Safety

Scuba diving conforms to strict regulations

Diving regulations have been adapted from the ones in France, which are known as being very strict. Thus, it is mandatory for every dive center to only use the services of professional scuba instructors. They must be qualified to both teach scuba diving and also guide a group. All scuba diving operations must have valid liability insurance. Also, each dive shop must post the certifications of their instructors and guides declaring their professional status. An official diving commission regularly carries out unexpected inspections to ensure that the dive center complies with the local legal requirements for insurance, safety equipment, dive gear, instructors’ qualifications and dive profile…).

Safety as a top priority

Tahiti’s general hospital is equipped with a modern hyperbaric chamber and the medical team is specifically trained to treat diving incidents. An evacuation procedure is in place to treat a diver showing the symptoms of a decompression accident (the bends). This plan has proved to be very efficient over the years even in the most remote atolls where many workers dive in the pearl farms. Do not hesitate to inform your guide should you not feel well after the ascent. First aid certified, your guide will immediately assist you and call the emergency unit. An oxygen kit is always aboard the dive boats. If necessary, the diver will be flown to Tahiti on an emergency flight.

The organization of the dives

Diving groups are made up of a maximum of 5 or 6 certified divers depending on the instructor’s qualifications. Generally speaking, independent diving buddies are advised to closely follow a group with a guide in order not to miss any of the highlights of the dive! If you are a beginner, you will enjoy your introductory dive with an instructor at a maximum depth of 6 meters (20 ft).

Recognition of the various scuba diving organizations

Whichever diving organization was involved in training you, you will always dive in compliance with the local diving regulations. Your instructor will provide you with all the necessary information before the dive.

A tahitian specificity

Divers with the following certifications: French dive level 1, CMAS 1*, PADI Open Water / Advanced Open Water or equivalent are allowed to dive at a maximum depth of 29 meters (95 feet). This has been possible due to the warm water temperature and exceptional underwater visibility in French Polynesia.