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Cave Diving

The planet earth is a wondrous miracle of geographical formations that is capable of leaving one amazed at the mere impossibility of its architecture. To many of us a cave is a secluded cavity in a corner or a crevice of a mountain range. It is a form of a gap that may have resulted from centuries of abrasion in the rock formations or even from tectonic shifting of the landmasses. But there are caves that are located underwater. There are such caves formations that are often partially or even fully immersed in water.

Cave diving is a way of exploration in many of such caves that lie hidden under the vast expanses of oceans and seas of the world. This is a specialized style of diving that cannot be done unless a diver completes a certification course in the field. These courses are only conducted by reputed and authorized cave diving organizations.

Cave Diving Equipment

Cave diving is a highly specialized skill that requires various advanced and superior equipments to facilitate diving at such great depths. There are all the regular diving equipments that are necessary apart from some special additions too. Here is a list of all the cave diving equipments necessary.

• Masks
• Fins
• Exposure Control
• Buoyancy Control
• Weight Belts
• Breathing Gas Supply
• Scuba Regulators
• Torch Lights
• Knives

Cave Diving Accidents

In order to understand the reason for the number of frequent cave diving accidents it is important to understand the nature of cave diving. Cave diving is a deep penetration diving that leads to caves nearing the beds of oceans and seas. These are often approachable through narrow passageways and even shielded underwater with a separate ceiling coverage inside the deep waters.

These are the aspects that make it difficult and sometimes impossible for a diver to make a sudden exit or paddle off straight upwards. The fatalities often occur when there is a meandering way of return through the exact way that the divers had initially descended.

There are possibilities of cave diving accidents due to decompression sickness, failure of breath and sudden drowning.

Cave Diving Training

The procedure of a cave diving training is a complex one that involves a lot of training of the self as well as the expertise of using diving equipments.

Cave diving is a deep penetration into the caves that are situated at great depths of water bodies. To reach these and at the same to make an exit will require proficiency of the use of machinery as well as communication and analytical skills.

There is a need to plan the expedition ahead of time with a proper mapping of the area that would highlight the entry and the exit point specifically for all. Everyone has to follow such plans and make similar headways to avoid accidents.

There is also a special emphasis on communications among divers in an underwater situation where each has to keep an eye for all his co divers and report to others the moment anyone is caught missing.

Underwater Cave Diving

It is regarded as an exhilarating experience of a lifetime for a diver that would draw him to be a part of a cave diving team. These are expeditions into some of the deepest and unknown and yet wonderful cave systems of the world.
There are underwater cave diving expeditions that are undertaken off the coasts of the USA, UK, Southeast Asia among many other parts of the world.

The beauty of underwater is simply mesmerizing which makes for an unique and unforgettable experience for the people who choose to take the dive. No doubt that Scuba Diving has such a demand worldwide. But many people around the world are either having insufficient information or are completely ignorant about this adventure sports. Here we provide you with some relevant information for a happy dive.

Information about Scuba Diving

• An essential thing for scuba diving is good health of the diver. Though the activity does not demand a super fit condition, but you need to have a sound health to try this sport. You may not be allowed to scuba dive if you have any serious problem or are under medication. A medical checkup will confirm if you are fit enough to take the dive.
• You need to know swimming to try scuba diving.
• There are special provisions and trainers specialized in training physically challenged people. So physical disabilities cannot hinder you to experience this activity.
• You can scuba dive in many countries around the world. PADI has centers in 180 countries and NAUI has thousands of centers across the globe.
• You need certain equipments while scuba diving. It should also be noted that though some of these devices are general and can be used in all environments but some others may vary as per the environment and the warmth of the water.
• It is important to be aware of the problems you may have underwater and the ways of tackling them.
• There are around 5 fatality cases per 100000 diving in scuba.

