Starting Scuba Diving
Want to learn to Scuba Dive? Here is information on what you will need and where to go to get certified.
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The water is crystal blue, the waves are gently splashing against the side of the boat, the sun is shining over our shoulders and its a perfect day for another Dive trip. We put on all our gear, pull down our masks and gently fall back over the side of the boat into a new world.
As we roll over we can start to see the old ship 60’ below us and we cant wait to see what new animals have decided to call her home this week. As we approach, she becomes more clear and we can see Clown Fish have moved in and their colors bring a big smile to our faces as we watch them dancing around like little speed demons. We move off her bow and a Grouper swims towards us, takes a look, turns and heads away. Down below we can see a Nurse Shark slowly moving across the bottom as if we are not even there. We take 20 or 30 photographs and head back to the surface. Another beautiful dive in the Gulf of Mexico.
The underwater world of Scuba Diving has opened up an entire new world for us. Scuba stands for ” Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus ” and allows divers to stay underwater for longer periods of time than Free diving or snorkeling . With a Tank, Wet Suit, Weight Belt, Regulator, Buoyancy Control Device and Training, you to can become a member of this mystical world.
Beginning divers are required to take a training course and become certified. For years certification was not regulated, but the industry has stepped up and self regulated itself. Dive shops and dive boats will no longer fill your tanks or take you out without a certification card. Some dive boats require you to bring your dive log book to show you have experience for the type of trip your taking.
Basic Open Water is the first stage in training and teaches you all about your equipment, Basic navigation, Dive Tables and Safety. The two largest Certification groups are Paddi and P.D.I.C. Classes are also offered at the Y.M.C.A and other smaller groups and resorts around the globe. Training can range from a 3 day basic Resort class to a 7 day Dive shop class. I highly recommend a complete course through your local dive shop. They know the area you would be diving in 90% of the time and can give you specialized training.
After your Basic Open Water Certification, you have options for Certifications that move into Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master and Instructor. Classes are also available for specialty diving such as Cave , Nitrox , Ship Wreck, Deep Water and Underwater Photography . Each is unique in its own way and requires specialized equipment and training.
For 80% of divers, Open Water is the first and last certification they receive. Unless you are going to be deep diving , diving ship wrecks or going into underwater caves, this is all you will need besides a good dive buddy and some safe equipment.
Imagine the possibilities, find a good buddy and go talk to your local dive shop about classes and trips they might have scheduled. Believe me, you wont regret it.
