Have you ever watched any one of the nature channels on your television and just stared in awe at ocean divers gliding in the waters, accosted by colorful sea creatures? Has it ever made you wish you could be one of them, but you have no idea where to start?
In essence, anybody can become a professional scuba diver. The process is open to anyone willing to embark on the adventure and put in the work.
In this article, we will unpack the basics and complexities of scuba diving, from bare minimums to professional certifications.
Getting Started
Swimming is a recreational activity that most of us can do comfortably. However, when it comes to scuba diving, you will be required to be at ease in the water.
When you enroll for certifications such as PADI- Professional Association of Diving Instructors- or SSI- Scuba Schools Internationals- they need to ensure that your swimming is at the minimum level. The test is usually an 8- lap non-stop swim in a standard pool.
There is no time limit to this exercise, but the instructors will want to ensure that you can go the distance if need be.
Once it’s established that you are a good swimmer, you can enroll in classes in the dive shop of your choice. All the certifications are internationally recognized so you can do them regardless of the shop you choose to patronize.
Most people opt for their local shops, but you can choose to do the course on holiday or in a neighboring beach.
Scuba Diving Training
From entry-level courses to advanced ones, scuba diving training involves over 40 different principles that one needs to know to become fully certified. The main aim is to enable you to wade in deep waters comfortably and to know how to come to someone else’s rescue if need be.
Some of the vital lessons include:
How to Assemble Dive Gear
This involves inspecting your cylinder for air leaks and cleanliness. You will also learn how to secure the regulator and the inflation hose to the cylinder for airflow, and the buoyancy control device. To top assembly, you will learn the functions of all the equipment and their maintenance.
Communicating Underwater
In the ocean, any kind of incident can happen, and you may need to communicate to fellow divers. In the course, signs and gestures used undersea will be the most important language and you will be taught how to communicate clearly and calmly.
Gestures such as “I’m out of air” or “There’s something wrong” will come in handy in your future diving days.
Clearing and Recovering Equipment
Your regulator or mask can get damaged during a dive. The training will teach you what to do in these sorts of situations.
The aim of the training is to keep you calm and equip you with recovery steps in case of these events. Knowing these steps will give you confidence when diving.
Muscle First Aid
It is common to get a leg cramp during a swim and, while it is a natural occurrence, it can be dangerous if you are not prepared for it.
The diving courses will guide you on steps to take during such situations that may save you or someone else caught in that situation. First aid is a vital part of any training and should always be included in the course content.
The Bottom Line
After exhausting the whole curriculum, you are allowed to take your test and, performing just as you were taught, your certification will be in hand in no time! This gives you the authority to begin your scuba diving adventures during holidays, or even kickstart your journey to become a coast guard.
A certification in scuba diving will open up your choice of activities during a trip and even allow you a glimpse of the beautiful world under the sea. While the process may be rigorous (for your own sake) getting certified to scuba dive welcomes you to a lifetime of adventures!
