Maldives FAQ
From past experiences we have encountered many Scuba Diving Maldives FAQ questions, but there is always a simple answer!
Please take time to read our scuba diving maldives faq page. You may just find exactly what you're looking for!
1. Tell me about the Maldives, what are they?
2. What is the weather like in the Maldives?
3. What should I bring with me?
4. What should I NOT bring with me?
5. If I forget anything do the Maldives have sufficient shops?
6. Can I access the ATM machines in the Maldives ?
7. Can I rent diving equipment?
8. Can I dive NITROX?
9. What types of tanks are on board?
10. I can't find my certification card. Can I still dive?
11. I haven't dived for a while. Can I do pool dive before I go on a boat?
12. Can you help me with accommodation?
13. Do I get a dive guide?
14. What about the food. Do you cater for special diets?
15. Do you recommend I use a Dive Computer?
16. Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
17. Will I have access to electricity on the liveaboard boats?
18. What about the health system in the Maldives ?
19. Do I really need insurance?
20. What happens if I have an accident during a boat excursion?
21. Where are the nearest Hyperbaric Chambers?
22. Can I be contacted on the boat in case of emergency?
23. What can I pay for on a liveaboard by Credit Card?
24. Is there a crew tipping policy?
1) Tell me about the Maldives, what are they?
The Maldives are a collective of small scattered islands in the Indian Ocean, comprising of about 1190 or more single islands, across Equator. The Maldives is represented in Common Wealth and in the United Nations. It's a Democratic nation, with a population of about 290,000 people.
2) What is the weather like in the Maldives?
Air temperatures are constant throughout the year averaging around 85F. Water temperatures range from 82F to 86F.
November through April is the peak season of tourists arriving in the country and hence reservations should be made well in advance if you are planning to travel during this period. From May to October the costs of accommodation is comparatively lower as there are relatively fewer tourist traffic during this period.
It is warm and sunny all year round with temperatures ranging from 77-90F, however the driest months are usually between late December and April. When rain falls, it can be a sudden torrential burst of 10-15 minutes or so.
3 ) What should I bring with me?
Your diver certification card & log book, insurance policy, sunscreen, toiletries,
swim wear, and sunscreen.
4 ) What should I NOT bring with me?
Try not to over pack. You will not need a dry suit!
5 ) If I forget anything does the Maldives have sufficient shops?
Male' is the best place for shopping if you are interested in buying imported goods. Most of the shops that specialize in tourists do sell a lot of local handicrafts and souvenirs. It is always best to browse through some shops before making a choice. The shops that are recommended by guides or shop assistants volunteering to be guides are not necessarily the best places for shopping.
6 ) Can I access the ATM machines in the Maldives?
The ATM's are located at a few places on the capital island only and at the moment provide service only for locals and will not accept your credit or debit card.
7 ) Can I rent diving equipment?
You can rent diving equipment from us. Please contact us.
8 ) Can I dive NITROX?
Yes if you are NITROX certified. Some liveaboards are also equipped
for NITROX blending onboard. Some of the liveaboards offer Nitrox for free; others charge per tank. Please check with the individual liveaboard.
9 ) What types of tanks are on board?
*******************All of our boats have 12 liter aluminum tanks with international fittings.
If you are using a DIN type regulator, please bring a DIN adaptor with you.
Alternatively you can rent or buy one in Maldives. Different size
tanks are available on request.
10 ) I can't find my certification card. Can I still dive?
If you're a PADI diver we can check your details online, all we need from you is your
full name, and your date of birth. If you're certified with another
diving organization then please let us know.
11 ) I haven't dived for a while. Can I do a dive before I go on the boat?
Yes. We highly recommend this. If you arrive the day before going on a liveaboard you can
do a Scuba Review, with a Divemaster or Instructor. They will run
through some of you maybe forgotten essentials steps of diving. Please contact us if you would like to arrange this before your trip.
12 ) Can you help me with accommodation?
*******Yes we can recommend accommodation to you. Let us know your specifications
and we will come up with a list of suitable accommodation. Once you make your choice
we can arrange the booking for you.
13 ) Do I get a dive guide?
Yes. All our day trips and liveaboards are inclusive of dive guides holding
certifications such as Instructors or Divemaster. Before each dive there will be a
dive briefing with a site map.
If you are a buddy team and would prefer to dive together please see your local dive
guide.
14 ) What about the food? Do you cater for special diets?
Food served on board, is a mix of Maldivian / Western food. Served buffet style with snacks
served in between dives. If you have specific food requirement, please let us know in advance so we can
cater for you.
15 ) Do you recommend I use a Dive Computer?
Yes absolutely, diving with out a computer
and using Dive Tables will limit your diving. You may miss out on that Manta Ray! ! There is NO DECOMPRESSION diving on any of our boats and NO SHARING OF COMPUTERS.
16 ) Do I need to wear a wetsuit?
The average water temperature is approx. 28c. We recommend at least a 3mm shorty.
17 ) Will I have access to any electricity on the liveaboard boats?
Yes all of our boats have electricity outlets 220 V, Several 110 volt converters are on board, but it is advisable to bring voltage converters and international adapters for charging torches and cameras.
18 ) What about the health system in the Maldives?
The Maldives has excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, a large government hospital and many private clinics in the capital city of Male '. All of the resorts are also equipped with outstanding medical facilities and clinics.
The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male is the biggest hospital in the country and provides sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital (in Male) is the biggest private health care facility which also follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. Also, a decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
19 ) Do I really need insurance?
Yes we strongly recommend you have your own dive insurance such as DAN.
You will need to sign a liability waiver release before diving/departure . We also
recommend cancellation / curtailment insurance. If you have insurance already check
to see that it's up to date.
DAN USA: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org
DAN EUROPE: http://www.daneurope.org
DAN ASIA PACIFIC: http://www.danseap.org
20 ) What happens if I have an accident during my diving holiday/vacation?
Some dive trips operate in remote locations (liveaboards for example), however, passengers need
not worry. Tour Leaders and
Divemaster's are Emergency First Response trained.
All boats advertised are equipped with emergency procedures.
All boats carry extensive Medic First Aid kits, including oxygen.
If you take special medication please make sure you have sufficient supplies during
your stay.
21 ) Where are the nearest Hyperbaric Chambers?
There are hyperbaric chambers e located on Bandos (North Male) and Kurumathi (Rasdhoo).
22 ) Can I be contacted on the boat in case or emergency?
All liveaboards listed are fitted with satellite communication equipment.
23 ) What can I pay for on a liveaboard by Credit Card?
Drinks, t-shirts, and nitrox tanks. You cannot pay crew tips with your cc.
Please note that there is normally a 3% charge for payments with credit card on liveaboards.
24 ) What is the crew tipping policy?
This really up to you and should be given voluntary based on the quality of service provided
by the crew.
Once onboard all of the boats you will notice how hard the crew works together and how safety
and enjoyment relies heavily on their professionalism and attitude. Many of our guests give a
gratuity based on 10% of the cruse price or more, it's totally up to you!
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