Do’s & Don’ts
Underwater, animals will try to evade your touch so please respect this rule. There is nothing to gain from touching marine life. This applies to turtles, eels, rays and other animals that may appear within reach. Often, animal attacks result out of fear or self-defence when they perceive a threat by humans.
Reef animals are easily stressed so please be mindful about this too. Remember, you are the guest. Harassing animals can disrupt feeding or mating patterns. In the case of turtles, it can drive them away from a dive site altogether, depriving other divers of the pleasure of seeing them.
Besides spoiling the beautiful scenery, litter can endanger the lives of marine animals. Many a turtle has suffocated to death from empty plastic bags. Cans, bottles and styrofoam take decades or even centuries to degrade in their environment. Throw litter in a bin or take it back with you after a dive trip.
Even dead corals play an important role in the reef eco-system and should not be taken.
Despite all precautions, accidents do happen in all water sports. In diving, the cost of medical treatment, particularly if it is an emergency, is very high. Thus, take up dive insurance which is not expensive at all. Most reputable dive centres offer this.
Coral reefs are home to many beautiful and fascinating creatures. Snorkelling or diving are great ways to explore this spectacular undersea world but must be done carefully as reefs are very fragile and easily damaged.
You too can do your part by observing basic rules when diving. Firstly, do not touch, break off or scrape coral reefs. The thin membranes covering these animals (yes, that is what they are) ensure their survival. It is highly
recommended to keep your self-pressure gauges secured onto or strapped within your BCD. Having them dangle below you whilst diving may pose a hazard to corals.
Secondly, check and maintain positive buoyancy throughout your dive in order to prevent snagging or brushing against the corals. Even the flapping of fins poses a threat that often goes unnoticed by divers themselves.
For more information on the above and other conservation matters, contact:
- DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES MALAYSIA
- Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry Malaysia
- Wisma Tani
- Level 1-6, Tower Block 4G2
- Precinct 4
- 62628 Putrajaya
- Tel: 603-8870 4000
- Fax: 603- 8889 2460
- E-mail : hqhelp@dof.gov.my
- Website : www.dof.gov.my
