Safety

This topic is high on our agenda and we always adhere to the following:

• At all times our boats are manned by safety personnel during the dives.
• Each staff member is fully qualified for boat handling and trained in rescue techniques, oxygen administration and first aid.
• We always carry first aid and oxygen supply on every dive trip.
• We will not allow divers to exceed their maximum recommended depth limits according to the agency with which they have been trained. This is in part due to the fact that insurance cover will be void (see below).
• We will provide additional guides to cater for different levels of experience so that each individuals needs are catered for.
• Our maximum group size per guide is 6. The maximum number of people allowed on each boat excluding staff is 9.

Insurance and Medical information

Every diver is required by Spanish law to have insurance cover specifically for diving and we will ensure this is in place before you can dive with us. If you do not already have this before you arrive then no problem, we can organise daily or weekly insurance policies from 4€ per day within minutes.

Every diver should have a medical examination for diving every 2 years and we require a signature from you to state that you have no medical conditions that could be contraindicative to diving

Hyperbaric Chamber

There is a new (2008) hyperbaric facility on Tenerife situated at the University Hospital in La Laguna. This is a 1 hour drive or 20 minute helicopter trip from the dive centre.

We hold an authorization to use this facility (not all dive centres do!) and are required to pay an annual subscription. We therefore request a donation towards this facility of 2€ per diver each time you come to dive with us.

Our Philosophy

• We're in the "fun" business. We love what we do and want to share this enjoyment of diving with you.
• We promote responsible diving and respect for the environment.
• We operate a no touching and no feeding policy and encourage our customers to do the same.
• We value your safety and comfort - we don’t cut corners to cut costs.
• We give personalised service in small groups. Your education and training is important to us – after all a certification card won’t help you to breathe under water.
• We will listen to you. Not happy with something we do? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Happy with our services? Tell everyone else.

Meet Our Staff

Our team of experienced staff can teach more than 16 specialties between them and all PADI courses up to and including instructor level. We have over 25 years teaching experience and well over 15000 logged dives collectively. We can also teach in 5 languages. Please allow us to introduce your Aqua-Marina Oxygène team:

Neil Smith - Centre Manager

Neil has been responsible for the daily running of the dive centre since arriving on Tenerife in 2004. He is a PADI Divemaster and holds commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat licences. With a background in Oceanographic instrument manufacturing and management, if you want help planning your dives, arranging accommodation, purchasing new equipment from our store, or with just about anything that will make your stay more enjoyable, Neil is your man!

Paul Sturgess - Technical Manager

Paul is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and IANTD Mixing Technician and has been a PADI instructor since 1998 with over 4000 logged dives and over 180 diving certifications. As well as teaching courses, guiding dives and handling the boats Paul is responsible for our equipment maintenance (we keep him quite busy!). His wealth of technical experience means you can be sure your rental equipment is fully functional and kept in excellent condition. It also means we can provide a maintenance service for your personal equipment. Paul also holds an RYA Advanced Powerboat licence.

Ines Bergstraesser - Instructor

Ines qualified as an instructor in 2006 and joined our team in 2008. Originally from Germany, Ines has spent several years in Tenerife and studied here at the university in La Laguna which qualifies her to be our primary Spanish instructor too! Ines has also obtained the Spanish skippers licence for craft up to 12m LOA and has plans for taking this further. While not busy studying she also loves to dive!

Emma Glover - Divemaster

Although Emma has been diving for several years she originally started working for us as part of our sales team. It was too much for her not to be involved in the diving too though so whenever she gets chance she will be getting wet and taking you on guided tours. There’s never a dull moment when Emma’s around and she’ll only stop talking when the reg is in!

Ray Vonk - Master Scuba Diver Trainer

Ray has a wealth of experience in the diving industry since starting his career in 2000. With over 8000 logged dives and 250+ certifications you will be in very good hands diving with Ray. He loves his kit and really knows his stuff so if you're not sure about that next BCD purchase he will be all too happy to give you his guidance. With a great sense of humour too everyone feels at ease when diving with Ray.