Underwater Diving using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus is known as scuba diving. In scuba diving, divers carry their own supply of breathing air and other necessary equipment.

The Global Scuba Diving Equipment Market declined by almost 30 percent during the economic recession of 2009. However, it has recovered since then and is expected to witness increased demand for innovative and reliable scuba diving equipment in the future.

The market is highly competitive with several vendors supplying specialized diving gear with innovative features to consumers.
 

Related: top trends in the global bodyboard market

The Scuba Diving Equipment Market is currently growing at a steady rate and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.68 percent during the period 2013-2018.

We've pinpointed the top 19 scuba diving equipment manufacturers that are expected to help restore the market to it's former glory, and beyond!

“With its own line of innovative, yet value priced products sold in over 400 stores in the US and worldwide, AERIS has become recognized as a leader in the recreational scuba diving market. AERIS believes all divers, whether they dive once-a-day or once-a-year, deserve high performance gear that is effortless to use. Our designers and engineers value real solutions over trends, working constantly to unite the best of past and present technologies. The results are exceptional diving tools. Since 1998, AERIS products have been recognized by dive pros for outstanding performance and embraced by new divers for user-friendly features and intuitive operation. Any diver can dive AERIS, and AERIS can handle any dive.” 

“American Underwater Products (AUP) worldwide headquarters in San Leandro, California is a 120,000 square foot building that houses one of the most innovative and technologically advanced life-support equipment manufacturing facilities in the world. AUP’s team of engineers, product designers, and manufacturing experts is dedicated to the philosophy of excellence.  One distinguishing attribute that separates AUP from other manufacturers is the commitment to vertical integration. The vast majority of our products are designed, developed, manufactured, and tested in our own facilities. NO other dive company can make that statement.”

“We are an international team. For the past 40 years we've been bringing divers the best equipment money can buy. Form following function without compromise is our philosophy. We are creators, not copiers, and have a long list of firsts and exclusives. Look closely at our gear and you'll see a family of striking looking and solid feeling products. Look more closely and you'll see the details in terms of materials and innovations that work together to make diving easier, safer, and more comfortable.”

“Aqua Lung pioneered the creation of modern diving equipment more than 60 years ago, and continues to be the leading global designer and manufacturer of dive gear. With a deep commitment to quality, research and testing, Aqua Lung has revolutionized the scuba diving experience by setting industry standards for scuba equipment in technology, comfort, safety and design. The company’s rich history as an expert in the dive industry has led to the demand of Aqua Lung equipment for recreational, technical and military applications in more than 30 countries around the world, under numerous brand names.”

“Since 1983, AQUATEC was established in Taipei, Taiwan as an international diving manufacturer. In the early stage, AQUATEC started from developing Buoyancy Compensation Device (B.C.D.) and accessories. After decades of effort and devotion in diving equipment design and manufacturing, AQUATEC built a strong R&D team and obtained more high-tech manufacturing equipment for producing various diving products to meet global OEM and ODM business.”

“BAUER has been manufacturing high pressure compressors for over 60 years. From our humble beginnings in the BAUER family home in Munich, Germany in 1946 to our current status as an industry leader, BAUER has earned its reputation as the world's foremost innovative designer and manufacturer of high pressure compressors and purification systems.”

“The Company Beuchat has been involved in the development of all aspect of underwater activities. George Beuchat conducted many experimental dives and all the early developments in diving were conducted of the coast of Marseille. Over 40 years without any modifications. For more than sixty years Beuchat has been at the fore front in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of new products which have marked the history of diving and spearfishing. Distributed around the world into 80 countries, Beuchat is recognised worldwide as a market leader in the fields of Scuba Diving and Spear Fishing.”

“Since 1953, Body Glove has been all about water. Body Glove has established itself as the leading watersports brand in the world by providing innovative, high quality products that protect water, people, and enhance their lives. We will have a meaningful business in every surf and dive market in the world. Our brand and products are available to people who enjoy the oceans, lakes, rivers and water throughout the world. Body Glove will protect our environment through the way we make our products as well as through the organizations we support.”

“The power of a brand is often measured in sales and revenues, and sometimes by its influence or diversity. In all these categories, Cressi stands at the top of the water sports industry. With five divisions serving four distinct markets—scuba diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, swimming—it has established a solid presence in every major economic region around the globe, delivering products to more than 90 countries. Cressi has maintained its commitment to the development and manufacturing of its products at the Cressi facility in Italy. This assures consumers that Cressi gear is truly innovative and made to the highest quality standards rather than a duplication of familiar technology.”

