KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

2.3 Responsible Diving Etiquette
The tour guide should be an excellent example of responsible diving etiquette, and
should be prepared to explain good diving etiquette. The responsible and caring tour
guide does the following:
• Does not touch, handle, or provoke any marine organism.
• Does not stand, rest fins, or hold onto corals. If you must touch the reef to steady
yourself in currents, use a reef hook or only your fingertips on dead part of the
reef or coral covered in algae.
• Does not alter or deface anything on the reef.
• Does not collect or remove any corals, sea grass, algae, or any other marine
organisms.
• Secures equipment such as gauges and alternate air sources so that they do not
drag over the reef.
• Avoids kicking up sand because stirred up sediment can settle on coral and
smother it.
• Does not harass marine life, a good guide observes marine inhabitants from a
distance.
• Does not dispose of his/her or tourists’ garbage in the ocean.
• Does not throw anchors indiscriminately, because it causes irreparable damage
to the reefs.
• Uses recyclable containers whenever possible to reduce waste.
• Does not spearfish with scuba gear.
Information Source: 1994. The Environment, Inc. Tour Guide Handbook
2.4 CORAL-FRIENDLY SNORKELING GUIDELINES
Coral reefs are one of the world’s most spectacular marine habitats and snorkeling is an
excellent way of exploring them. As coral reefs face an increasingly uncertain future,
snorkelers and other coral reef visitors can play an important role in helping to protect
these fragile habitats by following a few simple guidelines.
Before Setting Out To Explore the Reefs:
• Make sure tourists have the best possible instruction you can give.
• Be sure to practice snorkeling skills in a swimming pool or sandy area until you are
completely comfortable in the water.
• Make sure your equipment fits properly before you snorkel near corals, because it
can be very difficult to adjust in the water.
• If tourists are feeling unsure, have them wear a snorkel vest – many operations
insist on them.
• Learn all you can about coral reefs – they are fascinating and fragile environments.
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