Scuba diving information for kids

• Children can start training in scuba diving as young as 8 year old.
• Children can certify as Junior Open Water Divers at the age of 10. At the age of 15 one can be certified as Open Water Diver.
• If a child does not have enough co-ordination, focus, discipline, maturity or strength for other sports, he/she is not ready for scuba diving.

If you belong to that category who like thrill or being at the edge gives the feeling of some sort of fulfillment to you then Scuba diving is the right choice for you. For all those adventurous spirits who want to experience an altogether different and exciting journey, or for those who have already tasted the flavor of scuba diving, here are some really interesting and fun facts.

Facts about Scuba Diving

• Invention – Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus better known as SCUBA was invented in France by Jacques Cousteau with the help of Emile Gagnan in 1943. He named it Aqualung. It is an in-line open-circuit device which helps in inhaling the compressed air in it and exhaling it into the water.
• Light – Carry your own source of light to see the actual colors of things under the water, as everything beneath the sea seems to look bluish.
• Sound – Sound travels faster under water by five times than it travels in air.
• Record of longest dive – Richard Presley created a world record in 1992 for the longest deep dive which lasted for 69 days and 19 minutes.
• Nitrogen Narcosis – When someone dives below 30 meters under sea, he/she experiences Nitrogen Narcosis in which people have the same effect like alcohol intoxication. It can result in hallucinations, unconsciousness and eventually can lead to death.
• Wetsuit – A wetsuit helps keep your body warm and safe under water.
• Diving Instructors – Professional Association of Dive Instructors better known as PADI has 5300 dive centers in 180 countries. NAUI or National Association of Underwater Instructors also has thousands of centers across the world. So you are not limited to a certain place or area when it comes to diving.
• First Diving Suits – They were made of leather and used in France and England.

Fun facts about Scuba diving

Here are some enjoyable information about scuba diving.

• Leonardo Da Vinci, the great painter, had drawn the design for a leather scuba suit around 300 years ago, years before scuba was invented.
• A similar tool like scuba was created by an Englishman, Henry Fleuss, way back in 1877.
• Scuba diving often creates an addiction like thing among the people who experience it. Once you have tried it, you will crave to try it again and again.
• Some companies arrange for underwater weddings.
• Sharks are more scared of humans than we are of seeing them. At the same time sharks dislike the taste of rubber, which is what a wetsuit is made of that you must wear while scuba diving.
• Underwater all things appear 25% larger.

Scuba diving is a very dangerous adventure sport but yet millions of people around the globe love to experience the thrill and adventure involved in it. Considering the rising popularity and demand of this recreational activity, an organized industry has taken birth which is worth millions of dollars.

Scuba diving is fun, thrilling, exciting, adventurous and dangerous. It is one of the most sought after adventure sports in the current times, which has given birth to an organized million dollar industry. But it poses certain risks which can be fatal. So before you plunge into this activity it’s necessary to be aware of the dangers and risks that this recreational activity can threaten you of.

Common Risks of Scuba Diving

• Hypothermia or Loss of body heat – Water absorbs 25% more heat from the body of the diver than air. This may be dangerous. Though wearing a wet suit helps in avoiding such a condition.
• Currents – The risk of strong currents under water sweeping away the diver always exists. So keeping information of the current of the water where you are diving is important.
• Injuries – Injuries from sharp metals such as a fishing line, ship wrecks or other sharp things under water like rocks or coral is common.
• Risk from marine life – There are many hostile underwater species and an encounter with them can be deadly. Octopus, jelly fish, eels, urchins, stingrays and sharks are some of the most dangerous marine species. Though attacks from large fish are rare but nevertheless it is one of the biggest dangers associated with underwater diving.
• Drowning – This is one of the most obvious risks of diving. It may also be caused for running out of air.

Scuba Diving Health Risks

Scuba diving has certain risks related to health but with proper measures taken, they can be avoided.

