Diving Safety Guidelines
Your safety is our top priority. Please read and understand these guidelines before every dive.
Critical Safety Reminders
- •NEVER dive alone - always use the buddy system
- •NEVER exceed your training and experience level
- •NEVER dive if you feel unwell or uncomfortable
- •NEVER touch marine life or coral reefs
- •ALWAYS inform someone onshore of your dive plan
- •ALWAYS carry appropriate insurance coverage
Pre-Dive Safety Checks
- Complete medical questionnaire honestly
- Get adequate rest before diving (8+ hours)
- Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol 12 hours before diving
- No heavy meals 2 hours before diving
- Check weather and sea conditions
- Inspect all diving equipment thoroughly
- Verify buddy system assignments
During the Dive
- Never hold your breath while ascending
- Equalize early and often
- Monitor your air supply constantly
- Stay with your buddy at all times
- Maintain proper buoyancy control
- Ascend slowly - 9 meters per minute max
- Perform safety stop at 5 meters for 3 minutes
- Use hand signals for communication
Emergency Procedures
- Signal distress immediately if needed
- Know emergency ascent procedures
- Locate nearest hyperbaric chamber
- Emergency contact: DAN +1-919-684-9111
- Local emergency: 108 (India)
- Coast Guard: 1554
- Keep emergency oxygen accessible
- Know CPR and first aid procedures
Medical Considerations
- No diving with cold, congestion, or fever
- Wait 12-24 hours after last dive before flying
- Inform instructor of any medical conditions
- Carry diving medical insurance
- Know signs of decompression sickness
- Understand nitrogen narcosis symptoms
- Pregnancy - diving is not recommended
- Age minimum: 10 years (with restrictions)
Equipment Safety
- Inspect BCD for leaks and functionality
- Test regulator before every dive
- Check tank pressure and valve
- Verify computer/depth gauge accuracy
- Ensure mask fits properly and is defogged
- Check fins for secure fit
- Test weights for proper buoyancy
- Carry cutting tool and whistle
Dive Planning
- Plan your dive, dive your plan
- Know maximum depth limits for your certification
- Calculate no-decompression limits
- Plan for deepest dive first
- Allow surface interval between dives
- Check tides and currents
- Identify entry and exit points
- Establish lost diver procedures
Emergency Contacts
Required Certifications & Insurance
All divers must present valid certification cards before diving. We are an SSI-certified dive center and recognize certifications from all major agencies (PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc.).
Highly Recommended: DAN (Divers Alert Network) membership provides emergency diving accident insurance and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Note: Travel insurance typically does NOT cover diving accidents. Specialized diving insurance is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Disclaimer: These guidelines are for informational purposes only and do not replace proper diving training and certification. Always follow your instructor's guidance and dive within your limits. Blue Belongs reserves the right to refuse service to anyone we determine is unfit to dive.