Many have enjoyed Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving as an exciting recreational sport for many years. Though SCUBA diving is a very rewarding experience, a diver must be sufficiently trained before entering a potentially dangerous situation. Divers must have an understanding of SCUBA from both a scientific and recreational view, along with ample training, to properly use equipment and prepare for potential hazards.
Prolonged underwater experiences have fascinated people for millennia. Divers conducted the first underwater expeditions using a technique known as skin diving (Berger 10). Divers plummeted to depths of up to 100 feet while only taking one breath. During those excursions, divers hunted for food and other …show more content…
One hazard that can occur is seasickness. Seasickness is caused by the constant commotion of waves. If this occurs, a diver gets an extreme feeling of nauseousness (Berger 117). A couple hazards that arise to a divers body are hyperthermia and dehydration. Hyperthermia is understood to lead to heat stroke and takes place when a divers body cannot keep body heat regulated. Dehydration occurs when more water is lost through activity than is taken in (Berger 119). Two hazards that come from overworking is overexertion and cramps. Overexertion is from overworking such as fighting a current which can cause suffocation or a panic attack. Cramps occur from overworking a muscle which causes contractions (Berger 122). Serious injuries can occur from exposure to underwater environments. Decompression sickness is probably the most known hazard in diving which is also known as the “bends”. Decompression sickness is nitrogen expanding inside the body in result of ascending too quickly. Symptoms are as severe as paralysis and in some cases even unconsciousness (Berger 124). Among the most hazardous injuries that can occur is lung overexpansion. Overexpansion takes place when a diver ascends from the dive while holding their breath. If the lungs expand, it will allow air to enter the bloodstream which is potentially life threatening. Nitrogen narcosis is a hazard that varies in effect on divers. Narcosis occurs at depths of 100 feet or deeper, attributing to improper decision making (Berger
Prolonged underwater experiences have fascinated people for millennia. Divers conducted the first underwater expeditions using a technique known as skin diving (Berger 10). Divers plummeted to depths of up to 100 feet while only taking one breath. During those excursions, divers hunted for food and other …show more content…
One hazard that can occur is seasickness. Seasickness is caused by the constant commotion of waves. If this occurs, a diver gets an extreme feeling of nauseousness (Berger 117). A couple hazards that arise to a divers body are hyperthermia and dehydration. Hyperthermia is understood to lead to heat stroke and takes place when a divers body cannot keep body heat regulated. Dehydration occurs when more water is lost through activity than is taken in (Berger 119). Two hazards that come from overworking is overexertion and cramps. Overexertion is from overworking such as fighting a current which can cause suffocation or a panic attack. Cramps occur from overworking a muscle which causes contractions (Berger 122). Serious injuries can occur from exposure to underwater environments. Decompression sickness is probably the most known hazard in diving which is also known as the “bends”. Decompression sickness is nitrogen expanding inside the body in result of ascending too quickly. Symptoms are as severe as paralysis and in some cases even unconsciousness (Berger 124). Among the most hazardous injuries that can occur is lung overexpansion. Overexpansion takes place when a diver ascends from the dive while holding their breath. If the lungs expand, it will allow air to enter the bloodstream which is potentially life threatening. Nitrogen narcosis is a hazard that varies in effect on divers. Narcosis occurs at depths of 100 feet or deeper, attributing to improper decision making (Berger