All equipment and boats should be maintained in good condition. All divers must be equipped with the standard diving masks, snorkels, fins, regulators, BCDs (Buoyancy Compensator Device), time and depth measuring devices and emergency signalling devices. The Maldivian government also encourages the use of diving computers. Night time divers are required to carry an underwater torch and a night signalling device.
Diving boats must have a crew of at least 3 members. They must be fully committed to ensuring the safety of the divers. Also, they should carry the equipment to communicate with the diving centre. Despite the regulations, there can be faulty equipment and boats occasionally. The best way around this is to research reputed diving agencies or book yourself into a reputed resort. While the latter can be expensive, resorts like PER AQUUM Niyama Maldives provide good equipment and boats.