Wednesday, August 15, 2007
More on the Thailand scuba diving regulations
THAILAND RECREATIONAL DIVING REGULATION
Recreational scuba diving is an important tourism activity in Thailand. Diving can contribute to the further
development of tourism only when diving is regarded as safe and enjoyable. Recreational diving in Thailand
continues to maintain and enjoy an excellent safety record.
Section 1: Recognised Diver Training Agencies: Minimum Certification Requirements
1) The minimum certification level for divers wishing to participate in diving in Thailand is an entry level
certification from a Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) associated Diver-training agency or a
1 star Confederation Mondiale Des Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS) certification from a CMAS-affiliated
diver training agency.
2) Other diver-training agency’s entry-level certificates must have as performance requirements for Open
Water Training Dives encompassing the knowledge and skills as outlined in the RSTC entry-level performance
requirements.
3) A diver is required to submit proof of his/her training by means of a diving certificate and to submit
proof of his/her diving experience by means of a logbook.
4) A diver who cannot submit an entry-level or higher certification must be considered a trainee and may
only participate in training dives according to the standards of the training programs as sponsored by the
aforementioned diver training-agencies, until certified as an entry-level diver.
5) A diver who cannot submit proof of his/her dive experience by means of a log book must demonstrate
to the dive instructor that he/she has mastered the skill as outlined in SECTION 11: ORIENTATION
DIVE
Section 2: Supervision of Diving Activities.
1) All diving activities, both land and boat based, must be supervised by Dive Centre Staff either directly
or indirectly. If a Dive Centre Staff is found to be negligent in supervision, the Dive Centre Staff and the
Dive Centre will be subject to appropriate action as deemed fit by the government authorities.
2) In order to function as a Dive Centre Staff, a person must meet all the prerequisites as mentioned under
SECTION 10: RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS OF DIVE CENTRE STAFF.
3) “Direct Supervision” is defined as Dive Centre staff being physically present and in control of the diving
activities and being able to personally evaluate the behaviour of the divers and being capable to prevent
or correct problems when they occur.
4) “Indirect supervision” is Dive Centre Staff organising the diving activity and being available to respond
correctly and timely to problems when they occur.
5) Prior to a dive, a dive briefing has to be given to the divers by the Dive Centre Staff.
6) Certified divers may dive with another certified diver without the immediates supervision of a Dive
Master when environmental conditions are similar to the conditions in which the diver has been trained,
or proof of experience of diving in more demanding conditions can be demonstrated by entries in their
logbooks.
7) Certified divers, who do not have the skill or experience necessary to safely and comfortably dive in
given environmental conditions, must dive under the immediate supervision of Dive Centre Staff.
8) The maximum number of divers on any one dive will be restrcited to six divers plus one dive guide. The
recommended maximum number will be four divers plus one dive guide.
Section 3: Maximum Depth Limitations
1) The maximum depth for all-recreational diving in Thailand is 40 meters.
2) This applies to divers training in Deep Diving Techniques who participate in recreational diving activities
within Thailand, tourists, Dive Centre Staff, Instructors on or off duty and all instructors and
students involved in Advanced and Deep Diving Training. This maximum depth limitation also applies
without exception to diving activities on live-aboard and safari boats.
3) Any person repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation may be excluded from further diving.
Furthermore, any Dive Centre Staff repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation will be subjected
to disciplinary measures as deemed fit by the concerned Thailand Authority.
4) Entry level divers may dive to a depth of 20 meters or within the limits as set forth by standards of their
certification agency, but not exceeding 20 meters.
5) Not until entry-level divers have received training in Deep Diving techniques may they go deeper than
20 meters.
6) Instruction in Deep Diving techniques must be provided in compliance with the standards of the program
the instructor is qualified to teach according to the Diver Training Agencies as mentioned in SECTION
1: RECOGNISED DIVER TRAINING AGENCIES.
7) The fact that an entry level diver is diving under the supervision of an instructor shall not be grounds to
dive deeper than 20 meters unless the diver is trained or is receiving training in Deep Diving Techniques
as per standards.
Section 4: Decompression Dive Limitations.
1) Only no stage decompression diving is allowed in Thailand. This applies to everybody who participates
in diving activities within Thailand, tourists and dive Centre staff, instructors on and off duty, also instructors
and students involved in Advanced and Deep Diving Training. This no-stage decompression
limitation also applies to live-aboard or safari boats. No exception whatsoever is allowed.
