Things I’d say about scuba diving

Every now and then you will hear one of the know-it-all who just completed their Open Water Diving course coming up and about boasting to you and mocking you for not knowing that SCUBA stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Much as you’d like to kick them in the face… actually, you know what? Do it.

Kick their face, then go and get your Open Water Diving qualifications. Why? Because it’s awesome!

Scuba diving is more than just a sport; it's an adventure into a hidden world teeming with life and wonder. For those who take the plunge, the experience offers a unique blend of excitement, tranquility, and discovery that few other activities can match.

The Thrill of Discovery

One of the greatest joys of scuba diving is the opportunity to explore underwater environments that are often inaccessible by other means. Imagine descending into a vibrant, aquatic version of a bustling city, where every coral reef is a skyscraper brimming with colourful residents. Divers get to witness firsthand the incredible diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs filled with colorful fish to mysterious shipwrecks that tell stories of the past. Every dive can bring new surprises, whether it's encountering a graceful manta ray gliding like an underwater bird, swimming through a school of sunfish that resemble alien spacecraft, or discovering a hidden underwater cave that feels like an ancient secret. Even now I still tell the story where a manta glided under my feet and tapped my fins and I was thrown off by the shock, then followed by a moment of realisation of what the big shadow is underneath my feet, and ended in awe as the rays of light falls upon the magnificent creature when it glides past the rock formations, completely absorbed in the moment forgetting I was underwater, and what I had been privileged to witness feels like Atlantis itself.

Photo by Aimee Nicholson-Jack when I was up in Coral Bay, Western Australia. Shoutout to Ningaloo Reef Dive & Snorkel

Majestic Encounters

Few experiences in life can compare to the awe of encountering majestic underwater creatures. Swimming alongside a humpback whale, for example, is like being in the presence of a gentle giant, its sheer size and grace leaving a lasting impression. Spotting a whale shark, the largest fish in the sea, is akin to witnessing a living relic from prehistoric times, its spotted body gliding effortlessly through the water. These majestic encounters remind us of the vastness of the ocean and our small place within it, creating memories that are both humbling and exhilarating.

Tranquility and Escape

Underwater, the world is quiet, with only the sound of one's own breathing and the gentle bubbles rising to the surface. This tranquility can be incredibly soothing, providing a sense of peace and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many divers find that the underwater environment helps them to clear their minds and focus on the present moment, making scuba diving a form of underwater meditation. It's like entering the mythical city of Atlantis, where ancient ruins and vibrant marine life coexist in a serene, blue sanctuary. The worries of the surface world fade away with each breath, replaced by a sense of timelessness.

Social Bonding and Community

Scuba diving brings people together. Whether it's a group of friends planning a dive trip, getting your friend to finally get onto the process of attaining the qualification, or meeting new dive buddies on a boat, the shared experiences and challenges of diving create strong bonds. We have an cringy saying “See you underwater!”, normally when we get ready to dip into the ocean from the boat, but we overuse it when we say goodby to our friends when leaving the diving island. Cringy as it may, I actually had the opportunity to recognise my friend underwater, where we both went with different dive groups and somehow just recognise each other from our silhouettes in depths of 18m. When we rendezvous on the island where there’s no proper internet access except those snail speed WiFi from the resorts, we hung out and we drank, talked, walked by the beach, catching up over all our missed moments, make bonfire, and so forth. What a time!

Imagine the camaraderie of explorers setting off on a grand adventure, facing the unknown together. The diving community is known for its camaraderie and mutual support, making it easy to make new friends and connections around the world. In this underwater fellowship, everyone shares the same passion for the ocean's wonders, making every dive a collective journey into the extraordinary.

Diving Etiquette

Respect for the underwater environment is crucial for a responsible diving experience. Adhering to diving etiquette includes avoiding contact with marine life and delicate coral structures. Even seemingly minor contact with coral reefs can have lasting consequences. Coral polyps, the tiny living organisms that make up the coral, are highly sensitive and can be damaged by direct contact, leading to long-term harm to the reef. Physical damage can also disrupt the complex ecosystems that rely on the reef, affecting countless marine species. 

In addition to the impact on corals, disturbing marine life can cause significant stress and disorientation. For example, sea turtles, which are already vulnerable due to threats like habitat loss and pollution, can become disoriented and stressed if approached too closely. This stress can disrupt their feeding, nesting behaviors, and migration patterns, which are crucial for their survival. Similarly, manta rays, known for their graceful gliding through the water, can become agitated if they are chased or touched. This disturbance can interfere with their feeding and mating behaviors, and in severe cases, lead to physical harm or increased susceptibility to disease. Stress and disorientation from human interactions can have cascading effects on their overall health and well-being, making it imperative for divers to respect their space.

Supporting Local Communities

I could not stress this enough. Many diving destinations are located in regions where local communities rely on tourism for their livelihoods. By supporting local businesses, such as dive shops and eco-friendly tour operators, divers contribute to the economic well-being of these communities. Additionally, being a responsible visitor means respecting local customs and contributing positively to the region. Engaging with local conservation efforts and participating in community initiatives can enhance the overall impact of a diving trip, fostering a positive relationship between tourism and marine conservation. Buying the locals a meal and a round of drinks every now and then and you will be known by the locals and recognised wherever you go, and you will get priority treatment everywhere. Yes, it may be the money talking, but the money we spend goes to help them feed their family and build their locality. You do something nice for people, and they will come back to you in ways you can never imagine.

Well that’s all for my writing at 4am folks. Until we meet again. See you underwater!