Practising Safe Scuba Diving

Scuba diving can be an incredible experience which offers you remarkable sights and sensations. There really is nothing else like completely submerging yourself in crystal blue waters somewhere exotic and seeing marine life in its natural environment. However, scuba diving is only enjoyable if you practise it safely, otherwise it can be dangerous. Consequently, no one should ever participate in this sport without appropriate scuba diving insurance. Here are some tips for making sure you always practise safe scuba diving.

1. First of all, as we’ve already mentioned, it is essential to make sure you have the right level of scuba diving insurance cover. It is unlikely that your normal travel insurance will provide adequate cover for this sport, if any. Look for a specific travel insurance including scuba diving policy and make sure that it meets all of your needs. Think about if you need cover for your equipment (if taking your own) and whether you will be better with single or multi-trip insurance, for example. Having purchased your policy, keep both the policy number and the emergency medical helpline number to hand, especially when you go out diving.

2. As scuba diving is a fairly dangerous sport, it is important to get qualified. There are centres around the country and abroad which offer internationally-recognised courses which will then allow you to go scuba diving anywhere in the world.

3. Check you are fit and healthy to dive. Before you even start learning, go and ask your GP for a health check to make sure there are no underlying problems which could be a problem while diving. It also helps to have a basic level of fitness as scuba diving does require exercise after all, and of course you should be a reasonably competent swimmer.

4. Scuba diving is usually run by an instructor, who will be with you for the duration of your dive. However, it is important to make sure you always have that someone else with you just in case you run into trouble underwater. That other person could make the difference between a serious and a minor accident.

5. Follow any rules or guidance that is given to you without exception. Safety warnings and rules are there for your own protection, and the instructor will know those particular waters much better than you are ever likely to, so always listen to what they have to tell you, no matter how experienced a diver you might be.

6. Research weather conditions before you go out to dive and make sure that it is safe for you to do so. It can be tempting when you’ve travelled a long way to go ahead and dive anyway, but this is extremely dangerous, particularly if there is a storm. Water conducts electricity and can really put you in danger if you swim or dive when there is lightning.

7. And finally, always check your equipment before you dive, whether using your own or rented equipment. Make sure it has been tested recently and that it fits comfortably and adequately.