It is now easier than ever before for people to head off on scuba diving holidays. Thanks to the availability of long-haul flights and the ever-increasing number of specialist dive centres in operation across the globe, there are plenty of options for enthusiasts to choose from.
However, before they pack their things and jet off to their desired locations, it is vital that people make sure they have the relevant scuba diving insurance. The fact is, most regular holiday insurance policies would not cover the activities of a diving vacation. If people rely on these policies, they are therefore jeopardising their finances and potentially even their wellbeing.
Luckily for consumers, it is now straightforward to arrange diving insurance. All they need are a few spare moments and a web connection. Once they have suitable cover in place, individuals can set off on their trips with greater peace of mind.
One man who is no doubt accustomed to taking out scuba insurance is Sean McGahern. Recently, the British diver set a new world record for the longest warm-water scuba dive.
The 38-year-old spent an impressive total of almost 50 hours under the waves. His final time was clocked at 49 hours and 56 minutes. He chose to complete the challenge in Mediterranean off the coast of Malta in St George’s Bay.
Mr McGahern succeeded in beating the previous record, which had been set by Will Goodman in 2010, by over an hour.
While at the bottom of the ocean, he kept himself busy by cleaning the seabed. He spent hours removing debris, including deck chairs and bottles. These items were brought to the surface by a group of divers from the World Record Diving Malta team and the St John’s Rescue Corp, who helped him in his efforts. Mr McGahern even managed to drink, eat and sleep while he was submerged, and he kept up his efforts despite strong winds, currents and surge. A sun lounger was chained down on the seabed to help ensure he was able to get some rest during his record attempt.
His fiancee and fellow diver Mikaela Papagiorcopulo kept him company for parts of the dive and offered kisses to encourage him to complete the task.
When Mr McGahern finally emerged from the water, he was exhausted but thrilled at his achievement. He joked with those around him and then spent the day celebrating.
The Malta dive was more successful than another of his recent efforts. In March, he tried to break his own saltwater record, but was taken to hospital after just a couple of hours underwater. He had gone into hypothermic shock after his suit started letting in water.
Incidents like this one highlight the importance of effective diving insurance. Even experienced divers can get into trouble while in the water, and it is crucial that they have suitable financial cover in place. Getting the right insurance policies can also help to increase people’s confidence, meaning they are better able to enjoy their underwater adventures.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written widely on the subject of insurance and uses a number of sites for inspiration, including Dive Master Insurance.
