Campbell River and the Discovery Islands

Marine Scuba

• Plan from the actual site tidal-current prediction and skipper briefing. CHS publishes Seymour Narrows current data; tide height does not establish safe current.
• Oceanfix describes live-boat drift pickup and strong tidal flow. Confirm certification, check-dive requirement, drysuit competence, SMB, whistle, buddy, surface pickup and maximum depth before departure.
• Its FAQ specifies drysuits from October through June and strongly recommends drysuits at other times. It lists cold water from approximately 6°C to 12°C.
• Wreck penetration, overhead spaces, deeper profiles and technical dives require separately supported training, gas planning and authorization; none is guaranteed by a standard charter.

Freediving

• Dated PFI teaching exists, but no independent course-site clearance or daily guided freediving circuit was validated. Train with a qualified instructor and never freedive alone or in known tidal channels without a safety organization.

Freshwater Snorkeling

• BC Hydro states John Hart operations can alter water level quickly. Leave the river immediately if warning sirens sound; do not attempt a float if releases, current, conditions or route/exit permission are unverified.
• Rental gear does not imply a guide. Cold water, submerged obstacles, anglers, spawning habitats and wildlife require an appropriate local safety plan.

Surface Tours and Weather

• Review marine forecast, ferry advisories and DFO whale-distance regulations for the intended day. Do not approach, pursue or swim with cetaceans.

North Island Hospital Campbell River and District at 375 2nd Avenue has an emergency department, but its listing alone does not establish local hyperbaric treatment, 24-hour specialist diving medicine or any particular evacuation time. In a suspected dive injury, call 911 first, activate the boat operator's emergency plan, provide emergency oxygen if trained and available, and consult DAN emergency assistance (+1-919-684-9111). At sea, the Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF 16 and *16 where supported. Verify oxygen stock, communications coverage, evacuation destination and chamber referral through the actual operator before the first dive.

• The waters and lands are connected to the Ligwiłdaxw peoples, including We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah. Obtain local permission where required, obey community signage and do not treat culturally significant coastal access as unrestricted.
• DFO Area 13 rules identify specific year-round restrictions on spear fishing and collecting marine life while diving in the defined Campbell River/Discovery Passage area. These are harvesting rules, not a ban on recreational viewing scuba. Other closures can change.
• Shellfish can accumulate toxins, and DFO contamination closures change frequently. Do not harvest or eat shellfish from closed waters.
• DFO 2026 whale law requires staying 1 km from Southern Resident killer whales in designated southern BC waters through May 31, 2027; other year-round marine mammal distances and exceptions apply. Boat-based observation is not a swim-with-whales program.
• Never touch, move or feed wildlife, collect anemones/corals, or disturb salmon or their redds. Minimize fin contact with rich benthic growth.
• BC Clean, Drain, Dry practices reduce invasive species transfer between freshwater and marine ecosystems.