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General FAQ

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the international gateway to Sabah.  The closest airport to Semporna is Tawau Airport, which offers regular domestic flights to and from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. If you’re traveling from Tawau Airport to Semporna by road, the journey typically takes around 1 hour, covering a distance of 83 kilometers.

 

Seaventures is situated 26 kilometers away from the port of Semporna in Sabah. It is in close proximity to Mabul Island. Standard transfers to Seaventures are scheduled for 10:00 am, departing from Tawau Airport to Semporna, followed by a boat transfer to the dive rig.  For departure, the boat leaves at 2:00 pm from the rig for Semporna.  If your travel plans don’t align with the scheduled transfers, you can arrange alternative transportation to Seaventures Dive Rig. Please note that transfers from Semporna town to the rig can take up to an hour, depending on weather and sea conditions.

You can enjoy diving around Mabul, Kapalai, and Sipadan throughout the year. However, please note that Sipadan Island may be temporarily closed for approximately a month around November for marine conservation purposes.

Wi-Fi access is available on the dive rig, please note that the internet service and connection is dependent on prevailing weather conditions, the internet speed is sufficient for emails but not for streaming.

As long as you are comfortable in the water, you should be able to do an intro dive. For the PADI Open Water Course you will have to do a 200 metre swim as part of the requirement.

 

Before you enter the water you will fill out a form that includes information on your level of competence in the water and any medical conditions. Depending on your response, we may require that you use a flotation device while snorkelling.

Some medical conditions can prevent you from scuba diving.  You will also be asked to fill out an assessment form before snorkelling. If you are assessed as an at-risk snorkeller you may be required to wear a flotation device while snorkelling.

 

It is of utmost importance to complete the medical questionnaire with accuracy and honesty. Often, people underestimate the importance of disclosing any medical conditions or may not fully understand how these conditions can impact their ability to dive safely. Failing to disclose a medical condition or providing incorrect information can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities during diving. Therefore, thoroughly completing the medical questionnaire is a crucial step to prioritize the safety of the diver and those diving alongside them.

Yes! Seaventures Dive Rig caters to non-divers as well.  It is common for divers and snorkelers to travel together on the same trip to the islands, there are always a mixture of guests staying on the dive rig participating in various activities; such as snorkelling, scuba courses, freediving and even rig jumping.  Facilities on the dive rig include air-conditioned games room, massage room, sundeck, bar and a quiet multipurpose room for the digital nomad to catch up on some work emails.

There is no minimum age restriction for children staying at Seaventures Dive Rig when accompanied by a parent or guardian, but children must remain supervised at all times.  After all, the structure is a former oil rig.

Yes, our on-site kitchen is able to cater to most dietary requirements, please advise upon booking.

Seaventures Dive Rig structure is securely piled into the seabed, providing excellent stability and elevated above sea level.  If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you seek medical advice from your doctor and to buy medications prior to your journey to the dive rig.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you if your snorkel or dive trip is cancelled due to illness, poor weather, travel delays, lost luggage and legal costs. Travel insurance may not cover diving accidents and/or treatment/evacuation.

 

Scuba diving and in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance policies, and policy wordings should be read carefully. It is important to note that in the event a customer requires medical emergency services; the evacuation, medical, and vessel relocation expenses are at the financial responsibility of the customer. Please note that current liability insurance and current personal dive injury/evacuation insurance are prerequisites for the PADI Scuba Diving Instructor Training Program.

Our cancellation policy states that no refunds will be given for cancellations. However, guests can receive a credit for a future reservation within 12 months of the original booking date.

Certified Diving FAQ

All equipment is included in the course, this includes a regulator with a console computer, buoyancy control device (BCD), snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit, tank and weights/weight belt.

All divers are asked to complete a medical questionnaire on Seaventures Dive Rig. You don’t require a medical if you answer no to everything. If you answer yes to any questions, a further medical may be required. You will also be asked to fill out a general disclaimer.

You’ll need to bring your certification card. If you have lost your card, please contact the issuing agency.  Certified divers should bring their logbooks to log their dives at Seaventures Dive Rig, and so our dive supervisors can assess their experience.

Please contact us in advance, let us know your certifying agency, certification level and approximate number of dives.

You’ll need a dive buddy or a guide with you at all times.  Solo diving is not permitted.

Whenever possible, the Dive Instructor will buddy you with someone of equal experience.

If you are a PADI certified freediver and wish to free dive with us, please contact us for more information.  Freediving in Sipadan is not permitted.

Regulations state that for a single, no decompression dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 12 hours. For multiple dives you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours.

Dive Course FAQ

For scuba diving questions, you can find answers at https://www.padi.com/help/scuba-certification-faq

PADI Recreational Courses

Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Specialty – Cavern Diver, Specialty – Sidemount Diver Course

 

TEC

TEC 40, TEC 45, TEC 50, TEC Deep Diver

 

Others

PADI Rig Diver Specialty Course, PADI Professional Course – Divemaster, PADI Professional Course – Instructor