If you’re the type of diver who looks for blue waters, rich marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, historic wrecks, and muck diving sites, Papua New Guinea is the best diving spot for you. This country will immerse you in the alluring beauty that lies in its underwater. It is full of wonders such as the 28,000 sq. miles of reef systems, diverse marine flora, abundant fauna, World War II plane and shipwrecks, rare species, and more! With these numerous beauties that await, you can expect your every dive to be unique and filled with fun!

But before all your exciting diving sessions start, you have to keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth and safe dip, especially when you’re a newbie! What’s the first rule? Don’t panic or get intimidated. Remember, all your worries could be eased with the right amount of preparation. Thus, here’s a brief guide to remind you what you must do before plunging into the crystal waters of PNG!

1. Prepare your suit.

The reason why divers get cold during and after diving is that they don’t wear the correct type of suit. A wetsuit will help you regulate your body temperature as well as protect you from external environmental factors underwater. It’s very crucial to wear it along with your diving masks and fins. Check if your suit fits you well and is free from damage before diving.

2. Check your diving gears.

Your scuba tank, buoyancy control devices, regulator, and gauges will help you last longer underwater and enjoy the wonderful sight of flora and fauna. Take care of your gears, and your gears will take care of you. The common mistake of newbies is becoming too excited and not putting their gears into tests first. If you see cracks, scratches on your equipment or irregular movements on your indicators, request for replacement immediately.

3. Test dive first.

More than the readiness of your suit and equipment, what’s important is your body condition. Do a skills test first with your instructor or guide to ensure that you’re comfortable in the waters and can dive well. Here, you’ll practice diving in the shallow waters of Papua New Guinea first before experiencing diving into deeper meters. Through this, you’ll be oriented of what are the do’s and don’ts as well as the steps you need to follow in case of accidents and other emergency cases.

4. Listen to briefing and research about the place.

Listen to the advice of your instructor and don’t be stubborn when the weather or water currents are not favorable. Familiarize yourself first so you have an idea of what to expect in your destination. Know your limits too and don’t be harsh to marine plants and animals. Also, avoid getting overexcited because most of the underwater creatures are frightened by fast divers. Just take it easy and enjoy the moment.

Practice these for a safer diving session in Papua New Guinea. Stay tuned for more beginner tips!