Diving is a serious sport and safety is a major issue for all divers. Before you can enjoy the beauty of the underworld you must first learn about "Safe Diving".

Knowledge of basic underwater physiology is critical to diving safety, of course, and the subject is taught in every certification class. For example, the first rule of diving -- don't hold your breath -- is based on Boyle's law of gas pressures, which predicts that a scuba diver's lungs will expand if breath is held on ascent. The consequence can be a serious and even fatal over-expansion injury.

Typically, one must know about the effects of altered physiology, such as decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. This will be covered in your certification classes. You will also learn about equipment usage and most importantly "the buddy system". Once you pass certification you will be well equipped with all the necessary information required for safe diving. If you are interested in easy reading before you commit try Scuba Diving Explained by Lawrence Martin, MD (this book is non-technical and you won't need Tylenol to finish).

Now, there are several agencies for certification NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International). All are great agencies for scuba training yet different in water skill testing. TO DIVE- YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM!

Ready to become a diver! This will be an unforgettable experience, a chance to visit a new and exciting world. But first, come to a meeting, hear some great stories and then we will gladly take you to purchase your starter equipment.

1. You will need a MASK.

2. You will need a SNORKEL.

3. You will need FINS.

4. You will need a WEIGHT BELT.

5. You will need BOOTIES.

The other equipment you can purchase at will, until you are sure of the amount of diving you will be doing you can always rent equipment.

Finally the most important aspect of diving is to purchase divers insurance. DAN (Divers Alert network) is the dive insurance purchased by 99.9% of all divers.

DAN, is a non-profit organization established in 1981 to promote diver safety. - Sheryl Mays