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Technical diving requires a vast array of equipment in order to be conducted safely. Just as important is a thorough understanding of how to use this equipment under ideal and less than ideal conditions.
More often than not dive shops sell students equipment that “the dive shop” wants to sell rather than the most suitable equipment for the job. As an independent instructor, Costa is more than willing to advise you on what options are available, as well as why “you” should choose X over Y.
In this section of the website you’ll find a brand neutral guide on what equipment you will need during most common technical diving courses. Please use these guides as a basis when preparing your equipment for a technical diving course.
Depending on the type of diving you want to do, either a BC or backplate and wing (BPW) may be suitable. For deeper diving with twin tanks, a BPW is the recommended configuration. Many “technical” BC’s also offer good twin tank configuration and may be used also. Before and during your course, we can impartially help you identify what the best setup for you is and how you should use it. If you have a question, please contact us; we are always happy to help!
Regardless of whether you use a BC or backplate and wing (BPW) configuration, having ample buoyancy compensation for the depths you plan to dive to is essential. When using twin tanks, a BC or wing with a lift capacity greater than or equal to 50 lbs is recommended. If using smaller twins or single tanks, lift capacity of 40 lbs “may” be acceptable. Incorporating redundant buoyancy compensation into your setup is also critical, and can be done either through the use of a redundant bladder and inflator or by wearing a drysuit.
Either steel or alloy twin tank configurations are acceptable; however ensuring you have enough gas for the depth of the dive you intend to complete is critical. When deciding on your twin tank setup, you will need to consider things like steel vs alloy, independent vs manifold and high vs low pressure. Whether you are planning to do a course soon or are just considering it, please contact us as we are happy to help.
Either independent twin tanks, or those joined via a manifold may be used for deep dives. Due to the redundancy that they offer, we recommend that twin tanks be joined using a manifold and isolation valve. A proper understanding of how to use the manifold and isolation valve is critical, so if you choose this configuration it is something that will be focused on specifically during you course.
In order to provide greater security on deeper dives, your primary gas supply must come from cylinders with DIN valves. For shallower, single tank dives or for stage tanks, yoke fitting may be used however DIN valves are always the highly recommended valve choice.
Depending on the type of diving you intend to do, stage tanks may be required. The capacity, physical size, shape and rigging options are just few of the things that need to be considered. Alloy cylinders are recommended due to their buoyancy characteristics; however steel ones may be used also.
For deeper dives, both a primary and secondary first/second stage regulator will be required.. The primary first/second stage should be configured with a 1.5m low pressure hose. The secondary first/second stage should be configured with a standard length low pressure hose, suitable for your specific gear configuration and physical size. Both first stages should be fitted with DIN valve fittings and be able to easily deliver enough gas at the maximum depth of the intended dive.
Depending on your style of diving, either a wetsuit or drysuit will typically be required. In and around Sydney, most deep diving will require a drysuit (either neoprene or membrane). Drysuits are recommended for technical diving because they offer increased thermal protection and can act as a redundant buoyancy compensating device.
One of the most useful pieces of dive gear around, scooters allows a diver to minimise exertion at depth and travel long distances with ease. Unfortunately, scooters can be expensive and as such are not available to everyone. If you are interested in learning how to safely operate a scooter, contact us and we can teach you how.
Both a primary and backup mask is required for technical diving applications. The backup mask should be stored where it can be easily accessed in an emergency.
The type and number of dive lights you will require depends on the type of diving you will be doing. For general technical diving, both a primary and secondary dive light is required. The primary light should have a powerful beam and be able to light up the immediate environment (even in low visibility conditions). An intense, narrow beam capable of penetrating through silted up water is recommended. The secondary light should be small, yet powerful. Both the primary and secondary dive lights should have enough burn time and battery power to adequately complete the dive.
With more dive computers than ever on the market, choosing the right dive computer for the type of diving you intend to do is essential. Many recreational dive computers do not offer sufficient function to be used on deeper dives. When evaluating a dive computer, consider things like whether the unit provides full decompression information; can it handle the type and number of gas mixes you intend to use; audible alarms and whether they can be turned off; and the consequences of gas integration. As a major purchase, why not contact us now for some impartial advice?
Depth and bottom timers are essential in order to carry out a properly planned dive. A digital version is recommend and should at a minimum be capable of displaying current depth and elapsed bottom time. Only devices that turn on automatically, and display maximum depth and water temperature are recommended. Many dive computers also have a gauge or free diving mode, which makes them ideal for use as a depth & bottom timer.
Dive tables provide either a primary or backup function depending on the type of dive being undertaken. Whether commercially made or constructed using dive simulation software, it is important that the tables be appropriate for the dive and that you understand how to use them effectively. We ensure that all students are able to independently use dive tables, in either a primary or backup fashion.
Often referred to as a wreck or penetration line, a Reel Line is required for wreck and cave diving as well deploying a surface marker buoy at depth on deeper dives. A good reel should have one snap bolt clip fixed to the reel frame, and another attached to the free end of the line. A grip handle, variable line tension and line feeder are also recommended features. Depending on the intended purpose, a line length of between 80 and 100 metres is required.
A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is a critical piece of equipment, and should be carried on any dive (whether deep or shallow). For technical diving, a SMB that inflates and stays inflated (even when on the surface) is essential. When used in combination with a reel, the SMB needs to be able to be inflated at depth and deployed to the surface. It must also have an attachment point that the reel snap bolt can be clipped to.
Bolt snap clips are the foremost choice for fastening stage tanks and accessory equipment to you during a dive. Unlike snap hooks, bolt snap clips are much easier to open and close and do not readily get caught on things. High quality stainless steel bolt snaps are recommended over brass ones because their sliding gate tends to remain free of corrosion and is easier to open and close. Snap hooks and scissor style clips are not recommended.
At least two cutting tools should be carried during a technical dive, with one of these being accessible with either the left or right hand. Both a knife and line cutting tool is one of several recommended configurations.
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