2) Any person repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation may be excluded from further diving.
Furthermore, any Dive Centre staff repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation shall be subjected
to disciplinary measures as deemed fit by the concerned Thailand Authority.
Section 5: Dive Centre Requirements
1) All Dive Centres must register with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and obtain an operating license.
2) All Dive Centres must be equipped with pure Oxygen and have an emergency plan ready in case of diving
related accidents. The emergency plan must include mechanisms for:
1) Searching methods in case of missing divers.
2) Providing First Aid Care.
3) Transport method to the next appropriate medical facility.
4) Reporting to the appropriate Authorities (Police, Coast Guard, Tourism Authority of Thailand, etc.)
3) All Dive Centre Staff must be familiar with his/her Emergency Plan and be able to act appropriately.
4) A Dive Centre must have an employed Base Leader who is responsible for the Dive Centre and who is
present at the Dive Centre on a daily basis. In case the Base Leader is absent, an Assistant Base Leader
must assume responsibility for the Dive Centre.
5) A Dive Centre must have adequate equipment spare parts, equipment and course materials for all courses
conducted.
6) A Dive Centre must have a list of all dive services and courses conducted and their rates available in
writing.
Section 6: Dive Centre Equipment
1) Dive Centres must provide well-maintained dive equipment.
2) Dive cylinders must be hydrostatically tested by a facility authorised to do so by the ???
3) Buoyancy Compensators Devices (BCD’s) must be approved for recreational diving by the manufacturer
and must have a Low Pressure Inflator. The BCD must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
4) Regulators must be approved for recreational diving by the manufacturer and must be maintained according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5) Dive Centres must provide Alternative Air Sources, depth and timing devices as standard rental equipment.
Section 7: Standard Equipment for Divers and Instructors
1) During all recreation diving activities divers must be equipped with:
a) Mask, Snorkel, Fins
b) Regulator with submersible pressure gauge and Alternative Air Source or redundant air supply.
c) Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) vest with minimum 6 litres volume, with oral and low presure
Inflator.
d) Time and depth measuring device.
e) The use of dive computers are highly recommended for all divers
f) Emergency signalling device comprising inflatable surface balloon and whistle.
2) During all night diving activities divers must be equipped with:
g) Underwater torch and night signalling device that includes every diver in possession of a marker
light
h) Reflective surface marker buoy (SMB)
3) In addition, all dive instructors supervising diving activities must be equipped with;
j) Knife and emergency signalling device
Section 8: Dive Boats
1) Dive Boats are the responsibility of the Dive Centre and the crew.
2) Dive Boats must have at least a crew of three, and must be dedicated to the safety of the divers and support
the divers in any way they can
3) The Dive boats operated by Dive Centres must be able to communicate to the Dive Centre at all times
during the dive through a functioning walkie-talkie or hand phone and radio telephone or CB set.
4) The Dive boats must have sufficient fuel to make the prearranged dive trips and any changes there to.
5) In case weather conditions deteriorate while divers are under water, the crew must be proficient in recalling
methods.
6) The Dive Centre Staff is responsible for the provision of a spare tank, spare diving equipment, First Aid,
Oxygen Kit, dive flag and a boat ladder that allows for comfortable exit from the water.
7) The Dive Flag illustrated in ANNEX 1 shall be clearly visible when the divers are in the water and must
be lowered when the last diver has exited the water.
8) An operational Search Light must be onboard, in all night dives involving dive boats.
Section 9: Safety Considerations.
1) All Dive Centres must have an Emergency Plan as mentioned under SECTION 5: DIVE CENTRE REQUIREMENTS.
2) The Dive Centre Staff must brief the divers prior to every dive. The brief must include information about
safety regulations, depth limits, dive site characteristics, currents, entry and exit techniques, environmental
considerations and potential hazards.
3) After all dives, a Safety Stop must be made for at least 3 minutes at 5 meters. Divers must commence
their safety stop with a tank pressure not less than 50 bars. A safety stop at 5 metres for 5 minutes is
recommended for all dives deeper than 9 metres.
4) The use of a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is absolutely mandatory for all diving activities.
5) Solitary Diving is NOT allowed under any circumstances.
6) For practical reasons the term “diving” is used to describe recreational diving only. Commercial and
military divers and other occupational divers must adhere to these regulations when participating in
recreational diving activities.
