Gloves or no gloves

 

Scuba diving is a thrilling and exciting activity that allows people to explore the beauty of the underwater world. While diving, one of the most critical pieces of equipment is the scuba diving gloves. The debate over whether to use gloves or not is a common topic among divers. In this blog post, we will discuss the arguments for and against using gloves in scuba diving and when to use them.

Arguments for using gloves in scuba diving:

1. Protection against the environment: Scuba diving gloves provide protection against various marine life, such as sharp corals, spiny sea urchins, and jellyfish. It also helps to protect your hands from the cold water and possible skin irritations from sunblock, saltwater, or pollution.
2. Enhanced grip: Using gloves can provide better traction and grip, which is crucial when handling dive gear or climbing up the ladder of a dive boat.
3. Wetsuit protection: Gloves provide an extra layer of protection for wetsuits, which can be easily damaged by sharp objects or rough surfaces.
4. Safety during emergencies: If there is an emergency, such as an entanglement with a fishing net or rope, gloves can provide protection and prevent cuts or injuries while trying to free yourself.

Arguments against using gloves in scuba diving:

1. Sensory deprivation: Using gloves reduces sensitivity, which can be a disadvantage when trying to handle small or delicate marine life. This lack of sensitivity can also make it difficult to handle your dive gear accurately.
2. Environmental impact: Gloves can damage the fragile marine environment by disturbing and damaging delicate corals and other marine life. Touching marine life can also harm animals or plants, such as damaging their protective mucus layers or causing them to retreat.
3. Increased risk of entanglement: Gloves can increase the risk of entanglement when diving around structures or in overhead environments.

When to use gloves in scuba diving:

1. Cold water diving: If you are diving in cold water, gloves are essential to protect your hands from the cold and prevent heat loss.
2. Technical diving: Technical diving requires precision handling of equipment, and gloves can provide the necessary protection and grip.
3. Wreck diving: Wreck diving often involves sharp, rusted metal that can cause serious injuries. Gloves are crucial in these environments to prevent cuts or scrapes.
4. Search and recovery dives: During search and recovery dives, gloves are essential for handling potentially hazardous materials, such as broken glass, sharp metal, or hazardous waste.

In conclusion, the decision to wear gloves in scuba diving depends on the environment and the type of diving being done. Scuba diving gloves offer several advantages, such as protection and enhanced grip, but can also have disadvantages, such as sensory deprivation and environmental impact. It's important to consider these factors when deciding whether or not to use gloves while diving. Ultimately, the goal should always be to minimize the impact on the marine environment while ensuring your own safety and comfort during your dive.