Contrary to the popular belief, scuba is actually not a word. Rather, it is an acronym that stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This acronym refers to the gear utilized by a diver in order to breathe while underwater.

Scuba diving is generally a type of underwater sport that people do for recreation and relaxation. In most cases, this is how many professional scuba divers start. But not all scuba divers stay as mere recreational divers. There are a number of professions where diving plays an integral role. Certain industries such as civil engineering, fishing and even the military have certain jobs where scuba diving is required for this to be completed. For example, civil engineer companies that deal with offshore construction projects hire experienced scuba divers to handle certain jobs such as underwater welding and oil exploration. Military scuba divers, on the other hand, are tasked to handle underwater salvage, rescue operations and infiltrating enemy lines.

On top of that, scuba is also beneficial in the scientific industry. From archaeology to marine zoology, it aids scientists and researchers to understand more about the world that we live in, and help us to protect and preserve our natural environment.

The Beginnings of Scuba Diving

The history of scuba can be traced back to 1943 when Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan developed an underwater breathing device, which they named the Aqualung. It generally comprised of a tank containing compressed air that provides a person the ability to breathe underwater.

Over the years, major developments were done to the Aqualung in order to make this more efficient. One of this is the addition of valve regulators to the entire gear. It was determined that merely supplying oxygen is not enough to help a person breathe underwater. As a person goes underwater, the body is subjected to a level of atmospheric pressure that is far different from the normal atmospheric pressure we are used to. The pressure underwater can make it rather difficult for one to inhale and exhale. By adding a valve regulator, a diver would be able to breathe underwater naturally and effortlessly as if he or she is breathing above water.

Today, scuba gears include more than just a valve regulator and a tank of compressed air. Wetsuits are now used by scuba divers to protect their bodies from cold temperatures. Buoyancy compensators and weight systems help divers stay underwater with minimal effort.

Risks of Scuba Diving

As with any type of sport, scuba diving has some risks that are attached along with it if you are not careful. In fact, scuba diving is considered by many to be a high-risk type of hobby or sport because many of these risks can cause serious bodily damage and even may be fatal in some occasions. Some of the most common dangers associated with scuba diving include oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, underwater vision and decompression sickness. These risks occur as a result of the changes in pressure as you descend and ascend.