Learning To Dive? : Tips to help you choose the right dive shop!

In the Andamans Genuine dive centers/shops are ALWAYS affiliated with at least one of the diving associations in the world. A dive association sets standards, creates courses, and certifies students allowing them to dive anywhere possible within permissible depths. Individual diving ranks determine the depth limit.

Verify that the dive shop is certified with a reputable diving agency like PADI, SSI, NAUI, or CMAS. By doing this, you can ensure that the dive shop complies with global safety requirements.

A dive shop or center should ideally exude a passion for diving and its culture. The vibes of a healthy dive operation is much about its people as it is about its’ facilities. If they make you feel like a part of their fraternity and want you to have a good time, you got your dive operator!

• Start by asking around in the marketplace or fellow travelers about your shortlisted dive shops.
• Are they welcoming in their approach? Do you feel comfortable conversing with their staff? Some dive shops have multi-linguist staffs that make interactions welcoming.
• Are your quirks and queries being attended to with interest?
• Enquiring about the dive sites and sightings will bring out their knowledge of diving in the area.

Before making a reservation, check out the dive shop’s reputation and credentials. Examine internet evaluations and seek advice from other divers.

Equipment and facilities are the most important part of the diving experience. Checking the standards of their infrastructure, one can gauge the quality of service extended. Ratings by the dive associations help in understanding these technical aspects. The following must be taken into consideration –

• Quality of equipment that is being rented (if it is well serviced and in good condition)
• Sizes and numbers of gear (fins, masks, tempered masks for those with eyesight issues)
• Quality of air (It is crucial that the tank is filled with good air. Breathing contaminated air on a dive could lead to several complexities)
• Quality of professional service offered by the staff

Having a set of well-maintained and fitting gear makes all the difference while diving.

• Basic facilities that must be offered by a dive operator are – Change/ shower rooms
• Equipment rinsing area
• Drying and storing space
• Lockers to keep valuables while diving
• A store with basic dive amenities for fun divers/ frequent divers.

Make sure the diving shop has modern, well-maintained equipment. See whether they have equipment that fits your size and tastes and if it is regularly repaired.

Assess the working structure of the operation. Are they?

• Organized
• Accommodating
• How many boats do they have?
• What kind of boat would you be travelling in? (Access to different dive sites is dependent on the quality of boats used and its’ maintenance)
• How many more divers would be diving with you? (Having this information will then allow you to decide for yourself the attention guaranteed)

These are useful in understanding a dive shop holistically. Some dive operators offer lower rates on the services provided by compromising on the safety standards and cutting down on dive time. They often rate their services lower than a well-rated dive center on the Islands. Parts of the Andaman archipelago are open to diving, such as Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Long Island, and a few other restricted areas. While discounts are extended to larger groups and frequent divers, any further negotiations might lead to compromised service.