DIVING SAFETY

Drift diving is the most common type of diving in the Maldives. It is easy and safe when conducted properly and gives divers the opportunity to see more fish life, coral and rock formations than could otherwise be seen. The outside reefs and channels are the staging points for these thrilling dives but care should be taken when diving in a current.

Currents can change rapidly in strength during a dive and at some locations, especially during spring tides, the dive may have to be aborted in the interests of diver safety.

Diving with an ingoing current is generally safer than an outgoing current. If there is a strong current flowing out of the atoll, divers should take extreme care. Divers have been lost in the past but fortunately increased safety practices have reduced the risk of accidents. If diving in a channel with a strong outgoing current, divers need to stay close to the reef and shallow on the outside corners, then swim across the reef corner away from the main current flow to the lee of the reef. This may not always possible, such as when diving at a thila. A knowledgeable divemaster and competent boatmen are essential at these times.

Guidelines: A few basic guidelines can make a dive safer and more enjoyable when diving in a current.

* Ensure you check your equipment and your buddies so you can begin your dive immediately.

* Do not stay too long at the surface when you begin your dive.

* Descend quickly to the reef.

* Never try to swim against a strong current. Stay close to the reef using your hands if necessary to pull yourself along (hold only dead coral and look before grabbing the reef).

* Never dive alone and follow the buddy system procedures.

* The visibility is usually good so do not underestimate the distance.

* The maximum depth is not to exceed 30 metres.

* Make all your dives no-decompression dives.