Townsville Australia

Dive Planning and On-water Safety

• Treat offshore trips as weather dependent. If wind or swell rises, operators may cancel for safety.
• For the SS Yongala, expect depth near 30 m and current potential. Stay close to the descent line or mooring system, plan gas conservatively, and keep a strict buddy check on ascent.
• Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it. Pick up a refresher if you have not dived recently.
• On reef days, keep excellent buoyancy and fin control to avoid coral contact. Never stand on the reef, even in shallow lagoons.
• In Nov to May, wear a full stinger suit or other approved protection and follow local beach and operator guidance.

Medical Support and Evacuation Reality

Townsville is a regional medical hub for North Queensland and has hyperbaric medicine capability. In a suspected diving injury:

• Call emergency services first if the situation is life-threatening.
• Provide oxygen if trained and available.
• Contact the nearest hospital with hyperbaric capability and follow medical instructions.
• If you have dive accident insurance (for example, DAN coverage), call the emergency hotline as soon as practical after initial stabilization to coordinate care.

Conservation and Rules (this Is Non-negotiable)

• The Great Barrier Reef is managed. Follow Responsible Reef Practices: no touching coral, no chasing or feeding wildlife, and no collecting shells or marine life.
• Use public moorings where provided and never anchor in designated no-anchoring areas. Anchors can destroy coral in seconds.
• The SS Yongala is protected underwater cultural heritage. Do not penetrate the wreck and do not disturb artefacts. Protected zone permit requirements apply.
• Dispose of waste properly. Even small plastics can become lethal to turtles and seabirds.