Equipment

Essential Dive Equipment: A Complete Guide

From masks to computers, understand every piece of scuba gear. Know what to buy, what to rent, and how to maintain your equipment.

December 15, 202315 min readBy WeGoDive Team

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From masks to computers, understanding your dive equipment is essential for safe, enjoyable diving. This guide covers everything you need to know about each piece of gear – whether you're renting or buying.

Dive equipment setup — Understanding your equipment is fundamental to safe diving

The Essentials

Mask

Your window to the underwater world. A good mask creates an air space so you can see clearly.

Key features:

Fit: Seal on face without strap (inhale through nose)
Low volume: Easier to clear and equalize
Tempered glass: Safety requirement
Silicone skirt: Better seal, more durable

Buy or rent: Buy first – personal fit matters most

Fins

Your propulsion system. Proper fins make swimming effortless.

Types:

Open heel: Used with booties, adjustable, preferred for cold water
Full foot: Compact, lightweight, good for warm water

Blade styles:

Paddle: Traditional, reliable, affordable
Split: Less effort, good for beginners
Jet/vented: Powerful, efficient, popular with tech divers

Wetsuit

Thermal protection even in warm water. Thickness depends on conditions:

Water Temp	Recommended
28°C+ (82°F+)	3mm or rashguard
24-28°C (75-82°F)	3-5mm
18-24°C (64-75°F)	5-7mm
Below 18°C (64°F)	7mm+ or drysuit

Life Support Equipment

Regulator

Delivers air from your tank at the right pressure. Consists of two stages:

First stage: Attaches to tank, reduces high pressure
Second stage: In your mouth, delivers air on demand
Octopus: Backup second stage (yellow for visibility)

Maintenance: Service annually, even if not used. Your life depends on it.

BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)

Inflatable vest that controls your buoyancy and holds your equipment.

Types:

Jacket style: Traditional, surrounds torso, good for beginners
Back-inflate: Bladder on back, better trim, preferred by experienced divers
Wing: Technical diving, maximum lift capacity

Tank

Holds your breathing gas (usually air or enriched air nitrox).

Aluminum: More common, lighter when empty, slightly buoyant
Steel: More air, negative buoyancy (less weight needed)
Standard sizes: 10L, 12L, 15L (80, 100, 130 cubic feet)

Instruments

Dive Computer

Console computer — Console style with gauges

Tracks depth, time, and calculates decompression limits. Essential for safe diving.

Features to consider:

Air integration (shows tank pressure)
Nitrox compatibility
Readability (display size, backlighting)
Watch mode for daily wear
Logbook and connectivity

Budget: Entry-level $150-300, Mid-range $300-600, Advanced $600+

What to Buy vs. Rent

Priority	Equipment	Why
Buy first	Mask	Personal fit is critical
Buy second	Dive computer	Know your own profile
Buy third	Fins + booties	Comfort and efficiency
Consider buying	Wetsuit	Hygiene and fit
Rent first	BCD, regulator	Expensive, well-maintained rentals available
Always rent	Tanks, weights	Heavy, impractical to travel with

Equipment Maintenance Tips

Rinse everything: Fresh water after every dive
Dry thoroughly: Before storing
Store properly: Cool, dry place away from sunlight
Service regulators: Annually by certified technician
Inspect before diving: Check o-rings, hoses, buckles

Good equipment makes diving safer and more enjoyable. Start with quality basics, add pieces as you gain experience, and always maintain your gear properly!