Scuba Travel, Helpful information for Safe and Healthy holidays

Stay safe and healthy on holiday

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Before you Travel

Foreign Office Advice
Read the FCO travel advice for the country that you are visiting.

It provides essential information including entry requirements, medication restrictions, heath advice, safety and security, local laws and customs and much more.

Click here for the FCO webpage

Never travel without insurance

  • Make sure your travel insurance is valid with sufficient cover for your holiday

  • Make sure your insurance covers diving up to your qualification or depth you will be diving to.
  • Take a copy of your insurance with you on holiday
  • Leave a copy of your travel insurance information with your next of kin/emergency contact

    • Your Journey

    Plan and pack for a safe journey
  • Research your destination and holiday to understand local customs, etiquette, and dress codes and pack accordingly.
  • Carry a copy of your holiday booking confirmation and contact details of your travel provider.
  • Follow the luggage policy of your transport provider, including any weight or carriage restrictions.
  • Carry a supply of medication in your hand luggage, check if there are restrictions on non-prescription medication.
  • If travelling with children, carry baby formula, nappies etc. and items such as books or a game to keep them occupied.
  • Keep a copy of the ID pages of your passport somewhere safe throughout your holiday.
  • Allow sufficient time to get to the airport/port/station.

    • Diving safety

    Diving safety
  • It is your responsibility to have adequate diving insurance
  • It is your responsibility to dive within the limits of your certification and training
  • All dives should be planned as no decompression dives
  • It is your responsibility to be fit for diving
  • You are required to provide proof of certification and number of dives on arrival in resort or liveaboard
  • You are required to follow the instructions given to you by your dive guide
  • Drinking and diving do not mix. Once you consume alcohol, you become a snorkeler until the next day.
  • Stay well hydrated
  • It is your responsibility to enter and exit dive boats and tenders with extreme caution.
  • An SMB is an important safety accessory for every diver regardless of where you are scuba diving

    • Diving Medical

    Diving medical
  • As a condition of booking a holiday with Scuba Travel, you accept that it is a requirement to complete a medical statement upon arrival in resort or liveaboard.
    If you are unable to complete the statement as directed, you accept that you may not be able to take part in certain aspects of the holiday you have booked with us.
    An example of the medical statement is available here

    DOWNLOAD HERE


    This is used in the majority of destinations but not all.
    Please ask if you would like to see the medical statement specific to your holiday

    • Accomodation

    When you Arrive
  • Check out the accommodation facilities and the safety features.
  • If you notice any defects or hazards at your accommodation, report them to reception and your travel provider, representative or their local agent.
  • Familiarise yourself with the escape routes and locate the fire exit nearest to your room.
  • Read the fire instruction notice displayed in your room/cabin.
  • If on a liveaboard or day boat use caution when boarding, vessels maybe slippery, move or at different heights.
  • If on a liveaboard or day boat listen careful to the safety briefings and take part in any drills.
  • Never leave batteries charging unattended in your room or cabin. Always use communal areas when on board a liveaboard. The guides will show you the designated areas.
  • Never leave children unsupervised.
  • Take extra care in bright sunlight as it may not be obvious whether the windows or patio door are open or closed.
  • Surfaces such as tiles or marble floors can be very slippery.
  • If you’re self-catering, check how the cooking appliances work and ensure they are switched off when you leave your apartment or go to bed.
  • If smoking is permitted always ensure that all smoking materials are safely extinguished and never smoke in bed.
  • Keep your key by your bed when sleeping or leave the key in the inside of the door whilst locked.
  • If you smell gas, report it. Black sooty marks or stains, lazy orange flames and excessive condensation in the room could indicate a faulty gas appliance.
  • Evacuate the room/area immediately – don’t stop to collect personal belongings.
  • Use the nearest escape route.
  • Close any doors behind you.
  • Raise the alarm.
  • Go to the assembly point.
  • If you can’t leave your room, close all doors, put wet towels or clothes round the door seals, telephone reception and shout for help from the window.
  • Never leave children unsupervised on balconies.
  • Don’t climb or stand on balcony furniture. Keep all furniture away from the balcony wall/railings.
  • Never lean over, sit or climb on the walls or railings of any balcony, corridor, or walkway.
  • Don't leave potential trip hazards on the balcony.
  • Do not try to pass items to someone on another balcony or climb from one balcony to another.
  • Never jump into the pool from your balcony.
  • Before closing the door whilst on the balcony check that there is a handle on the outside.

    • Security and safety

    Security
  • If available, use the safety deposit box for your money, travel documents, passports, jewellery and other valuables.
  • Lock your door even when you’re inside your room.
  • Don’t leave windows or patio doors open.
  • Exercise caution when opening the door to a visitor and ask them to identify themselves.
  • If you see someone or something that looks suspicious, report it to reception or a member of staff immediately.
  • Follow the advice and instruction of the staff or local authorities.

    • If you are caught up in an incident and are not sure what action to take, follow the guidance to ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ which can be applied to many places and situations both at home and overseas.


