The ocean’s depths reveal a wondrous realm of aquatic life and are a thrill to explore. With proper preparation and safety measures in place, anyone can enjoy scuba diving to their heart’s content.

The scuba diving term is an abbreviation of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, an undersea diving system that allows divers to stay underwater for extended periods of time by carrying their own source of breathing gas.[1] Usually, this is compressed air, but for longer dives, a gas blend with a higher oxygen content, called enriched air (nitrox), may be used to allow divers to remain underwater for even longer.

Henry Fleuss developed the first workable scuba rebreather in 1878,[2] which enabled long dives because it re-used the diver’s exhaled gas without entering the water. [3] In parallel, Owen Churchill invented a simple demand regulator that conserved air supply and allowed the user to inhale only what they needed.

In order to become a scuba diver you will need to complete a course with a PADI approved training organisation. The course will include learning theory and practicing emergency scenarios in a swimming pool. Then you will go on two open water dives with a professional instructor to demonstrate your skills.

There are some risks associated with scuba diving, such as decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis, but these can be minimised by following basic safety rules such as keeping close to your buddy, controlling buoyancy, and using appropriate air cylinders for your dive depth. It is also good practice to log each dive, which includes recording your depth and duration and equipment use.