Underwater diving

Underwater Diving is the practice of descending below the water's surface to interact with the environment. Immersion in water and exposure to high ambient pressure have physiological effects that limit the depths and duration possible in ambient pressure diving. Humans are not naturally adapted to the underwater environment, but have developed different methods to extend the depth and duration of their dives.

Types of Underwater Diving

Underwater diving can be categorized into two main types: recreational diving and professional diving. Recreational diving is done for enjoyment and has a number of disciplines, including scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, and spearfishing. Professional diving, on the other hand, includes diving roles such as commercial diving, military diving, and scientific diving, which are undertaken for reasons related to employment or research.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe underwater. It is perhaps the most well-known form of recreational diving.

Freediving

Freediving involves diving without breathing apparatus, relying on the diver's ability to hold their breath until resurfacing. This practice is ancient and has evolved into competitive sports and is also used in underwater hunting.

Commercial Diving

Commercial diving involves diving as part of one's job, often related to underwater construction, salvage, or inspection work. Commercial divers may use a variety of diving equipment, including surface-supplied diving systems.

Physiology of Diving

Underwater diving subjects the body to increased pressure, leading to various physiological effects. The most significant of these is the increased pressure of gases, leading to the potential for decompression sickness (DCS) if not managed correctly. Divers must also manage the potential for nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity.

Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness occurs when dissolved gases (mainly nitrogen) come out of solution in bubbles and can affect virtually any area of the body, including the joints, lungs, heart, skin, and brain. Divers prevent DCS by following decompression schedules or using dive computers to monitor their exposure.

Diving Equipment

The equipment used in underwater diving varies depending on the type of diving and the conditions. Basic equipment includes a mask, fins, and, for scuba diving, a diving cylinder and regulator. More specialized equipment can include dry suits or wetsuits for thermal protection, dive computers for monitoring decompression limits, and underwater navigation tools.

Safety in Diving

Safety is a paramount concern in underwater diving. Divers are trained in emergency procedures, including buddy diving practices, and the use of safety equipment such as dive flags and surface marker buoys. The use of dive tables or dive computers is essential to plan dives within safe decompression limits.

Environmental Considerations

Underwater diving offers the opportunity to observe marine life and environments firsthand. However, divers must be conscious of their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Practices such as good buoyancy control, not touching marine life, and avoiding the disturbance of sediments are important to minimize the environmental impact of diving.

See Also

• Underwater environment
• Diving physics
• Diving medicine
• Diving hazards and safety