Delve into the mesmerizing underwater realm and uncover the secrets of diving, a sport embraced by millions worldwide. Journey back in time to explore the historical evolution of diving equipment, from rudimentary diving bells used to salvage sunken treasures to the groundbreaking innovations of Cousteau and Gagnan, whose self-contained breathing apparatus revolutionized underwater exploration. Grasp the fundamental physics of diving, understanding the immense pressure exerted at increasing depths and mastering the crucial technique of pressure equalization to protect your ears. Equip yourself with knowledge of essential diving gear, including diving masks, flippers, weight belts, knives, and specialized diving suits designed for varying water temperatures. Discover the function of compressed air bottles, breath regulators, rescue vests, and diving computers, all vital components for a safe and successful dive. Unravel the mysteries surrounding Safe Air, an enriched oxygen mixture that extends diving limits and mitigates the risks of nitrogen narcosis. Confront the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface, from the disorienting effects of "Tiefenrausch" (nitrogen narcosis) to the life-threatening consequences of lung overexpansion and encounters with hazardous marine life like stonefish, barracudas, and even the exaggerated threat of sharks. Heed warnings about the perils of exploring underwater wrecks, potential repositories of unexploded ordnance. Finally, embark on a virtual tour of the world's most captivating diving destinations, from the alluring wrecks and caves of the Mediterranean Sea to the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific, and the unparalleled biodiversity of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This is your comprehensive introduction to the captivating world of scuba diving.
FASCINATION DIVING
Diving is a fascination which more than 2 million people all over the world practise.
As a sport diving has been existing for 20 years, then the equipment was cheaper and more reliable than now..
HISTORY
In 1942 the first good working diving equipment was built by the Frenchmen Cousteau and Gagnan but for 500 years humans have been trying to investigate the in this time absolutely unknown underwater world. A diving bell was developed for diving to old wrecks to find the lost treasures.
Later divers used a helmet with a connection to the surface to get the neccesary air to breath.This was used up to the Second World War when the equipment we know today was developed.
In that time the first flipppers were made, which was an enormous relief,because till that time a diver had to walk on the sea bottom with heavy metal boots.
The three Frenchmen Jaques Yves Cousteau, Frédéric Dumas and Philippe Taillez were the first to dive without any connection to a ship to get air.They worked some years very hard to get a satisfying equipment with an easy mechanism. Without these pioneers diving equipment would not exist.They spent most of the time in the Mediterranean Sea and developed diving equipment which is basically used today.Just the material and a few deatils have changed.
A diver, no matter if he‘s diving with or without equipment, has to fight against the extremely high water pressure. If you are diving 10 metres deep you have to stand a pressure of 2 bar.With every 10 metres there is a rise in pressure of 1 bar.For example in 30 metres depth you have a pressure of 4 bar.
Divers introduced an effective method, called diving balance, to handle the pressure which is very bad for the nose - ear area.
You have to wear a diving mask which covers your nose and eyes.When you go undersea you have to close your nose with your fingers and press air into the nose so that it goes into your ears.
The pressure inside your ears and in the water around you, is now equal and you can dive without any problems.
THE EQUIPMENT
Diving mask:
The human eye is not made to see under water, so a diving mask is really necessary.
You also need a diving mask for doing the pressure balance and to protect your eyes from the salt water. Flippers:
In 1933 the first flippers were invented by Louis de Corlieu.
Flippers help to move under water and to swim to save energy (with saving energy). Belt with weights:
Every diver has a natural buoyancy, so that he would not sink in most cases. Divers compensate this phenomenon by wearing a belt filled with weights.In case of an accident this belt must be easy to open to get rid of it immediately. Knife:
The knife is necessary if you are in a dangerous situation like being caugth in a fishing net or in a wreck where you cannot get outside.Otherwise you would not get out because with the big air bottles you move very clumsily. Diving suit:
The diving suit protects the body from getting too cold.You would need a water temperature of 33 degrees so that your body won‘t cool down.But the sea is usually not warmer than 28 degrees.
In case of low body temperature, necessary functions wouldn‘t work any more.
