Al Lith and Farasan Banks

For the offshore itinerary, verify Advanced Open Water/CMAS equivalency, logged-dives minimum, Nitrox status, currency of practice and current-handling competence with the vessel in writing. DUNE and Saudi Master Farasan Banks pages state 50-dive requirements, whereas an Al Ahlam package snippet erroneously implies no prerequisite. On Saudi Master planned decompression and solo dives are not allowed and the recreational maximum is 40 m, further constrained by certification. Check computers, buddy group, SMB, pickup signals, boat oxygen and emergency training before sailing. Weather and guides can cancel exposed sites. As a separate choice, Al Lith lagoon training is advertised for novices. DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs Al Ahlam Marine - Our Packages Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina Divers Alert Network - What To Look for on a Dive Boat

A Jeddah provider, Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital Hyperbaric Oxygen Service, explicitly lists decompression sickness and other diving accident treatment. No verified chamber, response time or staffed retrieval capability was established for the Banks themselves or for Al Lith. Before paying, require the vessel's actual medical action plan, oxygen endurance, radio/satellite communications, offshore evacuation coordination, intended receiving hospital and backup. In a suspected diving injury, call Saudi emergency services, administer oxygen if trained and equipped, seek urgent medical assessment, and consult DAN. The DAN flying-after-diving guidance suggests at least 18 hours after repetitive no-decompression dives, with a longer safety margin prudent. Do not fly with symptoms.

Follow marine-zone limits, operator instructions and required permits. Saudi NCW/SWSDF guidance says not to touch, feed or interfere with animals, not to anchor on coral or seagrass, not to dump waste and not to spearfish in marine-activity contexts. Saudi Red Sea Authority guidelines require designated areas and appropriate authorizations. Avoid reef contact and leave corals and shells in place; do not chase spring whale sharks at Shib Habil. The NCW Farasan Islands reserve is located in the Jazan region and must not be mistaken for an established protected designation over all Farasan Banks. Confirm any route-specific sanctuary, seasonal restriction or landing permit with licensed operators and authorities.