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 diving tanks are professionally inspected, cleaned, and recertified by local certified companies in accordance with legal standards.

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 the day of arrival or departure. The last dive before disembarkation takes place at 08:00 a.m. on the day before. During longer channel crossings, which are rare, a maximum of two dives per day is possible. One night dive per trip is included as one of the three daily dives.

Please note that missed dives cannot be made up. Our partners sometimes mistakenly state a fixed number of dives. In fact, we can only offer 2–3 dives per day, with a maximum of 3. Please clarify any questions about this with your dive travel provider before your arrival.

Dive Safety and Requirements
The safety of our guests is our top priority. We therefore expect all participants to approach diving responsibly. The following certifications are required:

  • Minimum qualification: A certification that permits diving to 30 meters.
  • Nitrox certification: As all dives are conducted exclusively on Nitrox, a corresponding certification is required. Nitrox fills are included in the trip price. Should the Nitrox system fail, no compensation will be provided, and dives must be conducted with regular air.

We particularly ask divers whose training was completed many years ago to check their certifications in advance. Participation requires a minimum of 30 logged dives.

Dive Groups & Organization
Diving takes place in three guided groups of no more than 6–8 guests each. Diving follows the buddy system, and every diver must be able to ascend independently and safely. Three experienced guides are on board. Groups can be made smaller if needed.

In the Maldives, unaccompanied diving is prohibited, regardless of the diver’s experience.

Required Dive Equipment
To ensure safe diving, the following minimum equipment is mandatory and will be checked before the first dive:

  • Wetsuit (full-length 3 mm wetsuit)
  • Black hood
  • Mask & snorkel
  • Buoyancy control device (BCD)
  • Open-heel fins with booties
  • Surface marker buoy with reel or 6-meter line
  • Weights
  • Signal whistle
  • Dive torch
  • Cutting tool
  • Reef hook
  • Nitrox-compatible dive computer
  • Compass
  • Regulator with alternate air source

Rules for Tour Operators and Dive Group Leaders

  • Neither travel agencies, tour operators, dive clubs or group leaders have the right to declare the required dive equipment optional.
  • External dive instructors or tour leaders may not lead dives in the Maldives, as this requires a Maldivian work permit.

Availability and Additional Equipment
Any missing equipment that a guest considers unnecessary but that is required under our guidelines must be rented or purchased at the guest’s expense before the first dive.

We make no exceptions to these safety regulations and ask all guests to respect them and accept them as part of a responsible dive safari.