You’ve likely seen a glimmer of what it looks like to glide effortlessly through a crystal-clear tropical ocean, marvel at rainbow-hued fish flitting around a coral reef or explore a shipwreck with its mysterious treasures. Scuba is a way for those of us with the right interest and desire to get up close to marine life to enjoy these experiences for ourselves, whether it’s for recreation or as part of work as in the case of public safety divers, or scuba enthusiasts who travel the world for world-class dives at dedicated scuba destinations.

Scuba is a safe recreational activity that requires extensive training to prepare students to enter and enjoy underwater environments. Most scuba courses begin with a knowledge development segment that may be taken online at your own pace followed by a series of instructor-led sessions in a confined water environment, typically a swimming pool, before moving into open water to practice scuba skills and to become accustomed to being underwater.

The initial costs of training and equipment can add up, but with proper preparation and careful use, scuba is very safe. Most scuba accidents are the result of operator error or equipment malfunction, rather than a lack of proper training.

While non-divers often believe that you must be an Olympic swimmer to learn scuba, basic swimming skills are sufficient to start. And while some level of physical fitness is helpful, the most important skill for a diver is breath control. With good buoyancy management, the average diver only uses up his or her air at the surface.