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New Rules for Divers and Snorkelers
Ocean conservation and sustainable tourism go hand in hand. In other words, we support all actions undertaken to protect and conserve delicate coral reef ecosystems in Thailand.
The information in this page contains the new regulations that fall under the "Measures for the Protection of Coral Reef Resources from Diving Tourism Activities, B.E. 2568 (2025)" as issued by the "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment".
Stricter Diving and Snorkeling Regulations
The main purpose of the new marine protection rules is to lessen the damage caused to delicate coral reef systems by some (but not all) scuba divers and snorkelers.
Here's what you need to know...
The rulings are strict, they have severe penalties, and they are already in effect, as of the 22nd of April 2025.
We understand the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Act will remain in force for a period of at least five (5) years.
The regulations apply coast-to-coast, but they are particularly relevant for the holiday hotspots in Thailand for divers and snorkelers, such as Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.
New Rules for Snorkelers
The most important part of organised snorkeling trips is the briefing that outlines safety protocols and how to use snorkeling equipment, especially the mask and fins.
After April 22nd 2025, further snorkeling regulations are in force to help protect sensitive marine life. Here are the new rules.
Snorkelers MUST:
- Be with a certified operator that is experienced at conducting diving tourism activities for individuals and groups. This also applies to operators who offer introductory scuba diving experiences, scuba training, and diving examinations for the purpose of certifications.
Only float on the water surface or dive below the surface using a mask and snorkel for the purpose of observing coral reefs or marine life when there is a minimum of two (2) metres of water above the reef or ocean floor.- Wear a "suitable" vest for snorkeling (life jacket) while exploring near areas where there are corals (excluding tourists who are certified for freediving).
Snorkelers MUST NOT:
- Make physical contact with coral or underwater organisms, such as touching or kicking with dive fins.
- Stir up sediment (e.g. sand, mud) in such a way that it covers any coral reef area or similar geological feature.
- Move or handle any types of sea life (especially marine creatures).
- Give food to fish or any other kinds of marine life, whether natural (e.g. sea urchins) or unnatural products (e.g. rice).
- Dispose of any waste substances or litter in the sea or on the beach. Reducing garbage pollution in the ocean is a major objective of the new marine protection rules for Thailand in the next few years.
Additional regulations:
There shall be at least one (1) supervisor per group of tourists, not exceeding twenty (20) tourists. In cases where the number of tourists exceeds twenty, an additional supervisor or assistant supervisor may be provided at a ratio of one per group of tourists, not exceeding twenty.
When free diving (breath-hold diving), there shall be at least one (1) supervisor per group of tourists, and not exceed twenty (20) tourists.
Pro Tip: The phrase "coral reef area" refers to any area that contains "living" or "dead" coral polyps, gorgonian sea fans, artificial "man made" reefs, sea anemones (Actiniaria), and any sand or rocky seabed zones interspersed among a reef.
New Rules for Scuba Divers
1. The responsibilities of diving operators include having a supervisor brief participants on all applicable laws and responsible diving practices "BEFORE" any in-water activities begin.
This also means explaining any extra legal requirements in marine protected areas, such as designated marine zones or national parks.
2. There is a stricter ratio of one (1) supervisor per two (2) learners for introductory dive sessions. But, instruction for qualified divers may proceed at a ratio of one (1) instructor per four (4) students, as long as the activities comply with the new coral protection protocols.
3. When conducting deep dives, such as below eighteen (18) metres, one (1) supervisor may oversee up to a maximum of four (4) participants.
4. Now, taking photographs underwater during the diver training or instructional dives is prohibited unless:
- Undertaken by a qualified diver with an Advanced Open Water certification (including PADI equivalent qualifications) or logged at least 40 dives. Furthermore, you may need to provide proof of certification or participation in an accredited underwater photography course.
5. The new prohibitions also ban underwater walking tours and other seabed-based activities near any coral zones.
Rule Enforcement and the Penalties
Tourists who fail to follow the new restrictions, such as refusing to wear a safety jacket, should have the activity suspended with immediate effect. Supervisors are also required to report any violations to the marine or national park authorities.
Dive operators, supervisors, and assistants may have their certification or operating license revoked if they fail to enforce the new marine protection rules in Thailand.
Important: The restrictions do not apply to academic, research, or conservation dives conducted under official supervision.