SCUBA.COM.SGScuba diving safety
Scuba diving is safe when it is learnt and practised properly. Please read this before using our guides.
Our information is not a substitute for training
The guides on this site are general information to help you plan. They are not training, medical advice or a guarantee of conditions. Always learn with a certified instructor, follow your training and your dive centre’s briefing, and make your own decision about whether a dive is right for you on the day.
Safety basics
- Get trained and certified with an SSI training centre, and dive only within the depth and conditions your training covers.
- Check your medical fitness. Every course starts with a medical questionnaire; some conditions need a doctor’s approval before diving.
- Never dive or freedive alone. Stay with your buddy and your guide.
- Ascend slowly and make safety stops, and never hold your breath on scuba.
- Wait before flying or going to altitude: widely used guidance is at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after multiple dives or days of diving.
- Refresh your skills if you have not dived for a while.
- Respect marine life — never touch, chase or feed animals, and stay off the coral.
- Check conditions and permits — seasons, currents, park rules and boat schedules change.
In an emergency
Follow your dive centre’s emergency plan and call local emergency services (Singapore: 995; Malaysia: 999; Brunei: 991). Ask your dive centre where the nearest recompression (hyperbaric) facility is before you travel, and consider dive accident insurance.
Accuracy of information
We research every guide from official sources and show when it was last reviewed, but details such as ferry times, park rules and centre services can change. Confirm important details with the operator or centre. See our editorial policy.
By the SCUBA.COM.SG editorial team · Published by 360 Watersports SMB, an SSI service centre · Last reviewed October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is scuba diving dangerous?
Scuba diving has a good safety record when you are properly trained, medically fit, dive within your limits, never dive alone and follow safe ascent and flying-after-diving guidance.
How long should I wait to fly after diving?
Widely used guidance is at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or several days of diving.
What is the emergency number in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei?
Singapore 995 (ambulance), Malaysia 999 and Brunei 991 (ambulance). Your dive centre should also brief you on its emergency plan.
Can I rely on this website for dive planning?
Use it as general information. Always follow your training, your dive centre's briefing and current local conditions.