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Scuba diving introductionScuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, the scuba diver is totally self reliant as he/she will carry all the necessary equipment to stay under water without having to return to the surface. Scuba diving is becoming a very popular pastime and people enjoy it for many different reasons, there are also many different types of diving and these include:* Recreational diving. * Technical diving. * Cave diving. * Deep diving. * Ice diving. * Wreck diving. * Commercial diving. * Scientific diving. Equipment used in diving The diving cylinder or scuba tank This piece of equipment is used to transport and store the high-pressure breathing gas and it provides the gas to the diver by means of the regulator, the typical diving cylinder holds 850 to 4200 litres of gas. A diving suit The diving suit protects the diver from the underwater environment and the modern diving suit comes in two different forms, the soft kind with examples of this being the wet suit, dry suit and dive skins, these are the most common. The hard kind which allows the diver to dive at depth while remaining at atmospheric pressure, even though the water pressure is high. Gloves and boots Diving gloves are normally made from neoprene, as this is a thermal insulation; diving boots are often made of neoprene and rubber and is like a thick sock that keeps the feet warm. In water stabilisation and movement Buoyancy compensator - this is used as a life saving device. Diver propulsion vehicle - this is a device used to increase the divers range while underwater and where endurance is restricted by limited availability of breathing gas and the need to avoid decompression sickness. Diving weighting system - this is used to counteract the buoyancy of the diving suit and aid the diver to descend. Fins - these are used to help the diver move through the water easier. Measurement and navigation Compass - this helps the diver to navigate underwater more easily. Decompression tables - these are printed booklets which allow divers to determine for a particular dive, they can calculate gas and the decompression stops needed to avoid decompression sickness. Depth gauge - the depth gauge is used with a watch for monitoring decompression. Distance line - this is used to aid the diver in finding their way back to the starting point in poor visibility. Vision and communication The mask - this is used to enable the diver to see better and also to protect the eyes. Full-face mask - this type of mask can be used in order for the divers to communicate more easily if there is no mouthpiece inside. Torch/flashlight - the torch is essential for areas of low visibility, night time dives and cave dives. Tools Camera and housing - this of course is used for underwater photography and video shooting. Diving reel - this is used to transport a distance line for a surface marker buoy. Knife - this can be used to free tangles, to cut lines or nets and can be used for protection against predators. |
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