Named for the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA), which allows for breathing underwater, scuba diving is done recreationally or commercially, although most commercial diving uses surface-supplied diving equipment today.
SCUBA, an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, in upper-case, refers to the apparatus while the activity (scuba) is in lower-case.
Although divers in ancient times used primitive methods to harvest resources from the bottom of the sea, scuba diving dates back to the development of underwater breathing apparatus in the early 20th century. While the term SCUBA was coined by Christian J. Lambertsen in 1952, the basic architectures for underwater breathing apparatus emerged in the early 20th century.
By the early 20th century, there were two basic architectures for underwater breathing apparatus: open-circuit surface-supplied and closed-circuit breathing apparatus. The first commercially practical scuba rebreather was designed by Henry Fleuss in 1878. During World War II, military frogmen used rebreathers, which did not produce bubbles, to carry out underwater missions. Development of underwater diving gear continued after the war. Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan invented the "aqualung" in the late 1940s.
This led to the creation of training and certification agencies, such as the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) in 1953, the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) in 1959, the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) in 1960, and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in 1966.
SCUBA is the equipment that allows a diver to breathe underwater using a compressed gas supply. The apparatus consists of a tank, a regulator, and a mask, which provide a reliable source of breathing gas.
Over the years, improvements have been made to make the apparatus safer and more efficient. For example, introducing nitrox and trimix breathing gases has reduced the risk of decompression sickness. Dive computers allow for better dive management, and there have been improvements in the materials used in wetsuits and Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs).
There are two types of SCUBA. Open-/circuit SCUBA is the most common, where the diver exhales directly into the water. Closed-circuit SCUBA, also known as rebreathers, recycles the exhaled gas, removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen. Rebreathers are more efficient but also more complex, requiring constant monitoring of the gas in the system. There are also different types of rebreathers, such as electronic and manual systems.
To ensure safety and competence, scuba divers must undergo proper training and certification. The training process typically includes Basic Certification, Advanced Certification, Specialty Certifications, and Technical Diving Certification.
Open Water Diver is the basic certification. This entry-level certification involves classroom sessions, confined water training (pools), and open-water dives. Divers learn fundamental skills, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
The Advanced Open Water Diver course builds on basic skills, introducing divers to deeper dives, night dives, and navigation techniques.
Divers can pursue additional training in specific areas, such as underwater photography, wreck diving, cave diving, and rescue diving.
For those interested in more advanced diving, technical diving courses cover using rebreathers, mixed gases, and decompression procedures.
Today, some of the major certification agencies include the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI), and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). These agencies offer standardized training programs that are recognized worldwide.
Topics related to scuba diving are the focus of this category, although the sale of SCUBA gear, accessories, and other products would be more appropriately covered in the corresponding category in our Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
DAN is a group of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to improving diving safety for all divers. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, DAN has independent regional organizations in North America, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific, and Southern Africa. The organization has an international network of emergency call centers that operate 24 hours a day to provide members with specialized assistance for diving emergencies from a group of experts in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine.
https://dan.org/
International Scuba Dive Tribe
Located in Carrollton, Texas, International Scuba is a premier dive center that offers a large range of PADI-certified scuba diving education and training programs at its facilities in Carrollton and Frisco, Texas, including courses for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as technical and advanced diving. Its locations, contacts, and opening hours are published on the website, along with its certifications, swim lessons, and scuba travel services.
https://internationalscuba.com/
National Academy of Scuba Educators
NASE claims to be the only scuba training organization to draw its extensive experience from commercial, recreational, technical, and cave diver training. Its parent company, Commercial Diving Academy, is the world's largest commercial diving school. NASE Worldwide provides scuba training materials and methods, providing its members with a profitable business model focusing on safety, integrity, and education. NASE Pro services, certifications, and contacts are posted.
https://www.naseworldwide.org/
National Association of Underwater Instructors, The
NAUI is a non-profit association of scuba instructors. Founded in 1960, the organization is headquartered in Riverview, Florida. It serves primarily as a recreational dive certification and membership organization providing international diver standards and education programs, and has dive and member instructors, resorts, stores, service and training centers around the world. Membership benefits, initiatives, a community forum, career opportunities, and contact data are posted.
https://www.naui.org/
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Formed in 1966, PADI is a recreational diving membership and diver training organization. PADI courses range from entry-level to advanced recreational diver certification, as well as diving skills courses connected with specific equipment or conditions, some diving-related informational courses, a range of recreational diving instructor certifications, and various technical diving courses. Its courses are highlighted online, along with PADI Club membership benefits and dive guides.
https://www.padi.com/
Affiliated with Scuba Diving Magazine, the website is a comprehensive resource for information and resources related to scuba diving. Beginners and experienced divers can find information on gear, travel, training, basic information, advanced tips, and other topics related to scuba diving. Contacts are published on the website, along with an introduction to its editorial team, art team, sales and advertising, and marketing. Photographs and videos are included.
https://www.scubadiving.com/
The official website for Scuba Schools International (SSI), a globally recognized organization that offers a wide range of scuba diving training programs and certifications. Visitors to the website can explore courses, from beginner to instructor levels, and find dive centers and resorts worldwide. They also offer specialty courses in areas like rebreather diving, technical diving, and freediving. Headquartered in Germany, SSI has thousands of authorized dealers and 35 regional centers.
https://www.divessi.com/
This website is dedicated to scuba diving and is a great online scuba diving forum community for those who are into this sport. The website provides forums, scuba news, scuba gear reports, travel reports, scuba prose, and articles on scuba skills and technical diving. The website also contains a collection of underwater photos and photos posted by members. The website also provides scuba diving destinations and allows you to listen to podcasts of the ScubaBoard show and find a dive buddy.
https://scubaboard.com/
Worldwide Christian Scuba Divers Organization
The WCSDO is a non-profit organization that combines the love of scuba diving with mission work. Founded in 2009, the organization strives to bring love and care to various locations through dive trips. Members come from diverse backgrounds and churches and operate on a volunteer basis, with all donations going towards mission projects. A mission statement, membership application, contact data, and scheduled trips are featured, with an introduction to its directors.
https://wcsdo.org/
