Diving

Dive Safety & BAUER PureAir Filling System

Amba - Bauer Pure Air System

Naturally, we never take unnecessary risks – especially when it comes to diving. Dive sites are selected daily and flexibly, based on weather conditions, wave patterns, visibility, and currents. Just as important as the environment are the experience levels of our divers, which are always considered.

We dive with responsible and experienced divers who know and respect their limits. If a diver feels unsure or uncomfortable about a specific dive site, they are strongly encouraged to speak with the cruise director – no pressure, no judgment. Open communication allows us to find the right solution and ensure that every guest feels safe, supported, and satisfied. Because your trust, comfort, and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.

All of our dive tanks are professionally inspected, cleaned, and recertified in full compliance with Maldivian safety regulations by MA Service, the official Bauer representative in Malé. The same applies to all of our rental equipment, including regulators, BCDs, and other gear. Written documentation of all inspections is available onboard.

Our Bauer compressors also undergo annual professional maintenance by MA Service, ensuring peak performance and safety.

We’ve made a clear decision: from now on, we exclusively fill using Bauer Pure Air certification and use only original Bauer air filters. This high level of air purity is a matter of principle for us – and a reflection of our commitment to professionalism and safety for both our guests and our dive crew.

Thanks to the Bauer Pure Air system, the AMBA is proud to offer the cleanest diving air available in the Maldives – and remains the only liveaboard or resort in the region to operate at this exceptional standard.

Dive Safari – Guidelines, Safety Regulations & Equipment

Dive Schedule and Conditions

On regular safari days, three dives are conducted daily. No dives take place on arrival or departure days. The last dive before disembarkation is scheduled for 8:00 AM the day before departure. During rare long channel crossings, a maximum of two dives per day are possible. Each safari includes one night dive within the three daily dives.

Dive Safety and Requirements

The safety of our guests is paramount. We expect all participants to demonstrate a responsible attitude toward diving. The following certifications are mandatory:

  • Minimum qualification: Certification, permitting dives up to 30 meters depth. •
  • Nitrox certification: Since all dives use Nitrox, certification is required. Nitrox fills are included in the trip price. In case the Nitrox system fails, no compensation is provided, and diving will be done on regular air.

We especially advise divers whose training dates back many years to review their certifications in advance. Participation requires a minimum of 30 logged dives.

Dive Groups & Organization

Diving is conducted in two guided groups of up to 10 guests each. Diving is always performed in the buddy system, with each diver able to safely ascend independently. The vessel carries three experienced dive guides. Groups can be further subdivided if needed.

Note: Diving without a guide is prohibited in the Maldives, regardless of the diver’s experience level.

Required Diving Equipment

For safe dives, the following minimum equipment is mandatory and will be checked before the first dive:

  • 3 mm wetsuit (short or full) recommended
  • Hood (recommended)
  • Mask & snorkel (snorkel recommended)
  • Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
  • Fins with booties
  • Surface marker buoy with reel or 6-meter line
  • Weight system
  • Signal whistle
  • Dive light
  • Cutting tool
  • Drift hook
  • Nitrox-compatible dive computer
  • Compass (recommended)
  • Regulator with alternate air source

Gloves are not required and strictly prohibited on the AMBA. We also recommend avoiding bright or flashy gear colors. Due to potential encounters with tiger and bull sharks, dark, inconspicuous equipment is advisable.

Rules for Tour Operators and Dive Group Leaders

Travel agencies, tour operators, dive clubs, or group leaders are not authorized to declare mandatory equipment as optional.

External dive instructors or guides are not permitted to lead dives in the Maldives without a Maldivian work permit.

Equipment Availability and Upgrades

Any required equipment not brought by guests must be rented or purchased before the first dive at an additional cost.

Special Dive Conditions

  • About 90% of dives involve strong currents and fast descents.
  • All dives begin with a negative entry, meaning entering the water without an inflated BCD and immediately descending. Slow descents after entering the water are not possible.

We make no exceptions to safety rules and kindly ask all guests to respect and accept these regulations as part of responsible diving on a liveaboard safari.