Glossary of SCUBA Diving - L

L

lanyard

A piece of cordage used to secure or lower things, usually it is used where there is a risk of losing the object

laryngospasm]

An uncontrolled/involuntary muscular contraction (spasm) of the laryngeal cords which causes a partial blocking of breathing in, while breathing out remains easier.

lay barge

also pipelay barge

Barge on which pipeline sections are assembled, welded and laid on the seabed as the barge is moved forward.

lazy shot

Further information: Diving shot#Lazy shot

Shot line (q.v.) which does not reach the bottom

lifting bag

A robust and air-tight bag with straps, which is used to lift heavy objects underwater by means of the bag's buoyancy.

light head

The part of a canister light (q.v.) which emits light, and is held in the hand or mounted on the helmet.

lightweight helmet

Low volume, close fitting diving helmet, usually with demand valve. Neutrally buoyant, and moves with the diver's head.

lipid pneumonia

A lung inflammation (pneumonia) that develops when lipids enter the bronchial tree

live-aboard

A large boat which provides transport, accommodation and services for vacationing divers

lockout

1. Working diver leaving the closed bell into the water.

2. (Lockout-tagout) Safety procedure when working on a hazardous energy source..

lock

Comparment of a hyperbaric habitat or chamber which can be entered through two or more openings which can be closed and sealed, and the pressure adjusted relative to the adjacent chambers. Used to transfer personnel or equipment between areas of different pressure.

log book

Record of dives kept as proof of experience. Optional for recreational divers, but legally required for professional divers in many jurisdictions.

longshore current

Mass transport of water along a shoreline, generally due to wave action at an angle to the shoreline.

loop

also breathing loop

The circuit in a rebreather through which the breathing gas passes during a breathing cycle.

LST

Life support technician: A person who operates the life support systems the surface components of a saturation diving system.