Scuba diving is probably one of the greatest water activities out there. Have you ever wondered how the term ‘scuba’ came into being? Well, it is actually an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, although nowadays ‘scuba’ is now classified a word in its own right. Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater – and this way one can discover a whole new world! There are many dive sites around the world that offer excellent environments, and the actual hobby is incredibly addictive.

Scuba diving is useful to experience deeper environments that cannot be easily reached. This way you are able to stay underwater for a longer period of time, and enjoy nature the way underwater creatures actually do. Diving is no easy task – and comes with lots of different forms of equipment. The basic equipment needed to scuba dive, apart from a wet suit is the BCD, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, gauges and weights.

BCD: This is the Buoyancy Control Device, which is useful to provide life saving emergency buoyancy both underwater and on the surface. It also allows the diver to adjust and control his/her overall buoyancy and enables divers to remain at constant depth, or to descend or ascend in a controlled way.

Mask: This is needed to allow the diver to see clearly underwater and also protect the eyes. Full face masks protect the face from dirty or cold water and increases safety by securing the gas supply to the diver's face.

Fins: These are used for efficient propulsion in the water. Fins help boost control, speed and power and help the diver go deeper. There are two types of fins – open heel fins and full foot fins. Full foot fins offer more protection, but are not as secure as they cannot be adjusted. Open heel fins, on the other hand can be adjusted with a strap and are more secure but provide less protection to your feet.

Snorkel: A snorkel allows breathing at the surface with the face submerged.

Regulator: This is a pressure regulator that supplies the diver with breathing gas from one or more diving cylinders.

Gauges: This lets the diver monitor depth, particularly the maximum operating depth and decompression requirements (when used with a watch). Some digital depth gauges also indicate ascent rate which is an important factor in avoiding decompression sickness.

Weights: This is needed to counteract the buoyancy of the diving suit and enables the diver to descent.