Dive Smart, Dive Safe
Rules for Safe & Sustainable Diving
Follow these rules to ensure diver safety and protect Chania’s marine wonders. Together, we safeguard Crete’s underwater legacy!
Certification Required: All divers must present a valid certification card (e.g., PADI, SSI, CMAS) appropriate for the dive depth and type.
Buddy System: Never dive alone. Always stay with your dive buddy/group.
Follow Guides: Dive only under the supervision of a licensed dive professional or guide if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
No Alcohol/Drugs: Do not consume alcohol or drugs 24 hours before diving.
Zero Waste: Take all trash back to shore. Do not leave behind any litter, including biodegradable items.
No Anchoring: Avoid anchoring on reefs or seagrass beds. Use mooring buoys where provided.
No Collecting: Removing shells, artifacts, or marine organisms is strictly prohibited.
Do Not Touch: Never touch, harass, or feed marine life (e.g., fish, corals, sponges).
Depth Limits: Respect maximum depth limits based on your certification level (e.g., 18m/30m for Open Water/Advanced divers).
Monitor Air Supply: Ascend with at least 50 bar/500 psi remaining. Follow safe ascent rates (≤9m/30ft per minute).
Check Equipment: Ensure your gear (BCD, regulator, tank, etc.) is fully functional before entering the water.
Dive Planning: Always review dive plans, including entry/exit points, currents, and emergency procedures.
Respect Restricted Zones: Some areas in Chania may be protected. Diving may be prohibited or require special permits.
Report Damage: Notify authorities immediately if you observe environmental damage or illegal activities.
Permits: Obtain permits if required for underwater photography, research, or technical dives.
Medical Fitness: Complete a medical questionnaire before diving. Consult a doctor if you have health conditions (e.g., heart, respiratory).
Surface Intervals: Wait at least 18–24 hours after diving before flying or ascending to high altitudes.
No Night Diving Without Authorization: Night dives require special training and approval from local operators.
No Gloves: Gloves are discouraged to prevent the temptation to touch marine life.
No Spearfishing: Spearfishing or hunting marine life is illegal in protected zones.
Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency numbers (e.g., Coast Guard: 112, Hyperbaric Chamber: +30 [local number]).
First Aid: Know the location of the nearest first aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
Noisy Behavior: Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife and other divers.
Avoid Crowding: Give other dive groups space to enjoy the site.
Check Forecasts: Cancel or reschedule dives if conditions are unsafe (e.g., strong currents, storms).
Visibility: Avoid diving in poor visibility unless accompanied by an experienced guide.
Shallow Training: Confined water training dives are restricted to designated safe zones.
Guided Dives Only: Inexperienced divers (≤10 logged dives) must join guided tours.