Before we explore the underwater world of Okurcalar, we’ll explain everything at a relaxed pace. At Denis Diving, safety and fun go hand in hand. On this page, you’ll find the essential information we also discuss during our detailed briefing on board.
🧜♂️ The 4 Golden Rules Underwater
- Keep breathing: Never, ever hold your breath. Breathe slowly, deeply, and continuously through your regulator.
- Equalize your ears: Pinch your nose and blow gently against it to relieve pressure. Do this every meter as you descend, before it starts to feel uncomfortable.
- Stay with the group: You never dive alone. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
- Don’t touch: Please leave the fish, corals, and the seabed alone. This protects nature and your own safety.
🤟 Communicating with Hand Signals
Since we can’t talk underwater, we use these hand signals. Make sure you know these by heart!
1. The OK Signal
Used to say everything is fine, or to ask your buddy if they are okay. (Matches Image 1: Thumb and index finger in a circle)
2. Go Up (End of dive)
Note: This is not a “thumbs up” for ‘cool’. This means: we are stopping the dive and heading to the surface. (Matches Image 2: Fist with thumb pointing up)
3. Go Down (Descend)
We give this signal when we are ready to go underwater and start our descent. (Matches Image 3: Fist with thumb pointing down)
4. I have a problem
Wiggle your hand back and forth if something doesn’t feel right. Then point to where the problem is (e.g., your ear or your mask). (Matches Image 4: Palm down, rocking side to side)
5. Check Air
A signal to remind you to check your pressure gauge. Safety first! (Matches Image 5: Two fingers on the palm of the other hand)
6. The “Beer” (Instructor’s Joke)
If the instructor does this, you know it’s almost time to head back and toast to a great dive! (Matches Image 6: Hand in front of the mouth – Cheers!)
📋 What to Expect?
- The Briefing: On board, we explain the equipment and review the rules.
- Gentle Start: We guide you one by one along a rope to the ‘drop-off’.
- In the Circle: We gather underwater in a circle. This is where we take photos and videos.
- Personal Guidance: The instructor can hold the top of your tank if needed to keep you safe and stable.
- Second Dive: By the second dive, you’ll be more experienced and often get to swim a bit more freely (always under supervision).
🩺 Medical Checklist
For your safety, we ask you to fill out a short medical statement on board. Important:
- You must not be pregnant.
- You must not have a severe cold or ear infection (due to equalizing).
- If you have asthma, heart problems, or take heavy medication, please consult us in advance