Learning to Dive
 

Thinking about learning to dive? The ocean is filled with an astonishing array of marine life, but unfortunately the closest most of us get these amazing creatures is watching them on TV. If you want to see what the ocean has to offer first-hand, then you'll need to learn to dive by taking a scuba dive course.
 

What is scuba diving?
 

Scuba diving is a type of underwater diving where the diver uses a tank of compressed air to help them breathe. Unlike other types of marine exploration like snorkelling and free-diving, scuba diving allows divers to remain underwater for extended amounts of time. Scuba divers are unencumbered by equipment, allowing them to swim unimpeded.
 

What are the skills needed for scuba diving?
 

Before you can go scuba diving, you'll need to learn to dive by taking a certified scuba dive course. As part of your scuba dive course you'll learn how to safely use your diving equipment, how to clear your mask, and learn to control and maintain your buoyancy in the water. You'll also learn how to safely enter the water, and how to make an emergency ascent. Basic underwater communication signals will be covered in the course, too.

Because scuba divers are typically underwater for long periods, divers need to be strong and confident swimmers before taking a scuba dive course. A reasonable level of fitness is also required for scuba diving.
 

What kind of diving equipment do you need?
 

Old fashioned underwater diving required divers to wear a full body suit - including a heavy metal helmet. Air was then pumped through the helmet via a tube. Needless to say, this provided a very limited diving experience.

Today's divers, on the other hand, wear a breathing apparatus that is attached to their body. In addition to the breathing apparatus, divers will need diving equipment such as a wetsuit, a face mask, a snorkel, flippers, and mitts and a hood. Other diving equipment essentials include a pressure gauge, a compass, an emergency whistle, and an alternate air source.

Your diving equipment needs may vary slightly depending on whether you're diving in a temperate, tropical, or cold environment. Highly experienced divers diving to great depths will require additional diving equipment designed to suit deep water conditions.
 

Where are the best locations for scuba diving?
 

New South Wales has a number of great scuba diving spots, with many of them being located in Bass Point. Some of the most popular diving spots in this area include Bushrangers Bay, Lou's Reef, Kiama, Blue Devil Cave, and Hole in the Wall.

Other great Australian scuba diving sites include the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland; Holmes Reef and the Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea; Rowley Shoals and the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia; Kangaroo Island, off South Australia; and Christmas Island.

If you're after some far-flung destinations that make for a superb scuba diving experience, some of the best picks include Cozumel, Mexico; Bimini in the Bahamas; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; Nusa Penida in Bali; and many places in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Learning to dive opens up a whole new world of exotic beauty and adventure. If you’re ready to start your underwater journey, call us for more information.