11 TIPS FORCHOOSING THE RIGHT DIVE OPERATOR

Author: TOBI1KANOBY
Choosing the right dive center can make a huge difference on your experience whether you plan on learning scuba diving or simply dive for fun
As veteran scuba diving instructors working in various places around the glove let us help you out a bit on your quest for a perfect dive vacation:

1. Dive center rating
Dive centers rating can tell you about the quality of its facility, safety standards, instructors rating and more. The rating status normally follows the dive operator's name.
2. Dive center location
Location makes a huge difference. Having to walk with equipment to the dive center or from it to the water/boat. Being able to chill and relax after the dive. A dive center is no longer just that, it can be the center of your vacation. Make the best of it.
3. Facilities
Showers, toilets, classrooms, dock, equipment storage, all are key elements that make a dive shop pleasant for its costumers.
4. Stuff
Get to meet your stuff members, as you'll probably spend some time with them. Check their rating, knowledge and experience, make sure they are also familiar and experienced at the local dive sites as professional divers can be experienced elsewhere and lack vital knowledge when working in new places.
If choosing to take a course, see what else your instructors can offer after participating in it.
5. Boats
If you don't intend on shore diving, have a quick look at the boats available, are they fast and stable enough to get to sites easily? Would you have enough space? Would you be protected from the sun? Are there any O2, 1st Aid, and Spare kits onboard?
6. Equipments
If using rental equipment, check it first. You don't need to be an expert, or even a diver to know old or badly maintained equipment from a new or well maintained one. Insist on visiting the equipment room, and if there are special demands for sizes, exposure suits thickness or prescription masks, make sure you let the dive operator know about it in advance.
7. Packages Offered
Many operators offer various dive packages that may include accommodation, free dives, discounts, special offers on additional courses or deducted retail prices.
8. Atmosphere
A key part in any diver's routine is socializing, meeting people and having fun. Spend some time around the dive centre, meet the stuff and customers, and get the vibes, some dive centers offer much more than just diving, make use of that
9. Class or Group Size
A key element in diving is to dive in small groups. In courses you learn more and get more attention from your instructor. When diving, fewer divers mean more chances of seeing creatures up close. It doesn't mean diving with small dive operators; just make sure your group size remains small….
10. Activities.
Not all dive operators can offer everything, so check if your dive center offers anything extra, and a unique experience that makes a difference.
11. Environmental Awareness.
Please ask what the dive center offers to minimize the effects on the marine environment. Please report any misbehaving such as loitering, touching the reef and marine creatures, and disregarding diver's buoyancy problems. Help us keep the ocean clean and healthy.





Find more valuable tips that can help you through picking the right scuba equipment, dive courses, dive destinations snorkeling and more at http://knows-dive.com
Occupation: PADI, SSI Staff Instructor, Biologist & Underwater