Deep Sea and Scuba Diving

People don't have gills. That is why they invented scuba equipment. In 1930, a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus was created to help people breathe underwater. Not only did humans search for artifacts, like tools, weapons or objects from the past which are historically important, but they wanted to observe the endangered marine animals.

Snorkeling is done in shallow water with simple equipment. Basically, there is a mask attached to a tube that is kept above the water to allow the air to reach to the persons mouth. It is still popular in the shallower waters and around artificial reefs where many marine animals live.

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. It is defined as an apparatus utilizing a portable supply of compressed gas (as air) supplied at a regulated pressure and used for breathing while swimming underwater (Webster's Dictionary). It can also be written as scuba without the caps and without abbreviation (S.C.U.B.A). In 1954, Dr. Christian Lambertsen laid the foundation for scuba diving when he worked on the first prototypes of rebreathers for military frogmen.

Scuba diving became popular in the 1960s. Hobbyists modified the scuba diving equipment to make it reliable and comfortable. Then they created diving suits to keep themselves from getting hypothermia or from getting cut while exploring shipwrecks. Hypothermia is a abnormally low body temperature which is considered a medical emergency. The body temperature is considered hypothermic when it is below 95 degrees F or 35 degrees C.

Shipwrecks that have fallen to the bottom of the sea offer a plethora of interesting artifacts. They include old coins and other treasures of interest and some are worth thousands of dollars. Many of these findings can be seen in museums throughout the world.

Cave diving and exploration involves swimming in deep dark caves. Only those who are trained, certified and also have the proper equipment should attempt deep sea diving.

The main reason humans need a breathing apparatus is because they do not have gills like a fish. Plus, they need oxygen to breathe regularly.

In the 1700s, underwater exploration was considered a luxury. Now it is considered a sport and although the equipment is still expensive, many people are involved in it. Some people even go as far as to swim with sharks or stingrays just for a thrill. Hobbyists and tourist now enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving on vacations and outings.

Some of the animals they may see include:

• Fish of all kinds
• Lobsters
• Dolphins
• Seals
• Otters
• Plankton
• Porpoises
• Whales

and many more.

In some countries, they must fish or dive to have food to eat. They rely on the sea for their very well being. Then there are industries who provide seafood to restaurants or industries that can the delicious offerings of the ocean. Some overfish certain areas in violation of laws that have been set up to protect the waters.

Deep sea exploration has become quite an occupation. Marine biologists study the reefs to see why some are healthy while others are not. They also study the marine animals and try to discover why many are endangered. Currently the marine animals that are endangered include:

• Sea turtles
• Hawksbill turtles
• Blue whales
• Humpback whales
• Hawaiian monk seals
• Sea lions
• Hammerhead sharks
• Florida manatees
• Graser's dolphins

amongst others.