Sunglasses

Brown or amber-tinted polarised lenses improve contrast and depth perception on water, helping divers judge surface conditions and spot underwater hazards from a boat. Grey polarised lenses provide neutral colour rendering, which is preferred by photographers who need accurate colour reference. For general dive trip use in Malaysia's bright equatorial light, brown or amber works well. Avoid mirror-coated lenses that add glare internally in bright overhead sun.

UV400 is the minimum standard worth using in Malaysia, where UV index routinely exceeds 10 during peak hours. UV400 lenses block all wavelengths below 400nm u2014 covering both UVA and UVB. Eye exposure at water level is compounded by surface reflection, increasing effective UV load significantly compared to land use. Cataracts and macular degeneration are long-term risks of cumulative UV exposure, making quality lens protection especially relevant for divers who spend multiple weeks a year on open water.

Croakies, Chums, or neoprene retainer straps attach to the sunglasses arms and hang around your neck when the glasses are removed. These are standard equipment on any dive boat. Floating sunglasses (positively buoyant frames) are a second option u2014 brands like Costa and Maui Jim offer some floating frame models. A Sipadan or Layang-Layang boat deck in choppy weather provides multiple opportunities for unsecured glasses to go overboard.

Prescription sunglasses can be made to any lens specification including polarisation by most Malaysian optical centres. Prescription lenses are typically CR-39 or polycarbonate and can be fitted into sport frames with UV400 and polarisation coatings. Alternatively, contact lenses worn under non-prescription dive sunglasses are a practical choice that many Malaysian divers use u2014 soft contact lenses are generally safe under a dive mask in recreational conditions, though there is a minor risk of irritation from any mask flooding.

TR-90 nylon and polycarbonate frames are the most resistant to saltwater corrosion and chemical degradation from sunscreen. Metal frames u2014 even stainless steel u2014 can show corrosion at hinge screws and nose pad fittings after repeated saltwater exposure without rinsing. Avoid cheap acetate frames for dive use. Rinse frames with fresh water at the end of each day and avoid applying sunscreen while wearing your glasses.

Functional polarised sunglasses with UV400 protection start around RM 100u2013200 for lesser-known brands. Mid-range options from Oakley, Polaroid, or Costa run RM 400u2013900 and offer better lens clarity, frame durability, and warranty support. High-end prescription polarised sport frames cost RM 800u20132,000 and above. For most recreational divers on a single annual trip, RM 200u2013400 buys solid protection without overspending on a category where loss overboard is a real risk.