• Barotrauma –The increase in air pressure due to the weight of water can cause certain painful injuries, such as splitting the ear drum or damaging the sinuses, which are termed as Barotrauma.
• Decompression Sickness – Also known as “the bends”, is caused when gas bubbles are formed in the body tissues. There are various sorts of effects of the different sorts of decompression sicknesses which may be not so dangerous skin irritations to the pain in limbs or paralysis of limbs, severe headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, heart pain to even grave issues like coma and death.
• Nitrogen Narcosis – It happens in case of deep diving, when after a certain depth the diver feels similar to alcohol intoxication. Dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations occur under this condition and can even lead to death.
• Oxygen Toxicity – The increased pressure, due to the depth, after a certain limit makes the pressurized oxygen in the breathing gas tank toxic directly affecting the nervous system, causing convulsion.

It is important to be aware of the possible dangers and take training from a certified professional before you jump into the water for that deep dive which will take you to a different world altogether. Though there are risks involved with scuba diving but they can be avoided or taken care of by maintaining certain rules and precautions.

Open Water Diving

The term ‘open water diving’ implies naturally to a progress where a diver successfully completes the initial period of training and enters the real scuba diving sessions in the ocean and sea waters. This is what is referred as open water diving in the world of scuba diving.

Open Water Scuba Diving

The open water scuba diving opportunities can come after a successful completion of a scuba diving program. It starts with an in-depth knowledge about the various aspects of scuba diving and all the necessary equipments that are a part of the scuba diving gear.

It is very essential that a learner gets a good understanding of all the equipments that there is and is confident of using these single handedly in an underwater situation.

The knowledge classes are followed by a practice training of scuba diving sessions in restricted waters under the guidance and training of expert instructors. After at least 5 such successful sessions can the learner be a part of an open water scuba diving team. This team in full gear gets to experience the real feel of underwater exploration in the open waters of the oceans and seas.

Open Water Diving Course

A scuba diving program is usually done in phases. The initial phase consists of theoretical classes where intensive knowledge sharing forms the basis of the program. This is followed by the practical implementation of the theory classes but in restricted waters or pool areas.

In the final stages of the scuba diving training program the classes are held in real life scuba diving sessions of the ocean or sea waters. These open water diving sessions amount to at least 5 in number where learners can actual navigate their way through the underwater areas and witness the world under the surface of water in the forms of fishes and a whole lot of other creatures. There are coral reefs that can be seen along with a other specimens of flora and fauna.

Advanced Open Water Diving

It is not merely enough to be a skillful and talented scuba diver. There are other aspects of scuba diving that are equally important. These aspects are put together in a program that is called the advanced open water diving.

This is a program where you can learn various newer ways of scuba diving like deep diving and underwater navigation. You get to learn about the different species of underwater living creatures and their characteristics as well as the importance of conservation of underwater life.

There are different types of dives and diving techniques that can be learnt as part of the advanced training program.

Open Water Scuba Diving Certification

There have been men and women with skills in scuba diving since the olden days. However the reason that makes open water scuba diving certification significantly important is that there is a need for us to be careful in our pursuits.

There have been cases of accidents and even fatalities when it came to scuba diving. And the certification program may be just a step forward to help reducing those chances.

A certification from any recognized diving organization of the world ensures your training and vouches for your skills as a scuba diver to be able to successfully complete and return after an exploration. You can then take on any portion of the huge expanse of the underwater world of this planet.

Scuba Diving has gained its fanfare at its own right. It is one of the most thrilling adventure sports. But it’s not an easy or very safe a thing. To take that dive underwater you need to be prepared – in terms of precaution and training.
The foremost thing for scuba diving is taking the training from a certified instructor. Thereafter it is important to acquire the devices which are to be used while scuba diving.

More about Scuba diving equipments

Here is a list of all the things that you may require while diving underwater.

