Safety Guidelines
Comprehensive safety protocols to ensure every dive is secure, enjoyable, and memorable for all the right reasons.
At Abyss & Ascent, safety is not just a priority - it's the foundation of everything we do. We maintain the highest safety standards in the industry and are committed to ensuring every student and diver returns home safely after every dive.
These guidelines are designed to keep you safe both during training and throughout your diving career. Please read them carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Medical Fitness
- ✓Complete a medical questionnaire before your first dive
- ✓Disclose any medical conditions, medications, or recent surgeries
- ✓Obtain physician clearance if you have cardiovascular, respiratory, or ear/sinus conditions
- ✓Inform instructors of any changes in your health status
- ✓Do not dive if you're pregnant or suspect you might be
- ✓Avoid diving within 24 hours of receiving dental work or minor surgery
Physical Preparation
- ✓Get adequate rest the night before your dive (at least 7-8 hours)
- ✓Stay well-hydrated before and after diving
- ✓Avoid heavy meals immediately before diving
- ✓Do not consume alcohol 12 hours before diving
- ✓Never dive while under the influence of drugs or medications that impair judgment
- ✓Maintain a good level of physical fitness appropriate for your diving activities
Equipment Safety
- ✓Always inspect your equipment before each dive
- ✓Use properly maintained and serviced equipment only
- ✓Ensure your tank is filled with clean, breathable air from a reputable source
- ✓Check your pressure gauge, regulator, and BCD functionality
- ✓Wear appropriate thermal protection for water temperature
- ✓Never share regulators during a dive except in emergencies
Diving Practices
- ✓Never dive alone - always use the buddy system
- ✓Plan your dive and dive your plan
- ✓Monitor your air supply and ascend with reserve air
- ✓Make a safety stop at 15 feet for 3-5 minutes on every dive
- ✓Ascend slowly - no faster than 30 feet per minute
- ✓Never hold your breath while scuba diving
- ✓Stay within your certification limits and experience level
Environmental Awareness
- ✓Check weather and water conditions before diving
- ✓Be aware of currents, tides, and visibility conditions
- ✓Respect marine life - look but don't touch
- ✓Maintain good buoyancy control to protect coral and marine ecosystems
- ✓Stay clear of boat traffic and use a dive flag
- ✓Know the local marine life and potential hazards in the area
Emergency Procedures
- ✓Know emergency contact numbers and nearest hyperbaric chamber location
- ✓Carry dive insurance or DAN membership
- ✓Have a dive plan filed with someone on shore
- ✓Know how to recognize and respond to diving emergencies
- ✓Keep first aid and oxygen equipment accessible
- ✓Report any incidents or close calls to instructors immediately
10 Golden Rules of Safe Diving
Never hold your breath while using scuba equipment
Always dive with a buddy and maintain visual contact
Ascend slowly and make safety stops
Monitor air supply and surface with reserve air
Stay within your training and certification limits
Plan your dive, dive your plan
Avoid flying or going to altitude within 24 hours after diving
Stay hydrated before and after diving
Continue your diving education and practice skills regularly
Respect the ocean and marine life
Pre-Dive Safety Checklist (BWRAF)
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
Check inflator and deflator buttons, ensure proper fit, test oral inflation
Weights
Check weight amount, weight belt/integrated weights, quick-release mechanism
Releases
Locate and test all buckles, clips, and quick-release mechanisms
Air
Check tank pressure, breathe from regulator, test alternate air source
Final Check
Review dive plan, check computer/gauges, confirm buddy signals
Emergency Contacts
In case of a diving emergency, contact these services immediately:
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for immediate assistance
DAN Emergency Hotline
+1 (919) 684-9111 (24/7)
Coast Guard
VHF Channel 16 or 1-800-COAST-GRD
Abyss & Ascent Emergency
+1 (555) 123-4567
Dive Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend all divers maintain active membership with Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent dive insurance. DAN provides:
- •24/7 emergency hotline with diving medicine specialists
- •Coverage for hyperbaric chamber treatment
- •Medical evacuation and transportation coverage
- •Access to diving safety resources and education
Visit dan.org to learn more about membership options.
Our Safety Commitment
At Abyss & Ascent, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in diving education. Our instructors undergo continuous training, our equipment is regularly inspected and serviced, and we constantly review and update our safety protocols. Your safety is not negotiable - it's our promise to you.