Curacao has earnt itself something of a bad reputation for security on some of the scuba diving web forums. Some of this is certainly justified, however it's important to keep perspective and just be sensible and realistic.

Curacao is a Caribbean island and just like other small islands - and even back home - there is poverty here and opportunists. The most common crime is opportunistic property theft; crime against people is extremely rare.

So be sensible - just like you would back home - and follow these guidelines to help avoid some of the common security issues:

• Don't carry your wallet and all your credit cards and cash around with you. Instead invest in a dry-box the size of a cigarette pack and just carry one credit card, a bit of cash and your ID in there.

• Figure out what you really need for that day or evening and leave the rest in your room.

• Don't leave anything unattended at any time, even when diving with The Dive Bus. Not on the beach, not in vehicles, not even at your accommodation. Any personal equipment left on The Dive Bus or at The Dive Bus Hut is at your own risk.

• If you do rent a car, rental agencies suggest that you leave your windows slightly open. Not only will this avoid you burning your butt on the seats after your dive but if anyone does want to get in and check out what's inside (nothing, of course!) they don't have to break the windows in order to do so.

• If you do rent a car, keep your tanks in the trunk or hidden away and don't take more than you realistically need for your day's diving.

• In your room, keep valuables out of sight (in your suitcase or a safe if there is one). Remember to keep things away from windows so nobody can reach in and grab something with a stick.

• One of the most upsetting things to lose on vacation is your photos - either through camera flood or theft. The Dive Bus offers a photo download service so we can back up your photos for you and download them onto a CD before you leave.

• Make sure you have theft insurance. If something does happen, you usually need an official police report and/or a statement from someone responsible for the location where the theft took place in order to make an insurance claim.

• Keep things in perspective. None of this is rocket science, simply obvious ways to avoid problems. Above all, just be sensible, just like you would back home.

Curacao is no worse than any other Caribbean island or towns back home. Don't let theft ruin your vacation: be smart and be sensible.