There are a huge number of scuba dive sites for the scuba enthusiast to consider. You only have to read the scuba diving magazines every month for reviews of great dive sites all around the globe. They are often accompanied by photographs of the surrounding surface topography, underwater pictures and information about the water conditions of the site itself.

Visiting recognised scuba dive sites is the best way for scuba divers who are relatively new to the sport to develop their diving skills. As everyone is taught when learning to dive, scuba diving can be a dangerous sport owing to the alien environment in which it takes place. If you add to that completely unknown conditions then the risk of an accident increases.

Therefore, knowing in advance that many other divers have visited a particular site and, so long as they followed their training carefully, had safe and enjoyable dives – gives the visiting divers a head start to having a good dive themselves.

Once a dive site has been selected as having potential for a visit by a buddy pair or group from a club – a risk assessment of the proposed trip is needed. Factors that will be considered will likely include the following:

1. Site conditions, depth, currents, tides

2. Site access – by boat, shore etc

3. Level of experience likely needed for the particular dives being planned

4. Safety considerations – nearest hyperbaric chamber etc.

5. Local rescue services

6. Local facilities – air and gas, equipment, hot food, accommodation

A scuba diving risk assessment will consider these and other details and can be reviewed by an experienced diver who can give advice and guidance to the group that intends making the particular trip. It may be that a member of the club who is not joining the group can nevertheless give some pointers on the scuba dive sites being targeted.

Once a successful visit to the scuba dive sites has taken place, it is important that a record of the visit is made for future references. Then, when a visit takes place in a year or two – information for the new group will be available for any new members wanting to try out the sites.

Unknown and un-dived scuba dive sites can be a challenge. More advanced scuba divers welcome this challenge and have the experience to be able to carry out exploratory dives in such unknown circumstances. It is best to wait until you have the necessary skills and experience before you think about taking part in such diving expeditions.