PHYSICAL SKILL: S.C.U.B.A.
The letters S.C.U.B.A. stand for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing
Apparatus. Individuals learn the methods and equipment needed for skin
diving and underwater swimming. A character can swim a distance equal
to 2x P.S. in yards/meters per melee round. This pace can be maintained
for a total of minutes equal to their P.E./endurance before tiring.
Note: The maximum safe depth one can go without getting the
bends is about 120 feet (36.5m). Deeper depths are possible with
depressurization, special suits, power armour, robots and submarines.
Swimming underwater with S.C.U.B.A. equipment or other underwater
equipment is considered to be light activity, unless extremely active,
involved in combat, or fast swimming (in which case it is considered
strenuous or heavy activity). The buoyancy of water reduces the weight
of most items by 30% when carried underwater. This means the fatigue
rate for carrying a heavy load is reduced by 30%, meaning 30% more can
be carried at the normal fatigue rate. Characters can also lift 30%
heavier weights.
Prerequisites: Swimming.
Base Skill: 50%.
Per Experience Level: +5%.