Discovering the Mysterious World of Sea Plants with Scuba Diving!

If mankind did indeed spring from the oceans it would explain his ongoing yearning for the sea. Thanks to advances in scuba diving equipment, we can submerge ourselves in the mysterious ocean depths and exceed the limitations of our own bodies. A scuba diving vacation is the perfect way to enjoy the pleasures of the sea and to have a new experience to share with friends and family.

But what is scuba diving exactly and how does it differ from snorkeling? Although both entail swimming in the water, they are quite different. Snorkeling is a minimalist activity that can be taught with a few minutes of instruction. Diving, on the other hand, involves extensive training and safety precautions.

History Of Scuba Diving

The word "scuba" stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. For thousands of years man's exploration of the underwater world was limited by the capacity of his lungs and the length of time he could hold his breath without passing out. In the 19th century inventors began to tinker with various styles of diving suits. Some of the earliest models were attached to long hoses fed out from the deck of the ship in order to pump air into the diver's helmet.

During the 20th century breathing sets were designed with portable tanks to hold sufficient air. Although civilian diving clubs appeared in France in the 1930s, World War II military research substantially refined diving technology making it possible for men to dive deeper, withstand greater pressure, and stay underwater for longer periods time. In the post-war years and largely in response to undersea exploration by pioneers like Jacques Cousteau, diving extended into the civilian sector as a pleasure pursuit.

What Is Recreational Scuba Diving?

Recreational scuba diving using the latest undersea technology to allow individuals who have received training and certification to explore the underwater world for the sole purpose of entertainment. Scuba diving gear, although not inexpensive, is within the budget range of most interested individuals. Consequently, more and more people are diving to the depths of the ocean to discover its rich and varied plant and animal life including, fish, mammals and crustaceous life forms. The underwater vista is like no other on Earth.

Continue to: The Most Important Aspects of Scuba Diving Gear