[PvP Newbie]

Long time PvE player, but have never played PvP and have seen areas that require PvP in order to advance (such as some rafting items which have materials that appear to only be available through PvP). QUESTION: Do I start into PvP with the same gear used in PvE? I have seen there is gear from PvP vendors which Ican only assume is for the improvement of PvP, but I want to know how to best start off...

[Passive or Active Gear?]

Gear items such as Relics, Tactical, Implants, and Earpiece...are these passive or are these item that can be placed in the tool bars for boosts while in combat/healing?