Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior has outlined safety guidelines for practicing diving as a sport, advising the general public to adhere to safety protocols.
The Ministry in a social media post stated that individuals must obtain certified training from an officially recognized authority before scuba or freediving to ensure safety and reduce underwater accidents.
Divers are advised not to dive alone, check sea and weather conditions and avoid diving in unsuitable circumstances.
The Ministry warned that diving should be avoided immediately after eating or after taking medication that may affect concentration, not to touch or disturb marine life and to ensure the preservation of the marine environment.
All diving equipment must be checked to ascertain they are in proper working condition prior to use.
It encouraged divers to inform a relative or friend in advance of their diving location, planned return time, and place a clearly visible buoy on the water surface displaying the diving flag to alert boats and passersby.
During diving, the ministry cautioned divers to monitor depth, pressure, and air consumption of their tanks continuously, avoiding restricted areas and remain clear of the country’s maritime borders.
