In this video, we reveal 25 major scuba diving industry red flags that every diver should know —from researching operators online to spotting dangerous shortcuts underwater.
So, how do you know if a dive centre is safe before you ever step onto the boat?
After more than a decade working professionally in the dive industry across the Maldives, Indonesia, Australia and Thailand, we're sharing the exact process we use to identify quality dive operators, avoid bad dive shops and maximise our safety underwater.
Whether you're newly certified, planning a dive holiday, booking a liveaboard or simply want to become a safer diver, these are the warning signs we think every diver should be aware of.
We've put together a list of the safety equipment we personally carry and recommend, including SMBs, signalling devices, dive lights, cutting tools and other overlooked safety items.
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Thanks for being part of the journey 🙌
Aaron & Cassie
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00:00 25 Dive Industry Red Flags 00:43 Researching A Dive Shop Before You Book 01:48 Reviews, Ratios & Dive Factories 02:21 Contacting Operators & Asking Questions 02:48 Licensed Dive Centres & Insurance 03:32 Dive Centre Check-In Red Flags 04:25 Refresher Courses & Diver Reactivation 04:48 Front Of House Standards & Presentation 05:07 Staff Culture & Professionalism 05:46 Rental Gear & Equipment Care 06:42 Boat Safety & Briefings 07:38 Air Quality, Nitrox & Cylinder Checks 08:15 Eco Policies & Environmental Standards 08:36 Guide Ratios & Group Management 09:02 Crew Standards & Boat Organisation 09:36 Current Checks & Dive Site Safety 10:09 Why Check Dives Matter 10:58 Certification Limits & Training Standards 11:30 Air Consumption & Dangerous Air Sharing 12:10 Marine Life Ethics & Reef Protection 13:20 Dive Profiles, DCS Risk & Dive Planning 13:56 SMBs, Ascents & Surface Procedures 14:25 Instructor Conduct & Diver Boundaries 15:12 The Most Important Safety Tool 16:06 See You Underwater
