Diving Equipment, History, and Certification

Scuba diving is a fantastic sport. At cuba-diving.com we are dedicated to providing useful information for the beginner to advanced scuba diver and those just interested in learning more about the sport. We are in no way affiliated with any one brand nor do we endorse any products. We love scuba diving and would like to share our joy and information with others.

Scuba diving is swimming underwater using a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The diver uses a cylinder of compressed gas to breathe and can do this for hours at a time, even for days!

Scuba diving is not only limited to the ocean but can also be done in lakes and rivers. The skill itself is not hard to learn and can be done easily in three days. The diver should be at least eight years of age, in good physical health, and can swim. There is no age too old to scuba!

Scuba diving can be done for sport or as an actual occupation. There are several jobs for scuba divers from instructors to commercial divers. Some divers are trained by the police and military for scientific and rescue purposes.

So why would someone enjoy scuba diving? Everyone has different reasons for loving scuba diving but many enjoy be exposed to the underwater world. The natural beauty of coral reefs and sea life are entrancing. And many just love the thrill of exploring underwater caves and wrecks.

A basic scuba diving certification can be done in as little as three days. This certification allows a diver to explore open water with the proper equipment. If the diver is ten to fourteen years old they can be certified as a junior open water diver. At age fifteen and up the diver will be certified as an open water diver. There are brief half day lessons that allow a diver to dive while attended to by a certified dive master (instructor.)

There are many types of scuba diving and while most people will only be exposed to recreational diving, let’s take a look at some different types of diving:

•Recreational- this type of diving is for fun. Many dive recreationally to see coral and fish underwater. After the open water diver certification recreational divers can also specialize in night diving, wreck diving, deep diving, fish identification, photography, cave and ice diving, and rescue diving.

•Technical- for advanced recreational divers. These are divers that are seeking the thrill of extreme diving. Specialties include extreme deep diving, advanced wreck diving, and advanced cave diving.

•Commercial-these divers dive as an occupation. There jobs are to build underwater structures such as bridges and oil rigs. They also carry out underwater maintenance, conduct surveys and make maps.

•Military- similar to commercial diving but specializing in military applications such as underwater surveillance, mine clearing, and research. The military is historically responsible for many advances in dive technology and equipment.

Scuba diving does require equipment. When learning many rent equipment until they learn what they like and what works best for them. The diver will usually need to purchase their own mask, snorkel, and fins right away though. Here is a list of equipment commonly used:

•Alternate air source-sometimes called an octopus. This is a back up air supply and second stage regulator.

•Buoyancy control device- this is a jacket that the diver wears to aid in sinking and flotation.

•Booties- keep feet warm under fns in cold water.

•Compass- underwater device that identifies north, south, east, and west. Looks like a digital watch.

•Cylinder- diver’s tank for air supply.

•Depth gauge- can be combined with the compass to tell the diver what depth they have reached.

•Dive knife- a handy item the luckily gets used rarely. The knife can save a life in the event of becoming entangled.

•Fins- called flippers by the non-diver. Fins make swimming easier and more effective. The full-footed fins are good for warm water diving only but open-heeled fins with straps allow for the use of booties.

•Regulator- pulls air from the tank to the mask in adequate, controlled amounts.

•Snorkel- allows diver to breathe in shallow water or near surface without the use of gas. The best snorkels have purge valves and splash guards.

•Weight system- usually combined with buoyancy control device to assist in sinking.

•Wet suit- keeps diver warm and protects skin.

Check out Mauiscubadivers.com for all your scuba gear needs!

Scuba diving is a great sport for the whole family. Even those who live inland away from bodies of water can learn to dive at local shops. Look online for diving groups and lessons in the area. It only takes three days to learn so sign up and dive in! Keep checking back with cuba-diving.com for up to date information and advice!

 

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