Scuba is one of the most popular sports in the world, and people from all backgrounds are pursuing it as a hobby or a way to travel. Scuba is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, but it’s not just about donning a snorkel and jumping in the water. Scuba requires training and certification in order to safely enjoy underwater adventures.

The most common scuba course is an Open Water Diver Certification, which allows certified divers to dive anywhere in the world without supervision, as long as they follow local laws and regulations. It’s an extensive process that includes knowledge development, practical skills training and open water dives. It’s also important for scuba divers to maintain their equipment and stay current on dive safety information.

There are many reasons why people choose to become scuba divers, including the thrill of exploring new sites and the sense of weightlessness they experience when underwater. Interacting with marine life is also an appealing aspect of scuba diving, whether it’s hand feeding sea turtles or watching the behavior of schooling fish.

As with any sport, scuba is not without risk. Some potential hazards include decompression sickness, or the “bends,” which occur when nitrogen bubbles build up in the body upon a rapid ascent and can cause pain and even death. Other dangers can be more serious, such as entanglements and drowning. To minimize these risks, it’s important for all scuba divers to practice proper dive techniques and to listen carefully to their instructors’ advice.