Shakotan Peninsula

Before Entering the Water

Agree the site, depth, route, turn conditions, buddy responsibilities, boat recall and exit. Check the fit and operation of unfamiliar thermal equipment before the main dive. Let the guide change or cancel the itinerary when the actual conditions or the least-experienced participant require it. S55 S11

For freediving, use qualified supervision and a capable dedicated buddy, and never hyperventilate. Surface snorkeling also needs a plan for current, vessel traffic, fatigue and cold. Neither shallow water nor flotation establishes safety. S42 S44

After the Last Scuba Dive

For asymptomatic recreational divers, DAN recommends at least 12 hours before flying after one no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive or multiday diving. Longer intervals reduce risk further; required-decompression dives need substantially longer than 18 hours. Plan an adequate surface interval before flights or significant altitude exposure. Do not fly with symptoms that could indicate decompression illness. S41

The Shakotan Municipal National Health Insurance Clinic in Bikuni is a verified local general-care facility, telephone +81-135-44-2175. Its listing describes scheduled care, not a round-the-clock emergency department or recompression service. No operational Shakotan recompression facility was verified. S37

For a serious incident, activate local emergency services first: 119 for ambulance/fire, or 118 for an emergency at sea. Give the harbor or site, vessel details, callback number and diving history. DAN can advise the treating team and help coordinate appropriate care. Do not delay assessment while searching for a chamber or self-route to one whose availability is unknown. S38 S39 S40 S54

Before departure, ask about oxygen, communications, trained first-aid personnel and evacuation arrangements. DIVE-BiDS advertises oxygen and an AED, but that claim must not be generalized to every operator or taken as an audit of the specific boat's readiness. No fixed rescue or transfer time is asserted. S12

The relevant coast forms part of Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Regulated actions vary by zone and can require permission or notification. Park status is not permission to enter any harbor, launch from any beach or bypass a closure. Use the exact access agreed with the operator and follow posted instructions. S35 S36

Treat the visit as observation and photography only. Hokkaido fisheries rules and the Shiribeshi anti-poaching notice constrain unauthorized collection, including abalone and sea cucumbers. Do not collect marine life, shells or seaweed as part of a dive or snorkel outing; a recreational booking provides no harvesting right. S53 S36

Maintain buoyancy, keep fins and equipment off the bottom, and leave eggs and attached animals undisturbed. Do not touch, feed, pursue or corner wildlife. Let an animal leave and follow the guide's distance instructions. Take litter ashore and use designated land paths.