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All three U.S. Virgin Islands have full-service PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and/or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) dive shops. Many dive operators are seasoned professionals who have migrated to the islands to pursue their sport year-round in ideal conditions. Because of the islands' popularity and strong competition between dive shops, standards are excellent, instruction is high-quality and equipment is usually in top condition. There's no need to bring air tanks and other gear, since it is easily rentable.
Dive operators specialize in offering dive tours. As well as helping both beginner and expert divers navigate in unfamiliar waters, divers with local knowledge can point out dangers in the sea. Far more likely than being terrorized by a shark or moray eel is stepping on a spiny sea urchin or brushing up against fire coral. Dive accidents are getting rarer and rarer, but the two biggest problems are surfacing too quickly without exhaling and diving too deep for too long. Never fear, the Roy L. Schneider Hospital & Community Health Center in St. Thomas is equipped with a Decompression Chamber (809-776-2686).
When ready to explore the U.S. Virgin Islands exciting undersea world, remember - look but don't touch, or take. Local law prohibits removing living things from the sea like corals, conch, shells and sea fans. Take only pictures, leave only bubbles. |
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