When people think of diving, they usually envision the warm and pristine waters of the tropics or the majestic kelp forests of California. For most people, these locations require significant travel, planning, and expenses.

Chances are, you're taking this course in preparation for a trip you've planned or are anticipating. But diving isn't limited to exotic locations. Chances are, there's a body of water near where you live, and where there's water, there's also an opportunity to dive.

In this lesson, you'll learn about the various sites people dive, what makes them special, and special precautions you must take when diving these sites.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

• List the various types of dive sites.
• Explain the special hazards that exist at each type of site and the precautions you must take.
• Identify the special diving environments that require additional training and certification.