Diver Responsibility & Safety

Last updated: 4 August 2026

1. Accurate diver information

Divers are responsible for providing accurate and current information about:

• certification level and any speciality certifications;
• approximate number and type of logged dives;
• date and conditions of the most recent dive;
• experience with currents, walls, blue-water entries, night diving or other relevant conditions;
• equipment needs and any limitations that may affect safe participation.

Overstating experience can put the diver, buddy, guide and group at risk.

2. Medical fitness

Each diver is responsible for being medically fit to dive and for completing any medical questionnaire required by the operator or training agency truthfully. Where an answer requires medical clearance, the diver must obtain appropriate written approval before diving.

Do not send detailed medical records through a general website enquiry form. Follow the secure process provided by the responsible operator or medical professional.

3. Certification and recent experience

Carry proof of certification and any Nitrox or speciality qualification required for planned activities. A local operator may require a check dive, refresher course, private guide or modified dive plan based on recent experience and observed ability.

4. Local operator authority

The operator may change the site, depth, schedule, guide allocation or group arrangement because of weather, currents, visibility, diver ability, equipment, marine park rules or other safety considerations.

A diver may be prevented from joining a dive where the operator reasonably considers the dive unsuitable. Safety decisions are not overridden by website descriptions or an expected itinerary.

5. Personal responsibility during diving

Divers must:

• attend briefings and follow the instructions of the dive professional and boat crew;
• remain within certification, training, gas, depth, decompression and personal comfort limits;
• perform appropriate buddy, equipment and gas checks;
• monitor depth, time, gas supply, no-decompression status and ascent rate;
• maintain appropriate buoyancy and avoid contact with the reef or wildlife;
• end or decline a dive whenever they feel unwell, unprepared or uncomfortable;
• report equipment issues, illness, incidents and changes in fitness promptly.

6. Equipment

Personal equipment should be suitable, maintained and familiar to the diver. Rental equipment must be checked for fit and function before entering the water. Responsibility for maintenance remains with the equipment owner or provider, while the diver remains responsible for pre-dive checks and reporting concerns.

7. Diving conditions

Many Coral Triangle sites can involve strong or changing currents, negative entries, drift diving, walls, remote boat operations and limited surface support. Conditions can change quickly and may differ from general seasonal descriptions.

Where a surface marker buoy, reef hook, audible signal, dive computer or other item is required or recommended, divers should know how to use it correctly.

8. Alcohol, drugs and medication

Do not dive while impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs, unsafe medication, fatigue, illness or dehydration. Seek qualified medical advice about medication and fitness to dive.

9. Insurance and emergency planning

Appropriate insurance covering diving accidents, hyperbaric treatment, evacuation and repatriation is strongly recommended and may be required by an operator. Carry policy and emergency assistance details. See the Travel Insurance page for a general checklist.

10. Wildlife and environmental responsibility

Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. Divers must follow local marine park rules and operator guidance, maintain respectful distance, avoid touching, feeding, chasing or obstructing animals, and secure gauges and equipment to prevent reef contact.

11. Photography

Photography does not take priority over buoyancy, gas awareness, buddy contact or guide instructions. Photographers should advise the operator in advance so that sites, groups and guide ratios can be planned appropriately where possible.

12. Non-divers and snorkellers

Non-diving activities also depend on weather, sea state, local rules and participant ability. Snorkellers and boat guests must follow crew instructions, use required safety equipment and disclose relevant limitations to the responsible operator.

13. General information only

This page does not replace professional dive training, a medical assessment, operator briefings or emergency procedures. Nothing on the website should be interpreted as authorisation to undertake a dive beyond personal training and capability.

14. Contact

General questions about destination suitability may be sent to expeditions@coraltriangle.eu. Final suitability and operational decisions belong to the responsible local operator.