What Is Scuba Diving?

Scuba is an acronym for "Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus". This originated from the term used for the US military re-breather sets, used by naval divers. It is independent breathing equipment, complete with an oxygen supply that allows divers to remain underwater for longer periods of time.

Who Can Be A Scuba Diver?

Working as a scuba diver is contrary to the regular nine to five office job. Anyone who has a penchant for diving can be a scuba diver. The following are points you need to take into consideration, before you decide on becoming a scuba diver:

Scuba Diving Is Used In The Following Jobs:

Underwater Construction - Scuba diving is used for underwater construction such as bridges, oil platforms, dams, docks, nuclear power plants and other coastal structures.

Underwater Archeology and Underwater Experiments - These jobs involve scientific inspection and survey - also known as scientific diving.

Military- The military uses scuba divers for naval ship construction and repair. They also include specialized diving divisions like combatant divers and explosives ordnance disposal.

Initially, scuba diving was intended only for scientific and military use. Now, it has become one of the most popular recreational water sports. Instead of pursuing scuba diving as a job, you can practice it as a hobby. You can use scuba diving skills for search and recovery, fish identification and underwater photography.

However, since scuba diving is a fairly dangerous sport, experts recommend taking the necessary lessons and certifications seriously before pursuing the sport as a hobby.

Requirements

An individual should not at least 15 years old to acquire the open water diver certification. They should be in good health and should be able to swim about 200 yards with any stroke, and tread or float on water for more than ten minutes.

Scuba Diving Certification

Scuba School International, PADI, YMCA, NAUI and PDIC are some of the biggest and most popular scuba diving certification agencies. They offer the best training instructors and scuba courses available. Junior Open Water Diver Certifications are also available for children between 10 and 15, by agencies such as SASY Scuba rangers and Bubble-makers.

Today, anyone who has a genuine interest and the required sound health can opt for scuba diving as a profession. It can turn out to be more of an adventure spree than a vocation. If that is what you have in mind, scuba diving is just the job for you. Go ahead and "dive in".