Scuba diving is a fabulous sport to get involved in, but there is a down side – the equipment isn’t cheap. If you’re planning to do a lot of scuba diving, then you also need to allow for the costs of buying your own equipment.

When you’re many meters under the surface of the ocean, you need to be confident that you have the right gear and that it won’t break down unexpectedly. So buying good quality scuba diving equipment is important. Still, if you spend some time looking around, it’s possible to still buy good gear at cheaper prices. You’re going to need a few things, so if you manage to save some dollars, even if it’s only on some of your gear, it all helps.

One piece of equipment you need is your mask. This is your window on the underwater world, so make sure it fits snugly and gives you a clear view. Over time a mask does tend to get scratched, so this is one piece of equipment you might not want to buy second hand. You also need a regulator, to help you breathe underwater. Basically, it takes the compressed air in your scuba tanks and reduces the pressure down to a level that is breathable. It only delivers air when you inhale, so that you don’t waste the air in your tanks.

Another important piece of equipment is your buoyancy control device, or BCD. It’s worn like a vest, and contains an expandable bladder that you inflate with air from your tank as you’re diving. This is mandatory, because as you dive deeper, the water pressure increases. So unless you can increase your buoyancy at that point, you will start to sink like a stone.

Unless you’re only diving in shallow, warm tropical waters, you’re going to want a wet suit. This works efficiently to keep your body temperature at normal levels. The wet suit helps your body to deal with the increased water pressure at depths and also the colder temperatures. Some people are comfortable with a body suit, so that may suit you better. Either way, you end up with a skintight outfit that clings closely to your body.

Again, unless you’re only diving in shallow water, you’ll need a torch. You can pay anything from $20 right through to thousands of dollars for an underwater torch, so do your research. Having a good torch, though, really makes it easier to see the beauty that’s hidden beneath the water. The deeper you go, the less sunlight, and so the less color. It can be quite astounding to look at a bland, brown piece of coral deep under the ocean, only to highlight it with a torch and see it blaze with color.

Most scuba divers like to carry a knife. It’s not an essential item, but can be used for digging or prying things. Remember to check whether it’s okay to disturb the natural fauna where you’re diving. A knife isn’t meant to be used as a weapon underwater, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need, head for your nearest scuba store and start asking questions. They will be able to assist you with choosing the right gear for your level of experience and the type of diving you’re expecting to do.

Scuba diving is a fabulous sport to get involved in, but there is a down side – the equipment isn’t cheap. If you’re planning to do a lot of scuba diving, then you also need to allow for the costs of buying your own equipment.