If you are reading this post, it is probably because there is not much time left for the beginning of your diving vacation and some doubts are starting to come to your mind. Don’t worry, in this post we will help you to solve them to enjoy the most from the first moment.
When was the last time you went diving? Do you remember the feeling: the world above stopped existing for the 60 minutes? Do you remember how you felt while you immersed yourself in the underwater world? What about the sounds: the crackles and pops, the colourful corals and unique fish surrounded your every move? If you cannot remember this surreal sensation, then have a read through this article. We are going to touch on a few points that you might need to think about when you decide to go on a diving holiday in Indonesia, especially if you have not been in a while.
Why Biodiversity Nature Resort is the ideal destination for your snorkeling and diving vacation in Raja Ampat?
Biodiversity Nature Resort, situated in the Raja Ampat, is the perfect diving get away. We are proudly an Eco Resort, small and personalized making your diving experience all the more enjoyable. We follow the policy of 4 divers per guide, and our boats are small enough that you have the space and freedom to move about. The cottages are evenly spaced out and surrounded by the unique fauna and flora, giving you the time to also connect with nature.
The Diving
The currents that run through this area where Biodiversity Resort is located, the Dampier Strait, bring nutrients with them, which contribute to all the richness and diversity found in these waters. We are lucky to have 25 dive sites all within a maximum 30 minute boat ride, where the magic of the ocean can come to you. Enjoy your diving vacation in Raja Ampat, with us has never been easier and we will make sure you experience that magazine picture dive!
Insurance and Diver Code of Conduct
Remember that it is required to have an active dive insurance to dive in Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco resort, or at any reputable dive operation. If you don’t have, we offer DAN insurance for short-term 5, 10 or 30 days which you can pay at the resort. Also, you will be required to sign a Code of Conduct, stating that you will not harm or touch marine life and follow instructions.
What important skills do we suggest you review before you visit us to start your dive vacation?
If you have not been diving in a while, especially if it has been longer than a year, then we suggest you start to recharge your batteries and review a few essential points that every diver should keep in mind before planning that diving vacation. These little tips will help refresh and strengthen your skills before visiting us:
1. Rescue all your equipment from storage and make sure everything is in good condition
Check that your mask is not scratched; your fins are not damaged or too warn out that they will not support you in a current dive. Check you’re SMB, BCD and especially your dive computer. It is essential that you check your dive computer works perfectly and that the battery has a correct duration. If need be take your equipment to a dive shop close to you to get a professional service checkup.
If you do not have equipment, do not worry, we have well maintained and serviced rental equipment for use. As we are a personalized resort we will enquire about your sizes prior to arrival, so when you get here, the equipment will be ready for you. This can also be to your advantage as it means you have more luggage allowance for other essentials. Think Smart, pack light!
2. Refresh your memory and review the main gestures to communicate underwater.
The ok sign is universal, just like the one to go up or down. So focus on the less common ones and make sure you remember all of them. This could make your diving experience all the more enjoyable, as you will understand the signals your dive guide is giving you. Have a look at this video for easy viewing before your dive vacation
3. Once at Biodiversity Nature Resort inform us how you are doing physically and if you have any small discomfort that might hinder the enjoyment of your diving.
Even if it is a small cold or a small headache, let us know so we can accommodate you into a personalized schedule that will make your first dive after a long time comfortable. If you have any medical condition, please remember you need to bring a letter from your doctor, clearing you fit to dive.
4. Review the basic skills that any diver must have full knowledge of:
Empty your mask, tilt your head back a little, push on the top of your mask and blow gently through your nose.
Pass the regulator to your partner. This could happen if your partner runs out of air, so very important to review. Remember to signal you are out of air before receiving the regulator or visa versa. After taking a breath, remove your regulator from your mouth and pass to your partner, do not stop releasing small air bubbles through your mouth; You know you can’t hold your breath in diving. When you put the regulator back on, blow through your mouth to remove the remains of water, or push the purge button.
Review how to retrieve your regulator easily if it has dropped out your mouth – someone can accidently swim pass and knock it from your mouth. Slightly tilt your right shoulder back, stretch your arm, drawing a semicircle from back to front and you will have it in your hand. Put it in your mouth and blow hard or push the purge button.
5. While on the boat remember to follow the five letter acronym: Breakfast With Rice And Fish —BCD, Weights, Regulator, Air open, Fin.
Check that your BCD works correctly by inflating it slightly. Also check the regulator by pressing the air outlet, check your pressure gauge and then do the same with your buddy. The buddy system is very important and one that we follow strictly at Biodiversity.
6. To account for the pressure changes on a dive you must remember to equalize when descending.
To equalize the pressure in your ears, pinch your nose and blow gently to equalize the changes in pressure as you descend. It is suggested to do this frequently on your decent to avoid any discomfort in your sinus and ear canals. Swallowing and jarring your jaw are other methods to help with equalizing problems.
7.Finally, always be respectful of the seabed.
Avoid touching anything and do not take anything, except the trash that unfortunately ends up in the ocean. We are an Eco-resort that follows criteria to protect and conserve our environment.