7) Familiarisation sessions with the oxygen equipment must be provided on the dive centre for all dive staff
and this training session must be held at least annually.
8) No exceptions to the Thailand recreational diving regulations are allowed unless expressly permitted in
writing by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Section 10: Recognised Qualifications of Dive Centre Staff.
1) In order to supervise diving activities or exercise leadership in diving activities, a person must: be a Dive
master (RTSC) or 4 Star diver (CMAS) or equivalent as per RSTC standard, have a Work Permit and a
valid Visa if not a Thai national, carry professional liability insurance and personal accident insurance
covering diving accidents and chamber treatment.
2) All training and certification of divers is to be done exclusively by Instructors, who may be assisted by
Assistant Instructors and/ or Dive Masters as per standard.
3) In order to function as an Instructor an individual must, in addition to the above: be certified as an Instructor
(RSTC) or 1 Star moniteur (CMAS) or equivalent as per RSTC standard; be in teaching status
with the diver-training agency whose diver training program he/she chooses to teach. Strictly adhere to
all the standards that apply to the diver-training program he chooses to teach.
4) In order to function as a Base Leader or Assistant Base Leader, an individual must be a Dive Instructor.
Section 11: Orientation Dive
1) If a diver is certified as an entry level diver or above, but cannot show proof of at least 30 dives and/or
has not been diving in the last 3 months, the diver is required to make an Orientation Dive.
2) An Orientation Dive is NOT a test, but is a dive in shallow water under quiet, controlled circumstances,
where the diver is given the opportunity to regain confidence in his/her skills, including but not limited
to: mask clearing, regulator recovery, neutral buoyancy, ascents, descents and alternate air source
breathing.
Section 12: Definitions
1) In this regulation, unless the context otherwise requires:-.
a) “diving” means underwater recreational scuba diving
b) “Dive Centre” means dive schools, dive bases and all other parties that provide diving services for
tourists
2) Following are some of the abbreviations used by International Diving Associations stated in this
regulation;
PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors
NAUI - National Association of Under Water Instructors
RSTC - Recreational Scuba Training Council
CMAS - Confederation Mondiale Des Activities Subaquatiques
SCUBA - Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
BARACUDA - Baracuda International .Aquanautic Club
VIT -Verband Internationaler Tauchschulen (Association of International Diving Schools)
POSEIDON - Poseidon Nemrod International Diving Club
SSI - Scuba Schools International
CHAPTER THREE: DIVING GUIDELINES
Section 1: Planning the Dive
1) It is essential to “PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN”. Dive centres must be aware of any
changes to the dive plan of the dive boat and divers.
Section 2: Weather Checks
1) It is recommended that dive centres keep aware of local weather conditions and inform divers of any
special conditions at each dive site prior to the dive.
Section 3: Low-Risk Conditions
1) Maximum depth of dive site does not exceed 20 m
2) Swell and/or wave height does not exceed 0.5 m
3) Current is nil to slight (diver can swim against it with minimum exertion)
4) Underwater visibility is greater than 4 m
5) Dive starts and ends in full daylight
Section 4: Prohibited Dives
1) Decompression dives
2) Dives deeper than 40 m
3) Dives less than 24 hours before flying (a pressurised aircraft)
4) Dives in restricted /no dive areas
Section 5: Diver Qualifications
1) A diver must present the following documents to the dive centre:
a) Dive certification card from a recognised agency that allows the person to dive without supervision
in open water.
b) Completed diver registration form at the dive centre.
c) An orientation dive may be required for persons who have not dived within the last 3 months. The
dive centre may impose restrictions on a diver’s activities on the basis of his/her logged experience.
Section 6: Dive Tables and Computers
1) Use of dive tables and dive computers are highly recommended for all divers.
2) Dive tables must be available at the dive base for divers to workout their dives manually.
Section 7: Dive Flag
1) The wide transport activities around Thailand make it essential that divers mark their presence clearly.
Therefore, any boat with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform
other boat users. In Thailand the daytime signal for divers is the International Code Flag “A” (white
and blue split flag) as an indication of a submerged diver (Annex 1). The flag must be at least 750mm in
length and 600mm in width.
2) Dive flag can be used anywhere where divers are diving and should always be displayed by dive boats
when it has divers in the water. The use of dive flag is to signal any boat, jet-ski or anybody else in the
vicinity that divers are underneath and hence should keep distance, or take care when approaching.