  • Avoid carrying too much money or wearing excess jewellery when you are out and about

  • Keep all valuables , wallets, bags etc close to you at all times

  • Avoid poorly lit areas amd if possible never walk home alone

  • If you are out as part of a group, look out for one another

  • Consider very carefully whether you should, leave a pub, club with someone you have just met

  • Do not invite strangers back to your room

  • In busy bars take time to check fire exits and follow all emergency instructions

  • If you feel threatened, stay calm and try to be firm and direct

  • If you feel uncomfortable or in danger, don't be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Shout make a fuss and make people aware you feel threatened

  • If you are a victim of a crime report the matter to your travel provider and local police immediately
  • Be alert to personal safety issues and remember that alcohol and drugs use may increase the risk of accidents and injuries and can invalidate insurance claims

  • Never accept drinks from strangers and anyone you are unsure of

  • Do not share or exchange drinks

  • Keep your drink with you at all times or nominate a friend to watch your drinks

  • Beaware of how much you have had to drink and remember alcohol will dehydrate you

  • Avoid using recreational drugs, they are likely to be illegal in your holiday destination.

  • The quality of local imported spirits varies greatly, buy well known brands where possible

  • Never accept a lift from an unlicensed taxi, a stranger or someone you dont completely trust

  • Try and share taxis with a friend

  • Always sit in the back of a taxi, if you chat to the driver do not give them personal information

    • Accident and Illness

    Report it

    If you or one of your party fall ill or have an accident during your holiday, seek medical attention and report it to the reception, your travel provider, guide or local rep

  • Where appropriate, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Be aware that alcohol measures abroad may be larger than in the UK – drink in moderation.
  • Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served.
  • Avoid any uncooked food apart from fruits and vegetables or food that can be peeled or shelled.
  • Ask for information on meal ingredients if you have food allergies.
  • Take care when handling lava rocks, hot stone grills and other cooking equipment.

    • If you have any dietry requirements please let us know at least 7 days before departure. All our boats and destinations are well equiped and experienced in catering for most needs. If you are worried please don't hesitate to contact us.
    Whilst we will advise your destination of any allergies you have, it is your responsibility to check ingredients before eating anything.

    Swimming and pool safety

    Swimming pools and other water based facilities
  • Read the pool rules before you swim and remember, most holiday accommodations do not employ lifeguards.
  • Always obey the facility rules and signage.
  • Check the pool layout to know where the deep and shallow ends are, especially before jumping or diving in. Never dive into water less than 1.5m deep.
  • Shower before entering the pool.
  • Don’t jump or dive from any raised features or from poolside furniture.
  • Don’t swim if suffering from an upset stomach. Leave 48 hours before entering the pool following a stomach-related illness.
  • Don’t swim immediately after a meal and never swim when you’ve been drinking alcohol.
  • Check the hours of pool operation and never use the pool when it is closed.
  • In the event of an emergency, know how and where to get help.
  • Children in and around the pool area should be supervised by an adult at all times and never left unattended even if a lifeguard is present.
  • Young children and babies should wear appropriate swimwear e.g. rubber-lined swimming trunks or specifically designed swimming nappies.
  • In the event of a faecal accident in or around the pool, report it immediately.
  • Only swim in the sea, tidal waters, rivers, lakes and other waters where it is permitted to do so and you know it is suited to your swimming ability.
  • Check warning flags, signage and whether a lifeguard is on duty and follow safety information on the beach.
  • Find out what to do in an emergency e.g. call the local coastguard.
  • Beware of dangerous currents and underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
  • Don’t swim near or dive from rocks, piers, breakwaters and coral.
  • Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
  • Only use jet skis and other water based crafts with appropriate safety equipment and supervised by an instructor.
  • Where possible never swim alone.
  • Always supervise children.
  • Never swim at night, after drinking alcohol or on a full stomach.
  • If you see someone in difficulty raise the alarm.

    • Care in the Sun

    Care in the Sun
  • The sun can be enjoyed safely by using shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen to prevent burning.
  • Apply high-factor sunscreen frequently and drink plenty of water.
  • We encourage the use of reef safe/coral safe sunscreen at all time
  • Build up the time you spend in the sun gradually and avoid sunbathing between 11am and 3pm – the hottest part of the day.
  • Keep babies cool and protect them from the sun. Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.
  • Take extra care with children – use plenty of high factor sunscreen, make them wear a t-shirt and hat.
  • In mosquito prone areas use insect repellent and during daylight hours spray your repellent on top of your sunscreen.

    • Out and About

    Excursions
  • Always book through a reputable supplier; ask your representative or travel provider for more details.
  • If you are planning to go scuba diving, allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and flying or travelling to altitude (over 1,000 feet).

    • Be aware that in some countries traffic isn’t required to stop at pedestrian crossings. When walking on unpaved or unlit roads during the hours of darkness carry a torch.
    Before driving ask the car hire company about the traffic laws and any specific local rules e.g. carrying a breathalyser in France, and a spare pair of glasses in Spain.
    Check that your car hire insurance is adequate for the driver and all passengers. Always wear a seat belt.
    Always carry emergency/breakdown telephone numbers.
    Never drink and drive.
    It is strongly advised that you don’t hire mopeds or motorbikes.
    It is strongly advised that you don’t independently hire quad bikes.

    Scuba Travel is ATOL bonded

    All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate Our ATOL number is ATOL5667

    Scuba Travel is ABTOT bonded

    The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Scuba Travel. ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in section - 21. Financial Security, of our booking conditions.

    Scuba Travel recommends Travel Aware

    Advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help you prepare for foreign travel and stay safe abroad. Click here to go to Travel Aware