Scuba ('Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus') diving is becoming more and more popular as a holiday activity, with the number of holiday-makers giving it a go increasing year on year. There are many specialist diving holiday companies offering deals to both novice and confident divers, and even amateur divers can book specific scuba diving holidays, usually in order to gain qualifications.

It is now commonplace for a holiday resort to offer some sort of scuba training course, sometimes in the hotel pool, to give guests a taster of scuba diving, and it's more than likely that destinations suitable for scuba will have local companies that offer the chance to sample it. If you do decide to give it a go, make sure the company is reputable and that they are authorised to take you diving, with all the correct safety equipment and expertise, and not just a local person who may not be qualified and could prove unsafe to trust your dive with. It is not worth risking your safety, and indeed any insurance cover you have, no matter how cheap a local (and probably unqualified) guide is.

If you do not have any qualifications, you can quite often start off as a beginner on holiday, and work your way up. PADI and BSAC are the most widespread and popular organisations for scuba qualifications and most training agents will be authorised by either.

Popular diving destinations are, understandably, those with clear seas and calm weather. Egypt is a favourite, with the Red Sea providing perfect diving conditions. Most Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations are also ideal, and anywhere with coral reefs provides spectacular underwater sights.

Whether you're working towards a scuba qualification, or just want to have a go while your on holiday, it's important you make sure your travel insurance covers you for your scuba diving requirements. Check that your policy covers you for diving, and also makes sure you adhere to any conditions that are stipulated in the policy wording. For example, provider Direct Travel Insurance states that scuba diving must be under the direction of an accredited dive marshal, instructor or guide and within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organisation. Direct Travel Insurance will cover scuba diving at no extra cost, and you can dive up to the depth that your qualification allows. If you have no valid qualification, scuba diving of up to 18 metres is covered as long as you're with a qualified instructor.

Direct Travel Insurance
Shoreham Airport
Shoreham-by-Sea
West Sussex
BN43 5FF
Tel: 0845 605 2700
Fax: 0845 605 2710