Diving Tips

Before Diving

Learn to dive with a qualified scuba instructor
Attend refresher courses, lifesaving and Oxygen provider courses
If you have not dived for more than 6 months book in with a PADI dive centre for a tune-up
Check your equipment and have it serviced regularly
Always check out serviced equipment in the pool or shallows to ensure no faults
Plan your dives before entering the water
Get yourself good diving insurance cover
Plan a day free from diving after 3-4 days
Eat and drink adequately avoiding alcohol
Have an emergency plan in place, know your dive site
Always carry out a thorough buddy check

During Diving

Always dive with a buddy and with surface support (or make sure someone knows you are diving and what time you should be back)
Always use a BCD, Pressure Gauge, Depth Gauge and Watch, always carry a Dive Table even if using a dive computer
Take into account any tides, current and rough sea
Use a Surface marker buoy when diving in the sea
Take into account access to the dive site, and water entry/exit points
NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH WHEN DIVING
Always check your gauges
Keep in close contact with your buddy
Do not exceed a 9-10 meters per minute ascent rate and, if possible, slow down further in the last few meters
Always carry out a at least 3 minute safety stop at a depth of 5 meters

After Each Dive

Assist your buddy to de-kit, & vice-versa
Inform surface cover or contact that you are back
Log your dive
Protect yourself from heat loss by wearing adequate clothing
Avoid exertion
Drink plenty of water
Never underestimate the appearance, even if late, of any symptom of decompression following a dive
Ensure you have enough surface time before dives (plan your dives)
Permit an adequate interval following the last dive before flying

Servicing

MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!