Necessary Snorkeling Equipment

• The only equipment necessary for snorkeling is a mask and tube. Snorkel masks come in a range of quality and costs, from silicon and tempered glass to rubber and plastic lenses. The mask is designed to keep out water and offer the swimmer a clear view of aquatic life. Snorkeling tubes are flexible; they attach to the mask and connect the the swimmer to the air above the water. Snorkelers must swim close to the surface because of the tube, but they can dive below and blow water from their tubes when they return to air.
  
  

Optional Snorkeling Gear

• Dry snorkel tubes have a device that blocks water from entering the tube, and the snorkeler doesn't need blow out water when she returns to the surface. Snorkel vests increase buoyancy for inexperienced swimmers and allow the snorkeler to float easily, but swimmers wearing vests cannot dive. Snorkel fins offer easy and fast movement underwater.
  
  

Basic Scuba Gear

• Scuba divers wear masks for visibility and have snorkel tubes for breathing near the surface. Swim fins are required for scuba diving because they make it possible to swim easily with heavy equipment such as tanks and in high water pressure. Scuba booties are worn to protect the feet from rocks and blisters from the fins. Scuba weights and belts help offset the buoyancy of a diver's body and equipment. Divers wear wetsuits to keep their bodies warm. Wetsuits take in a layer of water between the suit and diver, and body heat warms the water.
  
  

Advanced Scuba Gear

• A buoyancy control device is a vest that holds the scuba tank and other equipment and can inflate so the diver can float. Gauges on the BCD tell the diver the air consumption, time and depth, and regulators reduce the air in the tank to the water pressure of the dive and attach to the mouthpiece. Tanks are attached to the BCD and store oxygen for the diver, allowing him to explore the depths.