Cesme Peninsula

Use a TSSF-authorized dive center and follow the competent guide, boat operator and permit conditions. The 2025 TSSF directive specifies supervised introductory scuba with a limit of 5 m and minimum age 12, recognizes foreign dive certificates, and requires operator authorization. Maintain buddy procedures, confirm no-decompression profiles, and do not enter Monem or Yatak Odasi overheads without appropriate training and explicit lawful access. Ask about oxygen, first aid, communications and the emergency pickup site. Winds and current may make exposed island and wreck dives inappropriate even when a town beach is calm. Freedivers must use competent dedicated surface safety rather than relying on casual snorkel companions. No swimming with or pursuit of protected seals.

For a diving emergency call 112 and describe the dive history, symptoms and exact boat location. The Cesme Alper Cizgenakat State Hospital reports a 24-hour emergency department. A Bozyaka hospital page documents an Izmir hyperbaric service, but it was published in 2024 and does not verify a chamber team, bed or acceptance at the time of an accident. Follow emergency-dispatch and specialist medical direction rather than traveling independently to a chamber. DAN recommends timely emergency medical assessment, trained oxygen first aid and coordination for suspected decompression illness. After scuba diving, leave an appropriate no-fly interval per dive profile and training guidelines.

Do not touch or collect archaeological material, remove animals or marine growth, feed wildlife, or scrape reefs with fins. The Mediterranean Conservation Society explains that occupied Mediterranean monk seal caves are legally protected from diving, swimming, vessels, stopping and anchoring at their entrance. The fact that tourism brochures describe historic seal caves is not an invitation to visit them. Keep vessels and anchors away from seagrass wherever it occurs, follow local protected-area restrictions, and keep respectful distance from any seal or ray seen by chance.