Diving in tropical waters is less complicated than diving in cold waters or under extreme conditions. Not only will it be warmer, you don’t need to think too much about what to wear - though you should always pack on the sunscreen! But of course, when it comes to diving in general, observing the rules are key to a great and fun-filled diving session because your safety is always a priority. Whether you’re new to the waters or a seasoned diver, these handy tips by SeaTango’s team of dive experts will help you to get ready for your dives, because one can never be too prepared.

Plan your dives.

Careful planning can be the make or break for your diving sessions and it is especially important if you’re going to be diving in deeper depths. Be hyper aware of emergency and lost-diver procedures. 

Equalise your ears.

Ever had that uncomfortable experience on airplanes when you feel like your ears about to explode as you descend? This can happen when you’re diving as well and the key here is to equalise your ears. First-time divers are usually taught to equalise by pinching their noses and blowing out gently. By doing this, you’ll be preventing ear injuries and spare yourself a whole lot of pain.

Ascend safely.

This may not exactly be in line with the laws of physics but in diving, who goes down must eventually go up. But don’t do it too quick! Remember to ascend slowly and no faster than 30 feet per minute. Always fully deflate your BCD and NEVER (repeat, NEVER) use your inflator button to get to the surface.

Double check your gear.

When you’re underwater, you’re going to depend on your gear a lot, not just to ensure a smooth dive but also to ensure your survival. Make sure you have all the equipment needed before heading underwater. If you’re unsure, ask your dive instructor or buddy to help!

Dive within your certification limits.

In other words, dive in comfort and please don’t panic. Diving is meant to be fun, but it would be unwise to stray off the path and do dives beyond your current qualification. Get the right training before attempting anything risky and you’ll be good to go.

Keep fit.

You’ve probably watched videos or movies with people diving and you’ve probably thought, ‘Pfft! Piece of cake!’ That is, until you try it. Not so much the swimming but the gear you’ll be carrying on your dives can get heavy and quite strenuous. If you think you’ve had a bit too much dessert the past week, we figure it’s time to get back in shape. Also, keep in mind that if you have the cold or a sinus infection, best to cancel your diving sessions as it will be dangerous.

Dive with a buddy.

Diving with a buddy is good for first time divers and instructors highly recommend first-timers to do so. This helps with anxiety and you’ll be getting the help you need. Plus, you’ll make some new friends along the way!

Practice your skills.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve dived, it’s probably a good idea to refresh your diving skills. It may seem trivial at first, but basic skills can be vital to a diver’s safety so performing them well could make all the difference.

Practice buoyancy control.

Practicing your buoyancy is key to gaining control of it. You may be tempted to move your arms to gain control but all you’ll be doing is scaring the fishes, which is not what you want to do. Plus, it wastes energy too! Observe the more experienced divers or if you’re taking a refresher course, ask your dive instructor to help you. They’ll be more than happy to!

Hands off the marine life.

You heard us right! When you’re going leisure diving, beautiful marine life will be one of the main highlights of your dives. It can be tempting to get a closer look and even touch them but it’s always best to keep a distance and respect their space. They’ll be thankful for it in the many years to come. But if you have an underwater camera, snap away!