Diving in
Maldives - Safety
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 Drift diving is the
most common type of diving in the Maldives. It is easy and safe
when conducted properly and give 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 during a dive and at some
locations, especially during spring tides, the dive may have to be
aborted in the interest of the diver safety.
Diving with an ingoing is
generally safer than an outgoing current. If there is a strong
current flowing out of the atoll, divers should take extreme care.
Divers has 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 be possible, such as when diving in a Thila. A
knowledgeable dive-master 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 you dive.
-
Descend
quickly to the reef.
-
Never
try to swim against a strong current. Stay close to the reef
using your hand if necessary to pull your self along (hold
only dead coral and look before grabbing the reef)
-
Never
dive alone and follow the buddy system procedures.
-
The
visibility is usually very good so do not under-estimate the
distance.
-
The
maximum depth is not exceed 30 meters.
-
Make
all your dives no-decompression dives.
-
If
you should not see your boat after surfacing, a surface
balloon, or parachute makes you visible from a distance. This
is a mandatory accessory for each group of divers at most dive
schools. Inflate your parachute if a long way from the boat or
making and open water safety stop.
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