COVID-19: Prevention and Recommendation for Scuba Divers & Dive Equipment Care
Following the recommendations by DAN Europe medical team, we at Chania Diving would like to help you stay safe during the recent pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus (CO-VID-19). Be self-cautious and take very good care of yourself and also help protect others.
Basic Corona Virus Protective Measures by DAN & the Diving Community
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth
- Maintain social distance of at least 1 meter
- Prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses by practicing coughing and respiratory hygiene – sneeze and cough covering your face with a tissue
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, avoid contact with other people and seek medical care early
- Stay informed and follow advice given by WHO and the Ministry of Health in your country of residence
- When traveling please consult the local authorities of the country of destination and follow their safety measures
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Advice on How to Properly Disinfect Your Dive Gear Against COVID-19
With the current threat of Coronavirus and the fact that it can survive for a few hours on metal surfaces, here are some basic prevention measures as by DAN Europe & the Diving Community. All dive centers are required to follow them due to the concerns about disease transmissions when using dive equipment.Properly sanitizing Your Dive equipment would include cleaning:
- BCD oral inflator
- Regulator mouthpiece
- The inside of the dive mask
- Use a solution of 1% aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) with an application time of more than 15 minutes.
- Make sure you thoroughly soak and dip every part, so the solution reaches everywhere.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water – make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- For common surfaces like tables, chairs etc use products for surface disinfection.
Please mind that
- Common antibacterial and chlorhexidine mouthwashes or sprays might not be effective when it comes to disinfecting against Coronavirus.
- Hot soapy water might be ineffective, too. Except when hotter than 40 degrees and applied for more than 20 minutes.
- Approved surface disinfection products might not be effective for disinfecting diving equipment.
Sources:
Divers Alert Network Europe
World Health Organization International
Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA)