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What is Scuba Diving?
The word Scuba is actually an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is a kind of underwater diving that requires scuba sets to breathe under water. It may be done for recreation, industrial or commercial purposes. Scuba divers carry their own breathing gas in tanks.

Scuba diving commonly refers to two things.
First, as the activity of diving under water with the aide of a breathing apparatus and swimming gear. As an activity, scuba diving has been generally categorised into skin diving and free diving.
Second, as the equipment used in swimming underwater. As an underwater diving equipment, SCUBA, an open-circuit apparatus allowing the user to breath air contained in a tank, placed over the back of divers. Read below about History of scuba diving.

Early History of scuba diving
During the 16th and 17th century, early innovators developed a diving-bell that holds compressed air within the device. By the 18th century, compressing air into a container able to withstand high pressure was developed. Trapped air was compressed in oak barrels, carried by divers. During this time, waterproof diving suits were also made by placing grease on leather. By the next century, helmets were used in diving. The helmets were linked to a tube taking in air above water. It was also during this time that diving suits were matched with helmets, although the head gear was joined to the suit with straps. After a decade, rubber suits and helmets were sealed to make the equipment airtight.

The invention of underwater technology
By the 1930’s, the basic equipment of scuba diving mask, scuba diving fins and snorkel were widely used. Rubber goggles with glass lenses were developed by Guy Gilpatric in 1930. Scuba fins, or “swimming propellers,” as they were referred to, were patented by Louis de Corlieu in 1933.

In1943 when Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan redesign and test the first “aqualung,” or open air circuit, we use today. This allowed divers to receive compressed air on the slightest intake of breath.

The first wetsuit was introduced by researchers at the University of California in 1956. The first wetsuits were made by Edco.

This invention revolutionizes the sport of diving. Many plan for adventure diving holidays.

Scuba diving developed out of man’s drive to survive and learn more about life underwater. With new technology, the reasons for wanting to breath underwater diversified. Initially, this was considered as a profession and source of livelihood. Then this became viewed as a scientific research exploration before becoming a recreational activity.

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Recommended Reading:
Diving Holidays in Australia
Diving Holiday- Dive Australia Travel Guide

The good thing about Australia is that it is so big, that there is always a place where it is summer. Being on the southern half of the planet, seasons are reversed, people in South Australia go skiing in July!

Minke Whale season around the Great Barrier Reef is usually from June to August and is the ideal time to spot and interact with these gentle giants.

In general Australia is a great year-round travel and dive destination, especially up north in the tropics at the Great Barrier Reef.

The majority of divers visit the Great Barrier Reef between the Far North and the southern Great Barrier Reef section (Townsville). Even in tropical Northern Australia there are 4 seasons! They are not as distinctly different as in the Northern Hemisphere, but we have them: Spring: Sep-Nov, Summer: Dec-Feb, Autumn: March-May, Winter: June-Aug.

You will find a year round dive destination during your Australia tours, but, for most part, late August to early December yields the best conditions for diving holidays. The best time for an Australia liveaboard is July to November, although in the Coral Sea at Osprey Reef and North Horn, visibility peaks during June and September. The tropical monsoon season is January-March and cyclones can occur then. Winds: Between May and August usually strongest.

In short:
Best Diving Months: August through November.

Water Temperature: Water temperatures are comfortable, approximately 81°F in the north and 75°F on the southern tip. The northern area around Cairns is the least affected by tides.

Underwater Visibility:

Ranges from 50 to 200+ feet. Can differ according to destinations.

The Great Barrier Reef experiences an average visibility of 20 metres (~65 feet) with a range of 20 to 30 metres.

The Coral Sea experiences an average of 30 metres (~100 feet) visibility.

For Diving On Heron Island-Visibility can be 30 metres in winter; and average water temperature is 27 degrees all year.

Osprey Reef.-Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with average visibility in excess of 100 feet

Recommended Reading:

Dive Australia Travel Guide