“Dive Rite has grown from thirteen products to over three hundred products. Since 1997 has transformed into a worldwide dive equipment manufacturer with distribution in 68 countries all over the world. Twenty years after the first primary dive reel was sold, Dive Rite's pioneering spirit continues with the innovation and quality that goes into each and every product. Dive Rite has a proud history of supporting dive exploration, conservation and education, putting Dive Rite in the unique position as a leader in the worldwide technical diving marketplace.”

“Diving Unlimited International, Incorporated (DUI) is a diving equipment manufacturing company specializing in diver thermal protection and high performance diving equipment. Located in San Diego, California, DUI has been providing recreational, scientific, commercial and military divers with an UNLIMITED commitment to provide the highest quality products and services available. DUI's equipment is distributed through over 400 dealers in North America and exported worldwide through distributors in Europe, United Kingdom, Russia, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Mexico, Korea, and Brazil.”

“America's first choice for redundant breathing systems, H2Odyssey has been supplying the diving industry since 1986 and has built a solid reputation. We manufacture & distribute high quality adventure gear for diving and surfing markets. H2O supplies operations across the globe, innovating new products like the Extra Air Source and Torid Pulse. The Torid-Pulse is a high performance underwater system designed for fun! It is manufactured and tested by experienced divers.”

“Henderson’s continued expansion and innovation continues to propel its brands into the future. Henderson, Hyperflex and Neo Sport are now part of the Henderson Sport Group. The group of companies remains focused on Thermal protection and innovation and development of neoprene products. The Henderson Sport Group today is based in Millville, NJ just a few miles from the original Henderson Boatyard where the company was founded. The company brands are distributed worldwide and it remains focused on Style, Performance and Product innovation.”

“In 2012 Zeagle Systems was acquired by Huish Outdoors. Zeagle's inclusion in this new organization creates a powerhouse lineup that outfits a diver in the very best gear available today from head to toe. The success of Zeagle Systems with divers forced the industry to take another look at the benefits of integrated weights and today integrated weight systems represent the majority of buoyancy systems sold. Zeagle's patented Ripcord release system is still the most reliable and easiest to use release on the market and we have continued to evolve our buoyancy designs to offer custom sizing and options for unmatched flexibility.”

“Johnson Outdoors turns ideas into adventure with innovative, market-leading outdoor recreational products. The Company’s unique network model combines the strength and efficiency of a large organization with the creativity and agility of its entrepreneurial beginnings. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered double-digit compound annual revenue growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a nearly $400 million global enterprise with nearly 1,300 employees across 16 countries.”

“In 1949, Ludovico Mares designed and manufactured his first masks and spearguns with one dream and purpose in mind: To share his unbridled passion for the sea and diving with the rest of the world. At its birth, Mares was just one small factory in Rapallo, but now, only 60 years later, the Italian based company dominates the scuba diving world, and is at the forefront of new and innovative dive technologies. Over the past six decades, Mares has come a long way, by achieving new goals, taking diving to new and extreme heights and depths. The Mares name represents only the best in dive products.”

“During our storied 50 year history Sherwood Scuba has never strayed from its simple credo: produce the most durable, reliably engineered products in the diving industry. Sherwood products are robustly engineered for dependable performance in the most rigorous real world conditions, and are specifically designed and precisely manufactured to perform consistently in all environments. Faithful adherence to this credo has resulted in the design and manufacture of some of the most successful diving products ever produced, and has maintained Sherwood’s status as one of the preeminent brands in the diving industry for over 50 years.”

“Established in 1969, Saekodive designs, builds and markets various kinds of high quality diving equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, knives, retractors, wreck reels, lights and many other accessories. Saekodive has been recognized by customers worldwide for consistently delivering products of highest quality and reliability. Concerning diving equipment, Saekodive is not only a manufacturer and exporter but also a supplier for local market. 10% of our products are sold in domestic market while 90% of them are exported worldwide, including Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.”

”SEASOFT SCUBA, founded in 1985 by Bruce Justinen, is the most innovative, creative and fastest growing manufacturer in the dive industry.  It is well known for being the David among the Goliaths as it wins comparison tests and recognition for its advanced, groundbreaking designs. SEASOFT has continued to add innovative gear to its product line and continues to grow and expand.  In 2011, it introduced SEASOFT Super Masks and snorkels, incredible titanium knives and US manufactured dive lights.  All of these products have proven to be winners.”