Section 8: Diving from Boats
1) For all dives away from the dive centre, it is recommended that a person with the following qualifications
and experience remains on the surface during diving operations:
a) A boat driving/captains license from the Habour Department of Thailand and with significant experience.
b) Dive Centre staff with adequate knowledge of the dive location or other person approved by the Base
Leader.
c) First aid certificate.
d) Oxygen resuscitation and therapy certificate or PADI /DAN Oxygen Provider Course.
Section 9: Cylinder Pressure Testing
1) Those who are professionally engaged in the filling of compressed air are forbidden to fill aluminium
cylinders that have not been hydrostatic pressure tested within the last five years and steel cylinders that
have not been hydrostatic pressure tested within the last two years. Persons employed by dive centres to
fill cylinders (such as compressor boys) must be made aware of these regulations.
Section 10: Environment Protection
1) As responsible divers, reasonable care should be taken to protect the marine environment, its associated
living organisms and their habitats. Divers should be briefed by the dive instructor on responsible
behaviour whilst diving, such as buoyancy control, avoiding damage to corals and physical contact with
marine animals. Shark feeding is NOT permitted for the divers and the dive centre staff alike.
2) Activities that are detrimental to marine protected areas and protected species and their habitats are
prohibited. Marine Protected Areas are living marine aquariums. Look but don’t touch is the message in
these areas, and ONLY permitted activities can take place. Protected areas, as their name suggests, are
there to protect typical areas of the coral reef system, and its resident fish and other animals, in as near
to a pristine condition as possible.
3) Permit to dive in marine protected areas may be required. Please check before you venture.
4) Diving with gloves will not be permitted on any dives with the following exceptions: wreck dives and
mooring line ascents and descents.
Section 11: Damage Due to Anchoring
1) Dive boats are not allowed to anchor on dive sites. Drift boat diving is the norm in Thailand. Boat anchors
destroy fish habitats especially corals and even sea-grass beds. If anchoring is required for any
reason, prevent reef damage by anchoring in sandy areas or using mooring buoys.
Section 12: Diving for Commercial Fishing & Marine Research
1) Diving for marine resources and marine research are not covered under these regulations. Permission
should be obtained from the concerned government authorities before engaging in such activities.
Recreational scuba diving is an important tourism activity in Thailand. Diving can contribute to the further
development of tourism only when diving is regarded as safe and enjoyable. Recreational diving in Thailand
continues to maintain and enjoy an excellent safety record.
Section 1: Recognised Diver Training Agencies: Minimum Certification Requirements
1) The minimum certification level for divers wishing to participate in diving in Thailand is an entry level
certification from a Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) associated Diver-training agency or a
1 star Confederation Mondiale Des Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS) certification from a CMAS-affiliated
diver training agency.
2) Other diver-training agency’s entry-level certificates must have as performance requirements for Open
Water Training Dives encompassing the knowledge and skills as outlined in the RSTC entry-level performance
requirements.
3) A diver is required to submit proof of his/her training by means of a diving certificate and to submit
proof of his/her diving experience by means of a logbook.
4) A diver who cannot submit an entry-level or higher certification must be considered a trainee and may
only participate in training dives according to the standards of the training programs as sponsored by the
aforementioned diver training-agencies, until certified as an entry-level diver.
5) A diver who cannot submit proof of his/her dive experience by means of a log book must demonstrate
to the dive instructor that he/she has mastered the skill as outlined in SECTION 11: ORIENTATION
DIVE
Section 2: Supervision of Diving Activities.
1) All diving activities, both land and boat based, must be supervised by Dive Centre Staff either directly
or indirectly. If a Dive Centre Staff is found to be negligent in supervision, the Dive Centre Staff and the
Dive Centre will be subject to appropriate action as deemed fit by the government authorities.
2) In order to function as a Dive Centre Staff, a person must meet all the prerequisites as mentioned under
SECTION 10: RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS OF DIVE CENTRE STAFF.
3) “Direct Supervision” is defined as Dive Centre staff being physically present and in control of the diving
activities and being able to personally evaluate the behaviour of the divers and being capable to prevent
or correct problems when they occur.
4) “Indirect supervision” is Dive Centre Staff organising the diving activity and being available to respond
correctly and timely to problems when they occur.
5) Prior to a dive, a dive briefing has to be given to the divers by the Dive Centre Staff.
