Have you ever asked yourself, what scuba diving actually is?
In this blog I will explain a bit more about what scuba diving is. Did you know that scuba diving is one of the fastest growing sports in the world today! Every year, millions of people go scuba diving, whether for a course, an introductory dive, or because they already have their diving certification.
CONTENTS
History lesson
SCUBA is short for ‘’Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus’’, what a mouth full. Scuba diving was discovered in the mid 1940’s, by the world famous underwater explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau for the French navy during the Second World War. After the war, scuba diving turned into a recreational sport which has been picked up by millions of people all around the world.
The Attraction
We know so little about the underwater world so much to discover; marine life, reefs and wrecks. It is one of earths natures that mankind has not been able to fully control, we simply are not able to breathe underwater. Scuba diving gives us the best opportunity to explore the unknown of the underwater world, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Safety
Always remember to be safe while you are scuba diving. Don’t go scuba diving on your own and always have an instructor or an experienced buddy. It’s very important to have proper training. If you ever think about getting certified and want to do this during your holiday, look up the best dive centre for you and which you feel most comfortable with. To be safe, always dive within the limits of your experience and level of training. Never try a dive you’re not comfortable with.
Equipment
Equipment for scuba diving includes a gas cylinder that is attached to the divers back. A regulator which is connected to the cylinder that will control the airflow, so that the gas pressure in your lungs is the same as the pressure of the water. Other equipment that is used is a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) or wing, basically an inflatable jacket that controls your buoyancy and balance, in the water by adding and releasing gas.
Careers
As a scuba diver a whole new world of job opportunities lie a head of you. Most careers, require a Divemaster or Instructor scuba certification.
Below are some of the top career options for scuba divers:
- Dive Guide or Divemaster
- Dive Shop Owner or Manager
- Boat Captain / Skipper
- Public Safety Diver
- Scientific Diving and Marine Biology
- Archeology
- Stuntman
- Instructor
Are you interested in learning how to scuba dive?
Why not consider enrolling onto the PADI Open Water course. This course can be completed within 3 days.
Written By: Jasper Mulder
