From exploring ship wrecks to swimming with majestic marine creatures, scuba allows people to experience the underwater world in a way that few others can. For many, it’s the most awe-inspiring adventure they’ll ever have.

Scuba is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus that allows a diver to explore much deeper than snorkelling alone. It can be used recreationally to enjoy vibrant coral reefs, swim with fish, or explore historical shipwrecks and underwater caves. It is also commonly used professionally for underwater welding, submarine maintenance, and salvage operations.

The first open-circuit scuba was inspired by a simple ambient pressure supply valve apparatus that attached to a 0.7 gallon tank of compressed air. This was soon improved with the invention of a demand regulator that conserved oxygen by only supplying it when the diver breathed, rather than continuously.

Other important pieces of scuba equipment include a dive mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, dive hose, submersible pressure gauge (SPG) and wetsuit or drysuit depending on the diving conditions. Specialized camera and lighting equipment is used to capture the beauty of underwater life. Other specialized gear like dive lights, a compass and a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) are also often used.

To become a certified scuba diver, people must pass theory classes and practical lessons in the water. A medical exam is required to ensure that a person can safely dive. There are a few medical conditions that make someone unsuitable for diving, such as some heart and lung problems or epilepsy.