by Olivia Emisar

Created on: February 06, 2011   Last Updated: February 08, 2011

Diving has bee described as an unforgettable personal experience that no picture or documentary can do justice. This hidden world is under pressure and this pressure can be fatal to the inexperienced diver.  Some basic things need to be researched and prepared for in order to have an exciting and safe experience.

♦ Safety First

Knowing how to use the equipment required is paramount to safety. 

Safety equipment include: fins, face mask, regulators, oxygen tanks, alternate sources of air, diver's watch, weight belts and boots.  These are some of the items required for deep diving.

All these pieces of equipment serve a specific function and they must be tested properly before jumping into unknown waters.

♦ Maintenance

Equipment requires maintenance and every diver needs to know how to maintain their equipment and be responsible for it.  Leaving equipment in the hands of another person is a recipe for disaster.

♦ Water Depth

The deeper a diver goes, the greater pressure will be exerted on his internal organs.  Knowing how to properly descend into the water and the rate of speed at which it is safe to emerge from deep water is paramount to preventing the dreaded ‘bends’.

♦ The Bends

This happens when a diver has been under water for too long and emerged quickly without giving his body enough time to ‘decompress’.  Hyperbaric chambers are designed to equalize the gases in the blood stream. Divers can expend days locked up in these chambers in agonizing pain.

The basic understanding of too much oxygen in the blood and not enough time to equalize the gases and fluids in the system should be understood well before going diving for the first time.  A good diving instructor will ensure that prospective divers understand the risks prior to certification.

♦ Certification

A certification requires that the student be able to swim, tread water for minutes at a time, and be in good physical condition.

A lot of practice at a local swimming pool will prepare the prospective diver with stamina, confidence and much needed practice. 

If the above equipment and safety tips seem daunting, the best way to understand how to properly go scuba diving is to take appropriate courses in Scuba diving.

The instructors will not only explain in detail what each piece of equipment does and how to use it, but they will train the student properly in a pool before allowing them to test their knowledge in the ocean.

Researching the schools qualifications and track record is highly recommended since not all schools are created equal.

♦ Solitude

While the thought of exploring the depths, coral reefs, marine life and sunken treasures in peace and quiet is very appealing, the underwater world should never be explored alone.  A buddy system is critical to staying safe and having an extra pair of eyes and hands that can help a diver who may be disoriented, anxious, or whose equipment is failing.

♦ Fears

There are sharks in the water as well as many different types of creatures that call the ocean their home. Conquering those fears starts with practical advice from experience instructors and maintaining calm and control over the situation.

Going diving for the first time should take into consideration that experience only comes with practice and the first diving experience should be as safe and limited in scope as possible.

Sources and Recommended Reading:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/decompression_syndrom es_the_bends/article_em.htm

http://www.padi.com/scuba/

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