The usually used diving suit is made of Neopren and is close to your skin.It’s not waterproof but the Neopren keeps the body warm.
Professionals often use the so -called dry diving suit. You can use it for extremely cold and contaminated water because your body doesn‘t get wet with it.
Compressed Air Bottle:
The compressed air in the bottle has a pressure of 200 to 300 bar.
The bottle is made of a kind of aluminium which is pressure- and corrosion-resistant. Usually bottles with a volume between 4 and 20 litres are used.
There is a maximal stock of air for one hour.But how long you can dive depends on the consumption of air,the diver‘s physical state and the depth.
Breath regulator:
The breath regulator is a connection from the diver to the air bottle. One end is fixed on the air bottle, the other is in the diver‘s mouth. The valve, which regulates the air pressure is situated on the bottles top, the other valve gives the diver air to breathe.
In the breath regulator, the air loses a lot of pressure, it diminishes from more than 200 bar to 4 bar. So it cools down and can get iced and block the valves.
Rescue vest:
In case of an accident you can press air into the rescue vest so you come up very quickly.
The rescue vest is also used for staying constantly in the same depth.A diver begins to sink if he‘s diving more than 25 metres, so the diver produces buoyancy by pressing air into the vest.
Diving computer:
The diving computer was invented in the 80‘s, makes diving easier and helps to avoid accidents.
This gadget shows the consumption of air, the stock of air, the speed of diving up or down and a few more things. Pressure gauge:
The pressure gauge is directly connected with the air bottle and shows the air pressure.If the air pressure is under a critical number the diver has to come up. On this piece of equipment there are also a compass and a thing to measure the depth.
This is the most important equipment but divers also use special cameras for under water photography and strong lights for diving at night and in caves.Up to the 80‘s divers used special weapons for hunting fish and other animals but to hunt under water is now forbidden.
SAFE AIR
A few years ago Safe Air was invented to makes diving a lot safer.
Safe Air is air with a higher percentage of oxygen than normal air (it contains up to 50% O ). It has also a lower part of nitrogen which is replaced by helium.
This air-mixture makes longer diving trips possible.The helium diminishes the danger of a “Tiefenrausch“ and a supersaturation with nitrogen of the blood.
DANGERS
“TIEFENRAUSCH“
“Tiefenrausch“ is one of the best known dangers of diving.This phenomenon is similar to the intoxication of alcohol and is produced by nitrogen from a depth of 40 metres on.
From a depth of 60 metres on every diver feels the dangerous narcotic effect.
Symptoms of the “Tiefenrausch“ are actions without control and any sense, for example to let the mouthpiece fall, to throw the diving mask away or to lose the sense of direction and the sense of balance.
Under these circumstances diving accidents often end in death.The “Tiefenrausch“ is also the reason why sport divers usually don‘t dive deeper than 40 metres.
HIGH PRESSURE IN THE LUNGS
Not only “Tiefenrausch“ is dangerous, also high pressure in the lungs often ends in death.
If you dive in, for example, a depth of 35 metres the water around you has a pressure of 4.5 bar.The air you breathe has the same pressure like the w ater around you, so you breathe air with a pressure of 4.5 bar.If you come up and don‘t breathe out, the air remains with a pressure of 4.5 bar in your lungs although the water around you has lower pressure, for example 2 bar.So your lungs will explode and air gets in your blood circulation and under your skin. It is very important to breathe while coming up otherwise the diver is in extrem life danger.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS
Many believe sharks are dangerous killers, who attack every diver they find.That‘s absolute nonsense.From about 300 types of sharks worldwide, 2 types are dangerous, the White Shark and the Tigershark.But they just react aggressively if you provoke them and approach them to closely.
But the most inconspicuous fish are the most dangerous ones,for example the little Stonefish.You can hardly see this animal but one sting causes death.
Divers should also be aware of Barracudas, Morays, Rays and Seasnakes, they are not to be underestimated.
OTHER DANGERS
From the First and Second World War there are still a lot of bombs, grenades and mines in old wrecks and on the sea bottom.They will explode if they are touched so it’s better not to dive into a wreck.
