With the rise of the deep-sea exploration craze, more and more diving enthusiasts are devoting themselves to the mysterious underwater world. However, the deep-sea environment is complex and changeable, and ensuring safety is the primary prerequisite for diving activities. Before deep-sea diving, adequate preparation and appropriate equipment are essential.
Before diving, professional training is the first priority. Divers need to receive systematic deep-sea diving courses in professional institutions and learn all kinds of knowledge and skills in depth. For example: master the correct breathing techniques, pressure balance methods and emergency procedures. At the same time, a comprehensive physical examination is essential. Deep-sea diving has high requirements for physical functions, so for patients with hypertension, heart disease and ear diseases, they need to participate cautiously under the professional evaluation and advice of doctors.
The selection of diving equipment cannot tolerate any carelessness. A set of high-quality diving suits that fit the body is the first layer of protection for divers against cold and water impact.
1. Diving suit
Among diving suit materials, chloroprene has excellent comprehensive performance. It has good endurance, elasticity, warmth retention and durability. It can not only effectively maintain body temperature and avoid hypothermia caused by low body temperature, but also prevent the body from being scratched by sharp marine organisms or reefs to a certain extent. How to choose the thickness of chloroprene diving suit?
Below 3 mm
Diving suits of this thickness are suitable for use in water temperatures above 26°C. For example, in shallow waters in tropical or subtropical areas, the water temperature is high, and thinner diving suits will not make divers feel stuffy, but also provide certain protection and buoyancy.
3-5 mm
Applicable when the water temperature is between 20℃-26℃. For example, in the summer in some temperate waters, diving suits of this thickness can not only ensure that divers' body temperature will not be lost too quickly, but also enable them to move relatively flexibly in the water.
5-7 mm
Suitable for environments with water temperatures of 15℃-20℃. In some sea areas in spring and autumn when the water temperature is lower, diving suits of this thickness can effectively help divers keep warm.
7mm or more
If the water temperature is below 15℃, a diving suit thicker than 7mm is required. For example, in cold deep sea or high-latitude waters, thicker diving suits can block the cold for divers and ensure that the core temperature of the body is not too low.
2. Mask
The choice of the mask should ensure that it fits tightly with the face to prevent seawater leakage from affecting the vision. At the same time, a high-quality mask can provide a clear and wide field of view, so that divers do not miss the wonderful details of the underwater world. The following aspects should be considered when choosing a high-quality mask:
Fitness
This is a key factor. You can gently place the mask on your face without using the mask strap. If the mask fits tightly with the face and does not leak when you press the edge lightly, it is more suitable. For example, some brands of masks are designed according to the facial contour characteristics of Asians or Europeans to make them fit better.
Field of view
A high-quality mask should provide a wide and clear field of view, allowing you to better appreciate the surrounding environment and observe potential dangers underwater. Some masks with dual lenses or large lenses have a wider field of view than traditional single-lens masks.
Anti-fog performance
Good masks will have anti-fog coating or anti-fog lenses, which can effectively reduce underwater fogging. Some masks can maintain a clear view throughout the diving process after applying special anti-fog agent before use.
Comfort
The silicone skirt should be soft and elastic, so that it can fit the face without pressure, reducing facial pain and indentation caused by long diving. In addition, the mask strap should also be comfortable and adjustable in length for easy wearing.
Durability
The mask frame should preferably be made of sturdy and durable materials such as polycarbonate, and the lenses should be scratch-resistant and wear-resistant to ensure that they will not be damaged under normal use and minor collisions.
3. Breathing regulator
The breathing regulator can be called the "life guardian" of divers, and the stability of its performance is directly related to the oxygen supply during diving. A reliable breathing regulator can accurately adjust the gas pressure according to the changes in diving depth, ensuring that every breath is smooth and natural, and continuously and stably providing divers with oxygen for survival. The following aspects can be considered when selecting a high-quality breathing regulator:
Performance
(1) Smoothness of air flow: The second stage of a high-quality breathing regulator can provide smooth and stable airflow at any depth and breathing intensity. For example, at a depth of 30 meters underwater, there will be no feeling of suffocation or sudden increase in breathing resistance during normal breathing.
(2) Pressure regulation accuracy: The first stage must be able to accurately convert the high-pressure gas in the cylinder into stable medium-pressure gas. When the cylinder pressure changes, its output pressure fluctuates very little to ensure stable air supply from the second stage.
Material
Breathing regulators are often in contact with seawater. High-quality ones are usually chrome-plated or made of special corrosion-resistant alloys, such as brass chrome-plated, to prevent seawater erosion and extend service life. The outer shell should be sturdy and able to withstand certain impacts and pressures. The internal diaphragms, valves and other components should be made of high-quality materials to ensure that they are not easily damaged under frequent use and complex environments. Such as high-quality silicone, high-quality polyoxymethylene (POM) or corrosion-resistant titanium alloy.
Safety function
(1) Anti-choking design: It has a good drainage and anti-water ingress mechanism. For example, when a diver accidentally immerses part of the regulator in water or encounters the impact of waves, the water can be quickly discharged to prevent choking.
(2) Air leakage protection: When there is an abnormal air supply, such as excessive gas flow, the air can be discharged in time to avoid harm to the diver.
In the vast and unknown area of the deep sea, every subtle link, every preparation, and the condition of every piece of equipment are closely related to the life and death of the diver. Only with the most rigorous attitude and full preparation, equipped with the most sophisticated and reliable equipment, can divers build a safety line for themselves in the thrilling journey of exploring the mysteries of the deep sea, and enjoy the unique fun and unlimited excitement brought by diving.
In the next issue, we will bring you the explanation and selection skills of depth gauges and diving computers, cylinders, fins and weight systems.