Assembling the Scuba Equipment

Primarily, the SCUBA unit consists of 3 components: the BCD, Scuba tank with valve and the regulator. BCD or Buoyancy Control Device is a standard equipment fixed for scuba diving. It regulates the buoyancy of the diver underwater by deflating or inflating the air inside the expandable bladder through the low-pressure inflator (Low-pressure inflator system fills the BCD with air directly from the tank and it is connected to the low pressure hose of the regulator). The air coming from the tank flows through the regulator as the diver inhales or inflates his BCD. The scuba regulator has two stages: a first stage, which will be attached to the tank valve, and the 2nd stage that has a mouthpiece where the diver will breathe. Submersible Pressure Gauge or SPG (Measures and shows the remaining air in the tank and the depth of the dive) and an extra second stage called alternate air source are also parts of the regulator. The high-pressure air is safely stored in the scuba tank.

Furthermore, a scuba tank is a cylindrical metal container. Most tanks are brightly colored and each has a valve with an O-ring (an O-shaped rubber), which makes an airtight connection with the regulator. When wearing a wet suit and because of the air we have in our lungs, we naturally float. A weight system or weight belts will control the positive buoyancy or allows the body to sink. The mask portrays a great role in scuba diving and without it, a diver can't see underwater. It creates an air space so that the eyes can focus since the light behaves differently in water than in the air.

As a result, the water makes everything blurry. To save tank air when the diver is still at the surface and looking down for something below or if he runs low on air and is still away from the boat or shore, the snorkel will do the job. Using fins, the diver can properly propel through the water surface, enabling him to move more efficiently and with greater thrust through the water. When wearing adjustable-strap fins, boots or booties is strictly to be used. It protects the feet from cuts, scrapes and bruises, while the suit (Dry suits can provide more insulation than wet suits by keeping the diver's body dry; consequently, they are the main option for a comfortable dive) protects the body and reduces heat loss.

The Proper Way

Adjust the strap band and slide the BCD onto the standing tank from the top. The valve opening should be facing the BCD - it is where the head of the diver will be. When the BCD is already positioned, secure the tank by tightening the strap band using the locking mechanism. It should be firmly braced by the strap band since the tank might slip under the water. To check if it's tight enough, lift the tank off the ground by holding the top of the BCD backpack and give it a little shake. If it doesn't move, it's securely attached. Connecting the regulator to the tank and the BCD follows. Remove the dust cap of the 1st stage of the regulator by loosening the yoke screw and make sure it should be free from accumulated water or debris. The tank valve opening should meet the first stage and the second stage hose would be at the right side of the BCD. Constrict the yoke screw until it is just finger tight. Attach the low-pressure hose of the regulator to the BCD low-pressure inflator. After assembling the scuba equipment, other standard operating procedures should be followed such as checking the air and it's operation, securing the hoses and streamlining the gears. Following the adjustments and then gearing up.