Choosing A Diving Center: 10 Warning Signs to Look Out For
November 19, 2024
You have probably heard it many times before - diving is a relatively safe sport. However, not all diving centers have the highest regard for safety. You need to know what to look out for so you can make an informed choice about who to dive with and when to say no.
The underwater world is fascinating, exciting, and fun, even if it can be a bit daunting and scary at times. This makes it easy for us to forget the safety factors and it might not even cross your mind that some dive centers are not going to be taking the best care of you.
In this article, we go over the 10 warning signs to look out for when choosing a dive center, so you can stay safe and enjoy your dives.
Watch Out For These When Choosing a Diving Center:
1.Poor Equipment Maintenance
High-quality diving centers invest in their equipment. If you see diving gear that appears neglected, old, or faulty, this could be an indication of how the training center regards safety. A well-maintained setup should be non-negotiable. Ask to see the center’s equipment room, this will give you a better idea of how their equipment is treated. Is it all hung up nicely, and able to dry properly between dives?
2.Lack of Certifications or Not Affiliated to a Training Agency
All diving instructors must have valid certifications from recognized organizations such as SSI. If the center’s staff cannot provide these certifications or seem evasive when asked, it is best to consider other options. The diving center should also have a membership license to prove that they are currently affiliated with a training agency for that calendar year.
If you are unsure about a dive center, visit the SSI Center Locator. It features SSI-affiliated centers around the globe.
3.The Diving Center is Unorganized and Unhygienic
Hygiene is often overlooked but is of great importance. A diving center that does not maintain cleanliness can be a health risk, and it might also suggest overall poor management.
The same center may be unorganized, you may notice the reception area is messy and chaotic with equipment on the floor and paperwork all over the desk. This center probably is not able to conduct a dive safely. Remember, if you are renting equipment you want to ensure that hygiene and cleanliness are a top priority.
4.The Compressor Room Is not in Good Shape
Ask to see where they fill the tanks. Does everything look clean, rust free and does the air inside the room seem clean? Ensure the compressor is not in a location where it may take in polluted air such as dirt from the road, car pollution, smoking area, etc. Is the person responsible for filling the tanks smoking? The second-hand smoke could be getting inside your tank.
5.They Do Not Ask to See Valid Diving Certification Before Diving
Some diving centers may just accept your word that you are scuba certified, without actually asking to see a certification. Additionally, you may be taken on a dive that is not suitable to your experience level.
Whether you enjoy the dive or not, the fact is that the dive center is taking risks with your life and that of others by taking you deeper or on more extreme dives than you are trained for.
Quality instruction requires focus and commitment. If the staff seems rushed, distracted, or uninterested, this could indicate a lack of professionalism.
6.Ignoring Safety Standards
Safety should be the topmost priority for any diving center. If the instructors dismiss safety rules or do not take the time to explain them, it is a clear sign that you should look elsewhere.
For example, they might encourage you to do a dive above your experience level or not suggest you do a scuba diving refresher, even after a year or more of not diving. Ultimately it is up to you, and if you refuse a refresher, the center can still take you diving.
But any diving center that truly cares about your safety would recommend that you do a refresher or check dive upon arrival, even if it is just to get used to your rental equipment, and the conditions, and to ensure you are properly weighted.
7.Overcrowded Dive Groups
While it might be more profitable for a center to have larger groups, this practice can significantly decrease the level of supervision and overall safety. A reputable dive center will keep group sizes manageable for the benefit of its divers.
A manageable dive group will vary depending on the conditions and dive sites, as well as the divers’ experience levels, so it is not always easy to judge. But if you feel that the dive professional is not able to assist you when needed due to the number of divers, then the group is probably too big.
8.Insufficient Briefings
A thorough dive briefing should be a standard part of every dive. If the center rushes through this vital step or neglects it entirely, it is a clear indication of a lack of regard for safety.
A good briefing should not only include what you might see underwater. It should also give you an idea of the conditions, how to react to possible situations that might arise, as well as explain the emergency procedures of that diving center.
If emergency procedures are not explained, it could mean there are none. If you are unsure or concerned, ask your dive leader and also ask to see the emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
9.Negative Reviews and Reputation
Of course, reviews must be taken with a pinch of salt. Some people like to see the negative in everything and also not everyone’s opinion is the same. Check online reviews and ask around within the diving community.
If you notice a pattern of negative feedback, especially regarding treatment and safety, or hear about poor experiences, it is worth reconsidering your choice.
10.Trust Your Instinct
Are you not greeted in a friendly way? Are your concerns ignored and you are told not to worry, without getting an explanation or being put at ease? Are you being put in a dive group that does not match your skill set? Trust your gut feeling and do not dive with that center.
Even if you are concerned about nothing, it is better to find a dive shop you feel comfortable with and can enjoy your dives with. If you stick with a diving center you do not trust, you will feel worried and stressed out during your dive. Remember, stress can accumulate - while the initial pre-dive stress may be small, it could become something bigger underwater.
Your safety and enjoyment are always paramount. When choosing a dive center, take your time and make sure you select a reputable and professional operation that values your well-being above all else. Stay safe and happy diving!
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This article was written by Elizabeth Langenberg / Tal Tamir in cooperation with our insurance partners at DiveAssure.