Scuba Safety
Scuba Diving is an amazing recreational activity that can enrich your life with the peace and serenity of diving while also experiencing the adrenaline rush of discovery and adventure.
Your enjoyment of the underwater world is enhanced by being a properly trained and equipped diver for the environment you are diving.
All of our Group Trips recommend that if you have not been diving within the last year, you take a Scuba Skills Update / Refresher Course. If it has been more than two years since your last dive, this is a requirement by the Resorts before you shore or boat dive.
Information regarding Update Courses is below.
Please read the following carefully.
- Ensure you are in proper physical condition for diving / snorkeling and medically evaluated for safe diving every year
- Complete the DAN (Diver’s Alert Network Medical Form), and if you have a “yes” answer that requires a physician, have your physician evaluate you for diving and sign the form
- Keep your diving skills and knowledge current
- Follow proper safety rules*
- Always dive with a buddy who is properly trained, experienced and familiar with you and your equipment
- Ensure your equipment is inspected and serviced by a manufacturer authorized scuba diving technician prior to use and within the last year
- Take an update course/refresher course if you have not been diving within the last 6 months. Many resorts require an update if it has been more than 2 years since your last dive
- Dive within your limits, never feel pressure to dive in an environment or situation in which you feel uncomfortable
- Keep your training current. Take specialty classes for special diving situations such as night diving, deep diving, Nitrox, etc.
- Listen to Dive Briefings
- Following safety protocols on a dive boat and when entering and exiting the water
- Discuss concerns you may have with the dive guide or group leader
- Complete all paperwork and forms required well before a dive or diving trip
- Carry Diver’s Insurance through DAN (Divers Alert Network) Dive Accident Insurance
Safety Rules
No matter how many dives, review these rules and follow on every dive
- Never hold your breath, breathe all the time
- Dive with a buddy and stay within close reach of your buddy should you or your buddy need assistance
- Monitor your gauges at all times for non-decompression limits, remaining air in your tank, depths, location
- Start your ascent so you can perform a slow and safe ascent and have a minimum of 500 psi in your tank when you surface, or more if conditions indicate
- Practice safe ascent practices with an ascent rate of no more than 30 feet per minute
- Check you and your buddy’s equipment with a THOROUGH buddy check before every dive
- Nitrox, analyze your own tank before every dive and calculate your MOD
- Establish positive buoyancy at the surface
- Practice your skills
- Plan your dive, dive your plan
Scuba Skills Update
How long has it been since your last dive? If you have been out of the water for over 2 years, a Refresher Course or Scuba Skills Update is required before you dive from shore or off a dive boat. There are a couple of options from which to choose.
- Check the requirements for diving at a resort or dive operation well before your trip
- Visit your local dive center and complete a refresher and have your equipment checked before your trip.
- Complete a Refresher Course at the Resort, if needed
This is normally a three-hour scuba review session to help you refresh your memory on those rusty scuba skills. What better way to lower your anxiety level on your next vacation than knowing you and your buddy have recently practiced your underwater skills?
If it has been more than a year since your last dive it is recommended and may be required that you take a scuba skills update or refresher class which includes pool time with a certified instructor. If it has been two years since your last dive you are required to take an update. If it has been 5 years or more since your last dive you will need a more comprehensive refresher.
The following are some of the pool skills that will be reviewed with you:
- Remove, replace, and clear your mask
- Practice neutral buoyancy
- Review and Practice emergency ascents
- Refamiliarize yourself with your equipment and check its functionality
- Additional skills required by the instructor
