Decompression Class Equipment Guide

Below is a list of equipment for use in your decompression training. Please do not shop based on this list alone! This list is generic as a checklist before your course. I suggest buying equipment from your local dive store whenever possible which is why this list doesn’t recommend brands or models. Please contact me with questions regarding purchasing new gear so I can set you up for success. The specific equipment I use is listed on my recommended gear page.

Backmounted doubles, sidemounted independent doubles, and CCR are the 3 configurations appropriate for the deco environment. An introductory course, or verifiable experience in that configuration, is necessary to not only take the course, but also to maximize your time and money.

  • Two masks, ideally low profile
  • Stiff  “tech style” fins
    • Dive Rite, Deep6, scubapro jets, etc.
  • Exposure protection adequate for 40-60min dives in the water temperature we’re diving in.
  • Hoods are preferred.
  • If you’re using a drysuit you must have extensive experience using it.
  • Any dives on shipwrecks require gloves.
  • Dual cylinders (sidemount or backmount) with volume appropriate for planned dive and for your gas consumption
    • AL80s are the minimum appropriate size – LP85s or LP104s are preferred
  • Two independent first (DIN) and second stage regulators
      • One regulator equipped with a long hose that has a minimum length of 2 metres / 7 feet and clip for securing
      • One regulator on a shorter hose with a necklace
  • Submersible pressure gauge(s) – analog or wireless transmitters
  • BCD with power inflator
  • Decompression cylinder(s)
    • Oxygen clean regulator.
    • Button gauges are appropriate for deco cylinders.
    • Suggest using standard style rigging for deco cylinders.

Decompression cylinder with standard rigging and markings.

  • Cutting device
  • Multi-gas dive computer
  • Wrist slate (elastic attachment) AND/OR Wet notes
  • Backup mask
  • Lights are recommended for deep dives.

Examples of common accessories for decompression dives.

  • Surface marker buoy with reel or spool.
    • Reel or spool needs enough line to blow a lift bag from depth.
  • Backup surface marking device and line.
  • Strobes are optional but encouraged for wreck diving.

Examples of signaling devices for deco diving.

  • Extra double ender boltsnap
  • Proper clips and storage for all accessory equipment on you body – thigh pockets or “tech shorts”.
    • You want the least amount of things clipped outside your pockets.
    • Christmas tree (pocket dump) approach is the best method for pocket use.
    • I highly encourage thigh pockets and strongly discourage buttpouches.
  • Proper storage for all equipment (bag, crate, etc) that can be easily stowed on the vessel.

A thigh pocket with bungee or paracord reduces the chance of losing accessories and allows for a quick pocket dump.

Be sure to label your gear – tech divers tend to have a lot of the same stuff. Some examples of labeling:

  1. At a minimum, have all gear initialed. 
  2. Electrical tape is a great way to mark your clips.
  3. Diving Labels (https://www.divinglabels.com/) are great because they’re reflective.

Often overlooked – the most important piece of gear is you and your body.

  • Show up rested, hydrated and clear headed.
  • Bring a water bottle.
  • Dive site comfort items (be prepared for sun, heat, rain and always have a snack!).
    • Drybag
    • Hat/reef-safe sunscreen/sunshirt
    • Motion sickness medication

Save a dive kit

Every diver should have backups but boat diving doesn’t allow for an entire toolbox of gear. At a minimum:

  • Batteries for backup lights, computer, etc
  • DIN o-rings
  • Wrenches and allen keys
  • Tape and sharpies for labeling.
  • Zipties
  • Mouthpieces
  • Extra boltsnaps and double enders

Using the equipment

A properly equipped deco diver is streamlined, organized and in control – both in and out of the water.

Here is a guide to properly sizing a backplate.

Here is a guide on being efficient out of the water.

As a backmount diver entering the deco environment you should feel comfortable:

  • Estimating cylinder pressure throughout the dive based on depth and time.
  • Deploying and stowing the longhose.
  • Valve shut down drills.
  • Hovering at a fixed depth, motionless, with ankles or knees touching.
  • Maintaining horizontal trim.
  • Frog kicking.

As a sidemount diver entering the deco environment you should feel comfortable:

  • Estimating cylinder pressure throughout the dive based on depth and time.
  • Switching regulators one handed, with your eyes closed.
  • Deploying and stowing the longhose.
  • Valve shut down drills.
  • Hovering at a fixed depth, motionless, with ankles or knees touching.
  • Maintaining horizontal trim.
  • Frog kicking.

As a CCR diver entering the deco environment you should feel comfortable:

  • Manually maintaining a setpoint.
  • Using your HUD
  • Estimating dil and O2 pressure throughout the dive based on depth and time.
  • Semiclosed ccr mode.
  • Hovering, motionless, with ankles or knees touching.
  • Maintaining horizontal trim.
  • Frog kicking.

Things to Avoid

Deco diving is a niche activity. There are items which are not appropriate for this environment.

  • Split fins
  • Snorkels
  • Retractors
  • Tank bangers/noise makers
  • Integrated inflators/alternate air source
  • Cave cookies/arrows – not necessary in the ocean.