Read the information sheet about scuba diving, and then answer the following questions.
SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving is one of the fastest growing adventure sports. Every year, millions of people go scuba diving in locations all over the world. Scuba is short for self‑contained underwater breathing apparatus, which means carrying a tank of air on your back, connected to a mouthpiece so that you can breathe.
Where can you dive?
If you enjoy scuba diving, you may like to try diving near reefs, where you can see many colourful fish, or around shipwrecks, which can be found at the bottom of the sea. One of the most popular sites is the wreck of the Yongala, in the warm waters off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Another is the wreck of the SMS Coln, which can be found in the cold waters of Scotland. Many divers enjoy searching for objects from shipwrecks, such as coins, old plates and even gold. One ship frequently explored is from Sweden. It was transporting vehicles when it sank, and many of these can still be seen on board.
Scuba diving safety
• Never go diving on your own, and don’t be tempted to simply get into the water without proper training.
• Take a diving course. As scuba diving is very popular, diving schools can be found all over the world, especially at diving resorts. It’s a good idea to research courses before you go, or to ask friends for recommendations. The first part of the course is academic study. The second part is training in shallow water, usually in a pool. Finally, you’ll do some training in open water. You’ll have to learn a range of skills. Most people think that breathing only through your mouth will be the most challenging, but actually, clearing water out of your mask is more problematic.
• Once you have completed the course, you’ll receive a diving certificate, often called a C-card. Keep it in a safe place, as you’ll usually be asked to show it when hiring scuba diving equipment or booking a dive. It has your photo, name and other details on it, so you won’t need an ID card as well.
• Consider the possibility of decompression sickness. This is known as ‘the bends’ among scuba divers, although the correct name for the illness is Caisson’s disease. It can lead to serious health problems when the diver returns to the surface. This is why going back up to the surface too quickly is something divers must never do. Diving in very cold water or eating before diving aren’t connected with decompression sickness; however, going too deep or diving for too long are well‑known risks.
The main things with scuba diving are to stay safe and enjoy it!