• SCUBA – Scuba means Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This is the most important device of scuba diving.
• Cylinder – Better known as tank, it contains compressed air or other gases which help the divers survive underwater for long.
• Regulator – It’s used to breathe the air from the cylinder.
• Wetsuit – Made of neoprene, it is tight apparel which fits the body firmly. It helps the divers remain warm and protects from cuts and injuries.
• Hood – It’s made of neoprene and worn like a cap. It covers the head and is useful in cold water.
• Buoyancy Control Device – Also known as BCD or BC, it is the jacket that scuba divers wear while diving.
• Fins – Also known as Flippers, help in swimming underwater with ease.  They are made of rubber or plastic and come in two varieties: Full – foot fins and Open- heeled fins, used in warm/tropical water or cold water respectively.
• Booties – These are boots made of neoprene and are used mostly in cold water to keep the warmth. They also protect the feet while diving.
• Dive Knife – These are used by divers to free themselves when caught entangled in fishing line or other binding things underwater.
• Submersible Pressure Gauge – Commonly known as SPG, is an indicator which informs you when your cylinder is low on air.

Some other useful devices for scuba diving can be Underwater Compass, Depth Gauge, Alternate Air Source, Slates, Weight system, Snorkel and Dive Computers.

Scuba diving has come a long way since its discovery. The history of scuba diving is long, dating back to hundreds of years. It is interesting to know that Leonardo Da Vinci had drawn the diving apparel, a leather scuba suit, many years before scuba was discovered. The history of scuba diving equipment is no less interesting than the sport itself. So let’s have a look at the history of scuba diving gear and other facts.

History of Scuba diving – Timeline

1535 – A diving bell was developed by Guglielmo De Loreno.
1650 – The first air pump was developed by Guericke.
1691 – Edmund Halley gets a patent of a diving bell, a weighted barrel, connected to the surface with an air pipe.
1715 – John Lethbridge invented an underwater cylinder in which compressed air was supplied from the surface through an air pipe.
1843 – The first diving school established by the Royal Navy.
1865 – Benoit Rouquayrol and Auguste Denayrouse get patent for an underwater breathing apparatus, wherein a steel tank of compressed air was tied to the divers back and fresh air pumped in it through the hose that the diver would be attached to.
1877 – Henry Fleuss invented the first self contained diving rig.
1911 – An oxygen re-breather introduced by Dragger of Germany.
1924 – US Navy carried out experimental dives with helium-oxygen.
1925 – Yves Le Prieur introduced self contained underwater breathing suit.
1933 – Yves Le Prieur built a demand valve with a high pressure tank.
1933 – Louside Corlieu of France gets patents of swim fins.
1943 – Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan invent Aqualung, known as Scuba to all.
1955 – Al Tilman and Bev Morgan create the first formal instruction certification program.
1960 – NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructor) was established by Al Tilman and Neal Hess.
1971 – Stabilization jacket was developed by Scurbapro.
1983 – The first commercial dive computer, Orca Edge, was introduced.
1999 – Chuck Driver and John Bennet create record for the deepest dive of 200 meters.
2003 – Mark Ellyatt creates a world record of 1,026.9 feet.

Scuba Diving Tips

Scuba diving is a popular adventure for many people who are eager and keen to know the world underneath the surface of the water bodies of our planet Earth. There is indeed a lot to see and enjoy but it is also necessary to remember the difference between humans and those natural underwater inhabitants.

Technology and scientific advancements have made it possible for us today to venture underwater with the help of equipments of a scuba gear like that of fins, compass, gas supply cylinders and masks among many other important things. However there are limitations to each of these and thus safeguards and precautions is also an integrally important necessity of scuba diving.

The reasons for us to follow basic and important scuba diving tips are to avoid accidents, fatalities and other losses. This will help to sustain the adventure and thrill of this wonderful way to see another side of our world.
If losses are reduced it will reduce fear and enable us to enjoy our pursuits with just a few important tips to remember.

Scuba Diving Tips for Beginners

Scuba diving for beginners requires more safeguards and watchfulness. They should be aware of their limited potential as new divers and therefore lack experience of the dangers and accidents that may arise in case of carelessness.

