Ice Diving Prerequisites
1. Prerequisites for participation in an Ice Diving program:
1.1. To take part in an Ice Diving program one must be a qualified diver holding an Ice Diver PADI Certificate or any other international diver training organization certificate, confirming a similar skill level to that of an Ice Diver PADI Certificate, or have a minimum of 20 logged dives, including at least 4 dives under the ice*.
1.2. A participant must master the basic scuba skills required for the Ice Diver PADI course (to be able to clear the fully flooded mask, to switch between the main regulator and a back-up one, to breathe from an alternate air source supplied by a buddy, to simulate a controlled emergency ascend, breathing from an alternate air source supplied by a buddy, be able to make a dive plan, to navigate under the ice, to use the safety rope, to control their buoyancy, to exchange signals with the buddy and the tender, to turn upside down under the ice and return to the normal position).
1.3. A participant must be ready to demonstrate mastery of the skills to the Dive Centre’s dive guide during the check dive.
2. It is highly recommended to use a Dry Suit when you go Ice Diving.
3. The rules of Dry Suit diving at the “Arctic Circle” Diving Centre:
3.1. A diver must have a Dry Suit Diver PADI Certificate or equivalent specialization of any other international diver training organization, confirming a similar skill level to that of a Dry Suit Diver PADI, or have a minimum of 5 logged Dry Suit dives.*
3.2. A participant must master the basic scuba skills required for the Dry Suit Diver PADI course (to be able to clear the fully flooded mask, to switch between the main regulator and a back-up one, to breathe from an alternate air source supplied by a buddy, to simulate a controlled emergency ascend, breathing from an alternate air source supplied by a buddy, be able to control their buoyancy using the BCD inflator and the dry suit inlet/outlet valves, to disconnect the inflator hose off a dry suit inlet valve in case of a free-flowing, to exchange signals with the buddy, to turn upside down under the water and return to the normal position).
3.3. A participant must be ready to demonstrate mastery of the skills to the Dive Centre’s dive guide during the check dive.
* Divers without the necessary experience can undertake a PADI Ice Diver Course at the Arctic Circle Dive Center. To enroll to the course one must be at least 18 years old and have a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certification or equivalent. The course consists of 1–2 lectures and 3 training dives with an instructor. At the end of the course you will have to pass the exam and complete the necessary paperwork to obtain the Ice Diver Certificate. The course fee includes use of all the necessary equipment.
4. Health Requirements:
A diver must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported in writing when the reservation is made. The Arctic Circle Dive Center reserves the right to decline acceptance of any person as a member of a diving program.
