Planning a Dive Vacation?

If you’re already certified to dive, avoid diving if you’re not feeling one hundred per cent. In particular, don’t dive with a cold or a bad hangover. Save the big party night for the finale of your diving days.

Dive with a reputable diving school. Locate a recommended dive school in the area where you’re going. It’s important to know they are well-established and have well-maintained scuba equipment and boats, along with experienced staff. Check if they have instructors that can speak your language fluently.

Listen to your instructor or dive guide. Once you’re on the dive boat, it’s important to listen to your instructor or guide, no matter how experienced you are. Plan Your Dive, Dive Your Plan is the number one rule of dive preparation. You need to follow your instructor’s brief on where you’re going, the route you will follow and what you need to watch out for.

Double check all of your scuba gear. En route to the dive site you will need to set up all your scuba gear. Take your time and double check everything is working. If you are not sure about anything, don’t be embarrassed to ask your guide or instructor.

Make sure you do your buddy check. Doing the buddy check of each other’s scuba gear is extremely important before you get in the water to make sure neither of you have missed anything. Introduce yourself to your buddy beforehand as well, so you can get to know each other a little. It’s better for you both safety wise and it can also be the start of a great friendship!

Have scuba diving and travel insurance. Ensure you are covered both above and below water with insurance that explicitly states scuba diving activities are included. Being covered on land is vital too, as diving often involves being in remote locations in developing countries.