Russell Islands

Follow the liveaboard's rules even when the site looks easy. Carry a computer and SMB, keep a sensible gas reserve, avoid solo diving, avoid planned decompression, and stay close enough to the guide for tender pickup. Do not enter caves or cuts unless they are part of the guided recreational route, and do not push point dives in strong current. Wait at least 24 hours before flying after repetitive diving. Freedivers should use buddies and surface support, avoid overhead spaces and avoid breath-hold training after scuba dives.

Honiara is the main medical and recompression support hub, but chamber capability, staffing and evacuation logistics should be treated as limited and time-sensitive. Divers outside Honiara may need emergency transport before treatment. Carry travel insurance and dive accident coverage that specifically include recompression treatment, medical evacuation and remote-area coordination. Keep DAN or equivalent emergency numbers, operator emergency contacts and passport details accessible offline.

Use a strict look-only ethic. Do not touch coral, collect shells, move relics, chase turtles, ride marine life, feed fish or wear gloves unless a safety role requires them. Avoid sunscreen slicks by using clothing first and reef-safe products second. Keep fins off coral and silt at White Beach. Customary reef ownership and local no-fishing areas are part of the conservation system, so pay access fees through legitimate operators and follow village instructions. Historic WWII material should be photographed, not handled.