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Scuba Diving Dictionary

Scuba Diving Dictionary Landing Page Description

Whether you’re a new diver or one who’s returning to the sport, or even if you’re a frequent diver with the occasional question that needs answering, you’ll discover that our dive dictionary is a very useful scuba diving resource. Here, you’ll see a comprehensive list of scuba diving terms, along with acronyms and so much more.  Using our scuba dictionary to locate diving terms is quick and easy; just choose a letter or number and click on it, or simply enter a keyword to find its definition. Be sure to contact us if you’re looking for diving terms, acronyms, or any other type of scuba-related jargon you cannot uncover here. We’ll do our best to keep updating our diving dictionary so you can find the answers you need, when you need them.

F

Fauna

The animal life found in a certain region or locale

FFW

Feet of freshwater

Fins

A piece of essential dive gear in which the scuba diver wears on his or her feet to increase area and thus their power, speed, and control in the water 

Fisherman's Knot

A knot used for joining the ends of two lines together

Flaccid

Represents something that lacks firmness, resilience, or muscle tone

Flare

Pyrotechnic device used to provide a sudden brief burst of light often used as signaling devices

Flatus

Also known as fart or wind; gas that is generated in or expelled from the gastrointestinal tract

Flood Tide

An incoming or rising tide

Flora

The plant life found in a certain region or locale

Flotation Device

An inflatable vest used to assist a diver in their ascent or to provide them with positive buoyancy

Flow

Movement of fluid in a steady, continuous stream

Forward Roll Entry

A method of entering the water while in full SCUBA gear by rolling forward into a body tuck towards the water landing on one’s shoulders and tank

Free Diving

A form of underwater diving in which a diver relies on their ability to hold their breath instead of the breathing apparatus used in traditional dive gear

Fumes

Vapors, gases, or smoke that is toxic if inhaled

G

Gag Reflex

Also known as pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm, the inability to retain something in one’s mouth without gagging

Galley

A kitchen on the boat

Ganglion

A network of nerve cells that form a nerve center which is typically linked by synapses

Gangrene

Localized death of body tissue as a result of obstructed circulation or bacterial infection 

Garibaldi

A small bright orange fish, often called the garibaldi damselfish, that belongs to the Hypsypops Rubicundus family and is native to the North-Eastern subtropical parts of the Pacific Ocean

Gas Analysis

A procedure that determines the percentage of each component in a breathing gas mixture

Gas Blending

The loading of scuba cylinders with a mixture of non-air breathing gases like Nitrox, Trimix, and Heliox

Gas Embolism

Also known as an air embolism; occurs when the circulatory system is obstructed by air bubbles

Gas Laws

Mathematical descriptions of the relationships of pressure, temperature and volume under ideal conditions

Gastric

Relating to the stomach

Gastritis

Inflammation that affects the lining of the stomach

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation affecting the stomach and intestines that often results from bacterial or viral infections

Gastrointestinal

Relating to digestive tract which includes the stomach and intestines

General Gas Law

A gas law that provides one single equation for volume, temperature, and pressure or the combination of both Boyle’s and Charles’ laws

Genesis

A manufacturer of scuba diving equipment

Genetic

Relating to genes or genetics

Geological Oceanography

Also known as marine geology, the study of the ocean floor and coastal margins by means of geophysical, geochemical, paleontological and sedimentological methods

Geology

The science that deals with the study of the origin, history and structure of the Earth

Gill

The paired respiratory organ of aquatic animals

Glossopharyngeal

Referring to the tongue and pharynx

Goggles

Protective glasses often made of plastic or rubber that fit snugly against the face in a flexible frame

H

Haldane

John Scott Haldane was a Scottish scientist who prepared the first recognized decompression table which helped predict and prevent decompression sickness in divers

Halocline

A sharp division between layers of fresh and salt water in the ocean

Hand Signals

A simple underwater sign language that divers use to communicate amongst themselves

Hard Hat

A not so stylish diving helmet

Hard Hat Diving

Also known as Surface Supplied Diving or Hooka Diving; scuba diving in which a diver’s obtains breathing gas from an diving helmet and umbilical setup that is connected to diving equipment that rests on the surface of the water

Hazardous Marine Life

Living creatures in the marine environment that are dangerous or harmful to scuba divers

Head

The restroom on a boat

Heartburn

A form of indigestion which occurs as a result of acid regurgitation into the lower esophagus

Heat Sink

A method by which an object or substance is used to dissipate excessive or unwanted heat

Heliox

A breathing gas containing a mixture of oxygen and helium that is often used at depth by scuba divers because it has virtually no narcotic effect

Heliox Diving

Mixed gas diving that uses a combination of helium and oxygen

Helium

A colorless and odorless gas that is used to replace nitrogen for divers that participate in deep-sea diving

Hematology

The study of the blood and blood-forming organs

Hematoma

A localized swelling that is filled with blood that forms within the tissues, organs or other spaces in the body

Hemiplegia

Paralysis that affects one side of the body

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