THE BEST PLACES TO DIVE
A lot of divers like the Mediterrean Sea because of the many wrecks and fish.The water temperature is usually very warm.The Mediterrean Sea is famous for the beautiful caves underwater.
The Red Sea is without nearly any contamination and the warmest sea worldwide so there are a lot of coral-reefs.
Great coral-reefs are also in the Indian Ocean, the Indo Pacific and in the east of Australia is the Great Barrier Reef.The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world and it’s nature is unique.
WORDS:
Frequently Asked Questions: FASCINATION DIVING
What is "FASCINATION DIVING" about?
"FASCINATION DIVING" provides an overview of the sport of diving, covering its history, equipment, potential dangers, and recommended diving locations.
How long has sport diving been around?
Sport diving has been around for approximately 20 years at the time of the text, with equipment becoming cheaper and more reliable during that period.
Who are considered pioneers in diving equipment development?
The Frenchmen Jaques Yves Cousteau, Frédéric Dumas, and Philippe Taillez are considered pioneers in diving equipment development, particularly for creating equipment usable without a direct connection to a ship.
What is the diving balance method?
The diving balance method is a technique used by divers to equalize pressure in the nose and ear area when diving. It involves closing the nose and gently blowing air into the ears.
Why is a diving mask necessary?
A diving mask is necessary because the human eye is not adapted to see underwater. It also allows for pressure balance and protects the eyes from salt water.
What is the purpose of a weight belt in diving?
A weight belt compensates for a diver's natural buoyancy, helping them sink underwater. It is designed to be easily released in case of an emergency.
What is the function of a diving knife?
A diving knife is necessary for emergencies, such as entanglement in fishing nets or wreckage, where it can be used to cut free.
How does a diving suit protect the body?
A diving suit, typically made of Neopren, protects the body from getting too cold. While not completely waterproof, the Neopren provides insulation.
How much pressure is contained in a compressed air bottle, and what determines how long a diver can stay underwater?
Compressed air bottles contain 200 to 300 bar of pressure. How long a diver can stay underwater depends on air consumption, the diver's physical condition, and the depth.
What does a breath regulator do?
The breath regulator connects the diver to the air bottle, reducing the high pressure from the bottle to a breathable level. It can be prone to icing up due to the pressure reduction.
What is the purpose of a rescue vest?
A rescue vest allows a diver to quickly ascend to the surface in an emergency. It also helps maintain a constant depth by controlling buoyancy.
What information does a diving computer provide?
A diving computer displays information such as air consumption, remaining air, ascent/descent speed, and other relevant data to help prevent accidents.
What is Safe Air?
Safe Air is a breathing gas with a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than normal air. The nitrogen is replaced by helium, making longer diving trips possible and diminishing the risk of “Tiefenrausch“ (nitrogen narcosis) and nitrogen supersaturation.
What is "Tiefenrausch" and what are its symptoms?
"Tiefenrausch" (nitrogen narcosis) is a state similar to alcohol intoxication, caused by nitrogen at depths of 40 meters or more. Symptoms include loss of control, impaired judgment, and disorientation.
What is the danger of high pressure in the lungs during ascent?
If a diver ascends without exhaling, the air in their lungs expands due to the decreasing water pressure, which can cause the lungs to rupture and lead to air entering the bloodstream or under the skin, creating a life-threatening situation.
Are sharks the most dangerous animals to divers?
No, sharks are often misrepresented as dangerous killers. Only a few species, like the White Shark and Tigershark, are potentially dangerous and usually only react aggressively if provoked. Less conspicuous fish, like the Stonefish, can be more dangerous.
What are some other potential dangers while diving?
Other potential dangers include encounters with Barracudas, Morays, Rays, and Seasnakes, as well as unexploded ordnance from past wars in shipwrecks and on the seabed.
What are some recommended places to dive?
The Mediterranean Sea is popular for its wrecks and fish, the Red Sea for its clear water and coral reefs, and the Indian Ocean, Indo Pacific, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia for their extensive coral reefs.
- Quote paper
- Bernhard Schachinger (Author), 2001, Fascination Diving, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/103268
