The magical world of SCUBA diving
Have you ever wondered what SCUBA diving is?
Undoubtedly the unknown attracts us, but with some things it happens that the more you know them, they attract you even more. That’s what happens with SCUBA diving!, an inexplicable force of attraction...
If you would like to know this sparkling and seductive world, here I explain the basics in a simple way.
The basics of SCUBA diving
SCUBA or autonomous diving is a sport that allows you to dive into the water using specialized equipment, without having to go out to the surface to breathe. Because of this it is possible to admire the beautiful and amazing underwater life with great calm, of course within certain limits. How long you can stay underwater depends on the equipment you use, the training you have, and your personal abilities. The dives are usually of approximately 45 minutes, enough time to enjoy without rush the feeling of antigravity and freedom that the dive provides.
SCUBA diving equipment
The acronym SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) tells us that this activity uses special equipment to allow us to breathe underwater. This is the main difference of SCUBA diving with free diving or apnea, in which the diver holds his breath to dive.
The basic SCUBA diving equipment consists of the following:
- Diving mask and snorkel tube
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) or compensating vest
- Tank with compressed air
- Set of regulators for breathing
- Pressure gauge (instrument that measures tank´s air pressure)
- Depth gauge
- Fins
- Ballast or weight belt
- Diving suit (depending on water temperature)
What depth is possible to reach when SCUBA diving?
At this point it is important to differentiate between the practice of diving for recreational and sports purposes, and technical diving. In the first case the maximum permitted depth is between 12 and 40 meters, depending on the level of training.
In terms of technical diving, this makes possible to increase the limits of depth and time underwater, thanks to a specialized and rigorous training. The maximum achievable depth depends on factors such as the mixture of gases being breathed and the amount of tanks carried by the diver. Technical diving is highly appreciated by those who require additional time to take a good picture with peace of mind. Also for those who need to explore deeper in search of some animal that lives there or to reach some interesting scenario. Others who generally need this training are commercial, research and military divers. Especially the latter, need to acquire the necessary skills to perform their particular jobs and missions.
As for the world record, this prize was awarded to the Egyptian combat diver Ahmed Gamal Gabr. He won the Guinness record in 2014 after diving to a depth of 332.35 metres in the Red Sea near Dahab, Egypt. A thorough training together with rigorous planning made this diver to carry out this feat. His mental clarity and discipline were the qualities that allowed him to return to the surface after more than fourteen hours of decompression.
Requirements for recreational SCUBA diving
The requirements for practicing this underwater activity are simpler than many think. However, this is a risk activity and therefore a medical questionnaire is required. It is essential to be aware and responsible when answering the questions that the instructor or dive center will ask before starting the training.
General requirements to perform a SCUBA diving course:
- Minimum age 10 years, parental permission required for those under 18. For children aged 8 and 9 there are initial experiences that give them a first approximation to SCUBA diving.
- Have a good health condition, physical and mental. Every student of a diving course must fill out a short medical questionnaire the purpose of which is to ascertain whether it is necessary for the student to be examined by a doctor. This is done as a safety precaution, thus confirming that you are fit to dive prior to participating in a recreational diving course. If you are not required to consult a doctor, just sign the form and you are ready to start. Download the medical diving questionnaire.
- Before completing the first level certified diver course, it will be necessary to demonstrate the following basic water skills:
- Swim 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters/yards with mask, fins and tube) without stopping. There is no time limit and you can use the type of swimming you want.
- Float in the water for 10 minutes, again using any method you want.
- Complete and sign the liability release that informs the participant about the risks inherent when diving.
SCUBA diving courses
There are many certification agencies worldwide, but currently the ones with the greatest presence are PADI and SSI.
- PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
- SSI: Scuba Schools International.
It is very important that you learn to dive under the supervision of a certified instructor, because like all extreme sports, diving has risks. Putting yourself in the hands of a specialized professional will increase your confidence and you will enjoy training much more. At the same time it will allow you to be properly prepared for any emergency situation that may arise.
An initial SCUBA diving course can be developed in 3 or 4 days and has a theoretical part, face-to-face or e-learning, and another practical part. The latter is done in a swimming pool or sea with conditions that allow the initial training and then 4 dives in open water.
Taking a diving course delivered by a recognized agency allows you to get a valid certification for diving anywhere in the world. More importantly, however, certifying yourself as a SCUBA diver gives you the tools to perform this activity safely and responsibly.
SCUBA diving will open your path to new horizons, underwater scenarios full of color and life. Those images will remain in your retina and in your heart, making you value and care even more our environment, our planet, our home.
If you feel like living the experience check the diving courses that Flying Fish has for you!
For further inquiries I invite you to send the contact form
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