Underwater Experiences

(Part 1 of two parts)

SCUBA or Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus Diving is not just a hobby or a sport, it's a passion, a love affair which you can indulge like an intense adventure. You can explore the unfamiliar, superb underwater life. It's the idea of breathing underwater and getting close to the living organisms that are unbelievably stunning.

My younger years influenced my ideals and passions in life, thus I ended up with a course I wanted, Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Marine Life. I am a certified Open Water Scuba Diver. I've been diving for three years and the memories of every dive I still linger in my mind.

The first time I ever dove was on April 29, 2003 in Mapalad, Dalipuga, Iligan City. Our scuba diving training also culminated that day. I was overwhelmed when we were preparing ourselves with the gear for the dive. We had to remember all the things we learned from the lectures.

I slipped into my wet suit and boots came next, tucked under the wet suit pants cuff. When the suit fitted snuggly to my body, I felt truly proud of myself that I could finally taste the sweetness of my passion. All geared up, I executed the giant stride entry. (Stepping out with one foot and the legs were spread until they hit the water. The BCD should be about half-inflated, the regulator is in the mouth and holding the mask firmly in place.

This entry should be done from a raised platform such as a boat or a pier) I plunged into the clear water and started descending. For the first time, I could breathe underwater and everything seemed perfect. The hiss sound as I inhaled through the regulator, the gargling tone of the bubbles as they escaped and ascended to the surface, the rhythm of my body movements and the flipping of my fins were harmoniously done.

It was amazing. As we moved down to 30 feet, a different world was in front of me. Unusual colors, shapes and figures dazzled my eyes then, I came to my senses and realized that I was part of the world I've been dreaming of. The slope was getting steep but those thriving organisms felt that it was their territory. I was very excited to see those immobile animals up close, observing how wonderfully they are created. I was fascinated by the live branching coral called Acropora sp.

It stands out due to its eye-catching purple color. (Actually, the polyps of the corals or the animal itself is not the cause of its coloration. It's the zooxanthellae or these microscopic algae that live under the skin and form a symbiotic relationship with the coral that gives those brilliant colors.) It fans out like a table. I was so amazed that I missed a foot long parrotfish that swam right passed me, as what my dive buddy later said.

He couldn't believe what he saw and was too shocked himself that he was not able to warn me about the marvelous fish that pass by. We explored the reef and, as I observed, the deeper we went the more exciting it was, the more life forms to scrutinize. It's marvelous seeing how a single organism interacts with each other. The false clown fish (Amphiprion ocellaris) swam back and forth through its symbiotic partner, the anemone.

Just like how Marlin and Nemo (of Finding Nemo) executed their natural movements. Damselfishes hovered around the coral heads while butterfly fishes grazed on them. Eels went outside from their holes, curiously observing us. I saw for the first time an underwater garden with all the different kinds of marine organisms.

But what struck me most was that I was able to breathe and swim among them in their natural habitat. It was a life changing experience and I long for more dives and reefs to discover. Credits: PADI Open Water Diver Manual, 1999