FAQ's

Shortly we add here many more questions and answers.

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Make sure to also visit our official Site: www.oceanwindow.ch

What is the procedure for arrival onboard?
As soon as you and your belongings are onboard please remove your shoes and place them in the designated bin. Afterwards is administration things at hand. The guide will give you a box for your dive equipment which you can place below a tank and gear up. When you are assigned a room you may take the rest of your belongings to your cabin and unpack. On the same evening or following morning a general greeting and information will be held.

Which tender should I bring for payment onboard?
The notes or tender in Egypt is called pounds (EGP). We accept Euro, CHF, EGP and Dollars. We do not accept credit cards. Most of the places in Egypt you can pay in Euro.

What kind of plug do I need and what is the voltage onboard?
220V with a 2 round prong plugs.

Is there an Emergency exit from the cabins?
Yes, there is in cabin 3 behind the mirror which exits out to the bow of the boat.

Where do I find my life jacket on board?
In each cabin are 2 life jackets in a closet.

What do I do if there is an emergency?
All guests should proceed to the upper most deck, there is where the life rafts are located.

What does M/Y stand for in M/Y Blue Waves?

Motor Yacht.

Can I sleep on deck outside?
Of course. Especially in the hot summer season is it highly recommended to sleep underneath the stars. You can take a blanket out of the cabin with you just be sure to wipe off the mattresses outside with a towel first and be informed that it can get a little damp from the humidity.

How often can I shower?
We are filling our freshwater tanks constantly and it lasts only so far sometimes so please take care not to excessively shower if not necessary. The dive equipment should and will be cleaned at the end of every tour before departure.

Can I bring my own music with me?
Of course, you can plug your MP3 or even your notebook into our stereo systems. Just ask the guide or the crew, they can assist you with this.

What is the hose for in my bathroom?
This is common in many countries where trees are few or non-existent, hence no toilet paper, and used for spraying down one's backside a substitute for toilet paper.

Why should I not put toilet paper in the toilet?
One reason is that it can clog the toilet and the other is that the paper does not dissolve as does ones we used to at home and would look as a new coral species underwater to scientists.

Does NITROX cost something extra?
Nitrox is for free - There is a membrane based filling station on board. While Nitrox is offered for free it is not a guarantee by booking. Should the Nitrox generator for any technical reason not be functioning is a reduction in the trip price not valid.

How many dives per day do we get?
Depending on the route we take and sea conditions usually 3 to 4 dives per day are normal. In the Marine parks are night dives not permitted.

I am not a diver, can I still join the tour?
Of course non-divers are welcome by us. As each route is different and some do not allow much opportunity for snorkelers, it is recommended that you contact us before booking. But rest, relaxation and fun are always included.

Can I make a dive course on board?
Yes, it is possible. It needs to be declared by booking and not every course is possible on every tour.

What is the usual tip amount a guest gives?
It is not a must but we would recommend 3 to 4 Euro per crew member per week. On average there are 10 people on board, so this is between 30 to 40 Euros per week.

When is check-out?
Whenever possible can the guests stay onboard with us till the transfer to the airport has arrived. It is understandable that we will need a bit of time between departure of guests and arrival of the new guests therefore so extra time is needed for cleaning and services. We take this opportunity to excuse the hectic on the last day and ask that all guests pack and leave their rooms by 10 o'clock on the day of departure.

A few Rules

We are committed to your safety! Please follow these rules in order that we can conduct an accident-free tour.

- Smoking is strictly prohibited everywhere inside the ship
- Remove outdoor shoes, it is best to walk barefooted
- Do not enter the saloon or the cabins with diving equipment or wet clothes
- Close the portholes (Windows) while cruising or when it has big waves
- Do not throw any paper or other solid items into the toilet
- Do not throw any cigarette stubs or any carbage into the sea
- Please show consideration for the moral values: Do not lie topless on deck.
- Please respect the country and its religion.

Diving Rules
- Before your first dive we will ask you to sign the standards of safe diving statement. Diving certificate and logbook has to be presented to the dive guide. A valid medical attest has to be presented (max 2 years until age of 40, yearly attest if aged above 40) and you have to fill out a medical form.
- Nitrox is only provided to certified Nitrox divers
- Please drink enough water (rule of thumb: one liter per dive).
- No alcohol before diving!
- A check dive is compulsory (during a regular dive)
'A decent buoyancy check and everyone's a winner'
- Only dives within the non-decompression limits are allowed
- An own dive computer and safty boye is compulsory
- The max. depth is according to your dive certification
- Dive only in buddy teams
- Make a safety stop at 5 meters for min. 3 minutes at the end of every dive

Environmental protection
To protect you from injuries and to protect the underwater world please refrain from touching anything under water. Make sure that your buoyancy is always controlled. Observe the underwater world at a reasonable distance and don‘t frighten the animals. Don‘t take anything with you apart from good memories and pictures. Don‘t leave anything behind you except bubbles.
In case of obstruction of the diving operation or blatant violation of these rules the dive guide is allowed to ban you on diving.
The observation of these rules serves to ensure your safety and the safety of the group. Dive responsibly and within your personal capabilities.

Crew and Guides
Most members of the crew speak English or even a bit German. Do not hesitate to ask the crew and guides about anything that interests you. They will be willing to show you everything and help where they can. Should you have problems with any member, speak to Captain Maher or Chris.
Phone Numbers:
Chris (CH): 0041 79 218 04 43
Chris (Egypt): 002 064 07 19 35
Maher (Egypt): 002 0100 75 75 93

A few funny but good tips!

You may have seen these humorous guidelines or a version of them over the years. The original author is unknown, but the point they make is a valuable one.

- Do not expect to find things to be like at home. You left home to find things different.
- Do not take anything too seriously. A carefree mind is a vital to a good vacation.
- Do not let other travelers get on your nerves. You paid good money to enjoy yourself.
- Do not forget: you are a representative of your country at all times.
- Try not to worry because he or she who worries will have no fun. Remember that few things in life are fatal.
- As a stranger in a strange land, be prepared to do as its people do.
- Do not judge all people of a country by the one person who has given you trouble.
- Remember that you are a guest and those travelers who treat their hosts with respect will be treated likewise.