1) Super Strength.
The physical condition of divers can become seemingly impeccable; they are constantly swimming. According to exercise.com, diving burns a moderate to high number of calories and increases cardiovascular endurance. Furthermore, swimming ‘streamlined’ demands the engagement of various muscles– “Scuba diving allows one to target specific muscle groups particularly in the legs, glutes, core and back while maneuvering through a medium that is hundreds of times more dense than air,” says Theresa Kaplan, director of communications for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Talk about toning—but it doesn’t end there. Lifting heavy equipment and towing tanks imitate strength exercises commonly practiced at the gym.
A diver’s body becomes uniquely conditioned in other ways, too; increased cardiovascular endurance, in combination with breathing underwater, may lead to lung expansion. It’s safe to say that as a diver, your lungs may grow. Also, divers develop the ability to equalize air spaces in the body including sinuses, middle ear spaces, lungs, and the bowel.
2) They can fly.. I mean float. Same thing.
Almost every superhero can fly, and Scuba-DiveMasters are no exception– in their natural environment, underwater, divers can float weightlessly. However, they must maneuver through water, a substance much more dense than air; which, depending on depth, can have a significant affect on the body. For example, look at the effect of water pressure on this bottle at 66ft.
Imagine flying under that kind of pressure. It’s a balancing game. Because of water density, divers must take various factors into account during flight/float—such as current, surge, water depth, water pressure, etc. Usually Divemasters have experience in buoyancy control, which develops their ability to dodge creatures, rocks, and hover underwater. They’ve been trained to maintain balance by a slight inhale and exhale of breath—or a small inflation/deflation of the BCD. A Scuba-Divemaster likely has impeccable underwater flight skills.
3) The costume.
It’s an elaborate uniform– there are various parts and pieces of a DiveMaster Superhero costume.
Primarily, the suit: choices range from skinsuits, to wetsuits, to drysuits. Depending on the thickness, a Divemaster can withstand temperatures from 82 degrees Fahrenheit (Indian Ocean) to – 40 degrees Fahrenheit.. yes. It’s been done. A handful of divers have conquered the North pole. That being said, hoodies, gloves, and a wide variety of equipment are available to meet each diver’s heroic needs.
Aka– the gear. Every Scuba-Divemaster requires a BCD, or a Buoyancy Control Device; which, needless to say, controls buoyancy underwater. The regulator enables breathing underwater. The mask acts as a force-field for eyes—it shields against stinging salt, and floating specks, and promotes clear vision despite debris. Fins allow for high-speed swimming. Snorkels are optional, but optimal aids for breathing while surface swimming.
4) Provide Protection.
Usually, in order to be a hero, someone else needs saving– Scuba-DiveMasters (should and do) work to save underwater life. For example, towards the end of May 2015, dive instructor Paul Slater freed a manta ray wrapped in commercial fishing net underwater. In January 2013, Keller Laros removed a fishhook from a dolphin’s fin while leading a group of divers off the coast of Hawaii.
Divers have joined together in support of marine conservation through organizations such as AWARE and earthdive. Project Aware involves divers from 180 countries around the world, and focus on two areas—shark conservation and marine debris. Earthdive utilizes scientific information gathered by civilian divers to observe the constantly changing state of the ocean—earthdive plans to use the information as a means to change. Through these organizations, and various others, volunteer opportunities are many for anyone interested in the heroic conquests of marine conservation.
Project AWARE– http://www.projectaware.org
earthdive– http://www.earthdive.com
5) Tragic Flaw.
All superheroes have a tragic flaw—and when it comes to protecting our oceans, divers can’t do it alone. We need help. Become a recreational diver, or a Scuba Divemaster, and use your powers for good. The underwater animals, like this guy, are depending on you!
Images
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/315/a/7/muscle_dive_by_greysonfurrington-d5knfql.jpg
http://www.scubadivingfanclub.com/Diving_Risks.html#sthash.2GMbo1ju.dpbs
http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/2011/02/scuba-do.html
http://www.stunnish.com/theres-randomness-theres-awesomeness-vol-14/
Bibliography
http://www.articlesnatch.com/blog/Why-Scuba-Diving-Is-Good-For-You-/1230822#gsc.tab=0
http://www.mensfitness.com/life/outdoor/make-scuba-diving-your-new-workout#sthash.OByl0V36.dpuf
http://www.canscuba.ca/asthma-and-diving.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean
http://www.scubadiving.com/training/basic-skills/edge
polardiscovery.whoi.edu/poles/weather.html