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By the end of this topic, you should be able to answer these questions: 1 What are the guidelines for selecting masks for the Tec 40 level? 2 What makes a suitable spare mask for tec diving and why is a backup mask necessary? 3 Do Tec 40 Divers need a snorkel? 4 What are the guidelines for selecting fins for the Tec 40 level? Masks The ideal mask for technical diving is low volume, to maximize field of vision and streamlining. Straps should be secured and not dangle. As with recreational diving, a good fit is the most important feature. Generally, if it fits you well, the mask you use for recreational scuba diving should work for tec diving too. Divers scootering their DPVs. Photo credit Aqualung/Apeks A back up mask is mandatory for technical diving. Although mask problems/losses are rare, having a backup mask avoids the need to ascend and decompress without a mask or with a leaking mask in the event your primary mask is not fully functional. Backup masks should be the same fit and quality as your primary mask and must be prepared and stowed, usually in a pocket, before every dive, ready to be used. Your backup mask should have corrective lenses, if you need them to read your instruments. Small, frameless or flexible masks can be easier to stow until required. Full Face Masks Full face masks are not widely used for open circuit tec diving, due to the additional challenges of gas switching and sharing. They may be used for specialist applications, especially when communication systems are needed and when the whole dive team uses the same system. They also can be beneficial in very cold water and to reduce the risk of drowning in event of an oxygen convulsion. Although, there are full face masks that permit a diver to easily change gases and use standard second stages that can be shared with divers using a “half” face mask. These masks may meet the standardized equipment requirements. Snorkels Tec divers usually don’t wear a snorkel because, in tec diving equipment, a snorkel tends to be an entanglement hazard and can interfere with gas sharing. Sometimes tec divers use a folding/collapsible snorkel that they can stow for the dive if they have a surface swim and need to save gas.. Fins Full sized open heel fins (appropriate to your size) are generally recommended. Although your recreational diving fins may be suitable, those designed for snorkeling or warm water recreational diving may not work for technical diving, so check with your instructor. Diver over bottom wearing sidemount and blue fins Photo credit Aqualung/Apeks Open heel, full blade fins are usually preferred as they give more power and diversity of fin techniques. Very soft fins may not provide enough power or be suitable for some propulsion techniques (particularly back kicking). Check the fit of your fins. The foot pocket should be comfortable and secure to enable you to fin effectively and with precision. You may need more than one pair of fins if you dive in different suits/boots (dry suit or wetsuit). Different fins have different buoyancy characteristics. Choose fins with the right buoyancy characteristics to help achieve good trim. Heavier (more negatively buoyant) fins can help combat the “floaty feet” that some divers have in a dry suit, but shouldn’t cause feet to drag or difficulty finning. Lighter fins may help wetsuit divers keep their feet up in a good trim position and avoid accidentally damaging or disturbing the bottom. Being lighter is also beneficial for traveling. Tec diver showing pouch at bottom of back plate Photo credit Aqualung/Apeks Fin straps should be secured and not dangle or create an entanglement hazard. Spring heel straps are a good option and commonly used by technical divers because they’re very strong, nothing dangles, they don’t need adjustment and are easy to don and remove. Check your fin strap design for entanglement concerns.