5 things divers can do while observing travel restrictions due to Corona Virus

It is only recently that we learned about the Philippines banning entry of travelers originating from Taiwan. Prior to Taiwan ban, the country restricted entry of travelers originating from China, Hong Kong and Macau.

As a consequence, the tourism industry, and particularly the dive industry is feeling the impact of these travel restrictions imposed by the government to protect the general welfare of its people.

Instead of whining about it like what everyone is doing, we instead have lined up suggestions on what we can do to engage the scuba divers and those travelers who are already in the country but are afraid to go back during the height of the wide spread infection of the corona virus or commonly referred to as nCoV (locally).

We are outlining our suggestions on what divers may do to keep occupied.

Thing to do # 1 – Get certified, take advantage of the budget courses

Late last year, Dive Funatics launched the budget course packages with the PADI Open Water course starting at P13,600. This is a stripped down version of our standard offering but made to be easy on the budget. These packages are ideal for locals, expats and those travelers already in the country.

Thing to do # 2 – Further your skills & training

Getting certified as a diver is only the beginning. We are barely touching the surface, therefore, we should not stop learning. We have budget packages for Advanced, Rescue and even Divemaster courses. Take the GoPro challenge now!

We have a wide range of specialty courses for you to choose from. In fact, we can train you all the way to becoming an open water instructor and IDC Staff Instructor.

Whatever you have in mind, whatever you might want to learn about diving, we can help. Ask us about schedules already lined up so you can take advantage of hot deals that may be offered.

Thing to do # 3 – Participate in our skills clinic

We will be running weekend clinics on Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Deployment, Advanced Propulsion Techniques, Buoyancy and Fish Identification. If you feel that you or your buddy can benefit from these workshops and dive clinics, feel free to let us know.

Thing to do # 4 – Participate in our Dive Against Debris

We are regularly collecting debris in the reef of Kontiki Marina, a very famous dive site for scuba divers and freedivers alike. This activity is a way for you to give back to the ocean by participating in the trash collecting and reporting. Dive Against Debris is a Project Aware initiative.

Thing to do # 5 – Learn more about the dive theory

You might already be a very skilled and experienced diver or just starting out but regardless, what better way to appreciate the sport or the hobby more than by understanding the concepts and the science behind buoyancy, pressure, volume, physiology, the environment, the equipment, and general industry standard in scuba diving. Talk to us, ask us about our free dive theory sessions and how you can participate in that.

Finally…

We should all take precaution, minimize our exposure by avoiding overcrowded places, and keep our immunity up and our health in the best state possible like eat more balanced food, have ample rest and avoid drinking and smoking. Don’t forget to sanitize your gears before stowing them away.

If you wish to find out more details about what we talked about in this post, let us know by sending us a note. Here’s where you can contact us.