Scuba is a fun and exciting way to explore the underwater world. There are many things to see and do, but the most important thing is to always dive safely. To do this, a diver should be properly trained and have the right equipment. It is also important to know the proper hand signals and emergency procedures. Finally, a diver should always dive with a buddy, as it is not safe to go alone.

Most recreational scuba diving is done using air tanks that are filled with compressed oxygen and a mixture of nitrogen. This is called nitrox, and it allows divers to stay underwater for longer periods of time without getting decompression sickness (DCS).

Some divers use rebreather systems, which recycle the air by scrubbing or removing carbon dioxide from it. These devices do not emit bubbles and allow the diver to dive deeper than conventional air-dive techniques.

A slow, controlled ascent and descent is essential for avoiding decompression sickness. In addition, a safety stop of at least 3 minutes is usually made at the end of every dive to ensure that the diver does not overexpand their lungs. It is also helpful to remember to equalize your ears during the ascent and descent. This prevents barotrauma, which is a painful condition caused by pressure changes in the ears. It is possible to dive beyond the maximum recreational limit of 130 feet (40 meters), but this requires specialized training and equipment.