Scuba diving is a great hobby to explore and adventure into the mysterious undersea world. Since the beginning of time, the ocean has been the “region” of nature that humanity wasn’t able to explore completely.
SCUBA Diving Basics
Humans are mammals, and we aren’t capable of breathing underwater by our own. For that reason, scuba diving allows us to experience that world, even if it’s just for a defined quantity of time.
In this blog, we explore the basics of SCUBA diving. We will explain diving equipment, requirements for SCUBA diving, and how to take your first step into the diving world.
SCUBA Diving Basic Equipment
SCUBA is an abbreviation for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. In other words, we must use special equipment to breathe underwater.
SCUBA Tank & Regulator
Equipment for modern scuba diving is made up of one or more gas cylinders secured to the diver’s back. This gas tank is connected to the diving regulator. This device controls the airflow, so the air coming from the pressurized tank is reduced to comfortably breathe.
The air those tanks are filled with is compressed breathing air as we know it outside: parts of nitrogen, oxygen, and some other gases in tiny quantities. Frequently people believe that the air in the tanks is pure oxygen, but that’s not the case. In fact, breathing pure oxygen underwater can become dangerous quickly.
Because of the nitrogen in the compressed air, divers need to be very careful when diving to greater depths, as nitrogen narcosis can occur, which has the same effect as excessive alcohol. You will learn about all these procedures, limits, and protocols in the Open Water Diver course.
BCD – Buoyancy Control Device
Among other gear used in diving is the buoyancy control device (BCD). It’s an inflatable jacket that controls the diver’s buoyancy by adding or releasing air. In the beginning, this can be a bit tricky for new divers, but you’ll figure it out after some dives!
Wetsuit
Another important piece of equipment for SCUBA diving is the wetsuit. It protects divers from getting cold underwater and from scratching on coral or other potentially dangerous underwater inhabitants! Wetsuits are mostly made from neoprene, an insulating and flexible fabric that snugs to our bodies. There are different wetsuits for SCUBA diving, for Caribbean temperatures we most commonly use 2-3mm short or long suits.
When diving in Cenotes though, we recommend bringing or renting 5mm long wetsuits. Because water temperatures in Cenotes are 25°C all year long, the thicker neoprene suit protects from these colder waters.
Mask & Fins
One of the perks of SCUBA diving is to be able to see underwater. Therefore a mask is an essential piece of SCUBA equipment. It covers the eyes and nose and helps us to see and equalize underwater.
Fins for diving are available in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Diving fins are generally longer than snorkel fins and can be either full-foot designed or used with boots.
Diving Is A Great Workout
The main benefits of scuba diving to general physical fitness are acknowledged by the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities. On average, a man weighing about 180 pounds/81.6 kg burns as much as 600 calories during an average dive. This number may increase if swimming in strong currents or particularly low-temperature water.
SCUBA diving workout is valuable not only as a practicable way of physical exercise but also for mental and emotional well-being. The peace, calmness, and grace of the underwater world and its wildlife, encourage positiveness and give real delight to those who experience them.
Diving is a great way to strengthen and build up your body, burn calories, and boost your serotonin levels. Ultimately SCUBA diving is a rewarding, enjoyable way to keep you fit and happy.
Health And Medical Requirements for SCUBA Divers
All SCUBA diving students must answer a medical form before beginning a diving course. The high pressure a diver experiences while SCUBA diving affects how his body functions. Physical conditions that may not be notable in everyday life may be dangerous underwater.
Lung problems (such as asthma), ear issues, allergies, and certain diseases are all potentially dangerous under the sea. Some medications are contraindicated for diving. People with the desire to dive should carefully read, and then honestly answer the diving medical questionnaire before starting the program.
Certified divers should review it periodically throughout their diving careers, and in some places, a doctor’s certificate of fitness to dive is required.
Learn to SCUBA Dive
Learning to scuba dive is very easy. Everyone can learn the basic skills needed to breathe and move underwater in a short time. PADI offers several options to get underwater for the first time.
The Open Water Diver Course
During the Open Water diver course, you not only earn knowledge about diving but also learn how to handle the scuba equipment. In addition, you must learn how to prevent and solve problems during immersions.
This course includes a theoretical part you can complete online prior to visiting Playa del Carmen. After successful completion, your instructor will take you to the training pool, where you complete 5 practical learning sections in a safe environment.
Once completed the pool training, you have to conduct four open water training dives with your instructor. During these training dives you will repeat some previously learned skills underwater in the ocean. You’ll get to see colorful and astonishing marine life and coral reefs during these dives.
Remember, underwater we can only communicate via hand signs, not talking. Continuous breathing is of utmost importance to avoid incidents underwater, and checking your remaining air regularly lets you know, when you run low on air and have to end the dive.
The Discover SCUBA Diving Program
The DSD program is the first step in experiencing the amazing underwater world. This program allows you to take a look at the underwater life on the reefs of Playa del Carmen. During this first-time diving experience, your instructor will introduce you to the basic equipment required for your ocean dive.
He will lead you through the basic things you need to feel secure while SCUBA diving on your own. You will then get underwater for the first time in our pool and can get a feel for how easy and relaxing it is to breathe underwater.
Afterward, you will have the chance to see the beautiful and magical aquatic life Playa del Carmen’s reefs offer. You will want to do this again and again! After the dive, your instructor will help you identify and name all the marine life you saw during your experience.
Discover Scuba Diving is a full-day experience that involves three parts. These are a short theoretical briefing, the shallow water session, and one or two open water dives. The experience starts around 9 am and ends around 4:30 pm. This dive counts as the first step in getting your worldwide SCUBA certification, the Open Water Diver Course.
SCUBA Dive with BlueLife in Playa del Carmen
Ready to start a new adventure? Start your SCUBA Diving course today by booking the Open Water Diver course or get in touch to set everything up for your next visit.
Our professional instructors are looking forward to teaching you to dive.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog about “SCUBA diving basics you need to know”. Make sure to read our other interesting blog topics! follow us on Facebook & Instagram, or contact us to book your dives!