| Scuba diving is a world-wide pastime enjoyed by | | | | Can I scuba dive without a license? |
| many people from all walks of life. Scuba divers are | | | | There are some individuals who do not choose to |
| not limited to being near an ocean. | | | | have a scuba diving certificate. Those that do are |
| Many divers can recreation at local lakes and have | | | | taking their lives into their own hands. It really is not |
| even taken the sport of Spelunking and added their | | | | so much a license as a certificate that shows you |
| own twist by diving in caves. There is a lot to know | | | | have been taught the basics of underwater safety |
| when it comes time to decide whether or not you | | | | and know how to use the equipment. |
| want to learn how to dive. | | | | Rental shops usually require proof of diving certificate |
| This article will cover some of the basics of diving | | | | in order to be able to rent equipment. In the case of |
| and hopefully by the end, you will know whether or | | | | vacationers who do not have a scuba diving |
| not this sport is for you. | | | | certificate there is usually a beginner's class with |
| What are the different types of scuba diving? | | | | certified instructors teaching how to dive properly |
| Typical scuba diving uses a tank of compressed air. | | | | and what safety procedures must be adhered to. |
| This allows the diver to stay submerged longer than | | | | How do I get my scuba diving license? |
| if they were free-diving or snorkeling. | | | | If you live near a body of water, chances are there |
| There are also diving methods using specialized gear | | | | are instructors listed at the local marina or equipment |
| that allows reaching greater depths by using a | | | | rental shop that offer classes. The classes usually |
| different breathing system as well as a special type | | | | begin before even stepping foot into the water. |
| of suit to resist the compression from the ocean's | | | | The instructor teaches the proper safety precautions |
| differing atmospheres of pressure. | | | | and hand signals used by divers underwater. The |
| There are a variety of types of scuba diving ranging | | | | next step is short trips into the water to teach |
| from cave diving and ice diving. The specialty forms | | | | proper breathing regulation. |
| of diving require additional instruction as they are | | | | This is also the time that a good instructor will help |
| more dangerous and require further education in | | | | teach his or her students what to do in case of an |
| order to dive safely | | | | emergency as well as any dangers that can present |
| How expensive is the gear? | | | | themselves while diving. |
| Gear can be the greatest expense associated with | | | | In most cases there is a test given while in the |
| scuba diving. The gear cost depends on what type | | | | water to actually verify that the student has attained |
| of diving will be done. The typical recreational diving | | | | the knowledge to dive and then one given written to |
| gear can be purchased for usually less than five | | | | ensure that safety rules and equipment knowledge |
| hundred dollars and can also be rented from local | | | | has been successfully attained by the student. |
| marinas or scuba shops. | | | | Are there jobs for people who like to scuba dive |
| For more dangerous diving or prolonged underwater | | | | besides being an instructor? |
| diving, such as that done for marine research, special | | | | Yes there are a variety of jobs for certified scuba |
| tanks and gases are needed as well as diving suits. | | | | experts. Some of these are as rescue personnel, |
| Diving suits, depending on whether they are wet or | | | | wreck divers and even as an underwater |
| dry, can vary anywhere from a few hundred dollars | | | | photographer. |
| and go upwards from there. | | | | Many law enforcement divisions employ search and |
| Costs will also vary where you are renting or buying | | | | rescue divers in case of accidents or when they |
| the equipment from. It is important to buy from a | | | | need to have a river, lake or pond dragged for |
| reputable dealer because your life is at stake. Take | | | | evidence. When you reach the Master Diver level, the |
| the time to research the type of gear you will need | | | | opportunities begin to open up. |
| before "jumping" in. | | | | |