Pohnpei and Nearby Atoll Excursions

• Match the pass to the diver. Manta Road, Palikir Bridge and outside channels may have fast tidal currents and challenging exits. Do not use a generic beginner rating, calm surface photo or manta promotion as a safety assurance. Require a guide-led site/tide decision, surface-marker protocols, safe pickup arrangements, cylinder/gas review and an alternative sheltered site. Pohnpei Eco-Adventure | North Side Dive Sites; Pohnpei Eco-Adventure | Snorkeling.
• Verify emergency resources before leaving the quay. Ask if the actual boat has usable emergency oxygen, first-aid-trained staff, radio or alternate communications, serviceable engine, appropriate flotation, headcount procedures and an agreed hospital evacuation route. None was independently audited. Divers Alert Network | Emergency Assistance; Pohnpei Tourism Office | Tour Operators.
• Treat optional atolls separately. Owner and MPA permission, safe crossing, vessel fit for Pakin reef access, landing and the ability to return are distinct requirements. Have a weather backup and do not improvise overnight accommodation. Pohnpei Tourism Office | Outer Atolls; Pohnpei Eco-Adventure | Ahnd and Pakin Atolls.
• Protect breath-hold divers and snorkelers. No dedicated freedive center or managed line was verified. Do not dive alone, hyperventilate, or send a surface swimmer into a pass without a qualified buddy/rescue plan. For a mixed scuba/snorkel boat insist on a dedicated water supervisor for the snorkel group. Pohnpei Tourism Office | Tour Operators; Pohnpei Eco-Adventure | Snorkeling.
• Recreational boundaries are real. Avoid untrained overhead cave entries, technical wreck penetration, decompression diving or depth targets unsupported by a specialist operation. Check up-to-date dive insurance and flight-after-diving guidance, especially before infrequent flights. Divers Alert Network | Emergency Assistance.

Pohnpei State Hospital in the Nett area is described by the Japanese Foreign Ministry as the island's main hospital; its October 2024 medical advisory lists +691 320 2215 and states decompression-chamber treatment in Pohnpei and Chuuk was not operational at that time. This does not establish what chamber facilities are working in October 2026. Obtain directly updated chamber and evacuation information from DAN, the dive operator and your insurer before entering the water. Serious diving injuries, trauma, drowning or acute illness may require off-island transfer, complicated by flight frequency and weather. The U.S. State Department lists 911 for emergency services. DAN Emergency Hotline: +1 919 684 9111 (24-hour emergency assistance). Provide 100% oxygen to a suspected diving casualty if appropriately trained/equipped, seek medical evaluation immediately and follow DAN/emergency clinician advice rather than attempting self-directed air evacuation. Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs | FSM Medical Advisory; U.S. Department of State | FSM Travel Advisory 2026; Divers Alert Network | Emergency Assistance.

The State-origin MPA rules cover marine resource protection, permits, restrictions on harvesting and unauthorized use, and a specifically described Kehpara seasonal snorkel/scuba prohibition January-June. The age and operative status of this rule must be confirmed with the current Department of Land and Natural Resources and operator. Do not anchor on coral, stand on reefs, handle mantas/turtles/sharks, take marine life, feed fish or disturb nesting bird islets. Ahnd/And is a UNESCO biosphere reserve as well as subject to private ownership and customary management; Pakin has inhabited/community areas and protected reefs. Approved operator access is not universal consent for all beaches or islets. Nan Madol is an active heritage-conservation site on UNESCO's 2026 danger list; follow authorized paths and cultural guidance, and leave structures untouched. Pohnpei State | Marine Protected Area Regulations (mirrored); Pohnpei State | MPA Use Permit Form (mirrored); UNESCO | Biosphere Reserve Registry; Pohnpei Eco-Adventure | Ahnd and Pakin Atolls; UNESCO | Nan Madol 2026 Committee Decision.