Beginners who have just finished their training should be always careful about not venturing anywhere without an experienced person to supervise and accompany them. They must never venture for a solo scuba diving on even with another inexperienced scuba diver.

Ideally they should venture for deep diving as they may not be trained with timing and buoyancy practice for deep depths.

There must be a proper plan and layout of a diving expedition before they venture for it.

Best Scuba Diving Tips

If we talk about best scuba diving tips we would have to refer back to the basic requirements of a scuba diver to make for the perfect scuba diving venture.
Physical Fitness – This is the most important among the checklist of a scuba diver. Make sure you get a proper health checkup before you set out for a diving expedition.
Mental Alertness – Make sure that you have enough mental alertness to your advantage when you set out for your diving trip. This is the most important aspect of scuba diving.
Scuba Gear and Equipments – Make sure you are clear about your equipments and their functionality. In an underwater situation there is no room for doubts. Therefore you have to be sure of your equipments and usages.

Safe Scuba Diving Tips

The fun and thrill of scuba diving can be enjoyed at its best only when safety measures are kept in mind. There are several things in a scuba diving gear that a diver carries along with when he goes underwater and thus there is a special need for proper usage of all these. It is because the safety of a diver’s life depends largely on the proper use of his scuba equipments.

• The first requirement of a safe scuba diving expedition is the physical fitness and mental alertness of a diver.
• There must be a proper map of the dive site along with proper briefings and planning of movements.
• Ideally dive expeditions should be in partnership or in a group than a lone one.
• Maintain buoyancy rules – neutral buoyancy under the water surface and positive buoyancy on the water surface.
• Always check scuba gear and equipments before dive.

Scuba Diving Types

The uniqueness of the art of scuba diving has attracted many to this sport or adventure over the years. This has also led to many innovations and advancements of the aspects of this pursuit over the years as well. However if we talk about the scuba diving types then it would also lead to a discussion about the purpose of the dive.

There are various reasons that people may pursue scuba diving that leads to several types of this adventure. They are as follows.

• Recreational Diving – There are people who learn it and pursue it only as an act of fun and hobby. They love being in water and see the life under the surface of the water.
• Professional Diving – These are the people who learn scuba diving to be able to make a profitable career out of it.
• Research and Scientific Diving – These are scientists and researchers who dive into the underwater for a closer look at the life system there and aim at its conservation.

Details of Scuba Diving Types

There are different types of professional goals that lead people into scuba diving. But there are several ways that a scuba diving adventure exploration is conducted.
Here are some of the different types of scuba diving types.

• Open Water Diving – This is a primary form of scuba diving that is usually followed by the other types. After training in restricted waters is over a scuba diver gets to enjoy the real feel of scuba diving in the open water of an ocean or sea.
• Deep Diving – This form of scuba diving takes a diver to deeper depth s towards the bed of the ocean or a sea. It takes a lot of precision and alertness especially with regards to breathing gas and time.
• High Altitude Diving – This is a type of diving that take place with a plunge into the water from a surface of at least 300 meters above seas level. It is done usually from the top of a mountain range onto a lake. It is a foremost in popularity among recreational divers.
• Cave Diving – This is diving for exploration of cave systems or underwater caves that are found in specific locations. These caves are usually hidden at deep depth of the water and do not allow a straight upward exit because they usually have a ceiling of their own. This form of scuba diving entails a lot of strength and precision of the mind to explore them.
• Night Diving – This form of scuba diving after sunset and in the darkness of the night are for the thrill seekers among adventure sport lovers. Even though underwater torches are available there are many who love to explore the underwater in total darkness.
• Wreck Diving – There are several underwater sites in the world that have been a ground for the wrecked ship or even a crashed aircraft. These are often the destination for scuba divers who love to explore such wreckage. However there is a need to be very careful and safety precautions need to be maintained to avert casualties.
• Drift Diving – This is a form of scuba diving that is pursued more for relaxation. In this the scuba diver lets himself into the water and wanders away with the drift of its current merely to explore the underwater.