Scuba Diving - 6 to Do Tips

Scuba Diving is a fun underwater endeavor for both adults and children of a particular age group. But unlike any other land-based activity, pertinent safety guidelines need to observed considering the risk profile of this recreational sport. Thus, the diver cannot just descend with his scuba gear into a few feet of seawater and pull out of the surface nonchalantly, as one would do in a swimming pool.

Due to the use of an open water scuba set that employs Nitrogen-based Air to support respiration underwater; the diver will have to consider the parameters of decompression to properly clear inert gases from his bodily system prior to ascent. Moreover, the diver needs to contend with the opposing forces of buoyancy and gravity in the water column amidst its (scuba diving) physicality and the limits of his air supply. Find below 6 to-do tips to keep in mind when engaged in this recreational sport.

#1 Endeavor to be healthy and fit.
As mentioned, scuba diving is a strenuous form of sport considering the weight profile of scuba equipment used (particularly the cylinder tank) that increases drag underwater to therefore require physical exertion on the part of the diver; while swimming and maneuvering his body (and scuba gear) towards a particular depth and direction. Similarly, the diver needs to maintain a healthy body weight so that he neither becomes a sinker or on the other hand too buoyant to sink, which is typical of overweight divers.

#2 Submit to a physical exam prior to the dive.
For prospective divers who have a history of congenital heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses, scuba experts recommend thorough medical screening and clearance from the attending physician that the diver is in fact physically fit to engage in scuba diving. Heart attacks could manifest in the course of the dive and has in fact been the cause for casualties during scuba diving trips.

#3 Inspect your scuba equipment prior to the dive.
This a standard operating procedure to observe unless you are determined to risk your life to the hazards of malfunctioning scuba equipment; including leaks in high pressure hoses which could interfere with the conveyance of air to your regulator set and buoyancy compensator device; or a contaminated first stage mechanism that could trigger free flows.

#4 Ascend to the surface with at least 500 psi pressure in your tank.
This is a basic criterion adhered to by majority of recreational scuba divers. In the dive of recreational depths, the 500 psi-mark serves as a safety margin upon ascent in case the diver encounters a bit of trouble and would require additional air supply on his back way to the surface.

#5 Perform a Safety Stop during ascent.
Even for No Stop Dives or dives that do not require decompression stops in the course of ascent, performing a safety stop at the depth of 10 to 20 feet below the surface for around 1 to 5 minutes heightens the diver's margin of safety against the risk of developing decompression sickness.