6) Certified divers may dive with another certified diver without the immediates supervision of a Dive
Master when environmental conditions are similar to the conditions in which the diver has been trained,
or proof of experience of diving in more demanding conditions can be demonstrated by entries in their
logbooks.
7) Certified divers, who do not have the skill or experience necessary to safely and comfortably dive in
given environmental conditions, must dive under the immediate supervision of Dive Centre Staff.
8) The maximum number of divers on any one dive will be restrcited to six divers plus one dive guide. The
recommended maximum number will be four divers plus one dive guide.
Section 3: Maximum Depth Limitations
1) The maximum depth for all-recreational diving in Thailand is 40 meters.
2) This applies to divers training in Deep Diving Techniques who participate in recreational diving activities
within Thailand, tourists, Dive Centre Staff, Instructors on or off duty and all instructors and
students involved in Advanced and Deep Diving Training. This maximum depth limitation also applies
without exception to diving activities on live-aboard and safari boats.
3) Any person repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation may be excluded from further diving.
Furthermore, any Dive Centre Staff repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation will be subjected
to disciplinary measures as deemed fit by the concerned Thailand Authority.
4) Entry level divers may dive to a depth of 20 meters or within the limits as set forth by standards of their
certification agency, but not exceeding 20 meters.
5) Not until entry-level divers have received training in Deep Diving techniques may they go deeper than
20 meters.
6) Instruction in Deep Diving techniques must be provided in compliance with the standards of the program
the instructor is qualified to teach according to the Diver Training Agencies as mentioned in SECTION
1: RECOGNISED DIVER TRAINING AGENCIES.
7) The fact that an entry level diver is diving under the supervision of an instructor shall not be grounds to
dive deeper than 20 meters unless the diver is trained or is receiving training in Deep Diving Techniques
as per standards.
Section 4: Decompression Dive Limitations.
1) Only no stage decompression diving is allowed in Thailand. This applies to everybody who participates
in diving activities within Thailand, tourists and dive Centre staff, instructors on and off duty, also instructors
and students involved in Advanced and Deep Diving Training. This no-stage decompression
limitation also applies to live-aboard or safari boats. No exception whatsoever is allowed.
2) Any person repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation may be excluded from further diving.
Furthermore, any Dive Centre staff repeatedly and deliberately violating this regulation shall be subjected
to disciplinary measures as deemed fit by the concerned Thailand Authority.
Section 5: Dive Centre Requirements
1) All Dive Centres must register with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and obtain an operating license.
2) All Dive Centres must be equipped with pure Oxygen and have an emergency plan ready in case of diving
related accidents. The emergency plan must include mechanisms for:
1) Searching methods in case of missing divers.
2) Providing First Aid Care.
3) Transport method to the next appropriate medical facility.
4) Reporting to the appropriate Authorities (Police, Coast Guard, Tourism Authority of Thailand, etc.)
3) All Dive Centre Staff must be familiar with his/her Emergency Plan and be able to act appropriately.
4) A Dive Centre must have an employed Base Leader who is responsible for the Dive Centre and who is
present at the Dive Centre on a daily basis. In case the Base Leader is absent, an Assistant Base Leader
must assume responsibility for the Dive Centre.
5) A Dive Centre must have adequate equipment spare parts, equipment and course materials for all courses
conducted.
6) A Dive Centre must have a list of all dive services and courses conducted and their rates available in
writing.
Section 6: Dive Centre Equipment
1) Dive Centres must provide well-maintained dive equipment.
2) Dive cylinders must be hydrostatically tested by a facility authorised to do so by the ???
3) Buoyancy Compensators Devices (BCD’s) must be approved for recreational diving by the manufacturer
and must have a Low Pressure Inflator. The BCD must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
4) Regulators must be approved for recreational diving by the manufacturer and must be maintained according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5) Dive Centres must provide Alternative Air Sources, depth and timing devices as standard rental equipment.
Section 7: Standard Equipment for Divers and Instructors
1) During all recreation diving activities divers must be equipped with:
a) Mask, Snorkel, Fins
b) Regulator with submersible pressure gauge and Alternative Air Source or redundant air supply.
c) Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) vest with minimum 6 litres volume, with oral and low presure
Inflator.
d) Time and depth measuring device.
e) The use of dive computers are highly recommended for all divers
f) Emergency signalling device comprising inflatable surface balloon and whistle.
