what is CDWS?

Despite its popularity and large volumes of scuba visitors, Egypt’s diving industry has not been regulated for more than 25 years of existence. Such work had previously been left to non-government organisations.

The Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS) is the first and only official body in Egypt set up to regulate recreational diving and watersports. Established in 2007, one of the main aims of CDWS is to ensure that all recreational diving operation services and facilities in Egypt meet with internationally recognised standards set out by certification organisation European Underwater Federation (EUF). These are ISO standards EN 14467 / ISO 24803 as agreed with CDWS, the Austrian Institute of Norms and the EUF.

The compliance criteria for dive centres/boats covers:

•    Information provided to guests about the service
•    Risk assessments
•    Emergency equipment
•    Emergency procedures
•    Diving equipment
•    Training and education
•    Training locations
•    Organised dives
•    Guided dives
•    Locations used
•    Rental of equipment
•    Service and staff knowledge
•    Documentation

Operating under the Egyptian Tourist Federation’s governmental umbrella, the CDWS is managed by a board of 12 directors – ten elected by members and two appointed.

In 2008 the CDWS board commissioned a team of independent auditors to inspect diving centres and safari boats and ensure these met ISO standards EN 14467 / ISO 24803. Audits take around two to four days to complete. All operators have to pass inspections to qualify for or renew CDWS membership and obtain a Ministry of Tourism licence needed to legally operate in Egypt.

The CDWS has seen the EUF certification of 143 diving centres out of 161 in South Sinai; 155 dive centres out of 173 in the Red Sea Governorate; and 127 safari boat operations.

Following a series of audits by the Austrian Institute of Norms, the CDWS has now earned permanent membership in the European Underwater Federation (EUF).

The CDWS website www.cdws.travel publishes a full list of legal and ISO certified operations, as well as a black-list of those businesses operating illegally. It is hoped these measures will ensure safety standards remain high. Without warning operations will be spot-checked each year by auditors on all areas concerning the ISO standard.

Other moves to raise standards include implementation of training courses mostly financed by the Ministry of Tourism for snorkel guides, boat skippers and others in roles which support the industry.

Marine environment issues are also a major focus and CDWS continues to support campaigns and projects to protect and preserve the underwater world. This includes the organisation of three conferences to help tackle the issue of illegal fishing and the funding for promotional material to try to educate non-divers about the damage done by walking on the reef, dumping of waste and feeding of fish.
As part of its wide remit the CDWS is also a body which actively represents its members and promotes diving and waterports in Egypt to the rest of the world.

Offering you more than just sunshine

Year-round sunshine, clear warm waters, endless stretches of coastline and wonderful coral reefs make the Red Sea in Egypt the ideal holiday destination for sun and water lovers.

With a flight time of less than 12 hours from Malaysia to Cairo, the Red Sea and its choice of four international airports makes  every one of its unique resorts  easily accessible.

World famous for its superb diving, the Red Sea now has a whole lot more to offer its visitors.  Many of the resorts now offer excellent environmental conditions and facilities for Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing and other water sports activities. Perfect for beginners and experienced divers

Whether you are new to diving or an experienced diver, the Red Sea resorts have something special to offer everyone.

Dive Training: The resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Hurghada and Marsa Alam provide the best locations and conditions for new diver training.  Exceptional quality of service and safety standards in the Red Sea ensure that divers will have an unforgettable diving experience.

Daily Diving: All Red Sea resorts offer superb daily diving excursions allowing visitors to enjoy boat or shore diving by day and the comfort of their hotel and entertainment of their resort by night.

Liveaboards: More experienced divers can enjoy life aboard one of the many safari boats offering diverse and exciting diving itineraries to the Northern or Southern Red Sea allowing guests 
to visit numerous wrecks and off-shore reefs.

Snorkelling: An opportunity for anyone comfortable swimming to experience the magic and wonder of the Red Sea reefs - whether snorkelling from one of the Red Sea’s stunning beaches or a boat trip from resort.
Exhilarating Water Sports

Kite and Windsurfing: Sandy beaches, constant winds and professional centres, that provide quality equipment and excellent trainers, make the resorts of El Gouna, Hurghada, Safaga, Soma Bay, Dahab and Marsa Alam a Mecca for those who love to jump and jibe.
Sharm el Sheikh has  some nice sandy beaches that are great for waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Everywhere you will find the opportunity to have fun at sea and on the beach – banana boat rides, pedalos, parasailing and hobie cats are readily available.