SCUBA DIVING

WHAT IS SCUBA DIVING?

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, a system that allows you to dive without an air line back to the surface. Scuba diving actually got its start during World War II and described Navy divers who used oxygen to attach enemy ships from beneath the surface of the water. Today, scuba diving is used to refer to either the recreational sport or the actual equipment used.

HOW DEEP CAN DIVERS REALLY GO?

The depth you can reach is limited by the laws of nature and recreational divers are limited to 130 feet. This limit applies only to recreational divers who dive so far down, stay there for a while and then make a direct and slow ascent back up with no staged stops for decompression. Diving beyond this limit requires technical training and more advanced equipment to avoid decompression sickness. While it is possible to go farther, it isn’t within the realms of possibility with today’s technology.

WHAT SCUBA GEAR IS REQUIRED FOR DIVING?

The basic gear necessary for diving is a scuba diving mask for seeing underwater, diving fins to move and a snorkel to breath. More advanced diving requires a scuba BCD, or buoyancy compensator, which is a vest that allows you to control your depth as you descent. A scuba regulator attaches to the tank held on the vest as well as the octopus, a hose that works as a backup to the first regulator. A diving computer, watch, wet suit and weight belt may also be necessary or appreciated, depending on how far you plan to dive.

IS SCUBA DIVING SAFE?

Many people are afraid to try scuba diving because they fear it isn’t safe. Luckily, very few people die while scuba diving each year. Most deaths are also caused by inadequate or absolutely no training, diving beyond their limitations or diving in extreme conditions, not due to equipment failure.