2) During all night diving activities divers must be equipped with:
g) Underwater torch and night signalling device that includes every diver in possession of a marker
light
h) Reflective surface marker buoy (SMB)
3) In addition, all dive instructors supervising diving activities must be equipped with;
j) Knife and emergency signalling device
Section 8: Dive Boats
1) Dive Boats are the responsibility of the Dive Centre and the crew.
2) Dive Boats must have at least a crew of three, and must be dedicated to the safety of the divers and support
the divers in any way they can
3) The Dive boats operated by Dive Centres must be able to communicate to the Dive Centre at all times
during the dive through a functioning walkie-talkie or hand phone and radio telephone or CB set.
4) The Dive boats must have sufficient fuel to make the prearranged dive trips and any changes there to.
5) In case weather conditions deteriorate while divers are under water, the crew must be proficient in recalling
methods.
6) The Dive Centre Staff is responsible for the provision of a spare tank, spare diving equipment, First Aid,
Oxygen Kit, dive flag and a boat ladder that allows for comfortable exit from the water.
7) The Dive Flag illustrated in ANNEX 1 shall be clearly visible when the divers are in the water and must
be lowered when the last diver has exited the water.
8) An operational Search Light must be onboard, in all night dives involving dive boats.
Section 9: Safety Considerations.
1) All Dive Centres must have an Emergency Plan as mentioned under SECTION 5: DIVE CENTRE REQUIREMENTS.
2) The Dive Centre Staff must brief the divers prior to every dive. The brief must include information about
safety regulations, depth limits, dive site characteristics, currents, entry and exit techniques, environmental
considerations and potential hazards.
3) After all dives, a Safety Stop must be made for at least 3 minutes at 5 meters. Divers must commence
their safety stop with a tank pressure not less than 50 bars. A safety stop at 5 metres for 5 minutes is
recommended for all dives deeper than 9 metres.
4) The use of a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) is absolutely mandatory for all diving activities.
5) Solitary Diving is NOT allowed under any circumstances.
6) For practical reasons the term “diving” is used to describe recreational diving only. Commercial and
military divers and other occupational divers must adhere to these regulations when participating in
recreational diving activities.
7) Familiarisation sessions with the oxygen equipment must be provided on the dive centre for all dive staff
and this training session must be held at least annually.
8) No exceptions to the Thailand recreational diving regulations are allowed unless expressly permitted in
writing by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Section 10: Recognised Qualifications of Dive Centre Staff.
1) In order to supervise diving activities or exercise leadership in diving activities, a person must: be a Dive
master (RTSC) or 4 Star diver (CMAS) or equivalent as per RSTC standard, have a Work Permit and a
valid Visa if not a Thai national, carry professional liability insurance and personal accident insurance
covering diving accidents and chamber treatment.
2) All training and certification of divers is to be done exclusively by Instructors, who may be assisted by
Assistant Instructors and/ or Dive Masters as per standard.
3) In order to function as an Instructor an individual must, in addition to the above: be certified as an Instructor
(RSTC) or 1 Star moniteur (CMAS) or equivalent as per RSTC standard; be in teaching status
with the diver-training agency whose diver training program he/she chooses to teach. Strictly adhere to
all the standards that apply to the diver-training program he chooses to teach.
4) In order to function as a Base Leader or Assistant Base Leader, an individual must be a Dive Instructor.
Section 11: Orientation Dive
1) If a diver is certified as an entry level diver or above, but cannot show proof of at least 30 dives and/or
has not been diving in the last 3 months, the diver is required to make an Orientation Dive.
2) An Orientation Dive is NOT a test, but is a dive in shallow water under quiet, controlled circumstances,
where the diver is given the opportunity to regain confidence in his/her skills, including but not limited
to: mask clearing, regulator recovery, neutral buoyancy, ascents, descents and alternate air source
breathing.
Section 12: Definitions
1) In this regulation, unless the context otherwise requires:-.
a) “diving” means underwater recreational scuba diving
b) “Dive Centre” means dive schools, dive bases and all other parties that provide diving services for
tourists
2) Following are some of the abbreviations used by International Diving Associations stated in this
regulation;
PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors
NAUI - National Association of Under Water Instructors
RSTC - Recreational Scuba Training Council
CMAS - Confederation Mondiale Des Activities Subaquatiques
SCUBA - Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
BARACUDA - Baracuda International .Aquanautic Club
VIT -Verband Internationaler Tauchschulen (Association of International Diving Schools)
POSEIDON - Poseidon Nemrod International Diving Club
SSI - Scuba Schools International
CHAPTER THREE: DIVING GUIDELINES
Section 1: Planning the Dive
1) It is essential to “PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN”. Dive centres must be aware of any
changes to the dive plan of the dive boat and divers.
