Scuba is a fun and exciting hobby that allows people to explore the underwater world. It requires specialized equipment that helps divers breathe and maintain their buoyancy. Some common pieces of scuba gear include a mask, snorkel, tank, scuba regulator, air gauge and buoyancy control device (BCD). The term scuba may also refer to the scuba certification process, which involves knowledge development, practical skills training and open water dives. Those interested in scuba should ensure they choose reputable instructors, follow safety guidelines and meet physical fitness requirements for certification.

The most important aspect of scuba is safety. Scuba diving can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced divers or those who are not following the rules of scuba safety. It is important that divers wear appropriate clothing and make sure all equipment is in good working condition before diving. It is also essential to keep a buddy close and to never dive alone, as this increases the risk of accident or injury. Divers should also be aware of the potential for decompression sickness, known as the bends, when nitrogen bubbles form in the tissues due to a rapid decrease in pressure during ascent. This can cause pain, tissue damage and even death if not treated immediately.

Other risks of scuba diving include ear injuries and ruptured eardrums, air embolism, injury to the eye or other body parts and drowning. People should be careful when diving in crowded waters or near rocky areas, and should not dive if they have an undiagnosed medical condition or are sick. People should also avoid consuming alcohol before or during a dive, as this can affect judgment and reaction times.