RETURN TO DIVING SAFELY

If you’ve been out of the water for a while, take time to assess your health and fitness and refresh your skills and equipment. DAN has created a practical guide to help you get back to diving safely. Take a few minutes, read over these recommendations, and be prepared for your next dives. The Quick Start Guide (below) is explored in greater depth at www.DAN.org/Return. Review the whole plan or jump to the section that most interests you. We’ve made it easy to prepare at your own pace.

REVIEW YOUR HEALTH STATUS Evaluate your health and fitness to dive

• If you’ve been ill or absent from diving for an extended period, consult your physician before you return to diving

• Follow DAN’s Guidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to Dive

REFRESH YOUR DIVING SKILLS Update your scuba knowledge & diving skills

• Enrol in a refresher course or continuing education programme offered by your local dive store or dive professional

• Practise your in-water skills

RENEW YOUR EQUIPMENT Inspect your equipment for integrity and function

• Have equipment professionally serviced in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications

• Assemble your gear and test each piece, looking for signs of wear and tear or other deterioration

• Familiarise yourself with new equipment before using it

REVIEW YOUR TRAVEL PLAN Take extra measures when planning your trip

• Research health, safety, and testing requirements for your destination

• Learn what steps your dive operator is taking to protect you

• Verify the fitness level required for the type of diving you plan to do, and be prepared for expected conditions

• Ensure you have adequate and current dive accident and travel insurance