Your 10 basic steps to Safe Diving – Before entering the water

Where further information should be consulted, the step is marked with an *. This further information is available on www.diving.ie/divesafe2015

SNORKEL DIVING & SCUBA DIVING

1. Always ensure that you are in a physical condition to be able to Dive. Diving is an active and physically demanding sport. If you have any doubt about your health ensure that you consult a medical professional, he/she can best advise you on whether you are fit to dive.

2. Research the Dive Site. This means knowing the area, tidal actions, likely weather conditions, local potential hazards. The more knowledge you have of the dive site the more in control you will be on the dive thus making it safer and more enjoyable

3. Be sure to also advise someone ashore of your plans; where you are going, the likely length of time you will be. This will allow for the alarm to be raised in a timely fashion should such a need arise.

4. If you judge yourself an inexperienced diver, it is best to accompany an experienced one. Diving is a sport in which you continually develop your skills, so do not be afraid to learn and benefit from the experience of others. NEVER DIVE ALONE, instead adopt The Buddy System, i.e. accompanied by at least one fellow diver.

SCUBA DIVING

5. If you are Scuba diving, always wear a buoyancy device. More details on the types of devices best suited are listed on the diving.ie site. If you are being transported in a dive boat wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).*

6. When Scuba Diving always ensure you have an Alternative Air Source (AAS). In other words your second regulator or your backup. If your primary regulator fails your Alternative Air Source is there for you. If your diving buddy needs to share air, it’s there for them too.

7. Only ever dive with equipment that has been serviced and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Dive only with cylinders designed for underwater use. If you are using a “Dive Computer”, use it only in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Ensure that you carry out the basic pre dive equipment checklist. Details on diving.ie site.*

9. Always carry out a Buddy check prior to your dive even if it is with someone that you dive with regularly. It is essential to be familiar with both your equipment and your buddy’s and also it is a great way to ensure that you have not forgotten anything before you dive in!

10. ENJOY your dive. These steps are only a guide; consult your Diving Officer or a more experienced diver for additional help. For the safety of all our members we have developed a fully comprehensive system of guidelines governing our members diving activity. These are accessible through www.diving.ie/divesafe2015 (or scan the QR code across)