SCUBA DIVING & COVID-19
It's no secret that we have all been living in a much-changed world for a while now, and there is still a long way to go. With all of this in mind, we have been carefully following updates from relevant sources, so that we can be sure that when interacting with our divers and the public, we are constantly trying to minimise the risk of spreading the COVID-19 disease; while also adhering to all current guidelines.
Therefore, we have implemented a few changes to our procedures as well as a 'COVID Safety Plan', which are outlined further down the page.
Regardless of these new protocols, our aim has never wavered from wanting to create the safest possible environment for our divers to be able to have nothing short of an incredible diving experience with us, at the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Through all of this, we thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this difficult period, and we look forward to diving with you here in Port Douglas.
Best wishes
Martin Connolly & Louise Gill
Owners & Operators
Scuba IQ - Port Douglas
Distancing
Aside from the recommendation of keeping a 1.5m distance from others at all times, dive vessels; buses and dive training facilities all adhere to the current Queensland guidelines for physical distancing. This also includes the assessment for maximum capacity.
All of these measures are under strict compliance
Cleaning
Cleaning protocols are in place, at all locations, with a strong focus on "high-contact" areas, including vehicles.
This also covers sanitizing as outlined by the Local Department of Health.
Hygiene
Sanitizer will be readily available for personal use, while regular handwashing is strongly recommended.
All equipment is thoroughly sanitised after use, though we recommend bringing your own mask and/or snorkel.
We are also limiting personal contact such as handshakes, and staff will use PPE where necessary
Contact Tracing
When traveling with us, we collect a few personal details, as a way of being able to assist our local authorities, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, we recommend downloading the 'CovidSafe' app, to further assist with the contact tracing process
As a COVID Safe business, we are committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. We are strictly following all Queensland Government guidelines regarding the spread of COVID-19.
From December 17th, 2021, any guests 16 years and older, will require proof of being fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved COVID-19 vaccine.
All of the staff at Scuba IQ, as well as the crew from the vessels we use, have already done their bit by receiving a vaccine. Every crew member you interact with on the day is complying with all Queensland Government guidelines.
When boarding the dive vessel, all guests who are 16 and above will need to provide proof of their vaccination status. An easy way to do this is by linking your COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate into the Check-In Qld app.
Further information and advice can be found on the Qld Government website.
Alternatively, your COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate can be accessed through the Medicare app, from your Medicare-linked MyGov account, or My Health Record. A printed copy of your COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate is also acceptable.
FOR ALL DIVERS - PLEASE READ
Medical fitness for scuba diving is probably the most important consideration, regardless of experience or skill level. There are a number of medical conditions and factors which are well understood, especially with regards to the possible risks when scuba diving.
For this reason, dive centers like ourselves use industry-standard medical questionnaires so that each person's state of health can be properly determined prior to undertaking any type of scuba diving trip or course.
COVID-19 has now been with us for a while, though relatively little is known about the possible effects on someone being able to scuba dive safely after they have had the disease. For anyone who has contracted COVID-19 or believes they may have had an unconfirmed case, please seek expert medical advice prior to diving.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, we have been following various sources who specialise in dive-related medicine but in particular the 'Diver's Alert Network', an organization that has been at the forefront of dive medicine for almost 40 years.
Over the years they have been an invaluable resource for up-to-date information, and they have now created a COVID-19 specific resource hub on their website:
Divers Alert Network COVID-19 resources
Like all of you, we too are looking forward to the 'post-covid' world, though as borders open, and travel returns, for now, it's important that we navigate our way towards that future, mindful of any potential health impacts.
We believe strongly in diver safety and would encourage all divers to carefully review the dive medical questionnaire found HERE, and should there be any "YES" responses on the form; it's been some time since you had an examination, or you would simply like some peace of mind, please don't hesitate to arrange a visit to your physician for a thorough consultation.
Safe diving everyone and Lou and I look forward to meeting you soon!