Sukeltaja

Sukeltaja is the Finnish term for a diver, a person who engages in underwater activities. The word is formed from the verb sukeltaa (to dive) with the agent suffix -ja and is used for both recreational and professional divers. In Finland, diving takes place in lakes, rivers, the Baltic coast, and archipelago waters, and it is supported by clubs, schools, and operators.

Diving types include recreational scuba diving and free diving. Technical diving is also practiced, involving special training and equipment for activities such as cave or deep diving. Some sukeltajat work in underwater construction, salvage, or scientific research.

Training and certification are typically provided by international agencies such as PADI, SSI, or NAUI, offering courses from Open Water Diver to advanced and specialty certificates. National and local clubs may offer language-specific instruction and guided dives in Finnish waters.

Equipment for recreational diving includes a mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, buoyancy compensator, and air tanks, along with depth gauge and dive computer. Free divers rely on mask, fins, and snorkel and practice breath-hold techniques.

Safety considerations include risks of decompression sickness, barotrauma, and drowning. Proper training, a planned dive, adherence to no-decompression limits, buddy system, and local regulations are emphasized in standard dive procedures.