Scuba 101 - Learn to Scuba Dive

Are you ready to start scuba diving? Here is a step by step guide to learning to dive, including medical requirements, courses, certification agencies, basic dive theory and frequently asked questions.

Is scuba diving a safe activity? Find out here!

Illustrations and explanations of scuba diving hand signals. For example, what is the difference between the signals for "up" and "okay" ?

Can you scuba dive? Learn about the prerequisites for scuba diving such as age, health, and swimming abilities and decide if you are able to scuba dive.

The deepest dive on open circuit scuba was 1082 feet by Pascal Bernabe. However, recreational scuba divers should not exceed 130 feet. Learn about the reasons for recreational scuba diving depth guidelines as well as the training is required to safely exceed them.

An average scuba diver on a forty foot dive can stay underwater about 45 minutes. However, the length of time the air in a scuba tank lasts will vary depending upon depth, tank volume, and the diver's air consumption rate.

Scroll through alphabetical listing of scuba terminology, facts, and concepts.

Trim refers to a scuba diver's body position. Proper trim is a completely horizontal position, with arms extended and fins elevated. Learn about the value of proper trim, why it is important to both recreational and technical scuba divers.

You have completed an open water certification; you have been diving; and frankly, you're pretty good at it. Congratulations! You are ready to take the next step in your diving career. Dive organizations offer a variety of advanced, or second-level scuba diving certifications. Some advanced courses simply introduce divers to new underwater activities, and while other courses are more rigorous.

Divers can be an obsessive bunch. Most of us have a story or two to tell about the great lengths we have gone for our scuba habit. Read others stories, or add your own.

Divers can be an obsessive bunch. Read divers' stories of how they discovered they were hard-core scuba-obsessed dive addicts. If you have a story of your own dive addiction, share it here.

One of the most important skills you'll learn as a diver is how to properly wash your equipment. It's very important to wash your equipment thoroughly after every day of diving. Washing your gear ensures that it all performs safely as it was intended to and it will also prolong its life.

Should kids be allowed to scuba dive, and at what age? Read arguments for and against children diving and add your own opinion.

Learn how to reduce your drag when scuba diving. Reducing drag can lower a diver's air consumption rate, reduce his post-dive exertion, and make diving easier.

Should kids be allowed to scuba dive, and at what age? Read arguments for and against children diving and add your own opinion.

Refresher courses make scuba diving safer and more enjoyable. Certified scuba divers should enroll in a refresher course to review emergency skills and important dive theory after a period of diving inactivity.

Interested in recreational scuba diving training or certification? Read a comprehensive guide to recreational dive training, including open water certification, experience courses, advanced courses, required underwater skills, dive theory, and fitness requirements for scuba diving.

An overview of popular scuba certification agencies, such as PADI, SSI, BSAC and NAUI. Explanation of what a scuba certification agency is, what is does, and the differences between agencies.

Before a diver can enjoy the underwater world, he must feel relaxed and in control. Here is how to relax before a dive.

Tipping is so confusing. Who should divers tip after dive, and how much is appropriate? Here are some tipping guidelines for scuba divers.

What behavior drives you crazy on the scuba boat. Here's your chance to share your tips for scuba diving boat etiquette

Tipping is so confusing. Who should divers tip after dive, and how much is appropriate? Share your advice on how to tip for scuba diving services.

Long hair can be very annoying when scuba diving. It floats in front of your face and your mask, and shifts around, altering the position of your mask strap. Here are my tips for securing long hair when scuba diving.

How should a diver swim? Scuba divers should swim with slow, relaxed movements. Swimming quickly can be dangerous! Learn why here.