Scuba Diving Instruction Terminology
If you decide to try scuba diving during your next weekend adventure, there are many scuba centers that rent diving equipment as well as offer scuba instruction by certified divers. The following terms and definitions will help you get the most out of your scuba diving experience.
Half Mask - A half mask is the piece of gear that most of use might associate with snorkeling. The mask covers the eyes and nose, but not the mouth. Your instructor will likely explain how this mask cannot be used for deep-sea dives.
Wetsuit - A wet suit is often used throughout the year to insulate a diver in the water. The suit is made of neoprene and restricts the amount of water that can get through to the skin. When vacationing in hot climates, your certified instructor may not require a wet suit.
Aqua-lung - In most areas, an actual deep-sea diving trip may not be possible until the completion of several dive lessons. At that point, you will be trained in the use of an underwater breathing apparatus that uses an oxygen cylinder and regulator.
Night Diving - Your local diving center may also offer the equipment to go night diving. Night diving utilizes underwater lights, imaging, and other gear to watch nocturnal sea life. Extra classes with an instructor may be required.
Dive Master - The dive master may be your instructor or another certified, experienced diver that leads the group underwater. He or she will offer tips before, during, and after your recreational dive.
SCUBA is an acronym for self contained underwater breathing apparatus. Scuba diving is a fun pastime for many. Using oxygen tanks and wet suits, divers can explore underwater reefs and wrecks. Take a lesson at a scuba school. The lesson will be taught by a certified and professional diving instructor. With a professional instructor, you will learn the basics of diving.
You can find diving lessons in your area for free and for a charge. Scuba diving lessons are readily available at your local fitness center, beach, swimming facility, or school. Vacation destinations generally offer scuba lessons as well. You can take a group class or a private lesson from a scuba instructor that has up-to-date certification. You will need the proper equipment in order to dive, such as fins, tanks, regulators, and mouth pieces.
Scuba equipment is frequently available for rent. Purchase or rent scuba diving instruction equipment at tourist spots, online, a training facility, or within specialty shops. At scuba shops you will find diving watches, accessories, vests, goggles, and masks. Snorkeling, although related, doesn’t involve the use of oxygen tanks or extensive instruction, just a simple tube used to breathe air above the water.
Many certified divers work for the military or law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue missions. Still others are commercial divers with certification in jobs like oil exploration, underwater welding, underwater photography, ship wreck salvage, or naval diving. Whatever the case, whether for professional or recreational use, divers can buy or rent scuba gear and snorkel sets, open circuit regulators, closed and semi closed rebreathers, and safety gear.