Slates and Diving Slates
Scuba diving is a complex pastime involving highly specific gear, difficult physical challenges, and little margin for error. When you’re underwater, communicating and keeping track of important information pertaining to your gear and surroundings isn’t as easy as on land.
To counter the challenges of scuba diving, divers use slates and diving slates for record keeping, data collection, and communication with fellow divers.
What is a Dive Slate?
A slate or diving slate is a compact, waterproof writing surface that most divers bring along for underwater note-taking and communication. Slates come in a few different sizes and configurations, but every variety provides a writable surface that won’t accidentally erase while under water.
Most divers use a lead, carbon, or graphite pencil to write on their diving slates. Pencils are ideal writing implements because they can write at any angle, aren’t affected by pressure changes, and don’t bleed, run, or clog like pens and markers.
Types of Slates and Diving Slates to Consider
The style of slate or diving slate you choose usually comes down to personal preference and the type of dives you do most frequently. Most diving slates attach to your BCD or your wrist for easy access.
Multi-Page Diving Slates
Some divers need plenty of space for writing detailed scientific notes or for mapping dive sites, so they prefer slates with multiple pages or cards that can only be erased above the surface by using a cleaning solution.
Scrolling Slates
Scrolling slates feature long scrolls of waterproof paper to let you write as much as you need without worrying about turning or securing pages as you go. Some scrolling diving slates even contain printable paper so you can bring along a pre-printed waterproof map, tables, or other important information.
Magnetic Slates
Many divers prefer magnetic slates for temporary note taking and communication. You can erase a magnetic slate with the push of a button, making it one of the easiest dive slates to use.
Diving Slate Accessories
Cleaning your dive slate between dives can be complicated without the right supplies. Slate cleaner fully removes writing so you can dive with a fresh writing surface free from traces of old notes.
The Best Brands for Slates and Diving Slates
Aqua Sketch, Innovative Scuba Concepts, XS Scuba, and Blue Reef offer high-quality, long-lasting slates and diving slates. Ensure safety and clear communication underwater by investing in reliable diving slates from these and other top brands.
