How to Scuba Dive Safely: 20 Essential Safety Tips
Scuba diving: Before you dive
1. You must be certified to dive
Some dive operators may require proof of your dive certification or specialty competency, depending on the type dive. Before you travel, or even before you begin diving, you should always obtain your dive certification.
While some operators offer an introductory course (like a “taste tester”), this does not give you the green light to dive wherever and whenever you like. Travel insurance will not cover you if you dive without certification or dive with a non-certified diver.
The wording of travel insurance policies contains information on scuba diving coverage. Before you dive, read this to ensure you understand your coverage. Ask your insurer if you have questions about coverage.
2. You must be fit to dive
You should undergo a medical exam in your country of origin if you have never dived before. You should have no problems if you are generally healthy and fit. Before you can learn to dive, you will need to sign a medical declaration.
Avoid diving if your health is not 100 percent. Don’t dive when you have a cold or a headache. Keep the celebrations for the end.
3. Scuba dive with a diving school that is certified
Search online for dive schools that are recommended in the area where you will be traveling. You should make sure that the dive school is well-established, has well-maintained equipment and boats and experienced staff. Check if the instructors can speak your native language if English isn’t your first language.
4. Attention! Listen to your dive instructor or guide
No matter how much experience you have, you should always listen to the instructor or guide on board. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan is the first rule in dive preparation. You need to listen to your instructor about where you are going, what route you’ll take, and what to look out for.
5. Check all your diving gear
Set up your diving gear on the way to the dive site. Double-check everything and take your time. Ask your instructor or guide if you’re not sure.
6. Check your buddy before you leave the room
Introduce yourself beforehand to your friend so that you can get acquainted. This is better for both of you in terms of safety and can be the beginning of a wonderful friendship. It is important to do a buddy check on each other’s gear before getting in the water. This will ensure that neither of you have missed anything.
7. Travel insurance for scuba diving is a must
Check that the travel insurance you’re considering covers your scuba-diving needs. This will ensure that you are covered adequately in case of an injury or illness. Ask any questions you may have before purchasing travel insurance.
Divers often dive in remote areas, so it is important to be covered.
8. Keep your policy number and contact information handy
If you get injured or ill while diving, it’s best to have your insurance number and any emergency contact information with you.
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world
9. Breathe normally – never hold your breath.
Scuba diving is an exhilarating and strange experience, because you are doing something that’s technically impossible: breathing underwater. Always breathe normally when scuba diving. Holding your breath could cause an air embolism, which can be a potentially fatal injury.
10. As you descend, equalize often.
As on a plane you will need to equalize the pressure in your ears as you dive deeper. It is important to do this frequently, and before you feel any pain.
11. Keep track of your buddy and guide
Do not swim away on your own if you see something that is interesting. Instead, point it out to both your guide and your dive buddy. Then head together towards the object. It is vital to stay with your guide and buddy for your safety as well as your orientation. If you lose your buddy underwater, take a minute to look around. If you can’t find them, slowly climb up to the surface.
12. Watch your air gauge
Your tank can only be filled to half or quarter capacity. This will allow you to plan your return. You will be asked periodically by your guide how much air is left in your tank, but ultimately you are responsible for air consumption.
13. No deeper than 40m, or the maximum depth of your dive computer.
Check your dive computer often to know how much time is left at each depth. If you are not wearing a dive computer, make sure to check it often so that you know how much time is left at each depth during your dive. Avoid going below the 130ft limit (40m). This is the limit set for recreational diving and also for scuba-insurance. It’s not much to see below the limit of 130ft.
14. Don’t over-exert yourself
While diving is sometimes referred to as an adrenaline sport you should be relaxed and calm when you are underwater. There is no benefit to swimming quickly over coral reefs. The slower you swim, the more you will see. Avoid moving in a way that leaves you gasping for air. You can rest on a rock that is not covered in coral if you feel tired.
15. Do not touch anything
Avoid touching anything other than the rock mentioned above to protect coral reefs and to protect yourself. Corals can be sharp and poisonous, while many marine plants can also bite. You and your loved ones will be safe if you keep your hands away from the corals and marine plants. You should also perfect your buoyancy to be able to hover over the coral reefs without having to exert any effort.
16. Ascend slowly after every dive
The second most important rule in diving is to ascend slowly after a dive. Nitrogen is forced into your bloodstream when you come up quickly from a dive. This can lead to “the bends”, or decompression illness. The nitrogen in your body can dissipate if you come up slowly after a dive.
What to do after your scuba dive trip
17. All your gear can be stored on board the boat
Do not leave your scuba equipment piled up on the deck when you return from a dive. It is dangerous to you and anyone else who may trip over the gear. The scuba equipment is heavy and can be dangerous if it’s not stored and handled correctly.
18. Your guide and buddy should be present to debrief.
Talk about how you enjoyed the dive and what improvements you could make for next time. Note the weight that you used. This will help you with your next dive.
19. Let others know if you are feeling strange
Do not keep your strange feelings after diving to yourself. Let others know. Many people are tired because they’re not used to physical exertion. Tell your guide if you experience any other feelings.
20. Do not fly for at least 24 hours following a scuba dive
It is important to wait at least 24 hours before flying after your last dive. Some agencies recommend 18 hours but 24 is the standard. If you don’t allow enough time for the nitrogen in the air to dissipate, decompression illness can occur.
Plan to relax on the beach for a day after your dive before you board the plane. For more info – https://www.theboardbarn.co.uk/pages/scuba-diving