Scuba is an activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is interested in the marine environment and has sufficient physical fitness. The sport can lead to rewarding adventures, such as exploring coral reefs, historical shipwrecks, underwater caves or the wreckage of lost submarines. It can also lead to a more intimate view of wildlife, such as sea turtles and dolphins, or the unique physical beauty of stalactites and stalagmites in underwater caves. The hobby can be enhanced by the use of cameras designed for underwater photography, as well as lights for safety while penetrating darker environments or during a dive in an underwater cave.

SCUBA is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, which was first developed by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan in 1942. Their open-circuit system combined an improved demand regulator with high-pressure air tanks to allow divers to safely explore the underwater world.

The scuba diving industry has since grown to include a variety of equipment manufacturers and scuba diver certification programs. Those interested in becoming certified must complete a series of courses including knowledge development and open water dives. In addition, scuba certification candidates must demonstrate that they can swim 200 meters and tread water for 10 minutes.

Some of the key terms and phrases in scuba diving are: