Skin Diving: Its Physiological and Otolaryngological Aspects

Definition Skin diving, as the term is now used, refers to the underwater sport of free diving, in which the participant wears a face mask and rubber flippers. Free diving implies that the diver is unencumbered by air or life lines extending to the surface. The sport has several ramifications, among which are spearfishing, photography, and exploration. In general skin divers are amateurs; however, there are a few professionals who teach the sport and market the various items of equipment. Skin divers are divided into two groups: (1) those who carry a self-contained air or oxygen supply, and (2) those who depend on breath holding. The former are able to carry out deeper and more extensive dives, the duration of which is limited by the capacity of the gas supply. The latter, of necessity, must be content with shallow dives of short duration. History Prior to World War II skin