Equipment
Gear for modern scuba diving is made up of one (or more) gas cylinder secured to the diver’s back. This gas tank is joined to an air hose and the demand (or diving) regulator – this latter device controls the flow of air, so that the air pressure in the diver’s lungs is the same as the pressure of the water. Among other gear/equipment used in diving is the buoyancy control device (BCD), basically an inflatable jacket that controls your buoyancy by adding or releasing air.
Best season in India
From autumn, through the winter months, and into spring, is when you can encounter the best conditions for scuba diving (October/November to April/May). In the Andamans, peak season is between December and February.
Scuba Diving destinations in India
India boasts two main scuba-diving sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, off the east coast (closer, incidentally, to the Asian mainland than the Indian Subcontinent) and the Lakshadweep Islands, off the western (Kerala) coast. Both offer stunning coral reefs, top facilities and a fantastic diving experience. Tips1. If you are not sure whether scuba diving is the right adventure activity for you, try a spot of snorkelling first to become familiar with the marine life and the corals. While snorkelling, you are not totally underwater; you stay afloat on the surface but, with the help of a face mask and a simple breathing apparatus, you can enjoy the underwater world.
2. One should be able to swim 200 metres continuously, and tread water for 10 minutes, to receive Open Water Certification (and higher certification).
3. The major certification agencies are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International) and CMAS (French Diving Federation). PADI is by far the largest international organisation teaching recreational scuba diving; it has, till date, certified over 12 million divers worldwide.
4. Scuba diving is, comparatively, an expensive adventure option. In most countries, it can cost anywhere between US$200 and US$800 per dive.
5. Do not think of diving alone.