Scuba is equipment worn by divers for breathing underwater, consisting of a tank worn on the back, a demand regulator that has a mouthpiece and adjusts the air pressure of the released air to match the water’s pressure, and a buoyancy compensator that makes them neutrally or positively buoyant on the surface or underwater. Other gear includes fins, a mask, gloves, wetsuit or dry suit depending on the temperature of the water, and gauges like depth and air pressure monitors.

Divers must also learn about the underwater environment they are entering, including its geology and ecology. They need to know how to safely enter and exit the water, how to clear a mask of water, and how to use hand signals to communicate underwater. They should also be familiar with the buddy system, so that if anything goes wrong on their dive they have someone to help them get to the surface or call for assistance.

There are a number of national standards for professional diver training and registration, such as in the UK where the Health and Safety Executive sets these standards and South Africa where diver registration is administered by the Department of Labour. Many of these national standards are recognised internationally through the International Diving Regulators and Certifiers Forum. There are also various organisations that offer recreational scuba diving certification courses. These may be run by local community centres or privately through companies such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Scuba is a fascinating and relaxing way to see the world beneath the ocean surface. It allows people to visit parts of our planet that would otherwise be inaccessible or dangerous, and provides a great opportunity for physical fitness, mental wellbeing and social interaction.