scuba diver![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Person who practices scuba diving; the diver wears diving gear and carries equipment that makes it possible to stay underwater for as long as the air supply lasts.
fin ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Rubber or plastic flipper that is attached to the foot and improves the diver’s propulsion in the water.
regulator second stage ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Apparatus that changes the pressure of the air coming from the regulator first stage to the pressure of the ambient air; the diver breathes this air in through a mouthpiece.
inflator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Apparatus that inflates the buoyancy compensator; it often includes a mechanical system attached to the regulator as well as a mouthpiece for inflating it manually.
inflator valve ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Unit that controls the amount of air entering the buoyancy compensator.
mouthpiece ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part for inflating the buoyancy compensator by blowing.
purge valve ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device for releasing air from the buoyancy compensator.
thermometer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Instrument for measuring the water’s temperature.
pressure gauge ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Apparatus for measuring the cylinder’s air pressure; this indicates to the diver how much air is available.
depth gauge ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Apparatus indicating the diver’s depth.
blade ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Thrusting part of the fin that is an extension of the foot pocket; its length and stiffness determine its thrusting power.
rail ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Side reinforcement of the fin; it makes the blade stiffer and improves the fin’s efficiency.
boot ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Synthetic rubber boot that protects the foot and ankle from the cold and from being rubbed by the fin.
wet suit ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Insulating outfit made out of synthetic rubber; a small amount of water is usually allowed to seep in and assume the diver’s body temperature.
diving glove ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of synthetic rubber that covers the hand and wrist to protect them from the cold and from being hurt by underwater objects, plants and animals.
emergency regulator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Regulator second stage that is connected by a hose to the regulator first stage; it is used to supply air to a diver in difficulty.
compressed-air cylinder ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device containing air of diminished volume due to pressure; it stores air that can be used by the diver to move underwater.
buoyancy compensator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Float device whose volume of air can be increased or decreased at will to stabilize the diver underwater; it can be used to return to the surface and to keep afloat without effort.
weight belt ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Fabric sash worn around the waist; it contains a variable number of weights to compensate for the diver’s natural flotation.
air hose ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Flexible tube that connects the regulator first stage to the emergency regulator.
regulator first stage ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Apparatus attached to the cylinder valve that lowers the air pressure coming from the cylinder to an intermediate value (medium pressure).
harness ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of equipment with straps and suspenders; the diver uses it to carry one or more cylinders of compressed air on the back.
mask ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Watertight part that is made up of glass surrounded by a rubber skirt; it covers the nose and eyes and provides good visibility underwater.
hood ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Synthetic rubber cap that covers the head and neck to protect them against the cold.
snorkel ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Rigid or flexible tube that enables the diver to breathe from just under the surface without lifting the head out of the water; it provides a comfortable and efficient position for swimming.