Maintain Good Buoyancy Control
One of the most important aspects of responsible diving is buoyancy control. Poor buoyancy can lead to accidental contact with coral, stirring up sediment, and disturbing marine life.
Tips for Better Buoyancy:
- Practice neutral buoyancy in shallow water before your dive (don’t be shy to ask our guides for help and reminders if you need a refresher – no judgement!)
- Use slow, relaxed breathing to maintain balance.
- Adjust your Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) in small increments.
- Avoid touching the reef or seafloor with your hands or fins.
Never Touch Marine Life or Coral
Corals are delicate living organisms that can take years to grow but only seconds to destroy. Many marine creatures have protective coatings or defences that can be damaged by human contact.
Respect Marine Life:
- Don’t touch or chase marine animals.
- Avoid standing on or kicking coral.
- Refrain from feeding fish, as it disrupts their natural behaviour.
- Observe from a safe distance and use your camera instead of your hands.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Avoid Pollutants
Certain sunscreens contain harmful chemicals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) that contribute to coral bleaching.
Eco-Friendly Tips:
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, biodegradable).
- Avoid using excessive lotions, oils, or shampoos before diving.
Avoid Disturbing the Seafloor
Some marine creatures, like nudibranchs, seahorses and octopuses, rely on camouflage and live among sand, corals, or rocks. Kicking up sediment reduces visibility and can harm small organisms.
How to Prevent This:
- Use a gentle frog kick instead of a flutter kick.
- Stay horizontal and avoid resting on the bottom.
- Be mindful of your entry and exit points
Keep Your Equipment Secure
Dangling equipment like gauges, cameras, or dive torches can accidentally hit and damage marine life. Before entering the water, make sure everything is tightly secured.
Follow Responsible Photography Practices
Underwater photography is a great way to capture marine beauty, but it should never come at the expense of marine life.
Ethical Photography Tips:
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- Never manipulate or move marine creatures for a better shot.
- Avoid using a bright flash or torch on sensitive animals like seahorses.
- Keep a safe distance to avoid stressing marine life.
Respect Marine Protected Areas and Local Regulations
Many dive sites in Bali and around the world are marine protected areas (MPAs) with specific rules to help conserve biodiversity.
How to Be a Responsible Diver:
- Follow local diving guidelines and briefings.
- Do not remove shells, corals, or artefacts from the ocean.
- Support dive operators that promote eco-friendly diving and are Green Fins members
Participate in Ocean Conservation Efforts
Being a responsible diver doesn’t stop once you surface. There are many ways to give back to the ocean and help protect marine ecosystems.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Join beach and underwater clean-ups.
- Support eco-conscious dive shops that prioritise sustainability, Intrinity is a PADI Eco dive centre
- Educate others about the importance of marine conservation.
- Refuse single-use plastics to minimise ocean pollution.
Dive Responsibly with Intrinity Divers!
Environmental responsibility is one of our core values at Intrinity Divers. We are immensely proud of our status as a PADI Eco Diver centre and Green Fins gold membership and are committed to being responsible stewards of our beloved Bali ocean. Join us for responsible dive trips, marine conservation programs, and sustainable diving experiences.
