Scuba Gear questions for new diver

[TigerDiver8]

hello everyone,

I am a new diver with 10 dives under my belt. I am a undergraduate stuent majoring in Environmental Science and Marine Ecology. I have been studying population dynamics of Humpback whales in Maui the last two years, and am trying to get involved with coral reef research when i graduate through the same company i am working with during school. I have already signed up for my Advanced open water course, but wanted to get my own gear. I have all my own personal gear but need BCD, Reg, gauges, etc. My question is I would like some input on what type of gear to get. I would like something that is good for rec diving almost anywhere, but also a good gear for scientific research. I wasnt sure if there was any special brands/ models I should be looking for.

Thank you

 

[Searcaigh]

Whatever you can afford, but try to buy good quality stuff. the key is maintaining it, well maintained gear can last for years.

 

[g1138]

If you're going for scientific diving, often times you may find yourself doing substrate surveys; (ie. hovering or even crawling centimeters above/on the ground)

You'll want a BC that's not very encumbered in the front. For this reason you'll probably be looking at a back-inflate or even a Bp/W (backplate & wing)
For back-inflates I would avoid buying one solely for it's big pockets, as they aren't very useful in the field where you have to access and stow things constantly. They just don't make them roomy enough without being bulky when filled.

Instead I've found that rigging bolt snap clips or using your trusty hands do the job just fine and keeps the dive simple which is important when you're under a heavy task load. Wetsuit thigh pockets are you're best bet if you really need pockets.
If you have a crotch strap this could entail buying a weight harness, depending if your sci dive program requires having quick ditch weights. You'll have to see how your system works when you go to purchase; a harness may not be necessary at all.

For regs, see the many threads here. Basic gist is:
- where will you be diving?
- do you want piston or diaphragm first stage?
- do you want adjustment knobs on second stage?

Diaphragm or a sealed Sherwood first stage might be better since you can't always get a good rinse in the field. (If you're unsure about the reasoning here please ask, and I'll explain my opinion)
In terms of gauges, wrist mounts are ideal. Compass on your left arm, Computer on your right, SPG clipped off somewhere. It's way easier to spool out a transect line and follow your heading when you're not dealing with a console in one hand and your meter tape in the other, while futzing with your buoyancy when you inevitably have to go up and over an obstacle.

Other than that if you're going for an AAUS rating then you better contact your uni's DSO and ask him/her your specific class questions. AAUS allows each program to control itself as a sovereign entity, so a dive program here in Santa Cruz will be different than the one in Maui.

To sum it all up, you may notice that I didn't really specify brand or material. Really any piece of scuba equipment on the market will serve you and last; assuming you're not thrashing on the bottom or dumping your gear in a messy pile on the deck.
It's best to be comfortable in your gear before you begin your sci dive training. And it's important that you have your basic skills in check before beginning.
There are certain equipment configurations that make your dive easier, but it would probably be better to ask your local sci divers what works for them.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I'm sure Thal will chime in here as well pretty soon.

 

[k ellis]

Zeagle Ranger ltd

 

[Dive the World]

What ever you can afford and whatever your peers wear!

Backplate and Wing will be great as you will be able to clip many things - and can be used anywhere.

As for Regs / That will differ - if you end of diving in Alaska then you will need environmentally sealed regs -

Don't worry about the brands - worry about your pockets - might even go for used if you can - as long as it is serviced it is good to go.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

My input is to be sure you have a compass, either on your console or somewhere on your gear- clipped to BC with a retracter, or a wrist mount. ALL DIVERS at the aow level and above should own a compass. Sadly, many do not. Lots of other stuff too, of course, but I want to emphasize that one thing for readers of this thread.
DivemasterDennis

 

[RJP]

ALL DIVERS at the aow level and above should own a compass. Sadly, many do not.

I own one. I think it's somewhere in the basement with my snorkel. Haven't found a use for either in a wreck or a cave...

:d

 

[TigerDiver8]

Thanks for the input, I am heading out to a local dive shop today to see what gear they have. any websites for good gear would also be appreciated, unless anyone thinks online buying of scuba gear isnt the best idea.

 

[muddiver]

Do not buy a weight intagrated BC. Once you have to lift it into a small boat while doing scientific work you will understand why.

I second the vote for the back plate and wing design. I have also found Dive Rite gear to be very modular which means you can add more stuff later and keep your cost down right now. Or if you need to add a pouch for some thing you always carry the Dive Rite systems have all kinds of extra accessories that can be clipped on or slipped over a belt, etc. The BC harness is designed after a backpacking harness so it make carrying a cylinder around more comfortable.

I also use Sherwood regulators and with very little rinsing they go all year without any problem. The down side is some dive shops who don't carry Sherwood can not, and or will not service them. But the design is very simple and very reliable (except for the SR-1). Also look for NITROX ready or compatable regulators. NITROX is big in the scientific diving community.

I don't know if you know, but Long Beach State is doing a Scinetific Diver course starting next week.

 

[TigerDiver8]

Do not buy a weight intagrated BC. Once you have to lift it into a small boat while doing scientific work you will understand why.

I second the vote for the back plate and wing design. I have also found Dive Rite gear to be very modular which means you can add more stuff later and keep your cost down right now. Or if you need to add a pouch for some thing you always carry the Dive Rite systems have all kinds of extra accessories that can be clipped on or slipped over a belt, etc. The BC harness is designed after a backpacking harness so it make carrying a cylinder around more comfortable.

I also use Sherwood regulators and with very little rinsing they go all year without any problem. The down side is some dive shops who don't carry Sherwood can not, and or will not service them. But the design is very simple and very reliable (except for the SR-1). Also look for NITROX ready or compatable regulators. NITROX is big in the scientific diving community.

I don't know if you know, but Long Beach State is doing a Scinetific Diver course starting next week.

Thanks, I didnt know about LBS had the program, but one of my professors is setting me up with a friend of his at UCLA that does it.

So basically im looking for something not so bulky and light weight to lift into the back of the boat?