New diving rules introduced to protect marine life

New diving rules have been introduced, in a bid to protect corals and marine animals, including a requirement that only advanced-level divers or those with at least 40 logged dives are allowed to take pictures underwater.

Pinsak Suraswadi, director general of the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, said that any scuba diving classes or examinations must have a separate cameraperson to take images of the diving.

“It is because those who are not professional diving camerapersons tend to destroy corals while taking pictures,” Pinsak claimed.

In recent years, snorkelling and scuba diving have become popular among tourists, particularly because Thailand has multiple diving sites in numerous provinces.

Many diving operators have ignored measures to control divers and lack professional staff to accompany them, resulting in damage to corals and marine life, Pinsak said.

Photo by Chomsri Pakawat

The new rules will limit the number of divers per handler. A group of no more than four divers for scuba diving, and no more than 20 divers for snorkelling and freediving.

Diving classes or examinations must be conducted over sandy sea beds.

Those snorkelling must wear life jackets and stay at least two meters from the coral when snorkelling near reefs, Pinsak said, adding that operators have to train divers properly in correct snorkelling techniques.

Operators who fail to comply with these regulations will face a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht if convicted.