Westchester Dive Information

What does SCUBA stand for?
Is learning to dive difficult?
What gear do I need for a dive trip?
How do I maintain my regulator hoses?
I need vision correction. Is this a problem?

What does SCUBA stand for?

Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Is learning to dive difficult?

No, learning to dive is easier than you think. PADI's entry level course consists of pool diving, knowledge development and open water dives. The course is performance based, meaning that you progress as you learn and demonstrate knowledge and skill.

What gear do I need for a dive trip?

Mask: This is essential for good visibility underwater. Goggles will put too much pressure the deeper you go underwater. Snorkel: This is used primarily to conserve the air in your tank at the surface. Fins: Try to move underwater without a pair of fins and you will understand the importance of scuba fins. Booties: Dive boots are a must for colder environments as they will protect your skin from the cold water. Mitts and Hood: Hoods are extremely important in colder climates. They protect your head, which has the potential to loose the most body heat underwater. Appropriate wet suit: Needed in cold water to proect your skin and useful in warm waters to protect your body from the elements such as stinging 'friends" of nature. Weight belt and enough weights: To help you stay down deep underwater. BCD (Buoyancy Control Device): To help you maintain your buoyancy both underwater and at the surface. Regulator with an octopus (alternate second stage), low-pressure inflator hose, and submersible pressure gauge: Regulators allow you to breath the air from your tank at low pressure. This is one of the most important components of your scuba gear checklist. Tanks (checked and filled): The tank stores the air that you need underwater to survive. There is an instrument that gauges the amount of air left in the tank to help you plan your dive. Dive computers: The deeper you dive, the more you need to be concerned about your decompression levels. Secondary accessories like knives, a sheath, collection bag, dive float, dive flag: These added extras, though often over-looked, can play an important role in your safety underwater. The better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy your underwater experience. Any potentially optional items for specialty equipment like lights and cameras: Dive lights are not only useful at night, but also in murky lake waters. Repair kits, First aid kits and oxygen kits: These items are of upmost importance. C-card and logbook: This refers to your open water certification card. The logbook keeps an account of the number of dives that you have made.

How do I maintain my regulator hoses?

1) Inspect hoses before every dive trip. Check for bulges, cracks, fraying or abrasions. Be sure to check under the hose protectors. 2) Replace damaged hoses. Always replace a damaged hose regardless of how insignificant the damage may seem. You life depends on it. 3) Rinse after every dive. Rinse your hoses after every dive. Be sure to push back the hose protectors and rinse underneath. 4) Do not fold hoses. Do not over-coil or fold hoses for travel or storage. For storage, hang the hoses straight. For travel, coil the hoses loosely with a 10-inch diameter in the middle. 5) Pack carefuly. Be cautious of hard and/or heavy objects during travel and storage. Hard objects, such as a plastic mask case, can dent hoses if heavy objects are stacked on top of them for a long period of time. 6) Apply protectant. Use a light application of silicon based spray protector to prevent dry-rot during storage.

I need vision correction. Is this a problem?

Probably not. Call or stop by our store and speak to us regarding your specific situation.