What should I do if I see a shark while diving?

Remain calm and stay still. Sharks are generally not interested in divers. Avoid making sudden movements, do not block their swimming path, and slowly back away if they approach too closely. The vast majority of dive site encounters with sharks are highlights, not hazards.

How do I avoid getting decompression sickness?

Dive within your certification depth limits, ascend no faster than 9 metres per minute, perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5 metres on every dive, stay well-hydrated, avoid flying for 18–24 hours after diving, and follow your dive computer's guidance at all times.

Common Diving Hazards - Dive Safety Guide | Diveity

Awareness of common diving hazards is the foundation of dive safety. Most hazards are manageable with proper training and preparation — the danger arises when divers are unaware or unprepared.

Strong Currents

Never fight a strong current. Swimming against a powerful ocean current burns air, causes panic, and can lead to out-of-air emergencies. Always plan your entry and exit points with current direction in mind.

If caught in an unexpected current, signal your buddy and let it carry you while ascending slowly. Inflate your SMB (surface marker buoy) before surfacing so the boat can locate you. Drift diving is a controlled, enjoyable way to experience strong currents when conditions are planned for properly.

Marine Life Encounters

The vast majority of marine creatures pose no threat to divers who behave correctly. Common rules:

Never touch: Coral, sea urchins, stonefish, and lionfish are the most common contact injuries. Look, do not touch.
Maintain distance from large animals: Keep at least 3 metres from sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Do not block their path.
Be cautious at night: Lionfish and scorpionfish are more active after dark and are masters of camouflage.

Depth-Related Issues

At depths below 30 metres, nitrogen narcosis can impair judgment similarly to alcohol intoxication. Symptoms include euphoria, poor decision-making, and tunnel vision. The treatment is simple: ascend to a shallower depth.

Oxygen toxicity becomes a concern for divers using enriched air (nitrox) or for those doing deep technical dives. Always follow the planned depth limits for your gas mixture.

Boat Traffic

Always surface with an inflated SMB so boats can see you. Listen for engine noise before surfacing. When possible, surface near the dive boat's anchor line or shot line, not in open water.

Strong Currents

Marine Life Encounters

The vast majority of marine creatures pose no threat to divers who behave correctly. Common rules:

Never touch: Coral, sea urchins, stonefish, and lionfish are the most common contact injuries. Look, do not touch.

Maintain distance from large animals: Keep at least 3 metres from sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Do not block their path.

Be cautious at night: Lionfish and scorpionfish are more active after dark and are masters of camouflage.

Depth-Related Issues

Oxygen toxicity becomes a concern for divers using enriched air (nitrox) or for those doing deep technical dives. Always follow the planned depth limits for your gas mixture.