Many people think that space is our final frontier – and that is not entirely true.
While it is more difficult to get to outer space, we probably know more about the
various planets and environments in space than we do about what lies beneath
the surface of our oceans.
Just as in outer space, there is a whole environment, or ecosystem, under the
waters that cover 75% of our planet, with 70% of our planet being ocean waters.
Beneath those waters there really is an entirely new world -a world full of beauty
and mystery that few humans have the opportunity to experience.
But the lucky few who do have the opportunity to experience this vast under
water world are able to do so because they are scuba divers. Obviously, human
beings cannot breathe underwater, so instead, they rely on a portable respiratory
system that is self contained.
You have probably seen shows that depict scuba divers. You may have seen pictures that are taken under the water of scuba divers as well. It all looks very easy and in a sense, it is. But there is a great deal that you must know before you can participate in your first dive. Do not assume that the guy at the sports store or the dive shop can tell you everything you need to know when you purchase your diving equipment. You need to take scuba diving lessons and become a certified diver. This is necessary for your own safety, as well as for the safety of those who are diving with you. A lot can go wrong on a dive.
Table of Contents
Page 3…..The Ocean – Our Most Unexplored Frontier
Page 4…..The History of Scuba Diving
Page 6…..Diver Education
Page 8…..Different Types of Diving
Page 10…..Different Scuba Diving Skill Levels
Page 12…..Are You Healthy Enough to Dive?
Page 15…..Basic Diving Equipment
Page 20…..The Divers Respiratory System
Page 22…..Finding Your Way Under Water
Page 24…..Scuba Diving Safety Guidelines
Page 26…..About Under Water Pressure and Decompression
Page 27…..Gravity Underwater
Page 28…..Underwater Dangers
Page 33…..Scuba Diving Organizations and Communities
Page 32…..Where To Dive
Page 33…..Dive Vacations
Page 35…..Diver’s Glossary
