Scuba & Covid-19

COVID-19 might still be a problem in this country, the good news is, we are all still diving here in South Florida! 

Should you plan a visit here, know this; not only are all members of the Palm Beach County Diving Association running dive trips to the best dive sites in Palm Beach County, we have your health and safety in mind.

To keep both our customers and staff as save as possible from COVID-19, members of the Palm Beach County Diving Association will continue to work off all current guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as Florida’s own Department of Health.

Below is a summary of what this means for scuba divers.

1. While the maximum number of divers each dive charter can take is currently moved up to nearly 90% of passengers per boat, preboarding processes at the dock requires patrons to remain 6 feet apart during check in and boarding.
2. Most operators provide the opportunity to book and prepay a trip online with most even including the option to either download and print, or electronically file, a liability waiver in advance.
3. In accordance with CDC Guidelines, all persons utilizing Commercial Recreational Vessels must practice social distancing and wear a face cover (surgical masks, buff, gaiter, etc.). This applies to all dive guests, captains, dive guides and deck hands, no exception.
4. As additional safety for customers, some shops will also have hand sanitizer available. Having your own supply readily available is still the smartest measure. Guests are welcome to bring their own sanitation products, but any products used on rental gear, tanks or boat surfaces must be industry approved. Note: bleach will not be allowed on board.
5. On board tank placement and seating will be spaced between 2 to 3 feet of separation as good as it gets (as amended in Attachment 2 found on pages 9 & 10 of the 2020-05 document).
6. Preboarding process at the dock sometimes involves additional time to filter individuals on board, as a courtesy as well as help expedite this process, be sure to have all required paperwork completed and in hand as well as all of your gear ready for loading on board.  
7. Those requiring tanks or rental gear will need to inquire/arrange those services with the dive shop and charter outfit well in advance. Currently a number of local dive centers are providing curbside pickup and delivery for servicing or repair of dive equipment, tank fills and gear purchases.
8. Last, but not least, please be as generous as you can when tipping the crew when back at the dock. While they are dealing with a smaller number of people during your charter, their workload, responsibility, and even health risk is greater now than it was before during this time of still dealing with this COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to show appreciation for their hard work.

For additional information or direction as to when and where you can make your next dive excursion, please contact any of the Palm Beach County Diving Association members on “Our Members” page.

Thank you. Let’s go diving!