Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Safety

Underwater is another world of extra-ordinary creatures, sights, sounds and sensations. Diving can be a great way of relaxing from the stresses and strains of modern life. Whether you are an experienced diver, or want to start diving, there is a wide range of diving holidays available. Although some holidays offer the chance to learn, the vast majority will only take you if you have a current diving certificate. Be very wary of operators or locations, which suggest you, can dive without experience or equipment.

The simplest form of diving is free diving, using a snorkel. This is suitable for calm warm shallow waters. You can dive just to look around, or take photos. To get into colder deeper, and more interesting waters, you will need scuba equipment with high-pressure air tanks. You can only scuba dive if you have training and a current certification card.

There are at least 250 diving destinations and 1200 dive sites around the world. You can learn to dive in the Red Sea, live and dive aboard boats in the Galapagos Islands, or scuba dive in the Meditteranean. Live aboard holidays are where you are out on the ocean aboard a specialist boat; great for getting to unusual locations. On land-based centres, you can combine diving and other pursuits. Partying the night away is not an option, as you will not be allowed to dive if tired or suffering a hangover.

Equipment and Training

Diving is a sport where you do need to buy or hire equipment. Dive locations will expect you to take you own equipment. Check what they expect you take and what they can provide. This is important for heavy items such as air tanks, as most airlines have weight limits of 20kg on baggage.

Whatever type of diving you do, essential equipment includes; snorkel, mask, fins, buoyancy control device, knife, surface marker buoy, first aid kit, flag, gear bag, spares kit, oxygen and emergency alternate air supply. In cold water you will freeze without an exposure suit and weight system. If going scuba diving you will also need; regulator, computerised monitoring instruments, air tanks and lights. All this may sound a lot, but it is your personal safety at stake here.

Most dive packages are for experienced divers only. They require you to have a current logbook and dive card. If you have not dived for 6 months, you may have to take a check dive at the dive centre. If you are scuba diving and have not dived for 12 months, you may have to take a test. Learn to dive holiday courses are for beginners and experienced divers wanting to develop their skills. Most people find they enjoy diving holidays much more if they already now how to dive.

As long as you are reasonably fit and comfortable in the water, you can learn to dive. You can dive train inland with instructors accredited by a specialist organisation such as British Sub Aqua Club. Professional Association of Diving Instructors or National Association of Underwater Instructors.

Safety

One of the best reasons for arranging a dive holiday with a specialist is that they have a good safety record. Arranging it yourself is possible, but you will need to spend a fair amount of time checking the credentials of the diving company you dive with.

Unless it is a learning to dive holiday, avoid companies or locations, which do not check you have a current diving certificate. Even when buying specialist dive tours, ask what experience the diving centre and divers have. Reliable operators will welcome questions. Wherever you are going, enjoy the holiday most by getting some dive practice in before travelling.

Insurance

Most holiday providers insist that you have insurance. Some will offer their own specialist insurance. Standard travel insurance policies exclude diving as a "hazardous pursuit", but this may be well hidden in the small print. Check with insurers that it includes diving or can be extended to do so. Specialist dive insurance policies are available. Always check that cover includes the type of diving you plan to do e.g. ; scuba diving beyond 30 metres, and that it covers an unlimited number of dives.