Alert Diver Category: Gear

Dive masks are critical pieces of dive gear enabling someone to do so much. Get the basics on dive masks.

To pee or not to pee? That is not the question for technical divers, instructors, or others who spend long hours in the water. Proper hydration and comfort ensure that urine will flow. The question is, What’s the best way to handle it? 

Equipment can prove necessary in a dive emergency — but do you know what to stock? From glow sticks to knives, it’s important to be prepared for all scenarios. Learn about equipment options for all kinds of dive and boat emergencies.

Nitrox, or enriched air, is a valuable tool for recreational divers. Use of nitrox can lower the risk of decompression sickness or even extend a diver’s bottom time. Read more about nitrox.

The decision to sustainably harvest marine life can spark vigorous discussions among divers. Regardless of your views, there are benefits to understanding the equipment, procedures, and dangers associated with spearfishing.

Surface marker buoys are inflated underwater and sent to the surface as a signal. This minimizes the time a diver spends at the surface waiting for a rescue. The marker can help save lives. Read more about choosing the right marker.

What do you do when your dive computer fails? With the right backup instruments and techniques, you can keep diving safely. Learn more.

Many divers seek interactions with sharks, but others actively seek to avoid them. As long as sharks are in the water, people will look for ways to reduce the lethality of a shark bite or decrease encounters altogether. 

How versed are you in buoyancy control? Proper buoyancy is key to a successful dive and it is in part due to weighting. Read more about weighting yourself correctly .

Signaling gear is incredibly useful in a variety of situations — including when the boat leaves without you. Here’s how to purchase signaling gear and what to do.