Two types of fins:

Strap fins have a foot pocket with a strap that fits around the heel and are worn with boots. Shoe fin fits onto the bare foot like a slipper.

Protective clothing necessary:

A skin suit is used in warmest water. It protects the body from cuts either from equipment or from brushing against corals and rocks.

Wet suit provides thermal protection allowing the body to warm against cooler water temperatures. They come in long or short arms and legs and are available in a range of thicknesses.

Wet suits are made of neoprene. This material allows water to flush through it, holding it against the body.

The semi-dry suit is designed to ingress trapped water and is warmed by the body. It is similar to a wet suit except it has seals around the neck, wrists and ankles and gives greater protection.

Lastly is the dry suit which is designed for cold water diving conditions. This suit does not allow any water to enter thus the body inside remains dry. It has built-in boots and is sealed around the wrists and neck.

Dry suit, either made from neoprene or from a trilaminate membrane, is the usually used by more experienced divers. Neoprene gloves and hoods are added for extra warmth.

Additional scuba diving equipment:

You will also need:

- Buoyancy Compression Device (BCD)
- Lead Weights
- Cylinders
- Regulators

Some divers use computer equipment

To outfit with well maintained and proper scuba diving equipment, is ensuring a safe, comfortable and enjoyable dive.