TIPS FOR SCUBA DIVING IN SINGAPORE

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Diving in Singapore is similar to diving in other parts of the world. However, there are some unique things to look out for.

Departure Point of Boats and Yacht

Not all boats depart from the same marina. Remember to check with the dive operator which marina they are departing from. Here are some known departure points of different dive boats operating in Singapore, and its approximate time to sail to Pulau Hantu.

1. Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (Approximately 20 minutes to reach Pulau Hantu)
2. Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay (Approximately 30 minutes to reach Pulau Hantu)
3. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove (Approximately 40 minutes to reach Pulau Hantu)
4. Raffles Marina in Tuas (Approximately 60 minutes to reach Pulau Hantu)
5. West Coast Pier (Approximately 20 minutes. Usually, non-licensed dive boats operate from here)

Most operators departing from centrally located marinas offer 2 dives per session, with the dive session lasting between 4 – 5 hours. Sometimes, they offer occasional night dives too. In contrast, operators departing from a further marina tend to offer 3 dives per session, with the dive session lasting between 6 – 8 hours.

If you have signed up for scuba diving in Pulau Hantu with a dive operator operating from a distant marina, it is in your best interest to check with the boat operator if common facilities such as toilets are available. Doing 3 dives and staying on a boat for 6 -8 hours with no toilet can be a distressing experience.

Boats operating from Keppel Bay Vista and ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove are usually private yachts. Private yachts generally have all the appropriate facilities and amenities, except for proper tank racks. While assembling your equipment can be rather unconventional, it is easily manageable.

Checklist for Divers

Over the years, we have taught many PADI Rescue Divers how to develop a checklist when they are organizing their own diving activities. As a responsible scuba diver, you should develop these skills as well. Below is a good checklist to have.

1. Is there enough emergency oxygen onboard to last the journey from the dive site back to the marina?
2. Is there a proper first aid box onboard that is well equipped and well maintained (not just a first aid box bought from the pharmacy or one that is expired)?
3. Are the scuba cylinders/ tanks well maintained and hydrostatically tested (in Singapore, scuba cylinders are to be hydro tested every 7 years)?
4. Does the boat provide Enriched Air?
5. Is there freshwater onboard for rinsing of equipment?
6. Are there toilets onboard?
7. Does the boat come with showering facilities?
8. Is there drinking water provided?

Scuba Diving Tips for Pulau Hantu

In general, it is safe to scuba dive around Pulau Hantu, as long as you are well prepared. Here are some tips we have for new scuba divers experiencing Pulau Hantu for the first time.

1. Lights.
   The average visibility is between 2 – 4m. Having a good light not only allows you to better spot marine life, it also helps the dive guide or dive buddy locate you. On a gloomy day, light may not penetrate past 6 – 8m depth, it can be pretty dark underwater.
2. Gloves.
   While we generally do not like the idea of encouraging scuba divers diving with gloves, in conditions such as Pulau Hantu, with stinging hydroids and the possibility of suddenly reduced visibility, having a pair of gloves is not a bad idea.
3. Private Guides.
   Local guides are trained to guide divers in limited visibility and are familiar with the underwater terrain. This is especially important if you are diving in Pulau Hantu for the first time. In the recent months, we have spent a lot of time training local new dive guides for this purpose.