The basic scuba diving code of conduct is a series of rules that outline proper scuba diving practices and responsibilities for individuals, groups of divers, and scuba diving organizations. Following it – and helping to educate others about it – can help improved diver safety and promote a healthy environment. Here, we offer advice for following the scuba diving code of conduct at all times.
Minimum Requirements for Following the Scuba Diving Code of Conduct
Different types of diving, such as cave diving, wreck diving, and other forms of technical diving, come with their own separate codes of conduct, which are additions to the basic code that all divers, regardless of certification level, should follow.
Respect Marine Life: Never touch plants or animals you find underwater, and do not collect souvenirs of any type – even empty shells serve as homes for small aquatic animals. Enjoy watching animals from a respectful distance, and you’ll help them while avoiding potential injuries yourself.
Never Litter: Don’t leave any form of rubbish behind, neither topside nor underwater. It’s always a good idea to pick up any trash you find and dispose of it properly.
Dive Conscientiously: No matter where you dive, work to maintain neutral buoyancy, use careful finning techniques, and never grab onto fragile underwater structures to keep yourself from drifting. This is vital for conserving coral reefs; even a slight bump can cause damage that can take years to restore.
Be Aware of Others: It can be easy to get lost in your own thoughts. Relax and have fun, but be mindful of those around, under, and above you.
Understand Instructor and Divemaster Responsibilities: When an instructor or divemaster provides you with guidance, it is because these individuals have the responsibility to supervise all divers who are assigned to them – not because they’re trying to stop you from having fun. It’s up to them to ensure that divers are not placed into positions that could cause injury to themselves or others, as well as to ensure that divers do not damage the marine environment.
Take Responsibility for Your Own Gear: It’s up to you to keep your gear in good working order and to ensure that it doesn’t dangle and cause the potential for entanglement; in addition, it is important to follow this rule to ensure that your equipment does not cause damage to underwater habitat.
Be Courteous to Local Residents: Divers often head out in the wee hours of the morning, launching boats and enjoying shore dives as the sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. Keep noise at a minimum in residential neighborhoods and be mindful about where you park as well as where you change your clothes!
Don’t Interfere with Fishing Equipment or Harass Anglers: Even if you disagree with common fishing practices, interfering is usually illegal and harassment can get you hurt and cause ire against the scuba diving community. The exception to this rule occurs if you find marine life trapped in disused fishing gear such as a ghost net or tangled filament. Then, it’s best to cut the animal free if you can do so safely. If you find illegal fishing activity, report it to authorities rather than interfering – this increases the odds that the perpetrator will be caught and successfully prosecuted rather than getting away scot-free and continuing to offend.
By following these simple, common-sense rules, you keep yourself and others safe and you help the environment and the creatures living in it. Not only will your fellow divers thank you, you’ll be playing an important role in conserving aquatic environments for the animals and people who depend on them for survival.
Comments
So simple, but many divers just don't follow them all.