UNDERWATER DIVING

The desire to go under water has probably always existed: to hunt for food, uncover artifacts, repair ships (or sink them), and observe marine life. Until humans found a way to breathe underwater, however, each dive was necessarily short and frantic.

The word 'SCUBA' is an acronym for "Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus". The diver carries all equipment necessary for diving and is not reliant upon equipment elsewhere (e.g. on the surface) to supply breathing gas or other support during the dive. The diver swims underwater using fins attached to the feet. Some divers also move around with the assistance of a DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), commonly referred to as a "scooter", or by using surface-tethered devices called sleds, which are pulled by a boat.

Scuba Diving frees you to explore the underwater world – from historic shipwrecks and pristine reefs to the mysteries of your local quarry.

Associations
Recreational Scuba diving does not have a centralized certifying or regulatory agency, and is mostly self regulated. There are, however, several large diving organizations that train and certify divers and dive instructors, and many diving related sales and rental outlets require proof of diver certification from one of these organizations prior to selling or renting certain diving products or services.

PADI
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), based in the USA, largest recreational dive training and certification organization in the world.

PADI courses range from entry levels (such as Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver) to master scuba diver and a range of instructor certificates.

The PADI system is composed of modules with standardized learning objectives divided into theory and practical skills development. Theory is mainly conveyed by way of self-study (books and video) with confirmation of the student's level of mastery in standardized knowledge review sessions with a scuba instructor. Practical skills mastery is obtained through training in pools and performance evaluations in open water. Upon completion of each course, a certificate is issued.

PADI courses are performance based dive programs, and at the introductory level emphasize practical knowledge, safety and motor skills. The foundations of Diving physics, physiology and chemistry are built during entry level programs. The more esoteric details of these concepts are left for later courses when the diver has gained practical knowledge and experience beyond the entry level.

How it works:
Learning to dive isn’t difficult, but like any activity worth doing, it requires some time and effort.
In the PADI Open Water Diver course, the PADI Instructor takes a beginner through the basics of learning          how to scuba dive. Typically a student will start in a pool or pool-like conditions and progress to the open          water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) getting the background knowledge along the way.
Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. as you continue your adventure and          gain experience through higher training levels, your opportunities expand.
The PADI Master Scuba Diver rating is the highest non professional level in the PADI System of diver                  education. It means a person has acquired significant training and experience in a variety of dive                        environments.
Most certifications do not expire. It is highly recommended a person keep in practice and should dive more          then once a year. Most agencies offer continuing education classes which are very informative.

Different classifications of scuba include, but are not limited to:
Recreational diving
Public safety diving
Cave diving
Deep diving
Ice diving
Wreck diving
Military diving
Commercial diving.
Scientific diving.

Scuba diving and safety:
The average person may think that sharks and other large fish might present a clear and present danger for divers. To the contrary, sharks and other large fish account for almost none of the 100 scuba deaths that occur each year, according to the Diver's Alert Network. Most shark attacks occur when the victims are standing or swimming in water close to the shore.

The greater concern for the perils associated with scuba come into play if someone has not been properly trained or certified. Such a person may ascend too quickly to the water's surface, resulting in the dreaded condition known as the bends, a decompression sickness with effects that can range from discomfort and vomiting to paralysis and even death.

Most diving injuries pertain to ear problems and sinus problems. When a person experiences middle ear pain and discomfort due to the pressure changes inherent in scuba diving, doctors refer to this as a "squeeze." Other typical injuries affiliated with scuba are cuts and scrapes from fish, coral, and shipwrecks.

Additional tips for scuba diving
Gently equalize your ears and mask as you descend.
Never hold your breath while ascending. Always ascend slowly while breathing normally.
Always dive with a buddy.
Never drink alcohol before a dive.
If you're taking medication, check with a doctor before diving.
Also consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Don't fly for 12 hours after a no-decompression dive, 24 hours if your dive required decompression stops.
If you don't feel well or are in any kind of pain after your dive, get to the nearest emergency room.

to get more information with regards to:
How insurance companies access the risk of scuba divers
Making 100% sure your current polices are covered for scuba diving
Contacting the company