Scuba diving whether recreational or professional is filled with acronyms making it confusing for someone starting out at the hobby. Here is a list of a few commonly used Scuba Diving acronyms and their descriptions to help you get started.
AAS = Alternate Air Source
The Alternate Air Source can refer to your backup second stage regulator on your octopus. This is used in case your primary regulator fails or you need to share air with a buddy who has run out. The Alternate Air Source is usually a bright color such as fluorescent yellow. AAS can also refer to a pony air bottle or a bailout bottle that is used when your primary air tanks are empty, however this is more commonly refered to as an EAS or Extra Air Source.
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ABT = Actual Bottom Time
Actual Bottom Time refers to the time a diver spends underwater, from the time the diver begins his descent to the time he/she begins a continuous ascent to the surface. ABT is a term used in dive tables to represent the amount of time a diver spent underwater.
AOW = Advanced Open Water
Advanced Open Water is a scuba diving certification level provided by PADI, SSI and a few other training agencies. AOW is a second level qualification that a diver may obtain after basic OW or Open Water certification, and this allows recreational divers to dive to a maximum of 30 metres (100 ft) deep.
BCD = Buoyancy Control/Compensator Device
A BCD is a jacket like piece of scuba equipment which can be inflated using the scuba tanks or deflated using release valves, and allows the diver the ability to adjust and control his overall buoyancy in the water.
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C-CARD = (Scuba Diving) Certification Card.
C-Card is the generic term used for any scuba diving certification card from any issuing agency such as PADI, NAUI SSI, CMAS etc. A C-card is proof that the diver has trained and certified as a diver and dive shops will not allow divers to dive without one.
CCR = Closed Circuit Rebreather
Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus or CCUBA or a CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather), allows a diver to breathe the exhaled air, again and again while constantly removing the CO2 using chemicals while replenishing Oxygen into the system as necessary.
CMAS = Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques/ The World Underwater Federation
CMAS is the international umbrella organization for diver training organizations. Founded in 1958, CMAS is based in France. The organization offers the international framework for diver and instructor qualifications and members of the CMAS Council are representatives of the other recognized dive agencies.
DAN = Divers Alert Network
DAN is a non-profit organization devoted to assisting SCUBA Divers in accidents, offing insurance facilities and conducting research both medical and non-medical on recreational scuba diving safety.
DCI = Decompression Illness
Decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism are commonly classified together as decompression illness. Air embolism is a medical condition characterized by an air/gas bubble or bubbles in the bloodstream, which cause a variety of problems ranging from blockage of blood supply to organs, stroke like symptoms, and possible cardiac arrest if it reaches the heart.
DCS = Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness, known as the bends is the condition where nitrogen bubbles start forming the body when a diver ascends from pressure too quickly forming micro bubbles.
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