Things to keep in mind when you are diving in the Maldives - Rules for visiting the underwater world

When you are going to the sea for diving tours, make sure you don’t drop anchors at places inhibited with corals. The anchors can crush and kill them that could result in disrupting the eco-system. Always moor the boat in diving sites. Touching the corals is not the best thing to do when you’re diving. Dragging tools and equipment along the reefs is also advised against. The polyps are very sensitive, and they can die from the slightest touch. Also, some corals are poisonous, and they could give you harsh rashes or wound your skin.

Some corals would look strong and solid and hanging on to them would keep you from moving with the current. This would kill the polyps on the coral and damage the reef. If you must hold on to a coral, make sure it is a dead one.

The swift surges from the kick of the fins would harm the polyps. When you walk in shallow areas try your best to keep the sand settled. Sand particles too have a harmful effect on corals.

when you are underwater, make sure you don’t break the corals or remove them, even if they are dead. Same goes with collecting shells. Spearfishing is prohibited as is collecting shellfish and lobsters. Shipwrecks are protected by the law so make sure you don’t disrupt the sites.

Don’t leave any plastic or polythene on the beach or waters. Take back everything you brought with you and prevent others from littering as well. Animals such as turtles and seagulls mistake polythene for fish and jellyfish. This threatens their lives and would harm the ecosystem. Cigarette butts shouldn’t be thrown to the sea as well.

They might get used to it and behave aggressively when there are humans around. Most importantly, feeding them interrupts their natural eating habits. Also, the food you give them would be harmful to their health.

Buoyancy control is one of the most important things you should pay attention to. If you dive in too fast and hard, you can damage the sensitive structures of corals. Practice your buoyancy until you perfect it.

Underwater caves are beautiful and should be preserved. They are very sensitive to disruptions and should take great care of them. Don’t spend a lot of time in caves as the air bubbles coming from you can get caught in the roof of the cave. This would cause the small creatures and organisms to dry as there won’t be any water on them. If you are planning on visiting a cave, take turns in checking out the inside of it. That would cause less damage. Many a Maldives beach villa the likes of Velassaru Maldives give you instructions on how to conserve the marine life. Make sure you abide by the rules and save the beautiful underwater life for generations to come.