Dive Health & Safety
How to choose a safe dive centre in Egypt
In Egypt a dive centre needs a Ministry of Tourism licence to operate legally, and membership of the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) means regular audits and meeting the ISO 24803 standard for recreational diving services. Beyond paperwork, ask how big the groups are, whether there's oxygen on board and how the dive sites are chosen.
By 71 Guardians · Published 29 Oct 2026
What licences should a dive centre have?
A Ministry of Tourism licence is required to operate. CDWS membership is a separate certification; CDWS audits centres and boats and expects members to meet ISO 24803, the international standard for recreational diving service providers. Foreign dive professionals need a CDWS ID and must work for a licensed operation.
Which safety questions should you ask?
- How many divers per guide?
- Is there emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit on every boat?
- How are sites chosen when the wind picks up?
- What happens if the dive is cancelled for the weather?
What should the dive briefing include?
The site, the plan and maximum depth, entries and exits, current, hand signals, what to do if you lose your buddy, and the boat's emergency equipment.
How do we answer those questions?
At 71 Guardians: a maximum of four divers per guide, oxygen on every boat, sites chosen each morning for the conditions, and a free rebooking if we cancel because of the weather.
Frequently asked questions
What is CDWS?
Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Water Sports, which audits dive centres and boats and licenses dive professionals.
What is ISO 24803?
The international standard for recreational diving service providers; CDWS expects its members to meet it.
How many divers per guide is safe?
There's no single number for every dive; smaller groups make supervision easier. We take four at most.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Audits — diving centres and safari boats — Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), Egypt
- Technical diving requirements for CDWS membership and the Ministry of Tourism licence (March 2026) — Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), Egypt