Red Sea Scuba Diving Requirements and Check-In Guide
Diving requirements in Egypt’s Red Sea depend on the route and operator. Open Water is enough for many sheltered northern reefs, while offshore and deep southern routes often expect Advanced or equivalent plus experience. Divers complete a medical questionnaire on arrival, and insurance requirements vary. This guide covers common paperwork, check-in steps, local rules, and what to have ready in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and nearby Red Sea operations.
My Dive Locker provides Fast Pass, a pass a shop can scan.
What you need to dive here
- Open Water is enough for many sheltered northern reefs.
- Offshore and deep southern routes often expect Advanced or equivalent plus experience.
- Check with your operator for the requirements on your specific trip.
Paperwork to bring
- Bring your certification card.
- Bring proof of insurance if your operator requires it.
- A dive medical questionnaire is completed on arrival.
- If you answer “yes” to a medical question, you need clearance from a dive doctor.
What to expect at check-in
- Check-in usually includes your certification card, insurance proof, medical questionnaire, and briefing.
- Liveaboards check documents before the first dive.
- Requirements can vary, so check with your operator.
Local rules
- Some marine park islands have park fees.
- The amounts are not consistently published.
- Some sites prohibit night diving.
- Check with your operator for site-specific requirements.
Medical and insurance
- A dive medical questionnaire is completed on arrival.
- “Yes” answers need clearance from a dive doctor.
- Many operators require proof of insurance or include short-term cover, especially liveaboards.
- Requirements vary by operator, so check with your operator.
- Hyperbaric facilities exist in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Documents to bring
- Certification card
- Insurance proof if required
- Medical questionnaire
- Dive doctor clearance if required
FAQ
Is Open Water enough for diving in the Red Sea?
Open Water is enough for many sheltered northern reefs. Offshore and deep southern routes often expect Advanced or equivalent plus experience. Check with your operator for the requirements on your route.
Do I need dive insurance in Egypt?
Requirements vary. Many operators require proof of insurance or include short-term cover, especially liveaboards. Check with your operator before your trip so you know what documentation they expect.
What documents are checked on a Red Sea liveaboard?
Liveaboards usually check your certification card, insurance proof, medical questionnaire, and other required documents before the first dive. Exact requirements vary by operator.
Are there marine park fees in the Red Sea?
Some marine park islands have park fees. The amounts are not consistently published, so check with your operator for the requirements that apply to your itinerary.
Related guides
- Bonaire Scuba Diving Requirements and Check-In Guide
- Dive Shop Check-In Documents: What to Prepare
- Share DAN Insurance With a Dive Operator
With My Dive Locker, you enter your certifications, insurance and medical information; Fast Pass shows what you entered; you can send it to a dive shop by email or WhatsApp.
