Mike Ball: Dive Procedures
AlcoholConsumption of alcohol is discouraged until after your last dive for the day.
Depth Guidelines
Depth guidelines are based on the divers experience and industry standards. The first dive of each day should not exceed any previous historical maximum depth by more than 3 meters (10ft). Further depth increases are discouraged until the novice diver has had several days experience at that depth. The maximum recommended depth for divers with appropriate experience is 40 meters (132ft). Dives in excess of 40 meters (132ft) can only be undertaken by divers who have experience at same depth to a maximum of 50 meters (165ft)
Equipment
Air and Nitrox cylinder valves are compatible with US yoke regulators (UK A clamp) not the European DIN regulators. All divers require an alternative air source, safety sausage and whistle. A dive light plus back up light or chemical light sticks are required for night dives.
Flying after Diving
As designated by your computer.
To avoid decompression sickness, wait an appropriate amount of time before flying, as indicated by your computer, or alternatively PADI's "Flying After Diving" recommendations are:
For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits
Single Dives - a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
Repetitive Dives and/or Multi-day Dives - a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
For Dives Requiring Decompression Stops
Minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.
Guided Dives
Most of our guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. Single divers are teamed up with other singles and with our staff. It is not our policy for all dives to be dive master led. We cater to guests who prefer more supervision with a combination of complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills, a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and the opportunity to dive with our staff on an ad hoc basis. This service does not provide constant guided dives or a personal dive guide.
| Personal Dive Guides | - Daily Dive Guide (4-5 dives per day). |
| - Per-Dive Guide (approx 2 dives per day). Available on most expeditions subject to staff availability. |
Note: Please request at the time of booking!
Jellyfish
As in all oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef , there are a variety of jellyfish (also known as 'stingers'). The majority of stings that can be inflicted by jellyfish such as hair jellyfish (Cyanea sp.), blubbers (Catostylus sp.) and bluebottles (Physalia sp.) can be irritable to painful but can be prevented by wearing a "Stinger Suit."
The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) may be present in North Queensland from November to May/June and are found along the coast and estuaries. These stings can cause fatalities in extreme cases however with the right prevention and medical treatment the risk is minimal. There is also a box jellyfish commonly known as 'Irukandji jellyfish' (Carukia barnesi) one of a series of species that can give rise to 'Irukandji Syndrome'. Fortunately the stings are rarely life threatening, but medical aid must always be sought as soon as possible. Immediate first aid is to wash the area with vinegar and seek medical assistance.
Junior Divers - Age 12 to 15 years
Junior Scuba Diver
This rating is a limited experience certification with a depth limit of 12m/40 feet and requires Instructor or Dive master supervision on every dive.
Junior Open Water Diver
This rating allows children age 12-15 years to enjoy diving under their parent's supervision. Generally speaking our expeditions are suited to more experienced divers who are better able to participate in 4-5 dives per day at diverse sites under varying weather conditions.
Age |
Depth |
Conditions |
|
| Junior Scuba Diver | 12-15 years | 12 meters (40ft) | Generally we do not accept bookings in this age group. Conditions apply as per Age 12-14 years. |
| 13-15 years | 12 meters (40ft) | Must be accompanied by a dive master or instructor. Must be medically fit to dive as indicated by completing a PADI Australia medical statement. Trip includes complimentary dive gear rental and one dive per day. Extra dives $50 each. Participation on some dives may be prevented due to type of dive sites or conditions. |
|
| Junior OW Diver | 12-15 years | 12 meters (40ft) | Generally we do not accept bookings in this age group, unless parents are particularly experienced and children have their own equipment. |
| 13-15 years | 18 meters (60ft) | Initial Orientation Dive with an Instructor, plus parent's supervision on all dives. Note: Lack of diving experience/competence may prevent participation on some dives. |
Note: Dive courses such as Junior Advanced, Junior Rescue and most other Specialties have a minimum age of 12 years and require a minimum of Junior Open Water or Junior Advanced Open Water.
Main Vessel or Tender dives
Most of our divers are from the main vessel while moored over the dive site. Each vessel has two inflatables for: more personalized diving; plus drift and night dives. The inflatables are large and stable with substantial rear entry ladders.
