SCUBA
The word scuba is a
shortened version of
(Self Contained
Underwater Breathing
Apparatus), in other
words a system which
allows us to breathe
for a limited time
underwater. It is a
sport enjoyed by
many people the
whole world over,
but unlike some
sports scuba diving
is not competitive,
but by the same
token be
challenging.
People dive for
different reasons.
For some, the
opportunity to enjoy
a contrast to their
everyday life is
sufficient
attraction. The
undersea world is
quiet; it allows
movement in three
dimensions; it
supports a totally
different range of
plant and animal
life; and it enables
the diver to enter,
for a brief period
another medium.
Diving can give
holidays more scope,
bring new wander and
adventure, it can
involve the whole
family, a group of
friends, the members
of a club or new
friends acquired
during a stay at a
diving centre.
Where do we dive?
Just about anywhere
really, from diving
under the ice in
Norway to the clear
blue warm waters of
the red sea, to
inland lakes and
rivers, some people
specialise in the
likes of cave diving
and other diverse
locations. As the
temperature and
terrain change so
does the species of
fish, crustaceans,
and other
inhabitants.
Wreck diving is
popular with most
divers, not only can
the wreck and its
history have its own
attractions, but as
time goes by they
are often colonised
by all kinds marine
life often covering
the wreck in a mass
of colour.
Health
Most normally
healthy people will
be capable of
meeting the demands
of diving, but there
are a few medical
conditions that make
diving inadvisable.
The most important
of these include
epilepsy, mental
illness, diabetes
and a history of
heart disease. Any
doubts as to your
health then medical
advice should be
sought.
Training
There are
organisations all
over the world that
provides training,
and standards vary
from country to
country. Most of
these are
professional
organisations where
you pay upfront for
any training, this
can benefit those
people who need a
quick course at a
set time, any
further training is
at additional cost.
Another way of
training is to join
a local dive club,
the difference being
is that you pay to
become a member and
any training is
included, this often
takes longer but it
suites some people
to learn at a slower
pace. The added
benefit of being a
member of a club is
that holidays,
dives, and social
events are normally
organised within the
club.
Equipment
The basic equipment
for scuba diving
changes little for
cold or warm water
diving, regulator,
BCD, mask, fins and
tank. However added
protection in cold
water is provided by
a dry suit, as most
warm water diving a
wet suit is normally
used.
Other additional
equipment may be
required depending
on the type of
diving you are doing
this could include a
torch, surface
marker buoys and a
compass is a must.
The cost soon mounts
up; so most divers
tend to get a bit at
a time as they
progress through
their training.
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