Miyako Islands

Stay within current certification, logged experience and no-decompression limits; ask an operator to mark where surface access ceases and to propose an open-water route instead. A touristic "Advanced" label for Toriike, Satans Palace or Antoni Gaudi cannot authorize cave or cavern penetration without dedicated training, specialized gas/line/light procedures and guide competence. W-Arch also needs site-by-site depth/current assessment. Dive with a buddy and surface signaling capability, with emergency oxygen available on the vessel. DAN recommends at least 12 hours before flight after a single no-deco dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive or multi-day no-deco diving; decompression profiles call for substantially longer and specialist advice. These are minimum risk-reduction guidelines, not guarantees. Never freedive alone or hyperventilate before breath holds.

For a serious incident call 119 for ambulance or 118 for marine rescue. Okinawa Prefectural Miyako Hospital lists emergency services (main 0980-72-3151). Miyakojima Tokushukai Hospital lists hyperbaric oxygen equipment (0980-73-1100), but website equipment descriptions do not demonstrate chamber availability, diver-specific treatment protocols or around-the-clock staffing. Emergency clinicians must direct stabilization, oxygen and transfer decisions. Specialist support or evacuation off island may be needed, especially during storm closures. Carry coverage for diving, treatment and medical evacuation; do not call a hospital instead of 119 during a medical emergency.

Yabiji was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 2013; do not assume unrestricted reef landing, harvesting or independent anchoring. Choose operators following local fishery and reef-use arrangements, use moorings when instructed, do not stand on or touch live coral, and never remove shells or wildlife. Avoid contact with sea turtles, do not chase or feed animals, and follow beach-area signs. The Churaumi Council has a voluntary JPY 500 reef contribution and funds coral-related conservation and mooring infrastructure. For the distinct Pumpkin Cave/Bora Kubakundai experience, current local tourism reports conservation-use agreement rules requiring approved guide access; verify the controlling authority before considering a tour.