Tips and Precautions for Scuba Diving Vacations - Travel

Diving overseas involves putting a great deal of trust in your host, be it a local guide or dive operator, or a leader of a trip or expedition, hollowing a few simple rules and precautions will make this a less daunting prospect, and may also ease the logistical problem of transporting expensive equipment across the world.

Deciding on a destination is the first step in planning a successful trip. Finding a location that really appeals to you, yet stays within your budget, will make your trip more rewarding than simply opting for the best-known sites or the cheapest deals. A brief period of research can reap huge rewards, and the range of information sources now available makes this a relatively simple exercise.

After identifying the aim of the dive trip, and the location to be visited, the next stage is to choose a host operator. Many local tourist boards can recommend registered operators who are known to work to a high standard.

In addition, the PADI website lists dive operators who have met a series of demanding criteria. This independent evaluation is invaluable in identifying the most professional centers and boats.

While rental equipment is generally of a good quality, many divers prefer to travel with their own gear. This is prudent, since unfamiliarity with rented gear can create an uncomfortable and occasionally unsafe diving experience. The diver also has the assurance of knowing that their own gear fits well, is functional, and has been tested recently.

Most airlines do not officially offer excess baggage allowances for dive gear (the dive industry is lobbying hard for a more reasonable approach to this issue), but a phone call in advance of the trip often works wonders - as does a courteous approach when checking in.

Carrying delicate items, such as regulators and dive computers, in your carry-on; the latter, in particular, may be affected by pressure changes in the hold of the plane.

Special diving insurance is vital, since you will not be covered by general travel policies. You need cover for damage to equipment in transit, medical care abroad (such as recompression treatment) and repatriation in the event of a serious diving incident. Policies usually cover divers to a depth of 100ft (30m) - more than adequate for most trips.

On arrival at your target destination, it is always advisable to carry out a few-simple checks when diving with the host operator. All dive operators should have emergency oxygen supplies appropriate to the range and scale of diving they provide, as well as first-aid facilities and effective communications. It is worth making a quick visual inspection of the compressor facility ? air certificates should be on display, but it is relatively easy to tell a clean, well-maintained compressor from a neglected one.

Source: http://travel.ezinemark.com/tips-and-precautions-for-scuba-diving-vacations-17f32671ec4.html

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