The Hazards of Travel

Public health authorities consider the health hazards and risks in a community, including but not limited to injuries and transmissible diseases. The hazard of transmissible diseases exists all over the world, but the risk of being affected with a specific disease depends on whether the disease is endemic, an isolated outbreak, an epidemic or a pandemic. Authorities such as the CDC provide epidemiologic outlooks for specific geographic regions.

Travelers are exposed to other hazards, including traffic, activity-related injuries, environmental exposure, and limited access to healthcare.
Divers should consider availability of emergency services at their destinations, including recompression chambers that treat divers.
Read the U.S. Department of State’s COVID-19 page and the CDC’s Travel and COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

Dive Locations and Safety Requirements

Do your homework before you depart to limit potential issues at your destination.

Local Health and Safety Requirements

Whether you are traveling domestically or abroad, do your research before you go. Check local health and safety requirements, travel restrictions, quarantines, recommended vaccinations and tests, etc.

Also identify and evaluate emergency medical care and hospitalization capabilities at your destination, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Determine the status of COVID-19 infection in the area, considering whether the spread of the disease is stable, increasing or decreasing. Find out if any quarantine requirements are in place.
Learn what documentation is required for entry. Some places may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, for instance.
Research the availability and cost of health care services in the area. It is generally good practice to prepare for eventualities, especially when you are headed to remote locations with limited medical services.

Local Dive Operators

Learn what steps dive operations are taking to make diving safe and enjoyable while protecting your health. They should be able to provide you with enough information to allow you to make good, informed decisions.

Ask about refresher course offerings.
Inquire about safety protocols, emergency action planning and emergency training.
Learn about the type of diving in the area and the level of fitness required.

Additional Travel Safety Resources

Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for Return FAQs

These FAQs are addressed to dive operators but can be used by divers to assess whether their dive operators are adhering to safety guidelines.

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Public Safety Announcement: When Should I Call My Doctor?

If you start feeling ill soon after a dive, it is likely related to diving, but other, life-threatening conditions
may occur coincidentally. While seeking medical evaluation, you should receive first aid surface oxygen.

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Dive Accident Insurance Versus Travel Insurance: Do You Need Both?

Travelers often purchase travel insurance that has some level of protection against
unexpected costs arising from flight delays, trip cancellation or damage to a rental car.

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Medical Emergencies Abroad

Divers have the unique opportunity to explore remote areas of our ocean planet. Unfortunately,
a dive trip can quickly turn into a misadventure with expensive consequences.

Full Story

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