the open ocean here is powerful and unpredictable.

Follow these essential safety rules — they can literally save your life.

⚠️ BASIC SAFETY RULES

1. Never dive alone

Always dive with a buddy. One dives, one watches.

Your partner must stay ready to assist if blackout or shallow-water blackout happens.

2. Know your limits

Stay within 70–80% of your max depth and breath-hold from training.

Don’t push your limits in the open ocean. Conditions change fast.

3. Use a surface buoy with a dive flag

Bright orange or red buoy, with “Diver Down” flag.

Attach a line (10–15 m) — your safety anchor if current drifts you away.

4. Proper weight and gear

Neutral buoyancy at around 10 m depth.

If you feel weak or panic — drop your weight belt immediately.

Use long freediving fins for efficiency and safety.

🌊 OCEAN CONDITIONS AROUND SIARGAO

5. Currents and rip tides

Strong rip currents often appear near reef breaks.

Don’t fight the current — swim parallel to the shore until you escape the pull.

6. Sharks and large fish

Most sharks here (reef, blacktip) are calm.

Avoid keeping bleeding fish on your body — store your catch on the buoy.

Do not dive at dusk or night — shark activity increases.

7. Boats and local traffic

Local fishermen and boats often run close to shore with no flags.

Stay clear of busy boat routes.

Always tow a visible buoy — stay connected by at least 10 m of line.

🧠 PHYSIOLOGY & FIRST AID

8. Blackout (loss of consciousness)

Signs: tunnel vision, disorientation, sudden weakness.

Your buddy should lift your head above water, remove mask, and use “blow–tap–talk” method.

Do not shake or panic — support and monitor breathing.

9. Barotrauma (pressure injury)

Never force equalization.

If you feel pain or hear a “pop” in your ears — stop diving for at least 24 hours.

If bleeding from ear/nose occurs — get out immediately.

10. Hydration & sun protection

Drink 1 liter of water an hour before diving.

Avoid heavy drinking right after diving.

Wear sun protection, cap, or a thin wetsuit (3 mm) — the tropical sun burns fast.

🔫 SPEARFISHING RULES

11. Shoot only clear targets

Never aim at shadows or near other divers.

Be aware of what’s behind your target — ricochet from rock can be deadly.

Always secure your spear gun with a proper line (not tied to your hand).

12. Handling your catch

Keep fish on a separate line or float.

If a shark approaches, stay calm, face it, and move away slowly — never turn your back or splash.

📋 BEFORE YOU GO – CHECKLIST

✅ Mask & snorkel

✅ Fins

✅ Float & dive flag

✅ Knife (leg or belt)

✅ Weight belt with quick release

✅ Dive buddy

✅ Dive plan & location

✅ Someone on land knows your return time

Respect the ocean — it’s not a swimming pool.

With the right preparation and awareness, you’ll have unforgettable and safe dives in Siargao’s waters.