SAFETY GUIDELINES
STAY SAFE AS YOU DIVE
We like to think that Vobster Quay offers the highest quality, friendly & stress-free place to scuba dive. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, we ask all divers to observe the following rules and safety guidelines...
- Always follow your diver training agency’s policy on safe diving practices. At no time should you undertake any dive that is beyond the level of your training or ability unless you are under-going training or supervision from a qualified and fully insured diving instructor.
- Solo diving is not allowed at Vobster Quay at any time - even if you are qualified and/or trained to do so. Any diver found to be diving solo will be asked to leave site.
- Diving is not permitted outside of the site opening hours without prior arrangement with the management of Vobster Quay.
- Divers under 18 must be under the direct supervision of an adult and must meet the mini-mum age requirements of their training agency.
- No object may be removed from the lake or the site without the express permission of the Directors of Vobster Diving Ltd.
- Portable compressors are not allowed at Vobster Quay. Breathing air, enriched air nitrox and trimix fills are available from our filling station.
- Vobster Quay provides a number of entry points which offer a safe means to enter and exit the water. Entering or exiting the water at any point other than those designated for this pur-pose is not recommended.
- Always check the area you are dropping into is safe and clear of hazards before entering the water. Pay particular attention to submerged objects such as large rocks - they may be shallower than you think!
- Take precautions to minimise the risk of regulator free flows, especially during the winter months. We recommend the use of regulators specifically designed for cold water use. If in doubt, consult your regulator manufacturer.
- Even during the summer months, deeper parts of the lake can be dark and very cold. Unless you are confident in such conditions, we recommend that you stay away from these areas for your own safety and comfort. Always use thermal protection appropriate for cold water diving, especially during the winter months.
- Do not take on any dive below 30m without an alternative air source such as a pony bottle, a rebreather 'bail out' cylinder or a twinset.
- Lakes can be very cold and very dark - always use equipment and thermal protection appropriate for such conditions. A neoprene hood and gloves is recommended at all times of the year.
- Do not enter an overhead unless you are properly trained to do so. Due to their confined nature, these areas can silt up very quickly and become potentially hazardous without proper training.
- We recommend that all ascents are carried out by following the side of the quarry to the surface. If you do ascend mid water, be aware of surface boat traffic and deploy a surface marker buoy to provide a stable ascent platform. Be mindful of divers above and below you.
- Certain sections of the lake can be very silty and visibility can be reduced dramatically if this silt is disturbed. Avoid all contact with the lake bottom - especially with your fins - and be mindful of the ‘wash’ that your fins create behind you.
- Most diving attractions at Vobster Quay are marked by a tethered buoy tied off to the attraction by a line of thick rope. If you plan to use these buoy lines for your ascent or descent, be mindful of divers that may be above or below you.
In the event that you or a member of your group is involved in an emergency at Vobster Quay, please inform a member of the Vobster Quay staff immediately.
Our staff are there to assist you in such circumstances. ALL injuries - no matter how minor you think they are - must be reported to a member of our staff. We are there to help!
We employ a very simple diver recall signal that you should listen out for at all times when underwater. In the event of an incident that requires divers to exit the water, a member of our staff will pound a heavy object against one of the metal ladders located at the water's edge. If you hear the diver recall signal, make a safe ascent and exit the water by the nearest safe exit.
You are responsible for the management of your own safety at all times. Our staff are there to assist you but you or a member of your group must accept full responsibity for the management of any incident you may be involved in.