| Since the early 20th century, SCUBA diving has gone | | | | seekers. |
| from an incredibly risky undertaking well out of reach | | | | Many people are unaware of the length of time |
| for all but the fabulously wealthy to a relatively safe | | | | necessary to attain Scuba proficiency and certification |
| sport with a rapidly growing participant community. | | | | - in the United States, the two major certification |
| SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater | | | | bodies are National Association of Underwater |
| Breathing Apparatus, so named for the tanks and | | | | Instructors (NAUI) and Professional Association of |
| other gear which divers carry on their backs allowing | | | | Dive Instructors (PADI). Depending on the course, |
| them to breathe underwater. Although this gear | | | | new divers can get certified in as little as three to |
| termed "life-support equipment" and a commitment | | | | four days of actual instruction - since the courses are |
| of real training is necessary in order to become safe | | | | based on performance standards and not on hours |
| and proficient enough with it to dive even in a small | | | | of instruction, this number can be higher or lower. |
| lake or quarry, technological advancements and | | | | Also, if a diver wishes to do more technical and |
| improvements in science and engineering have | | | | dangerous dives or to use more advanced |
| enabled longer times underwater, deeper dives, and | | | | equipment, more training would be necessary in order |
| reduced danger in this exhilarating activity enjoyed by | | | | to ensure safety. |
| athletes and nature lovers. | | | | Anyone who enjoys vacations to tropical areas or |
| Having originally been popularized by Jacques-Yves | | | | who appreciates nature and enjoys the water can |
| Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, who built the Aqualung | | | | now consider Scuba diving, thanks to the advances |
| (a name still used in Britain to describe Scuba | | | | mentioned in science and engineering, as well as the |
| equipment today), Scuba is now enjoyed by millions | | | | establishment of standardized certification and training |
| of people worldwide ranging from locations as | | | | programs worldwide. If you've never considered it, |
| temperate tropical waters to under-ice sub-arctic | | | | much more information is available online to help you |
| diving for scientific purposes or by adventure | | | | decide if Scuba makes sense for you. |