Gizo and Western Province

Use an SMB on boat dives, follow tide and current briefings and keep computers conservative on repetitive profiles. Toa Maru, Shark Point, Uepi Point and cave or overhead sites should be reserved for suitably trained divers with a guide. Do not penetrate wrecks or caves beyond training, do not freedive alone and do not mix aggressive breath-hold diving with scuba on the same day. Ask each operator where oxygen, first aid, communications and evacuation plans are located before the first dive.

Gizo Hospital provides provincial medical support, while the National Referral Hospital and the Solomon Islands Dive Chamber are in Honiara. Evacuation from Western Province can involve boat, domestic aircraft or special transport, and may be costly or delayed by weather. Carry dive evacuation insurance, consider DAN or equivalent coverage and consult a travel clinician about malaria prevention, dengue avoidance, routine vaccines and personal medications before travel.

Do not touch coral, ride turtles, chase sharks, collect shells or move WWII artifacts. On Tetepare and other conservation sites, follow ranger instructions, avoid lights and noise around turtle nesting beaches and never handle hatchlings unless a ranger explicitly directs a conservation action. Use moorings where provided, avoid anchoring on coral, keep reef-safe sun protection on your packing list and ask permission before photographing people, shrines or village areas.