Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus is so improved that it is simple to manufacture and that it provides a decoupling of the breathing gas conducting components and attachment elements. A support vest (2) is provided which includes an inner enclosure (3) and a textile outer enclosure. The inner enclosure (3) extends from the shoulders to the hips of the person carrying the apparatus. The inner enclosure (3) is made of two panels (31, 32) which lie one atop the other. On the periphery, the panels (31, 32) are provided with a first weld seam (33) which connects the panels at the periphery. Further weld seams (34, 36, 37), which connect the panels, are provided within the inner enclosure (3). The weld seams (34, 36, 37) subdivide the inner enclosure (3) into at least an inhalation bag (38), an exhalation bag (39) and a buoyancy bag (40).