If you have always wanted to experience the wonders of underwater life, then scuba diving may be the perfect activity for you. You should make sure that your equipment is up-to-date and you know the safety rules. You must be between twelve and eighteen years old to scuba dive.
Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 to 18 years old
Many scuba diving experts recommend that children less than eight years old learn the basics by age eight. Although it is not compulsory, it is a good way to get used to the water and help them transition into scuba diving. It is possible for children to learn how to swim and snorkel. Parents need to remember that children might not fully grasp the risks involved in scuba diving.
Besides this, there are other considerations to consider. Depending on the type of scuba course you want to take, you may need to be older or younger than the recommended age for scuba diving. A medical exam may be required if you plan to take the course at a later date. If you are between 12 and 18 years old, you can take the PADI Open Water course or Divemaster/Instructor Development course.
Equipment for scuba divers
Your diving goals and conditions will dictate the equipment you require for scubadiving. You will dive two times per trip and will need separate tanks for each. It is important to plan for routine maintenance and testing your pressure. After purchasing the basic equipment, you can buy optional extras to improve your diving experience.
A BCD or buoyancy compensationator is an important piece to your scuba diving equipment. The buoyancy compensator controls your position in a water column. It can fill or release air to make or break your sinking or rise. Some BCDs have pockets or straps that can hold your gear while you dive.
Safety procedures for scuba diving
No matter where divers are diving, they should follow certain safety procedures. An underwater environment can be extremely dangerous and mistakes can lead to fatalities. There are however some things that are predictable and manageable. Divers can pick equipment and dive plans to minimize risks by selecting a dive site based on these variables. Decompression monitors are also useful for preparing divers for unexpected events, such low oxygen levels.
It is crucial to thoroughly inspect all equipment before you dive. In 2016, around 15% of fatalities in diving were caused by improper equipment. Therefore, scuba divers should pay close attention to their scuba equipment, including tanks and regulators.
Equipment must be in good operating condition before diving
Before you go diving, ensure that your equipment is in good working order. You should regularly clean and service your equipment. This will prolong the equipment's life. The equipment will also be safer to use if it is in good condition before a dive.
Divers must properly disinfect the equipment they use to avoid contamination. Some disinfectants can harm the equipment or accelerate the decomposition. Technology is closely tied to the development underwater diving. This technology is helping divers overcome the physiological constraints of the underwater environment. It is now possible to test diving equipment according to national and international standards.
Get a scuba diving licence
A scuba diving license has many benefits. This certification is valid for life. During your training, you will learn about the equipment and physiology. You will also learn about decompression and how to deal with emergencies that may arise underwater. You will receive both classroom and hands-on training. There are also simple skills exercises and assessments.
The oceans make up 70% of Earth's land surface. However, humans have only been able to access a very small fraction of them. This means that divers can access places we have only scratched the surface of. Vacation packages can include diving as part of the adventure.