Equipment Needed for Underwater Clean-Ups
Eco-conscious divers, this one is for you. Want to start getting involved in ocean underwater cleanups? Or simply just want to be more prepared for any situation when you see waste underwater? Then keep reading because here are our top recommendations for diving equipment that you need to take during every dive adventure so you’re prepared and ready to clean up plastic that you spot underwater.
Why Are Ocean Clean Ups Important?
Our oceans are polluted with all different types of waste, plastic and debris that do not belong in the ocean. A study has predicted that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 if we do not act with plastic reduction now. Ocean debris has negatively impacted marine life across the globe. WWF reports 66% of marine mammals, half of all seabirds and every species of sea turtle have been negatively impacted by entanglement or ingestion of marine plastic.
We know waste management improvements and limits on single-use plastics are needed too. But ocean clean-ups are a great option for removing plastic that is already in the ocean.
Not all your dives have to be clean-up orientated, but if you come across some rubbish on a dive, you can make a difference by being prepared and taking underwater clean-up items. Now let’s get onto the list of gear that you need to take when conducting an ocean clean up.
Ocean debris bag
The most imprint dive gear you need to take on every dive so you’re prepared to transport the plastic is an ocean debris bag. It’s happened to me many times when I haven’t had a place to put plastic that I’ve found when diving. Then I end up having to carry the plastic around with me in my hands, which is annoying, uncomfortable and inconvenient. That’s when I should have brought a mesh bag with me to properly store the plastic in a bag!
Mesh bags are easily transportable when not in use, so you can just store them in your BCD pocket when it’s not needed.
Line Cutters/Dive Knife
Next up, we have the line cutters and dive knives. So if you’re in a situation where you need to cut plastic and lines away from objects, you can do that without difficulty using a nifty knife or cutter.
Gloves
Some objects that you pick up may be sharp and can quite easily cut your hand while picking up the waste. When diving, make sure to take some gloves with you. If you’re diving in cold waters, you’ll be wearing gloves anyway. But if you’re diving in warmer waters where you don’t necessarily need gloves, take a thin pair of gloves that you can easily store in your BCD pocket during your diving adventure. We have a wide range of thin and thick gloves to choose from on our store, check them out.
Important Things To Remember During Underwater Clean Ups
- Maintain your buoyancy and watch your fins. It is easy to get distracted while cleaning up so maintain awareness of your surroundings throughout your dive and when you’re picking up plastic.
- Assess the surroundings and check to see if there are any inhabitants before removing the plastic.
- If the item looks too heavy or bulky, leave it and make a note of the location for further dedicated attention.
We’re Here to Help
By being prepared for any plastic that you find in the ocean, you are helping to make an impact on rubbish removal in our oceans. Any small changes you make, whether it’s picking up one piece or 100 pieces of plastic, you’re making a great deal of difference to the ocean and marine life’s health.
If you have any questions about any of the product recommendations that we’ve featured, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com where we have a team of scuba diving professionals, here to assist you to make decisions on which dive gear will suit your needs. Or if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and come visit us in-store where you can take a look at the equipment for yourself and get a feel of which options you like best.