According to Wikipedia,

Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) which is completely independent of surface supply, to breathe underwater. Scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas, usually compressed air, allowing them greater independence and freedom of movement than surface-supplied divers, and longer underwater endurance than breath-hold divers. 
Open circuit scuba systems discharge the breathing gas into the environment as it is exhaled, and consist of one or more diving cylinders containing breathing gas at high pressure which is supplied to the diver through a regulator. They may include additional cylinders for range extension, decompression gas or emergency breathing gas.

If you need equipment, African Divers Nuweiba can help you select quality equipment that fits properly and works within your budget. Most scuba equipment is very durable, so you won’t have to replace it often.

We offer internship programs to allow divers of all levels to work towards undertaking our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). These internship programs give you the opportunity to work alongside our international and highly experienced IDC Team while you undertake the course.

During all training dives, each student diver, certified assistant and instructor must have:

• fins, mask and snorkel
• compressed gas cylinder and valve
• buoyancy control device (BCD) and low pressure inflator
• regulator and alternate air source
• submersible pressure gauge
• depth gauge
• weight system and weights
• adequate exposure protection appropriate for local diving conditions
• at least one audible emergency surface signaling device (whistle, air horn, etc.)
• During all open water training dives, trainees must also have a timing device, compass, knife/diver’s tool and two surface signaling device – one audible (i.e., whistle, air horn, etc.) and one visual(inflatable surface tube, flare, signal mirror, etc.)
  These can be rented or bought at our equipment store.

Most aquatic animals are passive or timid. A few do bite or sting, but you can avoid these by not touching them. Divers aren’t natural prey for sharks and therefore shark attacks are rare. Many scuba divers actually seek out shark encounters.

No, but there are potential hazards, which is why you need proper training and certification.

Any medical condition which affects your respiratory or cardiovascular systems, or which may render you suddenly and unexpectedly unable to respond quickly or at all, might mean you cannot dive. Common contraindications are asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and heart disease. If you have any of these or other illnesses, which might cause similar problems, consult a doctor before diving.It is not recommended for people with the following conditions to scuba dive:

• People with breathing problems.
• People with ear problems or people who have had ear surgery in the last 12 months.
• People with a cold, flu or congestion. It is not recommended that people with a cold take decongestion medication in order to dive, as this can wear off underwater and cause problems while ascending to the surface.

Other reasons a diving student may be asked to see a doctor include (but are not limited to):

• A history of heart or lung disease
• An unexplained loss of consciousness or “blackout”
• A recent history of nausea or vomiting
• The use of prescription or non-prescription medications
• Shortness of breath
• Repeated trouble clearing air spaces (equalisation)

Your ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum. In your scuba course, you’ll learn simple techniques to equalise your ears to the surrounding pressure, much like you do when you land in an airplane.

No. Wearing soft contact lenses shouldn’t be a problem while you dive. However, if you wear hard contacts, you’ll want to dive with gas permeable lenses. See your eye doctor for more information. Another option is to have prescription lenses put into your mask.

• Never drink and dive – Intoxication can put a diver in a compromised position. One being the inability to use common sense, and make rational judgments, especially when it involves safety.
• Don’t eat a big meal before making your dive – You should wait at least two hours after eating before you make your dive. Diving on a full belly can put you in a dangerous situation. Not only creates the possibility of acquiring cramps, but also possible upchucking in your mouthpiece making it difficult to breathe.
• Never conceal any serious or chronic medical conditions you know to exist.