Attend briefings and stay within buddy and depth limits.
Use an SMB for any free ascents. Stay close to mooring lines when ascending in chop.
Head counts and roll calls are strict. Report back on time after each dive.
Night dives occur only with operator approval and lights.
For minke whale swims, follow the endorsed Code of Practice and remain on the rope lines.

Mossman Multi-Purpose Health Service serves the Port Douglas area with emergency capability, and Cairns Hospital is the main tertiary center. The regional hyperbaric and recompression facility is at Townsville University Hospital. Divers should carry DAN coverage and declare any medical conditions on operator forms.

Box jellyfish and Irukandji can occur, especially Nov-May. Wear stinger suits, follow lifeguards, and rinse vinegar on tentacle contact.

Do not swim in creeks, rivers, or mangroves. Obey crocodile warning signs and keep well back from water edges.

Attend briefings and stay within buddy and depth limits.
Use an SMB for any free ascents. Stay close to mooring lines when ascending in chop.
Head counts and roll calls are strict. Report back on time after each dive.
Night dives occur only with operator approval and lights.
For minke whale swims, follow the endorsed Code of Practice and remain on the rope lines.

Box jellyfish and Irukandji can occur, especially Nov-May. Wear stinger suits, follow lifeguards, and rinse vinegar on tentacle contact.

Do not swim in creeks, rivers, or mangroves. Obey crocodile warning signs and keep well back from water edges.

Use public moorings and respect no-anchoring areas that protect fragile reef flats.

Jun-Aug trade winds create surface chop. Choose larger vessels and morning departures for smoother rides.

Use public moorings where provided and avoid anchoring near coral.
Green Zones are no-take. Fishing and collecting are not allowed there.
Do not chase or handle turtles, sharks, or rays. No feeding wildlife.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid standing on coral.
Participate in operator-led reef briefings and citizen science when available.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
Emergency Services	Police, Fire, Ambulance	000	24/7
DAN World Emergency Hotline	Diving medical advice and evacuation	1800 088 200	24/7 within Australia
Cairns Hospital	Tertiary emergency department	+61 7 4226 0000	24/7
Townsville Hyperbaric Medicine Unit	Recompression chamber and HBOT	+61 7 4433 2080	24/7 duty hyperbaric physician

Port Douglas

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts