Scuba Tank

The tank is a metal cylinder that holds the compressed air the diver will breathe underwater. They are breathing a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that will last for different amounts of time, depending on how deep they are going underwater.

Mask and Snorkel

The mask is worn over the diver's eyes and nose and allows them to see underwater. It is important to clean your mask before each dive so you can see clearly. There are also techniques for cleaning your mask while underwater. The snorkel is used for breathing while swimming on the surface to save all the air in the tank for the dive.

Regulator

The regulator hose and mouthpiece transfer air from the tank to the diver. It is called a regulator because it regulates, or controls, the flow of compressed air into the diver's mouth so they can breathe normally. There is also a gauge attached to another hose that shows how much air is in the tank. The dive computer on the gauge keeps track of data from the dive like depth, time, and temperature, so it can be recorded in the diver's log.

BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) Vest

This vest holds the air tank that the diver breathes from and can be inflated or deflated to help the diver stay neutrally buoyant, or level, in the water. BCDs have lots of clips and pockets that can hold weights or other equipment the diver might need.

Gloves

Gloves are used underwater to keep your hands warm and protected from things in the water. Divers want their gloves to be thick enough for warmth, but thin enough to perform tasks like writing or taking pictures.

Compass

A compass, usually worn on a diver's wrist or clipped to their BCD, helps the diver stay oriented while underwater. Sometimes the darkness or things floating in the water can make diving disorienting, so a compass is very important.

Fins

Fins are long pieces of plastic, rubber, or other material that divers wear on their feet to help propel them through the water quickly and efficiently. Fins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Camera

Underwater cameras are protected by plastic boxes, called housings, so the camera will work without getting wet. Some divers take pictures for fun, but photography is also an important part of all underwater research.

Dive Slate

A dive slate is a clipboard that allows divers to write and draw underwater. Scientific divers use dive slates, mechanical pencils, and underwater paper called Mylar to record data.

Flashlight

Powerful underwater flashlights help divers see when it is dark or when there is limited visibility. This means that there are things in the water, like sand, silt, or plants, that make it difficult to see.