Scuba, on the other hand, refers to equipment consisting of a cylinder or cylinders containing compressed air attached to a breathing apparatus. So scuba diving is obviously for those interested in going well below the surface, is much more complicated, and can be quite expensive.

What About Scuba Diving?

For those who are good swimmers and are enticed by the wonders of deeper water or who perhaps want to try underwater photography, scuba diving is the next step. If you keep in good health, take good care of your equipment, and follow basic rules, you may enter the water with confidence. However, you should never go scuba diving without first having taken a proper course and, if required, having obtained a license through a reputable instructor. Even then, you should not exceed the depth limits that your license permits. And always dive with a companion. In some countries, such as Australia, the law requires that you pass a diving-​oriented medical examination before beginning such a course.

Scuba equipment can be quite expensive. In addition to the basic equipment used for snorkeling​—face mask, fins, and snorkel—​you will almost certainly need a wet suit, except perhaps in warm, tropical waters. You will also need a buoyancy-​control device, a weight belt, a knife, a breathing apparatus (with a spare for your companion should he get into difficulties with his air supply), and a scuba tank. You also must have essential instruments, such as a diving watch, a depth gage, and a submersible pressure gage for your tank so that you know how much air you have. In many popular diving spots, this equipment can readily be rented, which often proves more economical than purchasing your own if you do not dive frequently.

Respect for the Ocean and Its Creatures

“I was snorkeling on a reef near Caloundra on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, watching a colorful butterfly fish from about six feet [2 m] away,” recounts snorkel-​enthusiast Peter. “Then, suddenly, a shiny steel shaft shot into view and stopped with a violent thud. The little fish struggled in vain​—it was impaled through the gills against a rock. The lad responsible admitted that he had killed the pretty fish just for target practice! It was too small to eat.” Unfortunately, such thoughtless acts are increasing throughout the world.

Pollution too has left its mark. Popular spots often end up as little more than rubbish dumps, littered with plastic bags and used drink cans. Even destructive chemical effluent is becoming an increasing problem in some lands. As the junk and rubbish increase, the fish move elsewhere, and the coral dies.

It is a good habit always to wear gloves when scuba diving. Even then, it pays to be cautious as to what you touch. For example, the ever-​present sea urchin sports needlelike spines able to penetrate unprotected hands. And the glamorous butterfly cod, though small, seems to be warning, ‘Not too close. This is my territory!’ as it proudly flaunts its vivid red and white stripes. Deceptively nestled among its frills are long spines covered with venomous mucus. Just brushing against them can be painful.

Other creatures defy the eyes. The weedy sea dragon, for example, is a genius at camouflage. It looks just like a piece of vegetation, challenging any diver’s keenness of eye. In contrast, the exquisite, vivid colors of the nudibranch, a sea slug, simply grab your attention. But is this a tempting morsel? Would-​be predators soon learn differently, for it is armed with some nasty chemicals.

Many Rewarding Sights

For snorkeler and scuba diver alike, the ocean is indeed rich with life. Coral reefs are a panorama of countless creatures and colors no more than a few slow strokes of one’s fins away. “The exhilaration of being surrounded by colorful fish of all shapes and sizes, some feeding out of your hand, is hard to equal. It is a very moving experience,” said one diver. Then he added: “To be there as one of them, while suspended almost impervious to gravity, is quite unreal.”

Therefore, if you ever get a chance to go snorkeling or scuba diving, remember that it can be done quite safely if you take the simple precautions recommended by experienced divers. Perhaps one day you too may enjoy this enriching experience of exploring the beauty of the world beneath the waves.

[Footnotes]