ABSTRACT

Free diving (also known as breath-hold diving) is regarded as the purest and most natural form of diving. Unencumbered by bulky equipment, one is free to move weightlessly and silently in the underwater world. Practised in some societies for thousands of years, free diving in its simplest form requires no equipment at all. The introduction of various performance-enhancing apparatus such as facemasks, fins, weight belts, buoyancy vests and thermal protection suits may present new problems. The addition of goggles or facemasks allows for clearer vision but introduces the risk of barotrauma. Wetsuits, weight belts and vests alter buoyancy and restrict mobility. Recreational snorkellers and spearfishermen may wear a mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit and weights and carry a spear gun, knife and bag. The free diving record-seeker may also employ specialized devices such as sleds, weights and balloons to achieve remarkable depths. Nonetheless, even with modern specialized equipment, human diving

capabilities are paltry in comparison with other diving air-breathing animals such as reptiles, birds and mammals.