Scuba diving is a type of underwater diving that involves using an apparatus to breathe above water air.
This apparatus is completely dependent on the air supply from above water and is very dependable as long as it functions correctly.
The name ‘scuba’ was first used in a summit in 1952 by Christian J. Lambertsen, and it is an acronym for ‘Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is not just fun but also entertaining and educational as well.
In scuba diving, scuba divers use an extended apparatus that enables them to breathe freely underwater.
They usually carry a breathing gas in the shape of a light cylinder, often containing compressed air. The breathing gas is usually efficient enough and even makes breathing a lot easier compared to surface water swimmers.
While compressed air is the most common breathing gas used, other usable elements have been found to aid underwater breathing while scuba diving.
Enriched air or nitrox, as it is mostly referred to, is a mixture of air and oxygen that is also used as a scuba diving breathing device, and it is gaining popularity fast because of the minimum amount of nitrogen it contains.
In addition to breathing gas used, scuba divers also use a Jon line to steady themselves in water and help them navigate their way underwater better.
This article highlights the meaning and types of a Jon line and why scuba divers need a jon line.
What Is A Jon Line?
A Jon line is an easy piece of webbing (usual nylon), used for lining or fastening divers to something above water to help them maintain their desired position in the water.
Jon lines are often strapped to the diver at one end, and their boats at the other end.
And they function similar to anchors as they help the divers maintain their course regardless of how strong the wind is or the direction of the waves.
Jon lines were initially introduced to help technical divers.
They were the only users of Jon lines for a while until other recreational divers began to adopt the strategy as a method of maneuvering through strong currents safely and much more easily.
Why Scuba Divers Need A Jon Line
Seeing how much importance scuba divers place on Jon lines, people often wonder why this material is held in such esteem by amateurs and professionals alike.
A Jon line is used for several purposes underwater, and it is an integral part of the scuba diving gear. Here are a few significant uses of Jon lines to scuba divers.
Firstly, a Jon line guarantees divers’ safety by securing them to the anchor line during compression stops.
Here, the Jon line acts as a much better alternative to holding the anchor line to achieve stability during these stops, and it eliminates the risk that comes with holding the anchor line.
A Jon line also comes in handy when multiple divers are using only one anchor line.
In this scenario, it helps the divers maintain a reasonable distance from each other while diving, thereby reducing the chances of unwanted collisions.
Moving on from the compression stop benefits, a Jon line can be utilized as a material that helps scuba divers locate their boat when it is time to go back to the surface.
Besides, divers also take advantage of the cords in Jon lines to hang equipment and attach the extra materials they need to their gear.
However, a diver can only benefit from Jon lines if they know how to use them, and anyone who does not have prior knowledge of how it is used may struggle or find it difficult to operate.
How To Use Jon Line
If you are new to diving and you are having difficulties learning how to make use of Jon lines, make sure to check up useful tips or take beginners classes before you start scuba diving.
Some other safety measures to note include:
- Do not hold your breath while scuba diving
- Ensure that your entire gear is fully functional and in good working condition before any dive
- Make sure to dive within your limits and make sure not to overstretch yourself in the water.
- Do not go scuba diving alone
- Pre-plan every dive and dive according to plan.
Bottom Line
Scuba diving is an exciting recreational activity, and anyone that has attempted it before can attest to the fact that it is fun all the way.
And while extreme scuba diving requires a high level of experience and expertise, almost anyone can venture into preliminary diving, even if they are yet to master the art of swimming.
However, scuba diving should only be done with all the required materials intact, and under the supervision of experts to ensure a safe dive.
