DIR Tips: Essential Equipment Information

The choice of appropriate equipment and suitable configuration are essential safety issues, yet remain poorly understood concepts for the majority of divers.  

In today's environment the equipment choices offered are based upon perceived utility and fashion upgrades. These so called new generation advances are industry driven and are little more than marketing strategies. The aim of which is the unashamed generation of additional sales whilst in terms of safety, efficiency, value for money and task suitability very few represent genuine or worthwhile advancements. The result has been a cumulative increase in the amount of unsuitable equipment on offer and the growth and development of unsafe and ill considered practices and philosophies.

In order to make informed equipment choices we must look at the subject of diving as a whole. Consider for example a jigsaw puzzle. When correctly assembled all the pieces fit neatly together and create an identifiable image. Yet when considered singly or in clusters the pieces are barely recognisable. This same concept applies to equipment choice and configuration. In order to achieve the safest, most streamlined and cost efficient configuration we must understand:

page71_1 What the required function of each item is

page71_2 The desirable and undesirable characteristics of equipment items.

page71_3 The impact and interaction of one item on another.

page71_4 The effect on the whole configuration of adding, changing or removing any single item.

page71_5 The specific demands and requirements of the diving being embarked upon.

page71_6 The critical importance of adequate diver training, dive fitness and safe diving practices.

Sensible purchases are made with these points firmly in mind. However for both experienced and inexperienced divers alike making such decisions can be a most difficult experience. Its for this reason that we actively encourage customers to discuss their needs with us before placing orders. We're more than happy to spend as much time as it takes ensuring that you end up with the product most suitable for your needs so please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at
Waveaction@mac.com If you live locally it doesn't end there. Where ever possible we'll do our best to arrange for you to "test dive" items that you're seriously interested in. Our highly trained Instructors will be delighted to assist you, on sheltered sessions, in achieving the maximum benefit from your new purchase.

To help futher we've assembled a series of information pages for each item of equipment that details "What you need to know", the essential points that you need to be aware of in order to buy the safest, most appropriate equipment for your needs.

Backplate & harness tips
Buoyancy device tips
Cylinder tips
Fin tip
Hardware tips
Hose tips
Knife tips
Lift devices
Lighting tips
Manifold tips
Mask tips
Reels & spools tips