Pre-dive Briefings

As you know already, a pre-dive briefing provides important information such as safety, the dive plan and what divers might see on the dive itself. However, it is also important to include environmental aspects to this.

Photo of fish on coral reef with scuba diver in the background. Source: Unsplash
Two divers exploring the amazing underwater world

Top Tip

To engage your divers, integrate environmental messages within the rest of the briefing rather than adding them at the end. If you are not used to this, practice first on your own or with a friend so it becomes more natural!

Here is a video outlining why it is important to give an environmental briefing: 

Key points to include:

  • No touch policy. 
  • Do not step on coral. 
  • Respect marine life, give them space.
  • Don’t feed fish or other marine life.
  • Try not to stir up sediment.
  • Explain local rules, regulations or any specific Marine Protected Areas (MPA) laws and make sure to respect them.
  • Encourage the use of environmentally-friendly sun-protection. Mention that chemicals in some sunscreens can kill corals and suggest using hats and clothing for sun protection instead, or looking for sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide and non-nano titanium oxide. Educate them that ‘Reef-Safe’ is not a reliable term.
  • Ensure that your divers are only using environmentally friendly products in general, so they are not released harmful chemicals into the water.
  • You might help them out underwater if you see them causing harm to the environment.
  • Remind them to keep all equipment secure and clip or tuck in gauges to make sure there is no dangling equipment that can catch and damage corals or other marine life.
  • Inform photographers that they must pay particular care and attention to their surroundings whilst taking photos.

The Green Fins Icons lists some environmental elements to consider when working as a dive guide and the reasons why divers are asked to do them. Note that you don’t have to overload your guests in every briefing, but include a few of these important environmental points in your briefings each time.

For your briefing, make sure you pick 3-5 of the most relevant environmental elements according to location, dive conditions and your guests’ ability and habits.

Top Tip

Consider the use of a release form (pictured below) to make sure your divers are aware of environmentally friendly guidelines and are more likely to follow them.