Section 2: Weather Checks
1) It is recommended that dive centres keep aware of local weather conditions and inform divers of any
special conditions at each dive site prior to the dive.
Section 3: Low-Risk Conditions
1) Maximum depth of dive site does not exceed 20 m
2) Swell and/or wave height does not exceed 0.5 m
3) Current is nil to slight (diver can swim against it with minimum exertion)
4) Underwater visibility is greater than 4 m
5) Dive starts and ends in full daylight
Section 4: Prohibited Dives
1) Decompression dives
2) Dives deeper than 40 m
3) Dives less than 24 hours before flying (a pressurised aircraft)
4) Dives in restricted /no dive areas
Section 5: Diver Qualifications
1) A diver must present the following documents to the dive centre:
a) Dive certification card from a recognised agency that allows the person to dive without supervision
in open water.
b) Completed diver registration form at the dive centre.
c) An orientation dive may be required for persons who have not dived within the last 3 months. The
dive centre may impose restrictions on a diver’s activities on the basis of his/her logged experience.
Section 6: Dive Tables and Computers
1) Use of dive tables and dive computers are highly recommended for all divers.
2) Dive tables must be available at the dive base for divers to workout their dives manually.
Section 7: Dive Flag
1) The wide transport activities around Thailand make it essential that divers mark their presence clearly.
Therefore, any boat with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform
other boat users. In Thailand the daytime signal for divers is the International Code Flag “A” (white
and blue split flag) as an indication of a submerged diver (Annex 1). The flag must be at least 750mm in
length and 600mm in width.
2) Dive flag can be used anywhere where divers are diving and should always be displayed by dive boats
when it has divers in the water. The use of dive flag is to signal any boat, jet-ski or anybody else in the
vicinity that divers are underneath and hence should keep distance, or take care when approaching.
Section 8: Diving from Boats
1) For all dives away from the dive centre, it is recommended that a person with the following qualifications
and experience remains on the surface during diving operations:
a) A boat driving/captains license from the Habour Department of Thailand and with significant experience.
b) Dive Centre staff with adequate knowledge of the dive location or other person approved by the Base
Leader.
c) First aid certificate.
d) Oxygen resuscitation and therapy certificate or PADI /DAN Oxygen Provider Course.
Section 9: Cylinder Pressure Testing
1) Those who are professionally engaged in the filling of compressed air are forbidden to fill aluminium
cylinders that have not been hydrostatic pressure tested within the last five years and steel cylinders that
have not been hydrostatic pressure tested within the last two years. Persons employed by dive centres to
fill cylinders (such as compressor boys) must be made aware of these regulations.
Section 10: Environment Protection
1) As responsible divers, reasonable care should be taken to protect the marine environment, its associated
living organisms and their habitats. Divers should be briefed by the dive instructor on responsible
behaviour whilst diving, such as buoyancy control, avoiding damage to corals and physical contact with
marine animals. Shark feeding is NOT permitted for the divers and the dive centre staff alike.
2) Activities that are detrimental to marine protected areas and protected species and their habitats are
prohibited. Marine Protected Areas are living marine aquariums. Look but don’t touch is the message in
these areas, and ONLY permitted activities can take place. Protected areas, as their name suggests, are
there to protect typical areas of the coral reef system, and its resident fish and other animals, in as near
to a pristine condition as possible.
3) Permit to dive in marine protected areas may be required. Please check before you venture.
4) Diving with gloves will not be permitted on any dives with the following exceptions: wreck dives and
mooring line ascents and descents.
Section 11: Damage Due to Anchoring
1) Dive boats are not allowed to anchor on dive sites. Drift boat diving is the norm in Thailand. Boat anchors
destroy fish habitats especially corals and even sea-grass beds. If anchoring is required for any
reason, prevent reef damage by anchoring in sandy areas or using mooring buoys.
Section 12: Diving for Commercial Fishing & Marine Research
1) Diving for marine resources and marine research are not covered under these regulations. Permission
should be obtained from the concerned government authorities before engaging in such activities.
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