Picture yourself 18 meters or 60 feet underwater, where the noise of the surface world is non-existent and all that surrounds you is the open sea.

Imagine a vast aquatic paradise just waiting to be explored, the majority of which remains unmapped, filled with aquatic secrets waiting to be discovered. Every turn can offer a different view, either of the various schools of fish that reside in this otherworld or perhaps even what’s left of shipwrecks from years before you were born.

Beneath the surface, you are alone even with a group or a buddy. It’s a meditative exercise because, despite all the wonders that surround you in the deep, you need to be conscious of your breathing. It’s the only thing you can hear. The air bubbles produced from your exhalations themselves can be mesmerizing, prompting you to focus even more on your breaths, but in times of disorientation, when you are lost beneath the sea, these bubbles are also a lifeline. They show you which way is up.

A SEA OF BEAUTY Tubbataha Reef is home to a diverse ecosystem of marine life such as turtles, sharks, corals, and more (Photo: WWF Philippines)

Such is the thrill that comes with scuba diving, a method of underwater diving, which uses special breathing equipment to let you stay underwater longer. Before escaping into the wonders of the seven seas, here is a handy guide on what to expect.

Safety first
Like any other outdoor activity, always remember the importance of being safe.
Before pursuing scuba diving, it’s best to undergo a medical check-up and be cleared by a doctor to ensure you won’t encounter any problems while diving. Scuba diving, while fun, can take a toll on the body due to its physical demands. Expect a lot of cardio as scuba diving requires you to move around underwater, a feat that can feel more strenuous than moving on land due to water pressure.

A-OK! Scuba divers use this specific hand gesture to signify that they are okay underwater

Being adequately trained
As tempting as it is to just dive into it, undergoing training is an essential process for divers.
Scuba diving utilizes techniques and specialized equipment that might seem foreign to regular swimmers. Enroll in a recognized scuba diving agency to learn about safety guidelines, navigating your way underwater, ways to communicate underwater, and other necessary information to fully enjoy the experience. Agencies with connections to scuba diving institutions, such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), ensure you are learning from certified professionals. For beginners, the Open Water Diver course is an excellent introduction to the world of scuba diving. At that level, it allows you to dive up to a depth of 18 meters.

Being properly equipped
Fun fact, scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
Here is a handy list of items you’ll be using for scuba diving.

• Wetsuits or dry suits—the former is used for insulation while the latter keeps the body dry.
• The scuba tank is the device that allows divers to breathe underwater with the compressed gas within.
• A regulator brings air from the scuba tank to the scuba diver.
• The Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) notifies scuba divers how much air is left in their scuba tank.
• The Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is used for adjusting one’s weight underwater to swim freely or to stand still.
• A snorkel set (fins, mask, snorkel) is handy for navigating your way underwater.

GEAR UP! 1.Wetsuit/dry suit 2. Scuba tank 3. BCD (buoyancy control device) 4. Regulator 5. SPG and or Dive Computer 6. Mask 7. Snorkel 8. Fins (Photo: PADI)

Working in groups
Divers are often encouraged to go with a diving buddy or to dive in large groups to ensure safety. It is discouraged to go at it alone. In a worst-case scenario, it would mean there is no one else to save you. Diving as a group is also a great way to make friends and enjoy your surroundings more.

Finding a diving location
The Philippines is a diver’s paradise, rife with diving spots for all to enjoy.
Consider visiting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Palawan, which is recognized by PADI as “one of the most biodiverse diving spots on earth.” Witness the colorful coral reefs at the bottom of the sea or, if you’re lucky, spot a whale shark or a manta ray or two swimming alongside you. For those looking for something closer to Manila, Batangas has numerous diving sites to pick from, such as Anilao, with each one offering its own unique experience.

Enjoying the aquatic life
Thanks to the recent success of Disney’s live-action rendition of The Little Mermaid, chances are some of you have fantasized about living Ariel’s life underwater and among a strange universe of aquatic creatures.
Scuba diving’s main draw is seeing the beauty of life underwater before your very eyes. It’s the closest you can get to feeling like a mermaid. Imagine encountering all of the colorful fishes you’ve probably only seen in nature documentaries and swimming alongside them. It almost feels like a dream to witness it all. The beauty of the sea is that it is vast and there is much of it to explore.