Langkawi + Pulau Payar Marine Park

Agree the Dive Before Boarding

• Describe your certification, recent experience and comfort in low visibility. Select the site and supervision accordingly.
• Agree buddy contact, lost-buddy procedures, entry, exit and surface signals. Carry equipment you are trained to use.
• Confirm emergency oxygen, first aid, communications and how an injured diver reaches care.
• If prone to motion sickness, discuss a suitable medicine with a clinician or pharmacist before diving; some products cause drowsiness.

Separate Scuba, Breath-hold Diving and Altitude

DAN's freediving guidance calls for a capable dedicated buddy and no hyperventilation. Do not improvise breath-hold training on a scuba surface interval.

For flying after no-decompression diving, DAN recommends at least 12 hours after a single dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive or multiday diving. Dives requiring decompression need longer intervals and appropriate professional advice. Longer gaps reduce risk; follow a more conservative computer or training recommendation.

SkyCab also involves altitude. Arrange it before scuba or after an appropriate surface interval, not immediately after the boat returns. If dive-injury symptoms occur, do not fly or ascend to altitude while seeking urgent medical advice.

Respond to the Actual Weather

Consult METMalaysia guidance and the marine forecast close to the trip. Storms, current and difficult boarding can cancel either a local or offshore departure. A paid booking is not a reason to enter unsuitable water.

Hospital Sultanah Maliha has a 24-hour Emergency and Trauma Department. The UK government medical-facilities directory lists its telephone as +60 4-966 3333. Ask your operator and assistance provider about evacuation arrangements; do not assume an on-island recompression service is available. Clinicians should organize any specialized treatment or onward transfer.

For suspected decompression illness or another serious diving injury, stop diving, alert the crew and activate 999. Trained responders should provide the highest practical concentration of emergency oxygen and first aid. Contact DAN or your dive-assistance provider after emergency services are activated. Record dive profiles and symptoms. DAN advises medical evaluation even if oxygen improves symptoms; do not return underwater to attempt treatment or travel unannounced to a chamber.

Within Pulau Payar Marine Park

Department of Fisheries rules prohibit removing or damaging living or dead marine resources, fishing equipment, anchoring on reefs, pollution, and diving or snorkeling outside designated areas. Obtain the operator's current park authorization and follow the assigned activity area. Do not assume permission for an independent buoy or training installation.

At Local Reefs and Throughout the Archipelago

• Keep fins and camera equipment clear of coral and sediment; adjust the dive if hovering is difficult.
• Photograph animals where they are. Do not move seahorses, frogfish or other subjects for a better background.
• Observe wildlife without feeding, chasing or handling it, including during topside boat tours.
• Take waste back ashore and avoid putting an anchor on living reef.
• Use clothing and shade for sun protection, with sunscreen as needed. A marketing label alone does not establish environmental harmlessness.

Conservation charges and Payar's published access notices are specific to the park visit. They are not a claim that all local Langkawi diving has the same permit or closure system.