Report Thailand Bans Underwater Photography for Diving Trainees to Protect Corals

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

In efforts to protect fragile marine ecosystems, Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has enacted a new regulation forbidding scuba-diving trainees and instructors from taking underwater photographs during training and examination dives. This directive, signed by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, was officially published in the Royal Gazette.

 

The ban underscores urgent conservation measures aimed specifically at preserving the country's critically endangered corals, which have suffered significant damage from diving activities. The new rule stipulates that any underwater photography must be conducted by qualified divers who have completed the Advanced Open Water course through recognised organisations such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI), or the Advanced Scuba Diver course from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), or an equivalent qualification.

 

Additionally, the ministerial order imposes restrictions on snorkelling activities over corals in shallow waters. Individuals are prohibited from snorkelling where seawater depths are less than two metres above coral formations and are required to wear life vests unless they have completed scuba diving or freediving courses.

 

 

 

Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, indicated that any diving operators found infringing on these regulations could face legal consequences. Violators risk receiving a jail term of up to two years and/or fines reaching 200,000 baht, in accordance with the Act on the Promotion of Marine and Coastal Resources Management.

 

This new directive reflects a pivotal move to safeguard Thailand's marine biodiversity and highlights a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in diving and related activities. By restricting underwater photography to only qualified divers, the ministry aims to mitigate further harm to coral ecosystems while promoting responsible and eco-friendly diving practices.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-25

 

 

 

[johng]

How on earth does taking a photo endanger coral ?

[connda]

10 minutes ago, johng said:

How on earth does taking a photo endanger coral ?

The gamma-ray ocular quantum gizmo-convert kills coral when the lens aperture opens and the sound of the shutter causes coral to commit suicide.  Fact!  Honest to goodness.  Cameras and coral - deadly combination!!! 🐠

[Moonlover]

11 minutes ago, johng said:

How on earth does taking a photo endanger coral ?

This is a very sensible ruling.

 

It's not the photo that endangers the coral, it's the trainee diver who has yet to master the all important skills of breath and buoyancy control. I've seen many a diver concentrating so much on getting the perfect shot that they loose touch with their orientation and drift into reef.

 

Learn to dive first, then consider taking a camera with you.

[johng]

12 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

Learn to dive first, then consider taking a camera with you

Why can't the instructor take a photo ?

[Ben Zioner]

47 minutes ago, johng said:

How on earth does taking a photo endanger coral ?

To be a good UW photographer you need total control of your buoyancy, trainee divers don't, therefore they will damage corals [mostly] with their fins when taking photographs.

 

To make sense they should ban anyone who hasn't obtained a UW photography certification. Also, diving operators shouldn't take anyone they haven't checked out to sensitive areas, they should be held responsible for any damage.

[johng]

Yeah, well I think I'll just give the whole thing a big fat pass,  perhaps many others will now too  loads of red tape and even jail time not even a photo to remember it by,  no thanks.