There are a bunch of rules to follow in order to dive safely. Although many of them are common sense, they are listed below anyway:

• First and foremost – plan your dive and dive your plan.
• Only dive when you are 100% physically and mentally fit. Otherwise, just don’t push yourself.
• Make sure that you know the dive site and its current conditions. If you feel you can not familiarise yourself enough with the site or you believe the conditions are unfavourable, don’t dive.
• Never use alcohol or drugs before diving.
• Follow the instructions of the dive master and familiarise yourself with the objectives and parameters of the dive. Plan your participation together with your buddy and set time and depth limits.
• Check the dive tables before every dive and allow a margin for extra safety. If you are a Open Water Diver, plan a no-decompression dive.
• Always do a buddy-check to inspect each others gear prior to the dive.
• Be prepared for emergencies and make sure that contact details of local emergency services are available.
• Make sure your weight system is sufficient for achieving neutral buoyancy, especially when you dive with new gear or in water with different density than normal.
• Always dive with a BC and inflate it on the surface for extra support.
• Determine the current before the dive and take it into account in the dive plan. Always start your dive swimming against the current. When the current is stronger than one knot, don’t dive or plan a drift dive.
• Limit your depth within your abilities and certification levels. Diving is safest when the maximum depth does not exceed 20 metres (60 ft).
• Check your equipment and your pressure gauges regularly during the dive. Start the ascent in time, in order to make sure that you have absolutely no less than 30 bars pressure in your tank when you surface.
• Make sure that you limit your pace in order to prevent overexertion and breathlessness. If this happens to you, stop, rest and proceed only when you have recovered fully.
• Breathe slowly, deeply and continuously. Never ever hold your breath!
• If you loose your regulator, continuously breathe out in small bubbles during your ascent.
• Ascent slowly, at a rate of 10 metres per minute and make sure you have a clear vision of the surface. Look up and stretch one arm above your head. Beware of boats on the surface.
• Stop diving immediately when you feel cold or tired.
• Do not panic in an emergency situation. Force yourself to stay calm and to think clearly about the appropriate action.