The Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has initiated the process of revising existing Scuba Diving Guidelines to improve operations and align the underwater adventure tourism sector with international best practices.
The initiative comes after detailed consultations with leading dive training and certification agencies. The expert inputs received during these consultations have been considered while framing the draft amendments to ensure the guidelines are comprehensive, practical, and uphold global standards of safety and sustainability.
The draft revised guidelines are now being placed in the public domain for a 30-day period to encourage transparency and wider participation. The Directorate has invited feedback, comments, and suggestions from all stakeholders, including registered dive centres, operators, the general public, and concerned line departments. The feedback will be reviewed and relevant suggestions incorporated into the final version of the guidelines.
All responses are requested to be submitted to the Directorate of IP&T at Sri Vijaya Puram by November 14, 2025. Contributors are asked to provide their comments in a prescribed format, detailing the existing paragraph number of the draft guidelines along with proposed suggestions or comments for consideration.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance safety standards, sustainability, and overall quality of diving experiences in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Officials emphasized that the revised guidelines will help streamline operations, ensure better regulatory oversight, and maintain the region’s reputation as a safe and world-class destination for underwater adventure tourism.
The draft revised guidelines are accessible on the official website of the Tourism Department at https://tourism.andamannicobar.gov.in. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to review the draft carefully and submit constructive suggestions to help refine the guidelines further.
This move reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting responsible and safe tourism while engaging the community and industry experts in the decision-making process. By involving stakeholders in the consultation, the Directorate aims to foster collaborative governance and ensure that the final guidelines support sustainable growth in the scuba diving and marine adventure sector.
With scuba diving being a key attraction in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, these revisions are expected to improve operational standards, reduce risks, and boost the overall experience for both local and international tourists, thereby enhancing the Islands’ position as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
The 30-day public consultation period provides a platform for dive operators, enthusiasts, and citizens to actively contribute to shaping policy that governs underwater tourism, ensuring it remains safe, sustainable, and aligned with international norms.
