“Fun’s number one, safety’s first”
A phrase you hear a lot at Ocean Pro. A seeming contradiction but to us it makes perfect sense.
Ocean Pro put your safety as our number one priority. Only then are you able to relax and enjoy knowing that in the highly unlikely event of an incident you will be in competent hands.
Our vessel, MV Chalalai, has more than enough O2 on board for a safe evacuation, a full medical kit, both radio and telephone communication and a frequently reviewed evacuation plan. In no small part due to our safe diving practices, we have never had an incident and want to keep it this way. This is a massive step forward for Koh Lipe and we are proud to have initated this development. Fortunately we do not have to worry about dealing with a potential crisis from a longtail and neither do you. We are the only diving operation on the island with a back-up boat on stand-by.
Having worked for many years in industry and in this part of the world and we are only too aware of the scant attention that some operators give to this issue. Can you be confident that your choice of operator gives this issue the priority it deserves ?
Our divemasters are trained not only to handle emergencies but before we allow them to guide tours they are trained by ourselves at the various sites. Each has it's delights and potential dangers. We demand that they follow our procedures with regard to safety on our vessels and in water. Our clients expect the best and we deliver. We do not, nor will not, employ short-term dive staff. Would you trust your safety to someone who is as familiar with the boat and site as you ? In simple terms, diving is to be treated with respect. You cannot simply drop in and expect an easy dive. We consider many factors before we dive. We will not dive, or re-locate if there is any question of your safety being compromised.
We hope the following checklist will be of use to you:-
- How many times has your divemaster dived the site you intend to visit ?
- Can he/she show you the vessel’s evacuation plan ?
- How much O2 does the vessel carry ? When were the contents checked ?
- Does your vessel keep a roster of divers ?
- Is your divemaster aware of high and low water times ?
- Do you receive a pre-dive briefing ?
- What are the potemtial hazards at the site you are diving ?
- Were your diving credentials and experience checked ?
- Was a pre-dive safety check insisted on ?
- Does your divemaster check your gauges during your dive ? How often ?
- When was your hire equipment last serviced ?
- Does your vessel have life rafts, life vests or a support boat ?
We know we run a professional, safe operation and are more than happy to answer any concerns you may have regarding dive safety. To us fun is number one but only when safety is first. It makes sense.
We trust this gives you some idea as to the philosophy behind the Ocean Pro approach to diving. "Fun's number one, safety's first."
