Mike Ball Diving Expeditions 

Procedures, Instructions & Rental

Below you find the Dive Procedures, Mike Ball requires you to follow and agree to. Further you find information on dive instructions, courses and rental of equipment.

PROCEDURES

1. Safe Scuba System
Dive site selection is based on the best dives available. Less experienced divers receive complimentary "orientation dives" as necessary while experienced divers are given the freedom to plan their own dives.

2. Main Vessel or Tender dives
Most of our divers are from the main vessel while moored over the dive site. Two inflatables are used on each vessel at some sites including drift dives and some night dives. The inflatables are large and stable with substantial rear entry ladders.

3. Nitrox (EANx32)
Nitrox is currently available on Spoilsport and Paradise Sport. Nitrox fills are limited to 32% oxygen and a maximum operating depth of 113feet (34m). Nitrox divers are required to dive on computer. A complimentary computer workshop is offered to those hiring a computer.

4. Guided Dives
Most of our passengers prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. Single divers are teamed up with other singles and with out staff. It is not our policy for all dives to be divemaster 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.

5. 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 10 feet (3m). 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 132 ft (40m).

Dives in excess of 132ft (40m) can only be undertaken by divers who have experience at same depth to a maximum of 165ft (50m).

Dives should follow the dive table and computer designers recommendation of diving progressively shallower during the day.

6. 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 air horn. A dive light plus back up light or chemical light sticks are requires for night dives.

7. Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol is discouraged until after your last dive for the day. Dehydration contributes to decompression sickness; we recommend you drink a glass of water before and after each dive.

8. Medical fitness 
The following statement appears on all Mike Ball Dive Expedition booking forms I state that I am in good health for diving. I have no medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma or epilepsy, neither am I an insulin dependent diabetic. I will not dive on your expedition if I am feeling unwell or I have a chest cold or respiratory congestion on the expedition. I understand if I have any medical condition contrary to these requirements I must produce a diving medical certificate completed by a diving medical specialist. You are authorised to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. I agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf which may be charged against my credit card. I will bring proof of my diver medivac insurance or purchase it on arrival. DAN 30-day Travel Assist - Evacuation cover of $16 available on arrival. (This covers evacuation not treatment).

9. Unlimited Diving
On Spoilsport and Paradise Sport most people do 2 morning, 2 afternoon plus a night dive most nights. Some do more while others do a lot less. Supersport expeditions include 11 dives, Special Minke Whale expeditions include a minimum of 7 dives plus snorkeling.

10. Solo Diving
Experience & Minimum Age Required
Minimum age: 18 years if Divemaster certified or 21 years with proof of 100 dives with 5 in the last 12 months.

Safe Solo Dive Procedures
1. Plan each dive to be shallower than the previous dive, and within the no decompression limits of dive tables or computer. Advise dive staff: direction of dive and ETA back onboard.
2. Dive depth must be limited by the capacity of your redundant air system and your experience and training. We recommend less than 30m (100ft) especially on repetitive dives.
3. Drink water before every dive to reduce risk of decompression sickness
4. Do not drink alcohol until after your last dive of each day and then in moderation to ensure safe diving the next day. Also, no illegal drugs must be taken.
5. Slowly ascend from every dive. Recommend less than 9m (30ft) per minute.
6. Complete a 5 min safety stop at 5m (16ft) on every dive.
7. If you are feeling unwell after a dive, or at any time, tell a staff member and lei down flat. Do not sit up or allow anyone to sit you up.
8. Multiple dives over multiple days can have an accumulative effect in contributing to decompression sickness.
Every 3rd or 4th day make fewer dives. If you do 4-5 dives one day, do less the next. On the final day reduce bottom times and increase safety stop times.
9. I understand that diving is potentially dangerous. I fully accept that risk and agree to pay any medical, vessel relocation or evacuation costs incurred on my behalf and you are authorised to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined to be necessary or desirable in my interests.

DISCHARGE OF LIABILITY

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING: We only accepts bookings under the acceptance of the Discharge of Liability by you as client. We assume automatically that you understood and agreed to comply with the above equipment recommendation, safe dive procedures. You have to provide us with your dive experience record, as we have to pass this on to Mike Ball.