For some people, viewing marine life through the glass of an aquarium is a completely satisfying experience. But for others with a slightly more adventurous spirit, there is a need and desire to obtain an even closer look.
Scuba diving provides the perfect opportunity to make personal contact with the underwater world and to discover its often hidden beauty. What follows are some of the basics about scuba diving for those who are considering taking on this challenging, yet always exciting hobby.
Snorkeling Differs From Scuba Diving
First of all, many people confuse snorkeling with scuba diving. The two water activities are vastly different.
Snorkeling, or skin diving, relates to going into shallow waters with just a snorkeling mask and fins on the feet to propel the swimmer. The mask usually consists of an eye shield and a J-shaped, hollow tube for breathing in air. The air tube is often no longer than 2 feet long and extends from the swimmer's mouth to the water’s surface. There is no need for any other kind of special equipment, or even special training. Skin divers do not go into water that is deep, so they don't need to be concerned about water pressure, insulation, or breathing in compressed air under the water.
Scuba diving, on the other hand, requires special gear, specific course training (including a final exam), hours of progressive in-water instruction, and official certification. The word scuba originated as an acronym for ‘self-contained, underwater breathing apparatus.’ This is because swimmers are not close to the surface and, therefore, must wear a strapped-on, self-contained tank of compressed air from which they breathe. Deep sea divers must wear a full-body, water-proof wet suit to keep their body dry and warm in deep water.
Scuba Diving Education
Scuba training and certification is governed by professional, scuba diving associations. In the United States, two of the most respected organizations are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). Costs for full instruction, gear, certification and actual dives may range upwards from $500 to a few thousand dollars, depending on several factors. Though not cheap, it is well worth the expense to ensure safety and diving capability.
Diving instruction courses offer physical and knowledge-based education. Divers must learn and comprehend the technical science and theories of diving, know exact details about use and maintenance of all parts of their diving gear, and understand the risks, hazards, and safety precautions associated with the activity.
All the above, and more, must be mastered well in advance of getting into the water for the first time. Initial practice dives usually take place in a pool, a lake, or in shallow, open water with minimal equipment and full supervision. As experience and confidence develops, divers progress to other levels of supervised in-water training.
Scuba Certification First, Fun Second
Once all the hours of course instruction and dive training have been mastered, a diver will finally be certified. Certification is required of any person who undertakes scuba diving. In fact, full-service dive shops will not rent equipment to, nor arrange dives for, any one who does not present valid proof of certification.
Certification is also proof that a diver has learned how to be in control underwater. It indicates that a swimmer understands the precise mechanics of diving, as well as the basics of diver safety. But, more importantly, a certificate means that a diver can at long last dive and enjoy the experience of diving in deep, open water.
Undersea treasure, coral reef, and colorful marine life await the trained scuba diver. From the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and the deep seas of the United States coastlines, scuba divers get to see the underwater world in ways others can only dream. Once all the details, training and skills have been absorbed and acquired, scuba diving provides access to tons of fun, loads of adventure, and many new, breath-taking experiences.
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