nondiving

Nondiving refers to any activity undertaken by individuals who are not actively participating in scuba diving or freediving. This encompasses a wide range of activities that occur in, on, or near bodies of water, but do not involve submersion for extended periods or with breathing apparatus. For example, someone who is on a boat but not diving, or who is standing on the shore observing marine life, is considered to be nondiving.

Individuals who are nondiving may be involved in various aspects of marine or aquatic environments. This can include boat crews, surface support personnel, snorkelers who remain at the surface, or observers of underwater activities. In some contexts, nondiving might also refer to individuals who accompany divers but choose not to participate in the dive themselves, perhaps for reasons of comfort, safety, or personal preference. The term is generally used to distinguish those who are experiencing the underwater world through direct submersion from those who are not. It is not a negative descriptor but rather a way to categorize participation levels in water-based activities.