10 Facts About Scuba skills

Scuba skills are skills required to dive safely using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Some skills are generally accepted by recreational diver certification agencies as necessary for any scuba diver to be considered competent to dive without direct supervision.

Scuba skills divers are typically taught to not to hold their breath underwater, as in some circumstances this can result in lung overpressure injury.

The Scuba skills of controlling buoyancy during ascent are included in all entry level training, but the criteria for competence vary among the certification agencies.

The Scuba skills involve venting the buoyancy compensator and dry suit at a rate that provides neutral or slight negative buoyancy at all stages of the ascent, or a slightly positive buoyancy to assist ascent at the desired rate, and neutral buoyancy when a stop is required.

Rescue Scuba skills are considered by some agencies to be beyond the scope of entry level divers, while others consider them entry level diving Scuba skills required as part of the professional skill set for a stand-by diver.

Rebreather Scuba skills are necessary when using a rebreather for recreational or technical diving.

In many cases such Scuba skills can be shared across applications, with only a few specific to that application.

Many underwater work and activity skills are not directly related to the use of scuba equipment.

Scuba skills training is primarily provided by practical instruction directed by a registered or certified diving instructor.