After taking time away from diving, whether for a few months or even longer, divers should assess several essential factors to help them safely get back in the water. DAN’s new Return to Diving initiative is a comprehensive, practical guide developed by dive medicine physicians, scientists and researchers to provide the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
The guide contains six sections, each with detailed step-by-step instructions and tips. Topics include issues stemming from inactivity, your health status, fitness to dive, equipment, dive skills and travel plans. Articles, questionnaires and other resources will help lead you through your return process.
If you are concerned primarily with your health status, for example, you can access materials such as the DAN Guidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to Dive, information about how to talk with your doctor and ways to evaluate your current fitness status.
With the recent changes we’ve witnessed in travel, the detailed section about trip planning helps you handle regional, national and global travel restrictions. You can also peruse the considerations a traveler should make when scheduling trips, including taking advantage of DAN’s new Travel Insurance offerings to ensure you have the coverage you need.
The interactive, digital guide is a comprehensive plan that you can use in its entirety or by section based upon your current skills, understanding and needs. A printable guide is also available to take along on your next adventure. Access the guide at DAN.org/return-to-diving-safely for valuable information no matter where you are in your dive career.
© Alert Diver — Q2 2021