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.

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

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 the relevant 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.

As COVID-19 is a new disease, about which very little is known, and less still when it comes to the possible effect on someone being able to dive safely after they have had the disease; 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 organisation who have 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

We know as well as anyone right now, that everyone is hoping for the current situation to be a thing of the past, and that we can start looking to the future.

However, 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.

Safe diving everyone and Lou and I look forward to meeting you soon!