Scuba diving is one of the easiest to learn. While you’re gliding around enjoying the underwater sights, you’re engaged in only three basic skills: floating, kicking and breathing. Of course, there’s more to it than that, becoming proficient at using the equipment and developing knowledge of scuba concepts and safety procedures, but if you can breathe through your mouth, chances are you can learn to scuba dive.
The problem is due to a lack of knowledge about the effects of pressure and is easily prevented. If you fly in a plane without serious ear discomfort, then your ears should not present an impediment to diving.
Increasing water pressure pressing inward on your eardrums as you descend, compressing the surface-pressure air within your middle ear, causes the pain. The remedy is to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrums by opening the eustachian tubes, which run from the back of your throat to the middle ear. This is done by pinching your nostrils shut, lifting your chin and gently trying to blow out through your nose. Try it now. You should hear a slight crackling sound — the eustachian tubes opening. Some divers can equalize by simply moving their jaw or tongue.
A whole new world of incredible sights awaits the scuba diver, no matter what the underwater environment — fresh or salt water; tropical or temperate; ocean, quarry, lake or river.
Unless you’ve spent time underwater, you can’t appreciate the wealth and diversity of life on a coral reef. Fishes are the most recognizable inhabitants, however, they represent only a fraction of all reef animals. Sponges grow in bizarre shapes, often resembling vases or organ pipes; anemones and feather stars extend scores of tentacles like delicate flowers; soft corals imitate bushes waving in a breeze. Even the rocklike reef-building corals are actually colonies of thousands of individual animals. And that’s not to mention the cryptic crabs, undulating sea snails and spiraled Christmas tree worms.
Of the almost 400 species of sharks inhabiting our oceans, only a handful are known to be aggressive toward man; none of these are typically encountered by divers. Despite their position at the top of the ocean’s food chain, sharks’ reaction to a diver’s presence in their domain is commonly one of disinterest. Half of shark attacks are to surfers, whose appearance on the water’s surface approximates that of seals or sea lions, a major food source for some species.
The industry standard depth limit for recreational divers is 130 feet (39 m) at sea level. During the basic scuba certification, students experience depths of 30-60 feet (9-18 m), and a “deep” dive is considered more than 60 feet (18 m).
Recreational scuba certifications do not have to be renewed periodically; they are good for life. A certification card is required in order to rent scuba tanks or have tanks filled, and also when renting gear or booking space on a dive boat.
However, many dive operators also require proof that the individual has been diving within the past six months or a year. A logbook showing completed dives within the required time frame is usually adequate proof. Lacking such documentation, the operator may require a checkout dive with a scuba instructor to verify that your skills are sufficiently current to dive safely without supervision.
Like any skill, scuba training will become rusty if not used for long periods. It is wise to take a refresher course, offered by all dive stores, after a hiatus from diving.
As long as you work with a trainer to get certified in basic scuba diving, you can stay safe as you navigate ocean, river, lake and quarry dives. Stay safe while you dive with the right equipment and training. As long as you follow your instructor’s advice, choose the right equipment and stay at safe depths, you can enjoy a safe, fun-filled hobby.
Like any hobby, the cost of scuba diving can vary. Scuba diving at home can be very affordable if you live near a scuba diving location. Even dive trips can be surprisingly affordable if you sign on to a group trip.Checkout our courses here.