Glossary of Scuba Diving Terms (O)

Understanding That Strange Scuba Language

Welcome to our glossary of scuba diving terms. Diving, like many sports, has its own language. Our scuba glossary is for anyone interested in understanding the scuba diving definitions, scuba diving terms or scuba slang found in this strange scuba communication that divers use.

Our scuba glossary is easy to use. Just click on the letter that corresponds to the first letter of the word that you are looking for. All the words that begin with that letter will be displayed.

We will be constantly adding new terms to our scuba glossary. If you think we have missed a term or you can not find the scuba diving information you are looking for, please let us know. We will add it and the best definition we can find to our scuba glossary.

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O

A redundant second stage that is carried by divers as a back-up in case the main second stage malfunctions. The octopus also allows air-sharing with a diver who is low on air or out of air.

The gradual release of gases (especially nitrogen) that have accumulated in a diver’s body during a dive. Off-gassing happens as ambient pressure decreases during an ascent and at the surface.

An apparatus in which air is inhaled from the tank and waste gases are exhaled into the water, emitting a telltale trail of bubbles.

A body of water that is not sheltered from naturally developing weather conditions and currents, and depths that may exceed safe diving limits.

Recreational diving done in an open water environment other than a swimming pool. This can include lakes, ponds, rivers, oceans and quarries.

An o-shaped gasket used to create a seal between two pressurized pieces of equipment, such as between a tank valve and first stage regulator.

A gas that is vital to life on this planet. Oxygen makes up about 21% of the air by volume.

Damage or injury caused by breathing oxygen at elevated partial pressures exceeding 1.6 ATA or around 66 meters (210 feet). The first symptoms are normally seizers and convulsions. This can lead to drowning.

Difference between total gas pressures in arterial and venous blood; exist because oxygen is partly metabolized by the tissues, so venous oxygen pressure is lower than arterial oxygen pressure.