Responsible Scuba Diver Code
Last updated October 28, 2024
Scuba diving requires specialized life-support equipment to explore environments where humans cannot survive unaided. As with any adventure sport, it carries risks that cannot be fully eliminated. However, these risks can be reduced through proper training, knowledge, skills, and equipment. Each diver must assume responsibility for their safety by exercising good judgment and staying aware.
As a Responsible Scuba Diver, I pledge to:
1. Dive Competently: Stay within my training, certification, experience, and comfort levels at all times.
2. Maintain Health: Ensure I am physically and mentally fit to dive.
3. Follow a Dive Plan: Carefully plan my dives and follow all dive briefings.
4. Be a Responsible Buddy: Stay with my dive partner throughout the dive, and have a separation plan in case we are parted.
5. Check Equipment: Check my gear thoroughly before each dive, ensuring that my cylinder valve is fully open and that any blended gas systems are functioning correctly.
6. Stay Aware: Track my air supply, depth, and time, adhering to no-decompression limits. I will perform controlled ascents and regularly monitor my partner.
7. Maintain Skills: Acknowledge that scuba diving skills can diminish over time. If I haven’t dived in more than six months, I will refresh my skills with a course.
8. Respect the Environment: Be mindful of environmental hazards and conditions. I will participate in orientation dives for unfamiliar locations and follow all local regulations.
9. Prepare for Emergencies: Ensure my and my partner’s gear is ready for emergencies, and have a clear emergency plan.
10. Take Responsibility: Acknowledge that I am responsible for my safety in all diving activities. I understand that non-compliance with these principles increases my risk, and incidents can occur even when following guidelines. I will consider personal insurance for diving-related incidents.
As a Responsible Scuba Diver, I pledge to:
1. Dive Competently: Stay within my training, certification, experience, and comfort levels at all times.
2. Maintain Health: Ensure I am physically and mentally fit to dive.
3. Follow a Dive Plan: Carefully plan my dives and follow all dive briefings.
4. Be a Responsible Buddy: Stay with my dive partner throughout the dive, and have a separation plan in case we are parted.
5. Check Equipment: Check my gear thoroughly before each dive, ensuring that my cylinder valve is fully open and that any blended gas systems are functioning correctly.
6. Stay Aware: Track my air supply, depth, and time, adhering to no-decompression limits. I will perform controlled ascents and regularly monitor my partner.
7. Maintain Skills: Acknowledge that scuba diving skills can diminish over time. If I haven’t dived in more than six months, I will refresh my skills with a course.
8. Respect the Environment: Be mindful of environmental hazards and conditions. I will participate in orientation dives for unfamiliar locations and follow all local regulations.
9. Prepare for Emergencies: Ensure my and my partner’s gear is ready for emergencies, and have a clear emergency plan.
10. Take Responsibility: Acknowledge that I am responsible for my safety in all diving activities. I understand that non-compliance with these principles increases my risk, and incidents can occur even when following guidelines. I will consider personal insurance for diving-related incidents.