Scuba Diving for Dummies
Though diving can be done in rivers as well as sea, visibility for the diver is an important factor.
Scuba is an underwater diving technique using an apparatus named Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA).
There are two types — recreational and professional. When it comes to recreation, there is a programme titled Discover Scuba Diving (DSD). This is aimed at the beginners. Even those who do not know swimming can go for Scuba diving, with DSD.
Initial training in diving and use of hand signals, which are very important, will be given to the beginners.
Lessons about how to breathe and how to manage the equipment will follow after which the fresher can go for around one foot depth, after wearing the scuba kit and other apparatus. After getting adjusted with the pressure, they can go to the next level.
7 to 10 metres are allowed for a fresher. They will be diving along with a guide. Dive trip is a programme for those who are certified in Scuba diving.
In India, this diving can be done at many places including Pondicherry, Kochi, Koala and Lakshadweep. Though diving can be done in rivers as well as sea, visibility for the diver is an important factor. So it is better to do diving in fresh water.
The diver is not expected to purchase the kit, which costs around Rs 1.5 lakh. Usually the organisers provide the equipment.
Anyone above 10 can scuba dive. Even the physically disabled can participate. Those who have certain medical issues have to submit a fitness certificate from a medical officer, in order to participate in the programme.