NURC/UNCW DIVING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A.  SCUBA CYLINDERS.  Must be visually inspected annually and hydrostatically tested at least every five (5) years.  Cylinders must be certified to PSI standards.  Cylinders shall be charged only with air or EANx certified as meeting established air or nitrox standards.

B.  REGULATORS.  Regulators are to be configured with a submersible pressure gauge, B.C. power inflator hose and/or dry suit inflator hose.

C. ALTERNATE AIR SOURCE.  An alternate air source must be in use at all times in the event of an out of air emergency.  (i.e.. Scubapro Air II, Sherwood Shadow, Spare Air or a safe second stage/octopus regulator is acceptable).

D. BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR.  B.C.’s must be capable of inflation by two separate sources, (excluding saturation diving use) and have an automatic and manually operated exhaust valve. (B.C.’s used with dry suits must not obstruct operation of the power inflator or exhaust valve).

NOTE:  If you plan to use your own personal diving equipment it must be in working order and in good repair.  Personal regulators, buoyancy compensators and power inflators must be serviced and tested at least every twelve (12) months. Any equipment in question may require as proof, a documented service record completed in the last twelve (12) months.

E. WEIGHT BELT. * (with one hand quick release buckle).

F. EXPOSURE SUIT. * (optional, but recommended). Orientation and checkout dive is required prior to using dry suits.

G.  FACE MASK,  SNORKEL,  FINS AND  DIVERS KNIFE. *

H.  DEPTH GAUGE.  (supplied on diver console).

I. DIVERS TIMER. * (i.e.., dive watch, dive computer or pressure-activated digital timer).

J. COMPASS. Required for Saturation Diving, otherwise optional. (Usually supplied on divers console).

K. SIGNAL DEVICE. * (i.e., whistle, flare, strobe light or chemical light stick).

L. DIVE LIGHTS. * (Required for night dives).

M. VOICE COMMUNICATIONS.  (i.e., SSB wireless through water communication).

N. FULL FACE MASK. (EXO-26 or AGA)-Required for voice communications.

O. DIVE COMPUTERS.  * Must be approved by the Center Diving Control Board (CDCB). All dives using dive computers require adherence to the AAUS  "Guidelines for the use of Dive Computers.”

(*) Indicates equipment supplied by each scientific diver.  All other equipment can be provided by NURC/UNCW.  Personal equipment may be substituted for program supplied equipment when meeting the requirements listed above and with the approval of the Center Diving Safety Officer (CDSO) or on-site Divemaster.