TRAINING ASSOCIATIONS:

• NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors):

NAUI offers general and specialized training for all diving enthusiast.  It is an accredited organization that mainly focuses on safety issues.
 
• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors):

PADI, like its competitor NAUI, trains divers of all levels and interests.  Many resorts and dive shops offer training through PADI.  PADI is also a recognized organization.
 
• ONSITE CLASSES:

Many resorts and marinas will offer training classes and lectures on diving.  So if you're planning a vacation and only want "one-time training," be sure to ask an employee at the resort beforehand about the training programs that are offered.

• CERTIFICATION:

Certification is recommended for anyone interested in diving and seriously pursuing the sport.   Most professional organizations offer certification after completion of their dive classes.

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• SNORKEL EQUIPMENT:

Mask:  A low volume, tempered-lens mask should be used.  The low volume mask will not apply as much pressure to the face when diving, and the tempered glass will prevent it from shattering.  The skirt (rim) of the mask should be made of a soft material that will create a seal; silicon and rubber are recommended.

Fins & Booties:  Fins should be flexible enough to allow efficient kicks but strong enough to push the water  for movement.  Generally, these kinds of fins are open-heeled and require booties.   To insure a correct fit, you should try the booties on and point the toes as you would while swimming.  The booties should fit comfortably like a shoe.

Snorkels:  Snorkels are used in diving, especially when travelling on the surfce of the water.  They prevent the diver from wasting tank air.  The barrel should not be too long or too narrow , because it will inhibit breathing.

Gloves:  Gloves are optional, but provide warmth and protection for the hands when diving in deep water where the temperatures are below 40 F.
 
 

• DIVING EQUIPMENT:

Regulators:  There are two stages to a regulator:  the primary and secondary stages.  Both stages serve to reduce air pressure as it flows from the tank.  The first stage has a high presssure port that receives the pressurized air.  There are  2-3 more ports used to connect to the secondary stage, and also to other hoses.  The secondary stage is the part of the regulator that fits directly into the diver's mouth to delivers air for breathing.  There is another connection is to the pressure gauge, which monitors depth and air supply.  Other connections are optional (but recommended) and are used to connect to power inflators and an alternative secondary stage.

Buoyancy Jackets:  Buoyancy Jackets are simply inflatable jackets that help divers control their depth.  The idea is to use the positive, negative, and neutral  buoyancy to rise up, sink down, or stay in one place.  All jackets can be inflated manually;  however, most are inflated by the power inflator, which receives its air from the tank supply.

Weight Belts, Tanks, and Wet Suits:
Weight Belts are belts worn tightly around the diver's waist to help the him/her submerge further into the water.

Tanks are the devices in which the diver's air supply is stored.  Divers should be sure that all tanks are tested for pressure capacity and internal damage such as rust before each use.

Wet suits serve as a source of protection and warmth.  There are several varieties of wet suits, each having different insulating qualities.  Before purchasing/renting a wet suit, be sure  to know the temperature of the water at the depth that you are planning to dive.

PURCHASING AND RENTING EQUIPMENT:
All of the above mentioned and much more can be purchased or rented through any dive shop.  Much of the equipment ranges in price according to name brands and special features.  Therefore, it may be more financially advisable to rent some of the equipment.  Purchasing snorkeling equipment instead of renting is also a good idea, since much of teh equipment is personal and fitted to a specific individual.  An estimated range for cost of snorkeling equipment is anywhere between $150-$350.  Purchasing the other pieces of equipment could cost around $1000 or more.  But renting, depending on the dive shop and package, cost around $50-$100.  Of course, it may be possible to find better prices, or even more expensive equipment.  It all depends on what you are looking for.