Underwater diving
Underwater Diving
Underwater diving (pronunciation: /ˈʌndərwɔːtər ˈdaɪvɪŋ/) is the practice of descending below the water's surface to interact with the environment.
Etymology
The term "underwater" is derived from the Old English word "under," meaning "beneath" or "below," and the word "water," which comes from the Old English "wæter." The term "diving" comes from the Old English "dyfan," meaning "to dip, duck, sink."
Types of Underwater Diving
Underwater diving is classified into different types based on the equipment used, the purpose of the dive, and the level of professional training required. These include:
- Scuba diving: This involves using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, which is completely independent of surface supply, to breathe underwater.
- Free-diving: Also known as breath-hold diving or skin diving. This is a form of underwater diving that relies on the diver's ability to hold their breath until resurfacing rather than using a breathing apparatus.
- Technical diving: This is a form of scuba diving that exceeds the limits imposed on depth and immersion time for recreational scuba diving. Technical diving often involves the use of special gas mixtures (other than compressed air) for breathing.
- Commercial diving: This involves diving for industrial purposes, such as underwater welding, offshore construction, and salvage operations. Commercial divers often use surface-supplied diving equipment and may be required to use special diving suits to protect against hazardous materials or conditions.
Related Terms
- Decompression sickness: A potentially fatal condition caused by bubbles of inert gas, which can occur in divers' bodies following a rapid reduction in the pressure surrounding them.
- Dive computer: A device used by an underwater diver to measure the time and depth of a dive so that a safe ascent profile can be calculated and displayed.
- Hyperbaric medicine: The medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure to treat decompression sickness and other conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Underwater diving
- Wikipedia's article - Underwater diving
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