TRIED & TESTED

Mini B C-Pro

Neale Byart tries a shallow-water dive system designed to help sailors free props, scrub hulls and set anchors

There are numerous models available from Mini B, but the C-Pro is aimed at yachtsmen. The beauty of the kit is in its packaging. Conventional scuba gear is bulky, but the C-Pro rucksack contains the lot – air bottle, buoyancy control device, regulator, high and low pressure hoses and the connectors. It doesn't have a depth gauge, though – and you'd be foolish to dive more than a couple of metres without one.

While there are other products on the market aimed at shallow-water use, the Mini B range stands out as it has a buoyancy control device (BCD). This is an important piece of safety kit, without which the weight of the other gear could pull you under. My C-Pro came with a 5 litre tank, which should be good for 30-40 minutes of shallow water diving, after which you'll need to take it to a dive shop to get it refilled at a cost of about £2. The kit weighs around 13kg, so while not exactly light it's a featherweight compared to conventional scuba gear.

The £499 C-Pro package costs about £120 less than conventional scuba gear. Its compact size makes it easier to stow on a boat, but like any dive gear it does need careful stowage and regular maintenance to ensure it remains serviceable when you need it. Mini B is easy to travel with. If you're chartering in warmer climes, the rucksack containing your regulator and hoses can double up as hand luggage, while the empty air tank (with valve removed) can go in your check-in luggage.

You will need extra gear: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, a weight belt and some weights to overcome your natural buoyancy. I needed around 10kg to overcome my buoyancy in a 3mm wetsuit.

Price £539.00 (Mini B C-Pro with 5 lit tank) Contact Mini B - Tel 01268 681167 - or visit their Scuba gear site