Scuba divers use special equipment to explore and enjoy the underwater world. The word scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. In order to begin scuba diving, you have to complete a certification course. Organizations that offer certification include Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI ), Scuba Schools International (SSI) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).
Types
Recreational divers often begin scuba diving by earning an open-water certification. This level of certification allows divers to dive to limited depths in open water, including oceans, lakes and seas. The maximum depth is usually 60 feet. This certification lasts for a lifetime. After achieving open-water certification, a diver can continue to earn specialty certifications such as deep diving, wreck diving and rescue diving. Some resorts offer lessons that enable guests to do some limited scuba diving without full certification. Known as a resort certification, this type of credential is typically only valid at that particular resort for a specific period of time.
History
The modern technology for scuba diving is the result of design evolutions that span centuries. Diving bells were followed by several advances in the 1800s. In the 1940s, Emil Gagon and Jacques Cousteau worked together to create an aqua lung. Modern advances have included the use of enriched air nitrox for divers who achieve this specialty certification.
Benefits
Once you become a scuba diver, you gain access to the underwater world. While scuba diving can be relaxing, it also offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself mentally and physically. Many recreational divers enjoy developing their underwater photography skills and learning about underwater ecology.
Geography
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 80 percent of the Earth's surface is covered with water. Only a fraction of that water is suitable for scuba diving. Nevertheless, scuba divers are not limited to the well-known tropical destinations such as the Caribbean or Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Interesting scuba diving opportunities can be found amid the shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina and amid the kelp forests that grow off of California's coast.
Warning
In order to scuba dive safely, a diver needs to be aware of the dangers and be prepared for emergencies. The more serious risks of scuba diving include nitrogen narcosis, decompression sickness, drowning, hypothermia and encounters with dangerous underwater creatures. According to the Divers Alert Network, some health conditions and medications can cause problems for divers, and a scuba diving student should expect to complete a medical history before becoming certified. A physician's evaluation might be required. When choosing a certification course, carefully evaluate its safety standards.
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