Before I go into a description of equipment you may need for Tech Diving, I want to offer my opinion about making your purchase. I am not trying to endorse any product or retail sales outlet. What I will share are details about the types of equipment I have purchased, use and have observed on the work bench. My suggestions are based on personal experience and are shared in the context of managing risk.
Let’s face it, this amazing sport we engage in – SCUBA Diving, does pose some risk. This is the reason why we train, why we stay in shape, and constantly read and learn from other diver experiences and knowledge.
One risk we are always exposed to in diving is that of equipment failure. This could be a simple problem like a slow leaking hose, or a catastrophic issue resulting in the quick loss of our air supply. When we were first certified as Open Water divers, we learned many important skills like buddy breathing, and how to perform an emergency ascent. Although useful at depths within the recommended limit of 60 feet for Open Water divers, these would be of little help if you were doing a technical dive at 130 feet. Even though we could never completely mitigate the probability of any of these happening, we can still take some steps to help reduce the risk of their occurrence.
Yes, SCUBA gear can be expensive … very expensive. When purchasing gear for tech diving like bands to pair up tanks as doubles, left and right post valves, crossbar manifold with isolator valve, Deco bottle and harness with associated valve, first and second stages, BC plates and wings, and a dive computer that is suited for diving beyond your No Decompression Limits (NDL), you will have several brand names and vendors to choose from. But another set of choices besides the traditional dive shop or online retailer purchase is available. This one is the used SCUBA gear market. Don’t get me wrong – you can find some great deals but, in the end, you get what you pay for. I have seen used gear purchased through some of the online groups out there. Some of the gear I have seen is in good working condition. Other items however … how do I say this … will substantially increase the probability of a catastrophic event happening. Not long ago, when servicing some tank valves, I found doubles gear so old and badly maintained that a knob fell apart when trying to remove it and some rubber parts no longer worked. I am glad that the individual who made the purchase brought the gear into our shop for servicing before attempting to dive. So, this is what I recommend.
First, if you can afford to purchase your Tech gear new, take time to research available products for durability, features and price. Check out consumer reports. Then, head out to your favorite dive shop and listen to their recommendations. In the end, choose a product you think will work well and that you will be happy with.
Second, if you are lucky and make a great purchase in the used market, take the gear to your favorite dive shop and have a certified technician check it and service it as needed. Buying your gear from a dive shop will help establish a relationship where you can benefit from their vast experience, and just as important, support your local economy.
Remember, that when diving, safety comes first. Take no chances..
Next time I will share more information about the equipment I use and will let you know why I chose a specific brand or model. Until then, dive-dive-dive and … be safe.