Diving Safety
The Golden Rules of Diving
Follow these fundamental rules for every dive
Never Hold Your Breath
Always breathe continuously. Holding your breath while ascending can cause serious lung injuries.
Plan Your Dive, Dive Your Plan
Discuss dive plan with your buddy, including depth, time, and emergency procedures.
Check Your Equipment
Perform pre-dive safety checks on all equipment before every dive.
Dive Within Your Limits
Stay within your certification level and comfort zone. Never exceed your training.
Ascend Slowly
Never ascend faster than 9 meters (30 feet) per minute. Make a safety stop at 5 meters.
Never Dive Alone
Always dive with a buddy and maintain visual contact throughout the dive.
Pre-Dive Safety Checks
BWRAF - Begin With Review And Friend
BCD
Check inflation/deflation, straps, and releases
Weights
Verify amount and quick-release mechanism
Releases
Test all buckles and quick-release systems
Air
Check tank pressure and regulator function
Final OK
Give buddy final check and OK signal
Emergency Procedures
Know what to do in critical situations
Out of Air
- 1 Signal buddy immediately
- 2 Use buddy's alternate air source
- 3 Ascend together slowly
- 4 Make safety stop if possible
Equipment Failure
- 1 Stay calm and assess situation
- 2 Signal buddy for assistance
- 3 Use backup equipment if available
- 4 Abort dive if necessary
Lost Buddy
- 1 Search for 1 minute maximum
- 2 Ascend slowly to surface
- 3 Wait at surface or boat
- 4 Report to dive master
Decompression Sickness
- 1 Get to surface safely
- 2 Administer 100% oxygen
- 3 Keep diver lying down
- 4 Contact DAN and seek medical help
Essential Hand Signals
Communication underwater
OK
Everything is fine
Going Up
Ascending
Going Down
Descending
Stop
Hold position
Problem
Something wrong
Out of Air
Need air
Essential Safety Equipment
Equipment that could save your life
Dive Computer
Tracks depth, time, and decompression limits in real-time
Surface Marker Buoy
Signals your position to boats when surfacing
Dive Light
Essential for night dives and signaling in emergencies
Whistle
Attracts attention at the surface in emergencies
Cutting Tool
Frees you from fishing lines or entanglements
Dive Slate
Communicates complex messages underwater
Backup Timer
Redundant timing device if computer fails
First Aid Kit
Treats minor injuries and provides emergency care
Dive Accident Insurance
All our dive operations are covered by DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance. We strongly recommend all divers maintain their own DAN membership for comprehensive dive accident coverage.
Emergency Evacuation
Coverage for emergency medical transport and hyperbaric treatment
24/7 Hotline
Access to dive medicine specialists anytime, anywhere
Medical Expenses
Coverage for dive-related injuries and illnesses
Medical Fitness
Health requirements for safe diving
Medical Questionnaire
Before diving, you must complete a medical questionnaire. If you answer "yes" to any question, you'll need medical clearance from a physician, preferably one trained in dive medicine.
⚠️ Important Conditions:
- • Asthma or respiratory problems
- • Heart conditions or high blood pressure
- • Ear or sinus problems
- • Diabetes requiring medication
- • Epilepsy or seizures
- • Pregnancy
Before Diving
- ✓ Get adequate sleep
- ✓ Stay well hydrated
- ✓ Avoid alcohol 24 hours before
- ✓ Don't dive with a cold or congestion
- ✓ Eat a light meal
After Diving
- ✓ Wait 12-24 hours before flying
- ✓ Stay hydrated
- ✓ Avoid strenuous exercise
- ✓ Monitor for DCS symptoms
- ✓ Log your dive details
Safety Questions
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during a dive?
Signal your buddy or instructor immediately using the "problem" hand signal. Don't try to tough it out. Your buddy or instructor will help you address the issue or abort the dive if necessary. It's always better to end a dive early than to push through discomfort.
How do I know if I have decompression sickness?
Symptoms include joint pain, numbness, tingling, extreme fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes. Symptoms can appear immediately or up to 24 hours after diving. If you suspect DCS, breathe 100% oxygen, stay lying down, and seek immediate medical attention. Contact DAN emergency hotline.
What's the most important safety rule in diving?
Never hold your breath. Always breathe continuously and naturally. Holding your breath while ascending can cause lung over-expansion injuries, which are serious and potentially fatal. This is the first rule taught in every diving course and the most important to remember.
How often should diving equipment be serviced?
Regulators should be serviced annually or every 100 dives, whichever comes first. BCDs need annual inspection. Dive computers require battery changes every 1-2 years. All equipment should be rinsed with fresh water after every dive and inspected before each use. Keep service records and follow manufacturer recommendations.
Can I dive if I'm taking medication?
It depends on the medication and the condition it treats. Some medications are fine for diving, while others may cause problems underwater or indicate an underlying condition that makes diving unsafe. Always consult with a physician trained in dive medicine before diving while taking any medication.
Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers before your dive trip
DAN Emergency
+1-919-684-9111
24/7 Dive Emergency Hotline
Local Emergency
911
Medical Emergency Services
Our Dive Center
+1-555-DIVE
24/7 Support Line
In case of a dive emergency, stay calm, administer oxygen if available, and contact emergency services immediately.
Contact Us for Safety Questions