Not to be confused with free-diving, scuba diving is underwater diving that requires participants to use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in order to swim beneath the surface for extended periods of time. Unlike other forms of diving which typically depend on holding breath or air being pumped from the surface, scuba divers swim with their own source of breathing gas attached to them (normally compressed air), giving them better freedom of movement than with an airline or diver’s umbilical. Scuba divers typically move around in the water through the use of swim fins that are attached to their feet, but outside propulsion can be provided by a diver propulsion vehicle or a sled pulled from the water’s surface.

Scuba Diving can be performed for recreational or professional reasons. Diving for fun is solely for enjoyment and has various distinct technical disciplines in order to increase the intrigue of diving below the surface, including cave diving, wreck diving, ice diving and deep-sea diving.

Before embarking on a dive, ensure that all equipment is working up to standard. Water entry and descent procedures are carried out first in order to enter the water without injury or loss of equipment. Ear clearing is crucial and usually requires conscious intervention by the diver.  As long as you have guidance from an expert on hand, your scuba diving trip will be enjoyable and memorable, as well as a life-changing experience.