Articles Index
Nudibranch
A definition of the scuba diving term - Nudibranch.
Decompression Table
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Decompression Table'
Decompression Sickness
Definition of the scuba diving term - Decompression Sickness, also known as DCS, The Bends, or Caisson Disease.
Martini Effect
A definition of the scuba term - Martini Effect. Also know as Martini's Law.
Air
A definition of the term air as it's used by scuba divers.
Dive Computer
The most basic dive computers will tell you your depth and dive time but it is also common for dive computers to calculate no-decompression limits over multiple dives. Many newer dive computers will also track air consumption and temperature and some even have built-in electronic compasses. Dive computers are commonly found attached to gauge consoles or worn on the wrist like a watch and can now be found built into masks.
Hood
If you're diving in cold water you're likely to wear a hood. A hood is a neoprene cap that you wear over your head to keep it warm and can be thought of as an extension of the wetsuit.
Regulator
This is what you use to breathe the air from the cylinder
Weight System
Most people need weights to sink in water. There are two common weight systems: The Weight Belt and Integrated Weights
Buddy
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy'.
Buddy Check
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Buddy Check'
Fins
Fins are commonly called flippers by non-divers. They are long flat rubber or plastic extensions of your feet that allow you to swim with much greater ease and speed. The two primary varieties of fins are full-foot and open-heeled. Full-foot fins completely cover the foot like a shoe and are most commonly used in warm tropical water. Open-heeled fins have a strap across the back and are worn with booties to allow the feet more warmth and comfort.
Buoyancy
A definition of the scuba diving term 'Buoyancy'.
Cenote
Definition of the scuba diving term 'Cenote'
Surface Marker Buoy
Definition of the scuba diving term - Surface Marker Buoy (also known as a Safety Sausage).
Fun Dive
The meaning of the term fun dive.
Liveaboard
Liveaboard can be used to describe both a dive excursion and a type of boat. A dive trip of at least one night is generally called a liveaboard. Liveaboard dive trips usually last from 3-14 days and involve staying on the boat for the duration of the trip while making up to 5 dives a day. The term is sometimes used to describe the boats that are used for these trips.
Wetsuit
Wetsuits keep you warm while underwater. They are made from neoprene and designed to be worn snugly in order to allow little water to move against the diver's skin. They work by insulating the diver from the cold water. Wetsuits come in many sizes from one millimeter to seven millimeters or more, with the most common sizes being 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm.
Snorkel
At its most basic a snorkel is a plastic tube that allows you to breathe while you're swimming on the surface. It is normally attached to the left side of the mask. It's a great way to conserve the air in your cylinder while swimming on the surface. Snorkels also come with such features as purge valves (to make it easier to clear any water inside) and splash guards (to make it hard for water to splash in the top).
Submersible Pressure Gauge
The Submersible Pressure Gauge (more commonly called SPG) is the gauge that tells you how much air you have left in your tank. Air pressure is measured in PSI or bar. Most SPGs have a section of the dial highlighted in red which shows you when you're getting low on air.
Slate
There are many different types of slates, but the most common are fish slates and writing slates. A fish slate is a waterproof plastic sheet covered in pictures and names of fish (and other creatures) the diver is likely to see. A writing slate is a blank piece of plastic with a pencil attached by a cord and is used to communicate by writing underwater, taking notes, or drawing. Slates are normally attached to a D-Ring on the BCD.
Dive Knife
It is good practice to carry a dive knife or shears. Dive knives are not used as weapons, they're used to free yourself from entanglement, particularly from fishing line. Many divers carry more than one knife for added safety and it's advisable to wear one on the BCD and one strapped to a leg.
Depth Gauge
This gauge shows you how deep you are. Depth is measured in either feet or meters.
Compass
An underwater compass is a very handy navigational tool and is a common piece of equipment for divers to carry. Compasses can be attached to gauge consoles, worn separately on the wrist, attached to the band of a watch or dive computer, and digital compasses are now even built into the latest dive computers.
Booties
In colder water it is normal to wear neoprene boots with open heeled fins to keep the feet warm. These boots are normally called booties. They are also used to protect the feet, particularly when shore diving, and some divers find them more comfortable than full foot fins.