The Directorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has imposed a cap on the number of dives that scuba diving professionals can conduct in a day, citing concerns over safety compliance and quality standards among some registered diving centres in the Islands.
According to an official directive, it has come to the notice of the Directorate that certain registered Scuba Diving Centres are not fully adhering to prescribed safety, supervision and service quality norms laid down under the Guidelines for Scuba Diving Centres in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the terms and conditions issued at the time of registration.
In response, the administration has decided to regulate the workload of dive professionals, including Dive Instructors and Dive Masters, as part of efforts to prioritise diver safety and ensure strict regulatory compliance in the fast-growing marine tourism sector.
As per the new direction, all registered scuba diving centres and operators must ensure that each dive professional conducts a maximum of four dives per day. The order has been made effective immediately.
Officials indicated that the move is aimed at preventing fatigue among dive professionals, ensuring better supervision of divers, and maintaining the overall quality of diving experiences offered to tourists. The Islands are a major hub for scuba diving in India, attracting both domestic and international visitors, and underwater activities form a key component of the tourism economy.
The Directorate has made it clear that non-compliance will be dealt with seriously. Any violation of the advisory could invite strict action, including cancellation of the centre’s registration, depending on the nature and extent of the breach.
The step comes amid a broader push by the administration to standardise adventure and water-based tourism activities through updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety norms, as the region witnesses increasing tourist footfall and expanding marine tourism offerings.
Operators have been directed to align their schedules and staffing patterns with the new limit without delay, reinforcing the administration’s message that safety and regulatory discipline will remain central to tourism development in the Islands.
