Underwater exploration was not considered practical and structured until the invention of the SCUBA or the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus back in the 1940s. Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the world-famous underwater enthusiast, specially designed this diving apparatus to curb the dependence on surface supply for underwater explorers. Scuba divers buy scuba diving gear and use it as their source of oxygen to promote endurance and freedom of movement when underwater.
Aspiring scuba divers should learn about the proper diving protocols that are appropriate for their level. Moreover, they should be issued with certifications from authorized organizations first before doing any diving activity. While training, instructors must ensure that students are responsible enough and are aware of scuba diving etiquette for underwater safety.
The Unwritten Scuba Diving Code
Scuba diving is a fun recreational activity. Swimming up close with the marine fauna while exploring the wonders of marine life is a unique experience. No matter how thrilling it is, scuba diving should be taken seriously in compliance with the current rules and regulations.
Spatial Awareness
Be aware of the marine life during the dive to prevent the disturbance to any sea creature. Kicking may cause damages to coral reefs, and the agitation of the sand may lessen visibility for other divers behind.
The Buddy System
Teaming up for an upcoming dive reduces the chances of unfortunate underwater mishaps. All the members of the dive group should be prepared in case any of the other divers require assistance, especially during the descent. Each of the divers must also resurface at the same time.
To stay as a group, adopting a buddy system to assume the responsibility of each partner’s safety would be helpful. Having a system in place can prevent lost divers from interrupting the entire dive.
Respecting Marine Life
Scuba diving implies visiting another form of habitat, the divers as just the guests of the different marine organisms. And as guests to their open home, the hands-off rule should be well-observed. Harassing aquatic animals of any kind is one of the worst misconducts anyone can do during the dive proper, given the opportunity that the underwater world has provided for the explorers.
From Beginner to Professional Certification
Scuba diving has certification levels that indicate the qualification of the divers in maximizing their prerogatives. To book a diving trip, buy scuba diving gear, find a location, and get certified. Scuba Dive Training Organizations issue a certificate to divers to indicate the knowledge, skills, and experience specific to the diver. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the most prominent diving organization in the world that classifies scuba divers into different levels.
- Beginners are not allowed to dive without the guidance of a professional diver. Finishing the Junior Scuba Diver level course will enable them to experience diving at a maximum depth of 40 feet for starters.
- Upon completion of the next course, which is the Open Water Diver level, the diver earns the autonomy of diving without supervision up to 59 feet in depth. To earn the 100 feet depth limit, the diver should level up and complete the training to receive the Advanced Open Water Diver level.
- The next certification level is called the Rescue Diver course, which develops the rescue skills of the divers in preparation for the highest certification level for recreational scuba diving, i.e., the Master Scuba Diver.
- The certification levels allowing scuba divers to enter the professional world of diving include the Dive Master, which authorizes a scuba diver to become a group guide. And the Open Water Scuba Instructor that gives the authority of teaching, training, and awarding scuba diving certification levels.
Whether you want to be a professional scuba diver for work or leisure, having the right gear and training is 100 per cent necessary, as with other water-based sport or careers.
Guest Author: Darren Wilson
Leave a Reply