1. By Land or By Sea
Most dives begin from a boat near an area of interest, such as a coral reef or a ship wreck. Some diving locations have a shore entry point. Entering from the shore can add a level of difficulty as divers need to keep an eye out for swimmers and surfers. At least one spotter should always be designated to remain on the shore of boat to watch for divers in distress. The spotter sets up a red flag with a white diagonal stripe to indicate there is a group of divers below the surface.
2. Suit Up
The body loses heat much quicker in water, so a wet suit is recommended. Wet suits keep divers warm by trapping a small amount of water that is heated by the diver's body. Divers wear waterproof dry suits that keep the body completely dry in cold temperatures. Many deep-sea divers wear a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, commonly known as SCUBA. SCUBA consists of a metal tank with a regulator that allows the diver to comfortably breathe, hoses and a mask. Divers also wear flippers and a belt with lead weights. Some traditional deep-sea divers, particularly spear fishermen, wear no equipment and simply hold their breath.
3. Get Some Credentials
Before jumping in, divers need to complete a certification course by an accredited SCUBA agency. Courses usually consist of classroom work, practice in a pool and supervised dives in open water. Participants must be proficient swimmers, in good health and at least 12 years old. Some agencies offer courses for divers with special needs and children older than 8.
4. Be Safe Out There
Deep-sea divers should always carry a dive knife, a flashlight or signaling device and a whistle. The spotter should have an extra tank of oxygen, a marine radio and a first-aid kit. Divers should use the buddy system, and buddies should never leave each other's sight. The most common injury to divers is decompression sickness, which occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the diver's bloodstream. The bubbles become trapped in the body if the diver ascends to the surface to quickly, causing intense pain. Decompression sickness can be prevented by slowly ascending.
5. From Sport to Career
Deep-sea diving enthusiasts can turn their passion into a career by becoming a commercial diver. Commercial divers repair man-made underwater apparatuses, such as bridges, ships, dams and pipelines. Deep-sea divers are also needed in search and rescue operations. Commercial divers must earn a commercial diving certification from an accredited diving school.
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