Zeeland and North Sea:

• Tide planning is mandatory in the Oosterschelde. Aim for slack water, stay out of shipping lanes, and carry an SMB.
• Expect colder water and darker dives. Bring lights, keep close buddy contact, and avoid pushing limits when visibility drops.
• For North Sea wreck trips, go with experienced charter operators, bring redundancy, and expect last-minute weather cancellations.

If you suspect decompression illness, lung overexpansion injury, or a serious freediving incident, treat it as an emergency: call 112, administer oxygen if available, keep the diver warm and hydrated if conscious, and note symptom onset time. Contact a diving medical hotline such as DAN for coordination and referral to hyperbaric care.

Many coastal and estuary areas are protected under strict conservation frameworks. Do not collect shells or artifacts, avoid damaging fragile reef life, and respect access restrictions. In tidal systems, good buoyancy also protects visibility and habitat by preventing silt-outs.