Diving: travel and safety

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Diving: travel and safety

A scuba diving holiday can be the trip of a lifetime if you follow some basic safety protocols. Here are our essential safety tips for your next dive travel adventure!

Go with a credible centre

Make sure the dive centre you book your trip with is a licensed centre, and if you want to improve your skills then make sure they offer the right course for your level. Also be sure to find out some information about the boats, equipment and instructors the centre uses so you know you are getting the best of the best. All the centres we work with at Planet Dive Holidays have been personally checked and visited by our team to ensure you are well taken care of on your dive holiday.

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Stay within your skill level

Make sure you are competent for the diving you want to do and the destination you will be visiting. Certain liveaboard cruises or destinations with fast drift dives and deep thilas will require a minimum number of dives. For instance, if you want to join a guided trip like Carpe Diem’s Protect the Reef programme where you can help with marine conservation efforts, you will require a higher skill level than if you visit a great beginner spot like Bonaire with fantastic shore diving opportunities. You will negate your travel insurance if you do dive uncertified. Choosing the right dive location for skill level will ensure you can really get the most out of your holiday.

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Make sure you have the right equipment

Along with checking the centre beforehand, it is also important to ensure you have the right equipment with you when you go diving. Make sure to take the buddy checks seriously to make sure you haven’t missed anything before you get in the water and take the time to double check all the gear – even if the centre has already done so! Ensure you have your dive computer on you and that you consult it frequently. Be sure you also have the right wetsuit for the environment if you bring your own and that you have the right BCD for the diving you are planning to do. The buoyancy control device will give you the ability to control your movements in the water and it’s important you have one that fits correctly.

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Ensure you arrange your travel plans accordingly

You may also want to get a medical done if you haven’t dived in a while or are worried about your health, to ensure you are fit to dive. Be sure also not to dive if you feel ill on vacation or have a hangover as this can impair your abilities and awareness. So save the party for the last day of your holiday! Be sure to also carry your medical aid information and emergency contacts with you and inform the hotel and dive centre of these, just in case. Due to the excessive nitrogen in your system which can cause decompression sickness in a pressurized environment, you also cannot fly for 24 hours after your last dive so be sure to book your flights accordingly and give yourself enough time. 

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Book with an accredited tour operator

Make sure you book with an accredited tour operator, such as Planet Dive, that is covered by ATOL and TTA. This means that you are 100% financially protected when you book your holiday and will not get stranded abroad or lose money if there is a problem with a part of your holiday. A good tour operator will also be able to assist you with booking the right travel insurance for a scuba diving holiday as standard travel insurance options don’t typically cover the sport.