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