Underwater diving, underwater diving is a type of scuba diving in the overhead environment. It is quite a risky type of diving, requiring special training.
Ice diving is carried out in the cold period of the year with the use of special equipment, safety equipment and the passage of a special course of training by the scuba diver. Such dives are carried out by athletes through special ice-holes, arranged in the ice cover of freshwater or sea water body at water temperature within the range of -1.9 to + 4 *C poor visibility and illumination with limitation of quick exit to the surface.
Sportsman’s equipment for ice diving
Set of equipment for ice diving differs from the summer gear and includes the following accessories:
- a winter rubber suit (dry version) with a special insulation;
- a special diving mask that covers the whole face of the athlete;
- flippers (without heel, with heel) selected taking into account a wetsuit (2-3 sizes bigger)
- a scuba tank consisting of two cylinders, mouthpieces, connecting hoses, regulators, pressure gauge.
The equipment should also include:
- saw;
- ice axe;
- a special alpine pole
- needed to cut an ice hole in the ice.
Additional equipment:
- powerful flashlight in a sealed case for scuba diving;
- scuba diver’s belt with additional weight in the range 1.5 – 3 kg with the ability to adjust the weight depending on the weight of the athlete;
- safety rope, which helps to navigate underwater and return to the dive site;
- rubber gloves with a heater.
Divers in winter must wear thermal underwear which helps to maintain body temperature during diving.
Ensuring safety when diving under the ice
When diving in winter time it is necessary to observe a number of rules:
- the regulating apparatus of the scuba must be made of special material resistant to low temperatures;
- It is desirable to use a wetsuit with inlet and outlet valves for gas supply and etching to go under the ice;
- Be proficient in maintaining neutral buoyancy to ensure that you are safely under the ice
- be familiar with all lifeline signals.
During the ice diving competition, the organizers must ensure all safety measures, including medical assistance.
The best option when diving under the ice is the descent of two athletes at the same time, and the third participant performs the safety net with the help of a lifeline.
Procedures for diving under the ice
Preparing a scuba dive under the ice requires specific operations:
- preparing the icehole for the dive;
- Providing a warm tent or vehicle for athletes to change into;
- fixing a safety rope on the diver’s belt;
- before diving to check the regulating equipment of gas supply;
- after the dive periodically give conditional signals.