Diving Policies
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Please download the appropriate forms below:
All divers must complete and submit the appropriate forms to the Marina Supervisor prior to participation: ● A medical clearance ("fit to scuba dive"), signed by a licensed physician and less than one year old ● Your dive certification card (physical or e-card) ● Your Nitrox certification card, if applicable ● The DSD form, if you plan to do a Discover Scuba Diving dive
Health & Medical Requirements
All guests who wish to SCUBA dive must present a valid medical clearance, less than one year old, stating that they are fit to dive.
The medical clearance is mandatory and must be issued by a licensed physician. The ship's onboard doctor cannot issue diving medical certificates. The marina team reserves the right to deny diving participation based on physical readiness, fitness, or safety concerns.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age for SCUBA diving is 10 years old. The Gauguin does not offer certification courses for minors. Younger divers may join a guided fun (exploration) dive if already certified, or try an Intro Dive or PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience.
For Intro Dive and DSD, the maximum depth for divers aged 10–14 is 3 meters. For guided exploration dives, depth limits follow French regulation and depend on the diver's age, certification level, and presenting a medical clearance confirming fitness to dive, signed by a physician: ● Divers aged 10–11 years: One dive per day, 12 meters maximum depth ● Divers aged 12–14 years: Maximum depth of 20 meters
Experience Requirements
Recent Diving Activity: If you haven't dived in over 12 months, a refresher course is required. Experience Requirements for Advanced Sites: We operate using zodiac boats. Guests must be able to climb back up the ladder without their scuba diving equipment. Sea conditions can be rough, depending on the weather or the dive site location.
Tuamotus (Fakarava & Rangiroa Passes): ● Minimum: Advanced Open Water or Deep Diver Specialty certification ● Recommended: 50+ logged dives and Nitrox certification ● Required: Check dive before pass diving; strong buoyancy, breathing, finning, and physical fitness Marquesas Islands: ● Dives begin at 60 ft or deeper ● Advanced Open Water or Deep Diver Specialty recommended ● Not suitable for beginners
Diver/Instructor Ratios
● Intro Dive: 1 diver per instructor ● Standard: 4 divers per instructor ● Max divers per boat: 10
Maximum Depth & Certifications
Dives aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin do not exceed 100 feet (30 meters).
The maximum depth you will be able to dive will be set by your actual certification. Even with a deeper diving experience, we will respect the limits set by your certification.
Nitrox Diving Policy
Divers wishing to use Enriched Air Nitrox must hold a valid Nitrox certification, or complete the PADI Enriched-Air Nitrox Certification onboard.
Weather & Local Conditions
Paul Gauguin Cruises reserves the right to modify or cancel dive operations for safety reasons.
Diving may proceed in light rain, but may be canceled due to high winds, rough seas or swell, limited visibility, or dangerous currents. Dive operations are tide- and weather-dependent, especially in drift dives or at remote atolls. Note on the Tuamotus: Currents in underwater passes can be extremely strong. Dives in these areas must take place during specific times depending on the tide, and due to the ship's schedule, pass dives in Rangiroa and Fakarava may not always be possible.
Important Notes
● Diving in French Polynesia involves unique environmental and logistical considerations. Safety and experience are essential. ● All certifications, courses, and dive excursions are subject to availability. ● Dive availability may be limited in remote areas and weather-dependent locations.