Krabi (Ao Nang and Railay)

• Boats and surfacing: carry an SMB and deploy it for ascents and safety stops. Ao Nang, Railay, and Phi Phi have heavy longtail and speedboat traffic.
• Seasonal sea state: May to October can bring cancellations and rough crossings. If a captain calls it, believe them.
• Currents and surge: corners and channels around Phi Phi can run, especially on spring tides. Stay close to the guide and avoid separating from the group.
• Overhead environments: caverns and swim-throughs exist at several sites. Do not enter overheads without training, gas planning, and a qualified guide.
• Heat management: dehydration and sun exposure are common. Hydrate before boat days and use sun-protective clothing.

Krabi has hospitals and clinics for routine care, and serious dive injuries are typically coordinated through regional dive medicine networks. On the Andaman coast, Phuket has established hyperbaric and dive medicine services, and DAN can help coordinate care and evacuation.

• DAN: keep your dive insurance details and the emergency hotline available before every boat day.
• Recompression and hyperbaric care: Phuket's diving medicine services are a common referral point for the west coast.
• Oxygen: confirm that your operator carries functional emergency oxygen and has a clear evacuation plan for Phi Phi trips.