Caribbean Diving – No Passport Required
"Dive Toys "
And Now for Dessert
Over the last few years, the Gearmeister has endeavored to help fellow divers understand the equipment they use to make their diving safe and enjoyable. So far, this has focused on the necessary items that everyone needs.
But now, it’s time to take a look at some of the other gear out there that, in some cases, can make your diving even more enjoyable. These are things that you absolutely do not need and may have no interest in but- you have to admit- they’re cool and could be just the thing for you or someone you like. Or don’t like.
Pretty Useful Stuff
If you’re mobility impaired or just have a long way to go either on the surface or underwater, a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) (scooter) could be just the ticket. And besides, it’s pretty fun to zoom around in the water doing barrel rolls.
Need to get your buddy’s attention? Banging on your tank with your dive knife is so passé. Choose from tank bangers on elastic bands, air-powered “quackers” hooked into your low pressure inflator hose, or a variety of shakers. But, please, be judicious. Remember that sound travels a lot further underwater and everyone within range will be looking around to see if the signal is from their buddy.
Ever tried to point something out underwater and your buddy just doesn’t see it? Now, you can use an underwater laser pointer to highlight your find. Right now, it’s just a red dot, but, it’s on the way to being a “solid” colored beam to really get your eyes on target.
Having just completed an overseas dive trip, complete with extra luggage
fees, every traveling diver should have a digital luggage scale. Check the weight of your bags and readjust before you get to the airport. Of course, it doesn’t help if your bags were left in the rain on the way to the airport and you pick up an extra kilo of water. But that’s another story….
Tired of wearing a basic black wetsuit like everybody else? Disappointed that Star Trek was in space and not in the ocean? Well, your dream is here in the form of a Star Trek uniform wetsuit. Just like the uniforms in the original series – black bottom with a colored top. Very authentic looking. Just remember when making your color choice, it never ended well for the security guy in the red shirt.
Back to the Future
For those old enough to remember the Sea Hunt TV series, you remember Lloyd
Bridges and the classic double-hose regulator. These regulators required a bit of practice to clear by holding your head in a certain direction to allow the supply side to drain. But, a nice feature was that all the exhaled bubbles exhausted behind the diver's head without obstructing his view. Now, you too, can go retro with your very own brand new double-hose regulator set. Except this one works just like your normal regulator so no extra training required. But you do get extra style points.
Into the Future
Full face masks have been around for a long time and are great for cold water and for divers who need to communicate with each other or a surface team. That communication technology is now a lot cheaper and available to general divers. Plus, you don’t have to wait until you get back on the boat to tell dive stories to your buddy.
You can even show your dive buddy (and non-diving buddies) what you saw. Sure
you could carry around a still or video camera, but wouldn’t it be cool to have one mounted on your head? Or even cooler, to have one built into your mask? Well, now it’s here. You can get a mask with a built in still camera or HD video. Even easier that point and shoot!
Not completely comfortable with your navigation skills? Underwater GPS is here! Granted, it’s in its infancy, but it works. A transmitter hangs from the boat and reads the boats GPS location, and transmits it through the water. You carry a receiver that queries the mother unit and gives you your approximate GPS position. Or you could just take a navigation class and practice.
And the coolest of the cool? A mask with a built in Heads Up Display (HUD). Just like a fighter pilot, all the information from your dive computer is visible on the glass of your mask. No more fumbling for your gages, compass, or dive computer. Simply glance at the neat little green display in the corner of your mask. If you normally have your hands full of other gear, this could really lighten your work load – if you have the bucks.
Potentially Useless or Obnoxious
Dive table calculators sound like a good idea, but in reality, are pretty useless. You
still have to enter the information correctly and you can’t get them wet. Since most diving takes place in the water, that could be a big drawback. For simplicity and fiscal efficiency, stick with the plastic dive tables until you can afford a regular dive computer, which is pretty cheap, a lot more useful, and can actually go in the water.
Some people dive to experience the calm and quiet. Others, not so much. Now, take your music with you. A variety of underwater music players are available with depth ratings all the way to 130 feet (40m). Just remember that sound travels a lot further under water. And, please, turn it down when you get back on the boat. Everyone may not have the same taste in music as you.
And for those people who can’t live without their cell phone for even a minute (you’ve heard them in the restroom stall next to you), you can now take it underwater with you. You need a full-face mask and the 130 foot (40m) tether to the surface float holding the phone, but you can talk to your heart’s content.
Happy Diving
Your diving should be fun and enjoyable. After the basics, most anything that gives you a more enjoyable experience should be acceptable as long as it doesn’t infringe on someone else’s enjoyment. So, find what works for you and go have fun!
