Subscribe to The NZUA And Support the Underwater Community

Packed with the latest diving news, events and deals, the NZUA newsletter is a monthly must-read for all those passionate about the New Zealand underwater realm.
Subscribers directly support NZ Underwater's activities in the marine environment, help leverage govt. funding for safety campaigning and grow participation across the sector.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Surface Safely

Survive the Dive

Surface Safely

Safe surfacing procedures, including safety stops, are an essential component in scuba diver's skill set.

ALLOWING FOR A SAFETY STOP ON ALL DIVES GREATLY REDUCES A DIVER'S RISK OF MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM DISSOLVED GASES IN THE BLOODSTREAM DURING THE EVENT AND THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF BUILD UP THESE GASES DURING A LIFETIME OF DIVING.

New Zealand Underwater advises planning for a least one three-metre safety stop on all dives, and as many more as are required by the technical details of a dive.

A three-metre safety stop also allows the opportunity to look up and listen for any approaching boats.  

Note: Breath-hold divers do not have the luxury of a three-metre safety stop so always ensure an observer can wave a dive flag at any approaching vessel.

See Also

Weather & Tides
Survive the Dive

Weather & Tides

Always check the weather and tide conditions in advance of departing the dock.
Medical checks & Refresher courses
Survive the Dive

Medical checks & Refresher courses

Are you fit to dive? New Zealand Underwater offers consistent advice to divers returning from a hiatus.
Gear Maintenance
Survive the Dive

Gear Maintenance

Routine maintenance is an imperative component of the diver's schedule. Failure can have severe consequences
The Buddy System
Survive the Dive

The Buddy System

Always dive with a buddy. The Buddy system is developed to improve diver survival across a range of situations.
Diver Down Awareness
Survive the Dive

Diver Down Awareness

With divers, spearfishermen, snorkelers or swimmers in the water it is a legal requirement to display a dive flag.
Survive the Dive - Fit, Check & Signal
Survive the Dive

Survive the Dive - Fit, Check & Signal

The NZ Underwater Association’s signature safety message to all divers,even the best of the best, is to ask themselves a few simple but essential questions…

More

Survive the Dive
Weather & Tides
Survive the Dive
Surface Safely
Survive the Dive
Medical checks & Refresher courses