Scuba diving offers people the opportunity to see what life is like below the water in lakes, and oceans. Scuba is an acronym that stands for self contained underwater breathing apparatus. Scuba divers wear equipment which allows the divers to stay below the water's surface for long periods of time. The majority of scuba divers enjoy diving for recreational purposes -- to see the beauty that lives in the ocean waters. Scuba divers also traverse the depths of the waters for commercial, scientific, and military purposes as well.

While some scuba divers enjoy diving in lakes, and a few will explore a river's waters, when most people think of scuba diving, they think of diving into the pristine ocean waters. To become a scuba diver, it is recommended that you partake in a beginner's diving class. In such a class, you will learn the skills required of a knowledgeable scuba diver, such as equipment usage, defense techniques and ocean awareness training. Classes are offered at many facilities worldwide to help minimize the risk posed by the dangers facing scuba divers.

All scuba divers wear and use the same equipment, though some divers in colder areas will add equipment as well. The primary equipment pieces are: fins, a mask, a tank, gauges, and a watch. Depending on the water's temperature, divers will also wear a wet or dry suit, a hood and gloves. The tank worn on a scuba diver's back supplies air to the diver while the diver is in the water. Depth and pressure gauges provide scuba divers with vital information about their whereabouts and their condition. A watch and compass will also assist the diver while he is under water.

Recreational divers enjoy exploring the ocean's beauty. They typically examine sharks, fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, shipwrecks, and more. They will also come across innumerable beautiful ocean plants, anemones, and similar ocean life during their travels. Beginning divers can practice the basics in shallow water or in pools. Once in the ocean, beginning scuba divers rarely will be allowed to venture beyond a depth of 60 feet (18 meters).

Commercial divers typically use their scuba skills to aid corporations in their preparation for projects such as ocean oil drilling and bridge construction. Scientists also make use of scuba equipment to study the multiple components of marine biology. Special forces in the military are trained as scuba divers to provide the United States military with scuba expertise when called on.