Support Equipment

Underwater work requires more than just a diver and a helmet. To stay dry he needs a tough suit or dress. With the helmet and suit he becomes more buoyant so weights are necessary. A clean and reliable air supply is mandatory. Communication with the surface is vital for safety and efficient work. Tools and equipment to support the diver and do the required tasks are just as essential. Many pieces go into making a successful dive. The best diver in the world is useless without the tools to make him effective.

After the war DESCO expanded its support equipment product offerings. A line of air compressors, miscellaneous equipment, and tools made the catalog in 1945. It might be apparent that these photos were taken at a time when TV was also Black & White. It has been a few years since these items made a DESCO catalog. The catalog pages changed over time and where possible we will present all available pages.

Diving Dresses (drysuits)

Commercial Dresses

Two Piece Dress & Clamp

Light Weight Back Entry Dress

The Lightweight Dress came in a couple of configurations.

The first was a suit with a face seal for using the Browne Mask.

The second had a mask frame permanently attached with a hinged faceplate.

The third came with a neck opening for the Browne Utility, Model 100, Model 106, or Buie Helmet.

Accessories for the Lightweight Suit.

Gloves & Mitts

Dress Accessories

Cuff Rings Cuff Expanders Helmet Cushion Divers

Underwear

Patching Dress Cuffs Rubber

Material Cement

Weightbelts & Shoes

Navy Heavyweight Quick Release Lightweight Pocket

Heavyweight Lightweight Sponge Commercial Sandal Type Chafing Shoes

Lead Sole Brass Sole Sandal Sandal

DESCO is offering leather shoes again. They are made to order and can be ordered in Black, Brown, or Tan. The uppers can be ordered separately as replacements.