How Long Can a Diver Stay Underwater? Scuba Diving Tips

Series Summary

Scuba diving is defined by the use of underwater diving that is extended by the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus. “Scuba” is actually an acronym for “Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.” Scuba equipment usually consists of a tank of breathable air, a tube leading to the mouth piece, fins worn on the feet to propel the diver, a diving suit, and sometimes a DPV (diver propulsion vehicle) or “scooter” used to move the diver around quickly. The term “scuba” was first used during World War II and referred to combat frogmen’s oxygen rebreathers (both semi-closed circuit and closed circuit).

Learn about scuba diving in these expert videos. Breathing underwater is tricky and diving time can vary depending on how deep you are diving and the amount of exertion you display underwater. Get tips on elongating breathing time underwater and learn more about aluminum tanks. Using the buddy system while underwater is important also. This will keep you safe and aware underwater. In this series of videos, learn how to mount a regulator to a breathing tank and how to operate your scuba diving system. Learn more safety tips about scuba diving such as resurfacing. Watch these expert videos and gain more knowledge about scuba diving.

Video Transcript

"Hi this is John again. Today I will be telling you a little about tanks. Most people ask that don’t know about scuba diving is how long can you stay under the water, well that’s a loaded question because it depends how deep you’re diving, how much exertion you have going on, and how big of a tank you’re using. The tank I have today with me is 95 cubic foot steel tank. It’s rated to 2600 psi. in normal conditions, it should give you between an hour and an hour and a half to 30 feet of depth. But that can only depend on how hard you’re working and how hard you’re swimming, the current, a lot of different factors. Aluminum tanks can hold up to 3000 psi, or 80 cubic feet, they’re lighter, but also more buoyant at the end of the dive. "