Rusty Diver? Welcome Back to the Underwater World!
Life gets busy. Maybe it has been six months, a year, or even five years since you last took a breath underwater. Now you have booked your holiday to Hurghada, and you are staring at the mesmerizing blue of the Red Sea. You are excited, but perhaps a little nervous. You might be asking yourself: "Do I remember how to set up my gear?" or "Will I be comfortable clearing my mask?"
Don't worry—you are not alone. Thousands of divers come to us every year in the same situation. The good news is that getting back into diving is like riding a bike; the muscle memory is there, you just need a little support to unlock it. This guide will explain exactly what you need—whether it is a simple Check Dive or a full Refresher Course—so you can dive safely and confidently.
The Golden Rules: CDWS Regulations in Egypt
In Egypt, diving is regulated by the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) to ensure your safety. Here is the general rule of thumb used by all professional dive centers in Hurghada:
Less than 6 months since last dive: generally, you are good to go! You can join our normal daily boat trips immediately.
6 months to 1 year: You will typically need a "Check Dive." This is not an exam, but a quick review of basic skills during your first dive.
Over 18 months to 2 years: A full "Refresher Course" (often called PADI ReActivate) is highly recommended (and often mandatory). This involves a more detailed review of theory and pool-like skills.
Option 1: The Check Dive (Quick & Easy)
If you haven't dived for about a year, we just need to see that you are comfortable.
When happens? On the first day of your diving package, usually at a shallow and calm dive site.
What happens? Before the dive, your guide will brief you on hand signals and buddy checks. Underwater, in shallow water, you will demonstrate a few essential skills:
Mask clearing (partially flooded).
Regulator recovery and clearing.
Buoyancy check (hovering).
The Result: Once done (it takes 5-10 minutes), you continue the rest of the dive as a normal fun dive exploring the reef!
Option 2: The Refresher Course (Deep Clean)
If it has been years, a Check Dive isn't enough. You need to rebuild your knowledge foundation.
Theory: We review dive physics, physiology, and dive planning tables.
Gear Setup: You will assemble and disassemble your scuba unit under supervision until it feels natural again.
Skills Session: In very shallow water (or a pool), we practice all the key skills from the Open Water course, including out-of-air scenarios and weight belt removal.
Mental Confidence: The goal is to remove anxiety. By the end of the day, you won't just be a diver; you will be a safe diver.
Why Hurghada is the Best Place to "Refresh"
There is no better place to shake off the rust than Hurghada. Unlike the cold, dark lakes of Europe or the rough oceans elsewhere, we offer:
Swimming Pool Conditions: Our training sites like Shaab Sabina or The Dolphin House lagoons are calm, with zero current and sandy bottoms.
Warm Water: It is much easier to relax and focus on skills when you aren't freezing!
Patient Instructors: Our team at Dive More Group specializes in nervous divers. We take it slow, at your pace.
Ready to Get Wet?
Don't let "rust" stop you from seeing the sharks and turtles this year. Be honest about your experience level when booking, and we will tailor the right program for you.
