Scuba diving is a great activity for anyone who wants to explore the underwater world. However, before you begin, it is essential to make sure you have all the right equipment and know about a few safety protocols. Scuba diving requires that you are between 12 and 18 years old to participate.
For scuba diving, the minimum age is between 12-18 years.
Experts in scuba diving recommend that children below eight years of age learn the basics around age eight. Although it is not compulsory, it is a good way to get used to the water and help them transition into scuba diving. Start with swimming and snorkeling for children. Parents should remember that children may not be able to fully comprehend the dangers of scuba diving.
Other than this, there are some other factors to be aware of. You may need to be either older or younger depending on which type of scuba diving course you choose. Taking the course at a later age may require you to take a medical examination and ensure that your body is in good condition. If you are between 12 and 18 years old, you can take the PADI Open Water course or Divemaster/Instructor Development course.
Equipment required for scuba diving
You will need different equipment depending on what you are diving in and your goals. You will typically dive twice on each dive trip, and you will need separate dive tanks for each dive. It is important to plan for routine maintenance and testing your pressure. You can also purchase optional extras to enhance your diving experiences after purchasing the basic equipment.
A BCD (bootancy compensator) is an important piece in scuba diving equipment. The buoyancy compensator controls your position in a water column. It can fill or release air to make or break your sinking or rise. Some BCDs come with pockets or straps so you can keep your gear together while diving.
Safety procedures for scuba diving
No matter where divers are diving, they should follow certain safety procedures. The underwater environment is extremely unforgiving, and errors can escalate to a fatal situation. There are some factors that can be predicted and managed. Divers can pick equipment and dive plans to minimize risks by selecting a dive site based on these variables. Decompression monitors can be used to prepare divers for any eventualities, such as low oxygen levels.
It is crucial that you thoroughly inspect all equipment prior to diving. Proper equipment was responsible for 15% of all diving deaths in 2016. Scuba divers need to be careful with their equipment, including regulators and tanks.
Equipment to be in good working condition before a dive
Before you go diving, ensure that your equipment is in good working order. It is important to regularly service and clean the equipment. This will extend its life expectancy. You will also make the equipment safer to use when it is in good order before you go diving.
Divers must properly disinfect the equipment they use to avoid contamination. Some disinfectants can harm the equipment or accelerate the decomposition. Technology is key to underwater diving's development. This technology is helping divers overcome the physiological constraints of the underwater environment. Therefore, there are international and national standards for testing and manufacturing diving equipment.
A scuba diving certificate
There are many benefits to getting a scuba diving license. It is a lifetime certificate. During training you will be taught about the equipment, physiology, and how to use it. Also, you'll learn how to decompress and deal with emergency situations that might arise underwater. It includes classroom and practice sessions as well as simple assessments and skills practices.
The oceans cover 70% of Earth's total surface. Humans have only reached a tiny fraction of this area. Scuba divers have the opportunity to explore places that we've only begun to see. There are vacation packages that include diving.