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Diving | TRAVEL NOTES |
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 Please take careful note of the following
information:
Airline & Equipment
The general rule for the airlines is that all scuba diving equipment must be
carried within the weight allowance permitted by the airline (usually 20kg),
however many airlines make an extra allowance within reasonable limits
(approximately an extra 5kg) providing you show your certification card at
check in and pack your diving equipment separately. We recommend you carry your
computers and gauges as hand luggage as they can be affected by low pressure.
The same applies for cameras and video equipment. If you wish to carry a 'pony
bottle' with you, make sure it is empty, with the valve left open and inform
the airline at check-in. They are generally happy to accommodate you. Please
ensure that all your equipment is fully insured is packed properly and, if
going in the hold, can withstand zero temperatures. Please note that Chemical
Oxygen Generators are prohibited onboard the aircraft.
Certificates and log books
Except for beginner courses, all divers wishing to dive must produce an
internationally recognised diving certificate (e.g. PADI, NAUI, BSAC, CMAS,
SSI) Please note that at many dive centres, divers will be requested to
undertake a short orientation dive to learn about the conditions and the local
environment. This may be considered as your first contracted dive. You must
present your diving certificate(s), log book and current medical certificate,
where necessary, to the dive centre before being permitted to dive. Marhaba
Tours cannot accept any responsibility if you are refused to dive because you
have forgotten any of these items or because of incorrect or false
documentation. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE FOR UNUSED DIVE PACKAGES/COURSES.
Children
Children 10 years and older may take the PADI Junior Scuba Diver or PADI Junior
Open Water Diver Course. Once certified, children may dive to a maximum depth
of 12m, under the supervision of a qualified parent/guardian or PADI
professional. From age 14 inwards, certified PADI Junior Scuba Diver/Open Water
divers may dive to 18m.
Dive Centres
All of the diving centres featured in this brochure are staffed by instructors
and Divemasters licensed and approved by one or more internationally recognised
association such as PADI, NAUI, CMAS, SSI. As such they meet stringent safety
and insurance requirements and have established procedures for dealing with any
accidents or emergencies. Whilst on holiday, clients must not undertake diving
arrangements unless under the supervision of these centres. Marhaba Tours
cannot accept any responsibility for arrangements made by their passengers with
any other diving operator or independently.
Diving & Environment
Coral reefs are unique, built up over thousands of years by the activities of
countless marine animals and plants. Unfortunately they have come under intense
pressure, from pollution, collection of coral materials and over fishing.
Diving has also played a part recently, but this can be improved by following a
few basic rules which are; Do not touch any coral formation or remove any coral
or reef animals. Please note that in many countries damaging reefs or removing
coral is a criminal offence.
Equipment
Tanks, weights and weight belts are included in all guided dives and packages
(except PADI courses, which include full scuba equipment rental). If other
equipment is provided it will be pointed out in the text. Should further
information be required on hire of equipment, guideline prices can be provided
on request. You will need to take or hire, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with
octopus and pressure gauge, and a stabjacket (BCD) with inflator. Each diver is
required to have their own gauge for monitoring depths and time or a dive
computer. Where arrangements are listed as full equipment, this would not
normally include computers, watches or wetsuits. Wetsuits are recommended even
is warm tropical waters because they reduce the effect of the waters cooling
effect on longer dives and protect the skin from coral and rock cuts and
abrasions. Most centres have a limited range of wetsuits and therefore we
recommend you bring your own.
Insurance
All customers of Marhaba Tours are required to be properly insured. All
customers must have Scuba Diving accident and medical cover. If an alternative
policy is taken, details must be noted on our booking form. Marhaba Tours will
not accept any liability arising from passengers' failure to take out adequate
cover. Weather Conditions Most of our destinations offer diving year round.
However weather conditions may vary and therefore diving centres have to alter
their scheduled dive programmes to alternative sites or suspend diving
altogether if circumstances dictate. The diving centre will do as much as
possible to ensure that the number of dives booked are accomplished within your
stay, but no guarantees can be given regarding precise sites to be visited and
no refund provided if a planned visit to a site is substituted with another.
Diving is exciting, demanding and safe, when performed correctly and when
applying all the correct techniques. When established safety procedures are not
followed there are dangers. To scuba dive safely you must be in good health,
not be extremely overweight or out of condition and be able to swim 200m. If
under medication, please consult a doctor and instructor prior to participating
in any programme. Please note that if you suffer from any heart condition,
epilepsy, asthma, a severe medical problem, are pregnant, have a cold or
congestion or are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, you should not
dive. Please see medical requirements in Safety & Medical section. |
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