When you decide to do diving, you do not need to rent an expensive package of diving equipment. But if you do not have any diving equipment, you can rent it for the whole package, particularly if it is your first time diving and you still don’t have any dive log. You should look for a dive center which has good condition of equipment, and other essential thing for you to be able to learn and enjoy the underwater exploration is to do it with the right people, since they will surely influence your adventure. Even it is a simple reason, but you don’t want anyone to break your mood down there, do you?
Therefore, you should be totally careful in choosing a dive center. You must be satisfied in all aspects since you will spend bit-but-pricey-enough of your money, so you’d better make it worth and safe.
There are few things you can decide in choosing a good dive center:
1. Understand what you want and need
Consider your own budget and service preference. If you look for maximum comfort and think that the luxury live aboard will give you some, then you can go with it. But, if you think that luxury does not guarantee you to be at the peak of beatitude, and the middle-level dive center may not be bad, then go with it. Before you decide on one, it is better to read the reviews of their service on the internet, to see the big idea. And, if you have some question, you can send them an inquiry.
2. Language
It is the most important thing. You should ask first whether they provide the training in your language (or at least English) or not. It is to ensure that before you deal with the payment, you can understand well what the instructor said during the course/dive.
3. Provide proper equipment
Diving equipment is essential not only it will effects your quality time underwater, but also for your safety. Since your wellbeing depends on them, a proper, well maintained equipment will make a big difference in your diving experience. The things you need to consider are:
• First, make sure it fits you or not (the BCD, wetsuit, and fins) and it’s in good condition. It will be difficult and no longer enjoyable if your equipment is too big or too small.
• Second, you may ask about the condition of the tank and where they used to refill it to make sure that you will inhale qualified air.
• Last, if they have their boat, you need to ask about the condition of the boat, such as: Is it well maintained? How many people they usually load on the boat? Too crowded boat is not enjoyable especially if you have a long way to go to reach the dive sites. Do they provide rescue equipment on the boat? You will never know what might happen during your dive. Certainly it is better safe than sorry.
4. Staffs service
It is about the people around you, the staffs, instructors, and members—especially the instructor. It is another important thing after the language, particularly if this is your first time. Less experience may lead you to the high level of nervousness. You can consider a dive master or instructor is good from how professional his diving skills, how informative he is when he gives briefing before dive, and does he welcome you and make you comfortable and safe? Besides, you can also feel those kinds of things from the members since you will also spend a lot of time with them. If you do not feel okay with the instructor or members, you have full authority to look for elsewhere.
5. Quality of the instructors and guide
Most tourists seem doubt ask about the instructor’s license. You have a full right to ask since he will be responsible for all members’ life. You can also test his knowledge about the dive sites, such as the fish types, depth, current, and temperature. Besides, you can also ask, does the price include the guide or not.
6. Facilities
Never think that asking about services they offer will lead them to believe that you are expecting luxurious facilities while it is only a small dive center. No. You must ensure about where you can store your valuable things during diving? What about emergency first aid and safety equipment, is it provided on the boat? What is the emergency evacuation procedure, by speedboat or else?
The key to choose dive center is using your instinct. If you don’t feel good with how they explain things, their system, team and anything, you may choose other dive centers. Hope this will help you to choose the best dive center.
