Deep Diving Safety Tips for Beginners: How to Go Deeper Safely
These deep diving safety tips for beginners will help you approach deeper dives with confidence. Going below 18 metres opens up walls, wrecks and big marine life, but it also brings new risks such as faster gas use, nitrogen narcosis and shorter no-decompression times.
The best way to start is with proper training and an experienced guide. Planning your first deep dives in Hurghada? Tell us your level in the form below.
1. Get the Right Training First
Open Water Divers are certified to 18 metres. To go to 30 metres, take the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course (€310), which includes a Deep Adventure Dive. For dives beyond 30 metres, the PADI Deep Diver course (€250) trains you to 40 metres.
2. Plan Every Dive
Agree on maximum depth, bottom time, turn pressure and ascent plan before you get in the water. Stick to the plan underwater.
3. Watch Your Air More Often
At depth you use air faster. Check your gauge regularly and start your ascent with a generous reserve.
4. Know the Signs of Nitrogen Narcosis
Narcosis can make you feel relaxed, confused or overconfident at depth. If you notice it in yourself or your buddy, ascend a few metres and the effects usually fade.
5. Respect Your Dive Computer
Stay within your no-decompression limits. Your computer is your best tool for tracking depth, time and ascent rate.
6. Ascend Slowly and Do a Safety Stop
Ascend no faster than your computer allows and always make a safety stop at about 5 metres for 3 minutes.
7. Master Your Buoyancy
Good buoyancy helps you control depth precisely and avoid accidental descents. The Peak Performance Buoyancy Adventure Dive is a great way to improve.
8. Stay Close to Your Buddy
At depth, problems can develop quickly. Keep close contact with your buddy and guide.
9. Dive Rested and Hydrated
Avoid alcohol before diving, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep.
10. Build Depth Gradually
Do not jump straight to your maximum depth. Increase depth step by step as your experience grows.
Deep Diving Around Hurghada
Sites such as the El Mina wreck and Carless Reef offer great deeper dives for trained divers. Join our daily diving trips in Hurghada, or book a private guide for €65 per day for extra support. See all prices on our diving prices in Hurghada page.
Book Your Deep Diving Training
With these deep diving safety tips for beginners and the right course, you can enjoy deeper Red Sea dives safely. Book your course or message us on WhatsApp.
What counts as a deep dive?
In recreational diving, dives deeper than 18 metres are usually considered deep.
How deep can beginners dive?
Open Water Divers can dive to 18 metres. Advanced Open Water allows 30 metres.
What is nitrogen narcosis?
A temporary effect at depth that can affect judgement. It usually disappears when you ascend a little.
Is Nitrox good for deep diving?
Nitrox can give more bottom time between about 18 and 30 metres, but it has a shallower maximum depth than air.
