How to organize a diving camp
A diving camp combines a multi-day dive program with camping, so the order of preparation matters. Start by confirming the participant list, diving experience, certificates, medical documents, and emergency contacts before assigning groups or booking the final equipment. Reserve the dive site, campsite, instructors, transport, and gear early, then prepare a weather backup and send one complete information pack. In the final week, inspect every set, fill the cylinders, check safety equipment, and finish the food and campsite setup.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Collect diving experience, certificates, medical certificates, dietary requirements, and emergency contacts before creating diving groups. Set a registration deadline at least 14 days before departure so missing information does not delay the program.
- Book the dive location, campsite, instructors, transport, and rental equipment before sending invitations. For a camp with more than one dive day, confirm the alternative dive site at least 7 days ahead rather than waiting for a bad forecast.
- Assign sleeping arrangements and dive groups separately. A four-person tent does not automatically suit every group, and dive groups should reflect experience, certification, and instructor capacity.
- Inspect diving suits, cylinders, fins, masks, flotation vests, dive computers, lights, buoys, and surface markings before departure. Have the scuba tanks filled no later than the day before the first dive and keep the oxygen kit and first aid kit accessible.
- Check the weather forecast 48 hours before leaving and again on the morning of departure. Send participants the final dive program, transport details, campsite information, packing guidance, and any site change as one update.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organize a diving camp?
- Start booking the dive site, campsite, instructors, transport, and equipment 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Close registrations about 14 days before departure so you have time to check certificates, medical documents, and emergency contacts.
- How do I divide participants into diving groups?
- Use diving experience, certificates, medical clearance, and instructor capacity as the main criteria. Finalize the groups at least 7 days before the camp, leaving time to adjust them when documents or experience records are incomplete.
- When should scuba tanks be filled for a diving camp?
- Arrange tank filling no later than the day before the first dive. Count the planned dives, confirm the required cylinder sizes, and check that filled tanks are stored safely and clearly assigned before participants arrive.
- What should I do if the weather cancels the planned dive site?
- Choose and check an alternative dive site at least 7 days before the camp. Review the forecast 48 hours before departure and again on the morning itself, then send the site change with revised transport and meeting details.