First of all, never underestimate the power of the ocean!

The wind conditions and currents on the Faroe Islands are very changeable and incredibly powerful. It is, therefore, very important to make sure you are up to date with conditions before you choose a location for diving.

The wind often causes swells, the effects of which must be respected, and currents are local and hard to assess. Always speak to people with local knowledge of the area. If they have no knowledge of diving conditions, contact experienced divers or the authorities for information.

According to the legislation, it is illegal to collect artefacts from the ocean. Artefacts are things with archaeological, cultural or historical value, e.g. shipwrecks, airplanes, cargo or parts of any of these listed.

For further information, please contact the National Museum. Always be cautious with everything beneath the ocean’s surface. Look, don’t touch!

Remember to bring very warm undergarment clothing, i.e. fleece/wool sweater and pants, warm socks and a change of clothing when you go diving.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Citizens of the Nordic countries and Great Britain are covered by their respective national health insurance schemes while in the Faroe Islands. Citizens of other countries must take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses. We recommend that you find out whether your national health scheme covers diving accidents.

PHARMACIES

Medicines can be collected from pharmacies in Tórshavn, Runavík, Klaksvík and Tvøroyri. For further information, please see contact Regional Information Centres.

HOSPITALS

There are hospitals in Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Tvøroyri. There are doctors’ surgeries on the islands.

RESCUE OPERATIONS

In case of accidents at sea requiring urgent assistance, call 112. Search and rescue operations at sea are co-ordinated by the rescue service MRCC Tórshavn. If a major diving activity takes place in deep water, contact MRCC Tórshavn to give advanced warning on tel. (+298) 35 13 00.

EMERGENCY ON LAND

Call 112 in an emergency on land wherever you are in the country. When diving injuries require treatment in a pressure chamber, the diver is transported to Tórshavn.

AIR TANK REFILLING

When diving with apparatus, only use approved, tested and regulation marked tanks. If these conditions are not met, or if the tank has not been pressure tested within the previous five years, it will not be filled at tank refilling stations.

LIFE JACKETS

Every boat is required by law to have at least one approved life jacket per person. Divers may use their BCDs.

CERTIFICATES

You can qualify for a diving certificate during your stay in the Faroe Islands. See page with diving instructors for more information. Diving instructors can also be hired as diving leaders.

DIVING BANS

Skin diving may not take place near fish farms. There should be a distance of at least 1 kilometre from the fish farms to the location of skin diving.

UNDERWATER HUNTING

For underwater hunting, we recommend using harpoons, hand spears or harpoon spears with only one spear.

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