er impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the

Have you noticed, we're seeing a lot of scuba diving clubs and training schools opening up everywhere - even in the northern states.

S.C.U.B.A., an acronym that stands for 'Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus', allows a scuba diver to enjoy sustained visits to the wonderful and unique areas of our oceans, lakes, and rivers. The only thing that even comes close to scuba is snorkeling - but snorkeling is usually enjoyed from the top of the water looking down.

Although scuba diving is most often considered a sport, there are some other vital applications. Scuba diving plays an important role in such occupations as forensics, underwater construction, and underwater salvage - to name a few of the big players.

Scuba diving equipment has come a long way since the beginning of this activity. Thrilling TV programs such as Jacques Cousteau and his underwater work, and the series 'Sea Hunt' starring Lloyd Bridges (an action adventure, fiction show from the 60's), have played a significant part in bringing scuba diving to the attention of the general public.

Contrary to what you might think, the first step in learning to scuba dive is NOT to purchase a load of equipment. Instruction from a professional diver before undertaking scuba diving is all-important. Contact your local YMCA (or similar organization listed in the yellow pages of your phone book), to arrange for the professional instruction they offer. Then rent your equipment to do some weekend scuba diving. If you find that you truly enjoy the sport, go ahead and purchase the equipment you need.

Basic equipment includes a mask, 'flippers' for your feet, a diving watch, tanks and regulators. You might want to use a diving wet suit, and carry a knife. Other gizmos and gadgets such as global positioning devices, floatation devices, surface balloon markers, etc., can be postponed.

Filling your air tanks can be done locally, or you might want to get your own compressor to do it yourself. Keep in mind it takes a special type of equipment to fill an air tank. You cannot take your tanks to the nearest gas station and fill them up with air from the car tire air hose! Oil and all kinds of other impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the

other vital applications. Scuba diving plays an important role in such occupations as forensics, underwater construction, and underwater salvage - to name a few of the big players.

Scuba diving equipment has come a long way since the beginning of this activity. Thrilling TV programs such as Jacques Cousteau and his underwater work, and the series 'Sea Hunt' starring Lloyd Bridges (an action adventure, fiction show from the 60's), have played a significant part in bringing scuba diving to the attention of the general public.

Contrary to what you might think, the first step in learning to scuba dive is NOT to purchase a load of equipment. Instruction from a professional diver before undertaking scuba diving is all-important. Contact your local YMCA (or similar organization listed in the yellow pages of your phone book), to arrange for the professional instruction they offer. Then rent your equipment to do some weekend scuba diving. If you find that you truly enjoy the sport, go ahead and purchase the equipment you need.

Basic equipment includes a mask, 'flippers' for your feet, a diving watch, tanks and regulators. You might want to use a diving wet suit, and carry a knife. Other gizmos and gadgets such as global positioning devices, floatation devices, surface balloon markers, etc., can be postponed.

Filling your air tanks can be done locally, or you might want to get your own compressor to do it yourself. Keep in mind it takes a special type of equipment to fill an air tank. You cannot take your tanks to the nearest gas station and fill them up with air from the car tire air hose! Oil and all kinds of other impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the

what you might think, the first step in learning to scuba dive is NOT to purchase a load of equipment. Instruction from a professional diver before undertaking scuba diving is all-important. Contact your local YMCA (or similar organization listed in the yellow pages of your phone book), to arrange for the professional instruction they offer. Then rent your equipment to do some weekend scuba diving. If you find that you truly enjoy the sport, go ahead and purchase the equipment you need.

Basic equipment includes a mask, 'flippers' for your feet, a diving watch, tanks and regulators. You might want to use a diving wet suit, and carry a knife. Other gizmos and gadgets such as global positioning devices, floatation devices, surface balloon markers, etc., can be postponed.

Filling your air tanks can be done locally, or you might want to get your own compressor to do it yourself. Keep in mind it takes a special type of equipment to fill an air tank. You cannot take your tanks to the nearest gas station and fill them up with air from the car tire air hose! Oil and all kinds of other impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the

eet, a diving watch, tanks and regulators. You might want to use a diving wet suit, and carry a knife. Other gizmos and gadgets such as global positioning devices, floatation devices, surface balloon markers, etc., can be postponed.

Filling your air tanks can be done locally, or you might want to get your own compressor to do it yourself. Keep in mind it takes a special type of equipment to fill an air tank. You cannot take your tanks to the nearest gas station and fill them up with air from the car tire air hose! Oil and all kinds of other impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the

er impurities must be filtered out before the air is considered to be of a sufficient quality level to breathe.

Proper control of descending and ascending various depths of water is required, and will be an important part of your instruction.

Once you are underwater, everything above and land-based is left behind. You have before you an alien world of sea creatures, fish, and -- the unknown.

It is the 'unknown' that might keep some aspirants out of the scuba diving environment, but it is the same 'unknown' that draws many into the sport! Stories of treasure, and sunken ships of old, and great sea monsters lure many to the sea -- and keep others away!

Whatever your reason, scuba diving is like nothing else you can do on this planet. Each spot you lay your foot is generally untouched by other humans. You truly 'Go where no man has gone before!'

My advice? Just do it! Take the challenge and experience it for yourself. You have a great adventure to gain - and maybe a fortune!