Scuba Diving

Did you know that SCUBA of Scuba diving was originally an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus- a term that came up in World War H, when the U.S “frogmen” used it for underwater combat? Today, it is a word in its own right. Scuba Diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater for recreation, commercial or industrial reasons.

Unlike early diving, which relied exclusively on air pumped from the surface, scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas, usually compressed air, allowing them greater freedom than with an airline. Both surface supplied and scuba diving allow divers to stay underwater significantly longer than with breath- holding techniques as used in snorkeling and free diving. Scuba diving may be performed for a number of reasons, both personal and professional. Most people begin with recreational diving, which is performed purely for enjoyment. There are many variants of this such as cave diving, wreck diving, ice diving and deep diving. Divers may be employed professionally to perform tasks underwater, as in oil exploration. Commercial divers may also be employed to perform tasks specifically related to marine activities, such as naval diving. There are professional divers involved in underwater photography and filming who help scientists in learning about marine life.

Scuba diving can be fun but it is risky despite the diving suit and scuba set as you breathe air under pressure. In case of malfunction, the diver might pay a heavy price. Then, again, there are standard operating procedures which if followed will keep emergencies at bay. After all, where is the fun without the risk?!