Rodrigues

Choose trips to match certification and recent experience, not site marketing. Ask the captain about pass tide direction, surface pickup, current, wind exposure, a working oxygen kit, radio/phone communications, guide-to-diver ratio, gas plan and whether an ambulance or vessel can reach the launch. Do not enter operator-described grottos/tunnels or other overhead terrain without proper training and authorisation. For freediving, do not practice alone or hyperventilate; use trained one-up-one-down rescue supervision (DAN). Before flying, DAN suggests minimum surface intervals of 12 hours after one no-decompression dive and 18 hours after repetitive/multiday no-decompression diving; longer is prudent and any symptoms require medical evaluation before flight.

The Rodrigues health-services listing identifies Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Creve Coeur and local health centres (government health statistics). The tourism office gives Queen Elizabeth Hospital ambulance contact as +230 832 1500. A Mauritian diving association identifies the publicly available recompression chamber at Victoria Hospital, Candos, on Mauritius main island (local chamber guidance); this is not proof of current chamber uptime or rapid Rodrigues-to-Mauritius evacuation. Before booking, ask an operator and insurer who authorises air evacuation, estimated transfer pathway and how after-hours hyperbaric access is confirmed. Call local emergency services first in any medical emergency.

SEMPA forms part of the Rodrigues island marine protected-area framework. The 2009 Rodrigues Regional Assembly regulations prohibit placing structures, removing sand/rock or interfering with heritage items without authorisation; dumping pollutants and damaging marine flora/fauna are prohibited. Additional current zoning, fishing, vessel, research, drone or snorkeling permissions were not fully verified; ask the managing authority before special activities. Do not touch coral, collect shells, feed fish, chase turtles or anchor on living reef. Use authorised guides for Ile aux Cocos bird-reserve access; observe any nesting restrictions. Local conservation work can be supported through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.