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February 24, 2005
IMPORTANT - Modified rules for Red Sea Diving
You may well have read in some recent diving press about new rules for divers and dive centres in the Red Sea. This has caused much confusion as this first document was meant purely for consultation before the final rulings were decided upon and were not 'set in stone' as some publications suggested.
After consultation with the Red Sea Association, and following extensive industry feedback, we are now delighted to bring you the final verdict!
If you would like any clarification on these rules, do please email
reservations@emperordivers.com
The rules have been modified as follows:
1. Diving guest to guide ratio
Marine Park Safaris (Brothers, Zabargad, Deadalus, Rocky)
One guide for a maximum of every eight diving guests
Minimum of one crew member to be responsible for surface cover, such crew member(s) to be certified in provision of O2 and MFA (Medic First Aid)
Dive guides must have a valid Red Sea Association professional ID card
Non-Marine Park Safaris
One guide for a maximum of every twelve diving guests
A minimum of one crew member for surface cover, such member(s) to be certified in provision of O2 and MFA (Medic First Aid)
Dive guides must have a valid Red Sea Association professional ID card
2. Prerequisites for diving guests for Marine Park Safaris
A minimum of 50 logged dives
A self-declaration medical form duly signed by the diving guest
Valid insurance cover against diving accidents from a reputable company
3. Prerequisites for diving guests for Non-Marine Park Safaris
No minimum number of logged dives required
A self-declaration medical form duly signed by the diving guest
Valid insurance cover against diving accidents by a reputable company
4. Safety equipment for safari dive guides (Marine Park and Non-Marine Park)
Surface marker buoy
Strobe and torch
Mirror or similar light reflecting device
5. Safety equipment for safari diving guests (Marine Park and Non-Marine Park)
Surface marker buoy
One torch for each buddy pair (daytime dives)
6. Additional safety equipment for safari boats (Marine Park and Non-Marine Park)
A minimum of two binoculars on each safari boat for surface cover
A minimum of one zodiac on all safari boats
Each safari boat must have a number of life rafts corresponding to the number of its passenger load
7. Daily diving (in addition to what is currently in place by dive centers, such as medical form, liability release etc)
One guide for every 12 certified divers (with 25 dives or more)
One guide for every 8 beginners (less than 25 dives)
Dive guides must have a valid Red Sea Association professional ID card
A grace period of three months is allowed for dive centers and liveaboard boats to make the necessary arrangements (if need be) to be in full compliance with the above.
Finally, a word from Karim Helal, Chairman of the Red Sea Association...
"We would like to reiterate that all efforts expended by the Red Sea Association's, and the strong support of HE Governor of the Red Sea, is only to improve the safety of our diving guests and enhance the quality and reputation of the Red Sea as a leading dive destination.
We would also like to seize this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation for all those who took the time to send us their comments and suggestions and please do not hesitate to let us know if you need any further information."
February 15, 2005
Sunday Times young reader learns to dive with Emperor Divers!
The Sunday Times recently gave youngsters the chance to try out different sports - Daisy Crump, aged 10, explains...
The Sunday Times recently gave youngsters the chance to try out different sports - Daisy Crump, aged 10, (along with her dad) opted for a four-day Junior Open Water course with, you've got it, Emperor Divers! Says Daisy...
"How much have I learnt? Even though Irena was quite strict, she was really patient and funny and nice, so that contributed to the fact that I loved the course. I would do it a hundred times, even though it is quite hard work...I’m really proud of my new skill and I’d recommend it to anyone."