1. Requirements & framework for guided diving
AUAS (Accessible Underwater Archaeological Sites) are accessible to scuba or free divers, who follow guided dives led by certified guides/professional diving instructors (holding a diving instructor certificate and all qualifications specified by Law 3409/2005). The dive guides are familiar with the route, bottom time, permitted and prohibited activities, and accompany recreational divers throughout the visit. The visit to AUAS takes place at a predetermined time, with a predetermined total duration and bottom time.
2. Diving procedure and access to the site
The small group of scuba divers, after reporting to the staff of the EUA (Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities) at the designated departure/arrival point of each AUAS, arrives at the shipwreck site by boat provided by the recreational diving service provider, which moors at buoys specially installed for this purpose. The dive into the AUAS begins from a descent line (dive line) to the starting point of the predefined route. The ascent is made from the same or a similar point with corresponding characteristics.
3. Monitoring and support of the dive
The dive is monitored by underwater cameras installed on the seabed. The EUA staff may also conduct inspection dives during visits and inspect the diving boats and visitors throughout the duration of the visit. On the seabed, visitors are provided with visual material, which also serves as a compass for their path. The information provided to the visitor via the underwater visual material is, as expected, brief and concise.
