From the exhilarating freedom of breathing underwater to the awe-inspiring sights of the marine world, diving is one of the most thrilling adventures available today. It offers many health benefits as well, including improved cardiovascular and respiratory health. However, it’s important to receive proper training and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

SCUBA is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, referring to the equipment and skills that allow scuba divers to explore beneath the surface of the ocean. Unlike snorkelling, scuba diving allows divers to visit much deeper areas of the ocean and spend extended periods of time exploring ship wrecks, coral reefs and fish in their natural habitat. The equipment used by scuba divers includes scuba tanks (or diving cylinders) that store compressed air or a breathable gas mixture. This gas is delivered to the diver at a controlled pressure through a device called a regulator.

A scuba mask is also essential for breathing underwater. It covers the nose and mouth and helps with the clarity of underwater vision, and a buoyancy control device (BCD) is used to help the diver maintain neutral buoyancy in the water and manage their depths. Divers may also use a hand-held light to illuminate their path, and communication between divers takes place through the use of dive signals and/or voice communications.

In some parts of the world, strong currents are common, and it is necessary for scuba divers to learn how to safely navigate these conditions. One of the key skills that is learned is to use a current hook, a long line attached to a clip that attaches to a D-ring on the diver’s BC. This is useful to avoid being pulled off course or into an area of coral rubble, and it is safer than grabbing onto the bottom with your hands.