Andaman Wander Guide

What is Scuba Diving?

Scuba diving is a water sport. It involves using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to explore underwater environments, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. While it can be a recreational activity or a means of conducting scientific research, it is commonly categorized as a water sport due to its physical and skill-based nature. Scuba divers often undergo training and certification and participate in activities such as underwater photography, spearfishing, or competitive diving, such as underwater hockey or underwater rugby, which are specialized forms of underwater sports.

Is Scuba Diving an ‘adventure sport’ or ‘extreme sport’?

Scuba diving is generally not classified as an extreme sport in the same way that activities like skydiving or big wave surfing are. Extreme sports are typically characterized by a high level of risk. While scuba diving does carry certain inherent risks, such as decompression sickness or equipment malfunctions, it is generally considered a recreational and adventure sport rather than an extreme sport.

Some forms of scuba diving, such as cave diving or deep diving, can be more technically challenging and carry higher risks, and they may be perceived as more extreme within the scuba diving community. While it is not typically classified as an extreme sport, scuba diving can be physically demanding and requires a certain level of skill and training.

What is PADI?

PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is one of the most well-known and widely recognized organizations in the world for scuba diving training and certification. PADI is dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable diving experiences while also fostering environmental awareness and conservation efforts. It has a global presence, with thousands of PADI dive centers and resorts located in various countries around the world. This widespread network allows divers to receive training and certification in numerous locations.

PADI offers a tiered system of diver certification levels, with Open Water Diver being the most common entry-level certification. As divers gain experience and complete additional courses, they can progress to higher certification levels such as Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and even professional levels like Dive Master and Instructor.