Thailand Bans Cameras for New Divers

In a bid to reduce damage to corals, the Thailand government has put the kibosh on inexperienced divers with cameras, now permitting only divers certified to Advanced Open Water level or those with a logbook proving at least 40 scuba dives to dive with a camera. They must provide proof of such entitlement, and instructors and assistants who fail to warn non-compliant tourists could have their licenses revoked. For snorkelers, the rules stipulate that the water level must be at least six feet above the coral to minimize disturbance.

Some of us might be concerned that new divers have enough to think about without being distracted by trying to take good photographs, which could put more than the coral at risk. I once saw a new diver leave his group while pursuing a fish photograph. Distracted, he ran out of air. Although he made it to the surface, he failed to inflate his BC manually or drop his weights. Sadly, he drowned. You can read about it here: https://tinyurl.com/mtj4aht2

-- John Bantin