Beginner's Guide to Scuba Diving
Beginner's Guide to Scuba Diving
As long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in learning how to scuba dive but wanted to test out the waters first because, what if I didn’t like it? What if I was terrified… but also what if I loved it?
In 2021, I went on a solo trip to Colombia and found one of the popular things to do in the area was scuba diving so I decided this was the time to dive right in (pun intended). The result was a mixed bag. I never in my life had felt more anxiety and disorientation but at the same time, I absolutely loved it. The world God has crafted under the sea is truly something so beautiful, incredible, and peaceful… so I’m on a bit of a mission to make my way back under water the next chance I get, conquer my fears, and get my open water PADI (more on that below).
This blog is intended for newbies—those who are interested in scuba or just starting out… they’re the basics but they’re things I’m still getting familiar with or wish I’d known before my first dive.
FYI, on that trip, I booked a “fun dive” at Caribbean Pro Dive Center in Santa Marta, Colombia which gives you the full scuba diving experience without any certifications. You can read more about that experience here: Under the Sea: Lessons Learned from My First Scuba Dive in Santa Marta, Colombia
1. What is scuba diving?
Scuba diving is the act of swimming underwater using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba). This equipment allows divers to breathe underwater and stay submerged for extended periods of time. Scuba diving requires training and certification to ensure safety and proficiency.
2. Who invented scuba diving?
The invention of scuba diving is generally attributed to Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan, who co-developed the first successful open-circuit scuba device, known as the Aqua-Lung, in 1943.
Cousteau, a French naval officer and pioneering underwater explorer, collaborated with Gagnan, an engineer specializing in compressed gas technology, to create a system that allowed divers to breathe underwater autonomously.
The Aqua-Lung's design included a demand regulator that supplied air from a high-pressure tank only when the diver inhaled, making it more efficient and practical than previous attempts. Their invention revolutionized underwater exploration, enabling divers to explore the depths with unprecedented freedom and safety.
3. How does scuba certification work?
Before you can start diving, you need to get certified by a recognized scuba diving organization, such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors). Here’s a breakdown of the certification process:
Open Water Diver Course: The entry-level certification course consists of three main components:
Knowledge Development: Learn the basic principles of scuba diving through online or classroom sessions.
Confined Water Dives: Practice basic scuba skills in a pool or shallow water setting.
Open Water Dives: Apply your skills in real diving conditions under the supervision of an instructor.
How long does scuba certification take? The course typically takes 3-4 days to complete, depending on your schedule and the pace of the class.
As I understand it, once you have your open water scuba certification, that is the gateway to more advanced certifications like advanced open water, rescue certification, specialty courses, and master scuba diver certification (which is the highest non-professional scuba certification).
4. How much does scuba certification cost?
The short answer is it depends. It can vary significantly depending on the level of certification, location, and organization offering the course.
On average, an Open Water Diver certification, which is the entry-level course, typically ranges from $300 to $500. This price generally includes study materials, equipment rental, pool sessions, and open water dives, but additional costs may arise for personal gear like masks, fins, and snorkels.
Advanced Open Water Diver courses and specialty courses may cost between $200 and $400 each. Higher-level certifications, such as Rescue Diver and Divemaster, can be more expensive, often ranging from $400 to $1,500 due to the more extensive training and additional equipment required.
Prices can also fluctuate based on the location, with tropical destinations sometimes offering competitive package deals. It's important to research and compare different diving schools to find a course that fits your budget and provides comprehensive training.
5. What is basic scuba gear for beginner divers?
As a beginner, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with basic scuba diving gear. Here’s a list of basic equipment:
Mask: Allows you to see underwater
Snorkel: Helps you breathe on the surface without using your tank air
Fins: Enable you to swim efficiently underwater.
Wetsuit or Drysuit: Keeps you warm and protected from the elements.
Buoyancy Control Device (BCD): Helps you maintain neutral buoyancy (think scuba vest that can be inflated/deflated to help you rise/sink). You may also add weights to your BCD to help you descend.
Regulator: The device that delivers air from your tank to your mouth.
Oxygen tank: Self explanatory - the tank that holds the oxygen.
6. What are basic scuba diving skills?
Before diving in open water, you’ll need to master a few basic skills:
Equalizing: Learn to equalize the pressure in your ears as you descend. One way to do this is the Valsalva maneuver: with your mouth closed and nose pinched, try to blow air gently through your nose. This helps open the Eustachian tubes and allows air to flow into the middle ear, equalizing the pressure.
Clearing Your Mask: Practice removing water from your mask underwater.
Regulator Recovery: Know how to retrieve and clear your regulator if it comes out of your mouth.
Buoyancy Control: Develop the ability to control your buoyancy to avoid damaging marine life and conserve energy.
7. Why is scuba diving dangerous?
Scuba diving carries inherent risks that make it potentially dangerous if precautions are not taken. One of the primary dangers is decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which occurs when divers ascend too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in their bloodstream.
Other risks include barotrauma, resulting from the pressure changes affecting air spaces in the body, and nitrogen narcosis, a condition that can impair a diver's judgment and coordination at greater depths.
Additionally, underwater environments pose challenges such as strong currents, limited visibility, and potentially dangerous marine life. Equipment failure or improper use can also lead to serious accidents. Thorough training, planning, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to mitigate these risks and have a safe diving experience.
8. What are safety tips for beginners?
As mentioned, safety is vital while scuba diving. If you’re a beginner, you should be planning a dive under the guidance and supervision of scuba diving professionals, not on your own. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Dive with people: Always dive with a more experienced diver when starting out for safety and support.
Plan Your Dive: Discuss the dive plan, including depth and duration before entering the water.
Check Your Gear: Learn how to inspect your equipment before each dive to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Monitor Your Air Supply: Keep an eye on your air gauge and ascend with plenty of air remaining.
Ascend Slowly: Follow safe ascent rates to avoid decompression sickness.
9. How do I choose a scuba diving location?
The great thing about scuba diving is there are so many fantastic places to do this outdoor activity! As a beginner, it’s helpful to start with dive sites known for calm conditions and good visibility.
Popular beginner-friendly destinations include:
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life.
Bonaire, Caribbean: Offers easy shore diving with vibrant reefs close to the surface.
Hawaii, USA: Features clear waters and a variety of dive sites suitable for beginners.
I personally got started in Santa Marta on the Northern Coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Sea. It was affordable and easy to get started on a “fun dive.” Some places I’m looking at getting my open water PADI are either Utila or Roatan, Honduras because I have connections in Honduras. It’s really affordable and easy to get to from the USA. It has has the second largest great barrier reef in the world.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to take the plunge? Whether you’re already scuba certified or interested in diving in, I’d love to hear about your experience! TravelherCo scuba trip, anyone?