Scuba Diving Book

There are a number of things one must do before obtaining a scuba diving certification. A scuba diving certification states that you have passed the required course, both reading the materials and putting the practices to use in the water, so that you are able to safely make a dive.

Probably the first thing a dive instructor will do is ask you if you are mentally prepared to become a scuba diver. Are you prepared for emergencies? Your own or that of a buddy? You never dive alone so there might be trouble with the person you are diving with. Some people experience panic attacks underwater for no apparent reasons. All of these things must the thought out thoroughly before proceeding with a scuba diving certification course.

Your health is another factor that must be taken into consideration before you will be cleared for a diving certification. You must be in reasonable good health and have no health problems such as asthma, be over weight or have any type of breathing problems.
Breathing under water is probably one of the harder things to learn because people are not used to breathing out of their mouths. After a few lessons in a pool with the snorkel and mask, you should get the hang of it; the same goes for the respirator.

Once you have decided that scuba diving is what you want to do and you have been cleared of health issues, you must satisfy a short water program with the instructor. This is to make sure you are comfortable in the water and can swim for a distance of about 200 meters/yards and then swim 300 meters/yards with your mask, fins and snorkel. This is not a timed swim test nor is it mandated the style in which you must swim.

It is recommended that everyone purchase their own mask, snorkel and fins but the rest of the equipment can be rented, borrowed or purchased, this is a personal choice. If you are only going to go on the occasional scuba diving trip, then renting the equipment when you arrive is the best way to go. If you really enjoy the sport and plan several trips a year, then purchasing your own outfit and gear is the way to go.

Scuba diving certification takes a varied amount of time depending on the student. It depends on how fast or slow a student learns and the way they learn. Some students are more visual learners and therefore will be slower on the reading material while others will be faster on the reading materials. There is a considerable amount of written material to cover before you can jump in the water. Once you have learned the written portion of the scuba diving certification, then you must pass an exam to prove you’re ready for the water portion.

Scuba diving certification is needed to rent air tanks and to have scuba diver tour guides take you to the really cool places. Without the certification, you can’t go anywhere.