Scientific Diving Equipment
Diving is very equipment intensive and scientific diving can take it to a whole new level. Whenever you are diving you are visiting another world. You have to completely rely on your equipment to survive. It is critical that you understand how your equipment functions. It doesn’t take much to cause an untimely accident.
Scientific divers pack their diving gear bag with all the same things a recreational diver uses. They need a wetsuit or a dry suit depending on the temperature of the water. They have a mask and a snorkel to see underwater. A buoyancy control device (BCD) helps divers maneuver through the water and float on the surface. An air delivery system with both primary and backup regulators allow the diver to breathe underwater. A knife is important in case you get tangled in kelp or snagged on a rope or fishing line. They may have a flashlight to see the true colors of the underwater world. Fins help them move through the water. A computer can calculate their air usage, bottom time, depth, and decompression stops. These are the basics that every diver should have.
Now scientific divers often need more equipment than the average recreational diver. It all depends on what scientific purpose they are pursuing. A diver traveling hundreds of feet deep to study a newly discovered form of algae will need different air mixes of nitrox or trimix. They also may need additional tanks of air to allow them to stay down longer or to account for decompression stops. A scientific diver in polluted water may want a full-face mask to keep pollution off of his skin. If a diver is venturing into caves or wrecks he will want a wreck reel and multiple flashlights. A team exploring coral reefs may want a camera to capture the movements and marine life’s activities.
Some divers may want a recall unit that sends out tonal messages to other team members. Divers that are studying a large area may use a DPV, or diver propulsion vehicle to help them travel faster than their fins can kick. Mapping equipment can help with underwater surveying. Rebreathers can be used to eliminate bubbles if bubbles disturb the environment. Scientists may need bottles, nets, jars or bags to take samples. Pencils and writing boards may be necessary to take notes. Rulers may be crucial to measure things.
Every scientific diving team will need different equipment. The things mentioned here do not cover everything that they may need. It all depends on what the team is studying. Whatever equipment a scientific diving team uses, they need to have training to ensure they know how to use and maintain the equipment in a safe manner.
