Equipment for recreational dives (<40m) in Switzerland

 

  1. Primary and Backup Dive Lights: Essential for better visibility in Swiss lakes, where ambient light diminishes significantly.
  2. Depth Gauge / Dive Computer: A reliable dive computer is crucial for tracking depth, time, and decompression limits. Many divers carry a backup depth gauge as well.
  3. Surface Signalling Device: Such as a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy), to signal boats or shore if needed.
  4. Buoyancy Control Device (BCD): Essential for managing buoyancy accurately at deeper depths, where compressed gas volume changes more rapidly. We recommend a backplate, wing, and harness system that can support a single tank.
  5. Regulator Setup: A reliable regulator and octopus with environmental protection (cold water kit) and a Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG). In Switzerland 2 first stages are mandatory. 
  6. Wetsuit or Dry suit: Depending on the water temperature at depth. A 7mm wetsuit can be used summertime for depths up to 18-25 meters. A dry suit with a warm undergarment is necessary due to temperature drops deeper or winter months. Dry gloves are optional: minimal are wet gloves. A 7mm hood is absolutely necessary all year round. 
  7. Dive Knife or Cutting Tool: For safety, in case of entanglement in fishing lines.
  8. Dive flag (blue/white) on shore and visible from boats is mandatory per team. 
  9. Optional but recommended equipment can include redundant air sources (like a pony bottle) and slates for recording information.

Equipment for Deco dives (<60m) in Switzerland
The required equipment becomes more specialized to support extended range and decompression diving. 

  1. Double Cylinder Setup or Side mount Cylinder Setup: You’ll need a twinset (double cylinders) with an isolation manifold or a pair of side mount cylinders. This is necessary to provide adequate gas supply and redundancy.
  2. Stage/Decompression Cylinders: Typically one (<45m) or two (<60m) stage cylinders, each with a separate regulator and contents identified (often oxygen-rich or other decompression gases) to aid in controlled ascents and decompression stops.
  3. Two Complete Regulators: When diving doubles each regulator should have a second stage. One should have a long hose for gas sharing the other should have a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). When diving side mount each regulator should have a second stage, along with a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One should have a long hose for gas sharing.
  4. Dive Computer(s): A dive computer that can handle multiple gas mixes (for switching gases underwater) or a depth gauge and bottom timer if diving with tables. Many tec divers carry a backup computer or minimum a Depth Gauge.
  5. Wing and Harness System or side mount system: A backplate, wing, and harness system that can support double tanks is ideal. The wing should have sufficient lift to manage both the primary tanks and any stage cylinders. A dedicated side mount system is strongly recommended and SM divers should not rig side mount tanks on a backplate. 
  6. Redundant Lift: For added safety, many divers use a double-bladder wing or carry a lift bag or DSMB or use their dry suit as an alternative in case of wing failure.  
  7. SMBs and Reels: Surface marker buoys (SMBs) and reels are necessary for signalling and controlled ascents, especially if there are multiple decompression stops.
  8. Dive Lights: Primary and backup dive lights for visibility and signalling. 
  9. Redundant Mask: A backup mask is often carried in case of loss or damage at depth.
  10. Wet notes/Slate: For recording deco stops, dive plans, or other important information underwater.
  11. Dive Knife/Cutting Tool: To manage potential entanglements.
  12. Back-Up Oxygen Analyzer: You may need access to an analyser to check gas mixes before diving.
  13. Exposure Suit: A dry suit with appropriate undergarments is mandatory in Switzerland due to the longer bottom times and colder conditions at depth.
  14. Dive flag (blue/white) on shore and visible from boats is mandatory per team.