Been a while since your last dive? Six months, a year, maybe five? Then before your next dive in Israel you’ll need a refresher dive. And it’s not just the dive centre’s preference — it’s in the rules.
Who has to do a refresher dive in Israel
The Israel Sport Diving Authority (הרשות לצלילה ספורטיבית) published procedure No. 24, “Refresher Dive”. Under it, a refresher dive is mandatory:
- for 1-star and 2-star divers (Open Water and Advanced in PADI terms) who haven’t dived for 6 months or more;
- for any diver who asks for one.
One exception: if a 2-star diver has more than 50 dives logged and signed, and it’s been less than a year since the last dive, the dive centre’s professional manager may waive the refresher.
Who is exempt
Divemasters, Master Scuba Divers and above aren’t covered by this requirement. The procedure applies only to 1-star and 2-star divers.
If you’re at a higher level but haven’t dived in a long time and feel rusty, you can still do a refresher by choice. That’s not a weakness — that’s professional.
A refresher dive is not an exam
Many people picture a refresher like this: five minutes by the shore, show you can take your mask off, and out of the water. That’s not how I do it.
A refresher dive is a proper guided dive at a good dive site. During the dive, calmly and without rushing, we cover what the procedure requires: mask clearing, breathing without a mask, regulator recovery, breathing from your buddy’s alternate air source, buoyancy at different depths — plus a short self-rescue drill at the surface. The first skills happen where you can stand. Then it’s the reef, the fish and the pleasure of diving.
Don’t treat it as a test. The point of a refresher is for you to feel calm and comfortable underwater again — not to “pass” something.
How it works
- Paperwork. Certification card, logbook and a short chat about when and where you last dived.
- Briefing. We go over the dive plan, rules, signals and the main risks.
- Gear. We set it up and check it together — nothing on autopilot.
- Guided dive. Skills along the way, at a good site, at your pace.
- Debrief. What went well, recommendations for your next dives, and a signed logbook.
By the rules, a refresher is done in the sea, at a licensed dive centre, by at least an assistant instructor. You’ll need valid dive insurance.
How to stop needing refresher dives
The requirement only applies to 1-star and 2-star divers. Complete a Master Scuba Diver or Divemaster course — and even after a long break you can get back in the water without a mandatory refresher.
And it’s your next step in diving: more confidence, more skills, more freedom. Message me on WhatsApp and I’ll tell you which path fits you best.
Price
- ₪250 — with your own gear;
- ₪350 — with a full set of gear.
Book on the Refresh Dive page.
What about snorkelling?
No refresher needed for snorkelling — the procedure only covers scuba diving.
Why Eilat makes it easy
Shore entry, the reef starts right away, warm water all year. Do your refresher in the morning and keep diving the same day.
Questions? Message WhatsApp: 053-431-3418. I’ll tell you whether you need a refresher or something else.
