Fish Identification: an entertaining way to interact with the underwater world!

  Diving is an activity that offers many interactions with our buddies and with the environment as well. We dive to discover the aquatic fauna and flora and we often wonder what animal we are observing. It is possible to interact better with the underwater world by studying the animals and their ecosystems. After a […]

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Los Cristianos: why does this place attract so many visitors of Tenerife?

Los Cristianos is a coastal city located in the South of the island of Tenerife. Its climate and strategic position have contributed to its evolution as a touristic area on the island. Why has this place become so successful?   The unique history of Los Cristianos: Everything started in the 19th century when this area was […]

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Live the excitement of diving with underwater scooters DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle)!

As in every activity, the evolution of technology gives us opportunities to enjoy new experiences. In recreational diving a really cool thing to try is diving with DPV, also called underwater scooter. Thrilling sensations are guaranteed!   What is a DPV and why is it so enjoyable to dive with it? The Diver Propulsion Vehicle […]

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A special dive site in Tenerife: Abades and its volcanic reef

Abades is a small town on the east coast of Tenerife. It is strewed by picturesque white houses and the atmosphere is very relaxed. There is a small square where the inhabitants meet in the various bars, shops and restaurants, all with amazing seaviews. You can also observe an abandoned church and a lighthouse standing […]

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What to Look For in Scuba Diving Courses

Scuba courses provide us with the basic knowledge and skills to be able to explore the underwater realm in a safely and in a comfortable manner. Many levels of certification and training in SCUBA diving are available, but there are many similarities in how these lessons are conducted.

Major SCUBA diving organizations, including PADI, SSI, BSAC, Dive Atlantis and NAUI provide quality SCUBA courses. You will find links to some of these at the end of the article.

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Diving Theory

Understanding the basic theory behind SCUBA diving is important, especially to the beginner. There is a wealth of information available for solitary study of SCUBA theory, and this represents a large part of the available course material. Usually these self study materials consist of pamphlets, books, and DVDs. After you study, your course instructor will review the course material with you, and administer a quiz. Completion of this marks preparedness for the next step.

With the ever increasing availability of the internet, another route would be to purchase online courses. This can save time and money, as you have access to both the information, and the followup quiz, but it lacks the support of face to face discussion with your instructor. It is still a viable option for many people, however.

Confined Water Training

Studying books and online materials can only take you so far. Next, you need to put your newly learned techniques and knowledge to use, and get in the water. Confined water training lessons are administered in a shallow, clear visibility environment with easy dive conditions, and under the direct supervision of a qualified dive instructor. Swimming pools or similar structures are typical environments for this kind of instruction.

There are two parts to this section of SCUBA lessons, divided between shallow and deep confined conditions. In shallow confined water lessons you will learn basic open water skills, including the use of your respirator, clearing mask and instruction in “out of air” emergency procedures. Deep confined water conditions are typically too deep to stand in, but shallow enough so you will be able to swim up to the surface comfortably. A depth of 10 feet (between 3 and 4 meters) is typical. In deep confined water lessons you will learn more interesting skills concerning buoyancy, moving and swimming underwater, and more emergency procedures.

Open Water SCUBA Lessons

The next, and last step is to put your skills to use in an open water environment. These will start in shallow areas for practicing, with depth and conditions of increasing difficulty to coincide with your increasing comfort level. Completion of these lessons, along with your final written exam will allow you to earn certification. Diving certification is generally recognized and accepted between the major dive organization.