The word SCUBA actually stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. It was first used by the United States Navy in 1939 in reference to the military diver's rebreather sets; a kind of breathing set that supplies breathing gas that contains oxygen and recycled exhaled gas. There are two types of scuba sets: the open circuit (with diving cylinders and diving regulators) and closed-circuit/semi-closed circuit (or rebreather) scuba sets.

Having the proper scuba diving equipment will help you stay underwater longer and safer. Breathing through a regulator will allow you to move more freely and comfortably underwater. However, if you want to make your diving experience completely memorable, you will also need to take note of other equally essential scuba diving equipment and gears.

Wearing a diving mask will help you sustain good vision even while underwater. They also serve to protect your eyes from any harmful element.

Your flippers form part of your basic diving equipment. Make sure that they are a perfect fit otherwise you may just find yourself feeling utterly uncomfortable throughout the dive.

A wet suit is another important scuba diving equipment. Your wet suit will keep you protected from cold water by preserving body heat. Wet suits are normally made of neoprene and spandex.

Some divers prefer to wear a safety helmet, one that is not air-holding and comes with a built-in forehead light.

Of course, aside from the basic scuba diving equipment already mentioned, it is also important for you to bring along your buoyancy compensator device (or BCD), torch/flashlights (for low visibility environments; for night diving), and diving boots made of neoprene and rubber (sometimes used in place of flippers).

Once you've gathered all your scuba diving equipment, you're good to go. However, before diving into the cool blue waters, make sure you've mastered everything your dive instructor taught you, or you'll end up regretting you ever went underwater!