Children & diving

On 5th May 2006, the new Decree regarding diving in the Canary Islands was issued by the Government. The objective of the Decree is to regulate diving activities within the Canary Islands. All diving centres and diving activities are now governed by this decree.

There are many points to this decree, but one which has been long awaited by dive centres in the Canary Islands is the possibility to use the authorization of father, mother or legal guardian, if applicable, to enable minors under the age of sixteen years of age to participate in diving activities.

Up until this time it was illegal for minors under the age of sixteen years of age to participate in diving activities, even if they had been trained in other countries.

We have carefully reviewed the Decree and the policy of the Los Gigantes Diving Centre, with regard to minors and diving, can be summarised as follows;

· Minors with no diving qualification, wishing to undertake either a Discover Scuba Diving Experience, or to enrol on a diving course, must be a minimum of sixteen years of age at the start of the experience / Course.

· Minors with no diving qualification, wishing to undertake either a Discover Scuba Diving Experience, or to enrol on a diving course, may still enrol if they are between fourteen and sixteen years of age, but MUST have a parent, or legal guardian (over the age of eighteen years) who must also enrol and complete all aspects of the Experience / Course at the same time.

· Minors with a diving qualification, over the age of sixteen years of age, may dive independent of a parent or guardian, providing they dive within the parameters of their qualifications and experience.

· Minors with a diving qualification, under the age of sixteen years, are required to dive with a parent or legal guardian (over the age of eighteen years), who is a fully responsible buddy at all times, and observes the limitations which apply to “Junior” qualifications.

We have adopted, what we believe to be a professional & responsible attitude, which protects all parties involved in diving activities, including ourselves. It has taken a great deal of thought, and consultation, and whilst we realise that we may loose some business, we hope that the more responsible divers, and parents, will fully appreciate our position and philosophy. Please don’t ask us to make exceptions.