From Kosrae's Dive Pros: What to Look For in Technical Dive Operators

TOFOL, KOSRAE, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The tropical island of Kosrae, located halfway between Hawaii and Guam is home to the world's most unspoiled coral reefs. But even among the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, technical scuba diving (tec diving) has to be approached with safety in mind.  Here is a tec dive operator checklist from Kosrae's well-respected dive operators for use when planning a tec diving adventure.

Technical diving is safe diving if both the diver and the dive operation are prepared. This is an extreme sport that demands respect, careful planning, and careful execution of the dive plan. Make sure that the dive operation you plan to work with is prepared to support your planned dive.  Ask these questions before "diving in":

• Are dive support personnel qualified DSAT Tec divers with the proper training for tec diving?
• How many trained support personnel are actually in the water with you? The answer should be at least two, one at depth and one safety diver.
• Who does the dive planning? Technical divers should plan their own dives, with assists and recommendations from the dive operator as needed.
• What gases will be available for tec divers?
• Will sport divers be on the same boat as tec divers? If the answer is yes, will you have your own guide and a separate plan?
• Does the operator offer tank sizes and valves especially for your deco gas?
• Do they charge more for tec diving than they do for sport diving? The answer should be yes.  Tec diving requires more planning, time and specialized gear and attention.

Both technical and sport diving can be arranged through Kosrae Island's highly respected dive operators.  Find contact information at http://www.Kosrae.com.

ABOUT KOSRAE

Kosrae is an eco-traveler's paradise and an internationally acclaimed scuba diving destination. A 42-square-mile island and one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kosrae is located between Guam and Hawaii. Kosrae's reefs are among the most pristine remaining in the world. Kosrae is served by United Airlines' Island Hopper via Hawaii and Guam.  Learn more at http://www.kosrae.com.

SOURCE Kosrae Visitors Bureau