| Scuba diving is an incredibly exciting and rewarding | | | | gauges and accessories are hazardous to you and to |
| activity and scuba divers are a privileged group. We | | | | marine life. |
| have real life access to a world that others can only | | | | Take specialist training - you need additional |
| imagine from pictures and second hand accounts and | | | | knowledge and training to dive overhead |
| we also have a responsibility to the oceans. | | | | environments (such as caves and wrecks) or to |
| Responsible diving is a part of the overall effort to | | | | venture to greater depths. |
| protect the oceans as diving brings people in contact | | | | Responsibility and good practice underwater and on |
| with marine life and as a result, divers become | | | | land |
| spokespeople for the marine environment they love. | | | | Do not take souvenirs and artifacts. You may - often |
| Obviously, we don't want to be the ruin of the | | | | unknowingly - be disturbing marine life by taking items |
| beautiful oceans that we're so fond of exploring. | | | | out of the water. Collecting is also prohibited by law |
| Unfortunately, some popular dive spots have become | | | | in many areas. Follow the popular saying: "Take only |
| ruined over time because of poor management and | | | | pictures and leave only bubbles." |
| irresponsible divers. | | | | Learn about marine life in the areas you'll be diving. |
| Skills, training and knowledge | | | | Listen to professional guides, safety briefings and |
| Responsible scuba divers possess adequate skills. This | | | | dive briefings. |
| requires practice and training for good buoyancy | | | | Respect local customs and laws. If the reefs are |
| control. This is important especially when diving | | | | out-of-bounds, there is probably a reason. |
| sensitive environments like coral growths and | | | | Do not litter or throw objects into the ocean. Litter is |
| shipwrecks. You should avoid disturbing marine life, | | | | a hazard to marine life and to people. You can also |
| touching them - unless you are certain it is safe and | | | | help by picking up refuse and recyclables on the |
| OK for both you and the marine life - and getting in | | | | shore. Get involved in cleanup campaigns on shore. |
| entanglements. Many organisms are vulnerable to | | | | Take advice from local professionals and follow their |
| even the slightest brushes. | | | | instructions. |
| Planning and preparing for dives is vital - don't put | | | | Dive with responsible operators. Do some research. |
| yourself or others in danger - not to mention marine | | | | There are various national and international |
| life. | | | | certifications and awards for dive shops, schools and |
| Dive within your means (training, ability and | | | | resorts for good environmental practices. |
| confidence level). You should be familiar with your | | | | Get involved with conservation projects - either in |
| equipment and know how to use it. | | | | your local community or during your travels. |
| Your equipment should be streamlined. Dangling | | | | |