Scuba diving is the act of swimming underwater while using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. By carrying a source of breathing gas (usually compressed air), the scuba diver is able to stay underwater longer than with the simple breath-holding techniques used in snorkeling and free-diving, and is not hindered by air lines to a remote air source. The scuba diver typically swims underwater by using fins attached to the feet. However, some divers also move around with the assistance of a DPV (diver propulsion vehicle), commonly called a "scooter", or by using surface-tethered devices called sleds pulled by a boat. The term SCUBA arose during World War II and originally referred to USA combat frogmen's oxygen rebreathers, developed by Dr. Christian Lambertsen for underwater warfare. Today, scuba typically usually refers to the in-line open-circuit equipment, developed by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau, in which compressed gas (usually air) is inhaled from a tank and then exhaled into the water. However, rebreathers (both semi-closed circuit and closed circuit) are also self-contained systems (as opposed to surface-supplied systems) and are therefore classified as scuba. Although the word 'SCUBA' is an acronym for "Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", it has also become acceptable to refer to scuba as 'scuba equipment' or 'scuba apparatus'—an example of the linguistic RAS syndrome. Scuba diving means the chance of experiencing the state of weightlessness, mysterious of sunken ships, searching for the pirates' treasures, as well as acquaintance with underwater flora and fauna. Diving is a very thrilling process that demands certain skills, courage and trust to the partners. It brings joy and psychological relaxation, allows meeting new and interesting people, improves physical shape. Nowadays diving is extremely popular and fashionable, especially on the south resorts, where the underwater world is fantastically beautiful. In Kiev, there are some special schools where professional instructors teach the beginners the basic principles of scuba diving.

Diving Club Neptun Travel
10, Vozduhoflotsky Avenue, Kiev
Site: http://www.neptun-club.com.ua/
Diving Club ArgoDive
18, Ezhena Potye Street, Kiev
Site: http://www.argodive.com.ua/pages/
Diving Club Nautilus
14/3 Petra Zaporozhtsa Street, Kiev
Site: http://www.diveclub.com.ua/