🇩🇰Denmark

Before the dive: Check the DMI marine forecast, local current, waves, water quality, port/bridge restrictions, site visibility and weather escape options. Under Danish maritime rules, recreational water activity is restricted in or near listed shipping routes, routeing systems, passage bridge spans and port entrances without appropriate permission. Diving with breathing equipment from shore must be marked by the international Alpha (A) flag. Observe local A-flag positioning and lighting requirements. Avoid ferries, bridge piers and harbor entrances unless an appropriately authorized local operator confirms a safe plan. Underwater: Never exceed training or planned gas and no-decompression limits; maintain buddy contact and preserve a controlled ascent. No untrained wreck or cave penetration. Freediving needs a trained in-water safety buddy, one-up/one-down supervision, no hyperventilation and an emergency action plan. On suspected illness or injury, activate 112, provide oxygen if trained and available, and seek medical evaluation without self-directed flying or delayed treatment.

In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 and tell responders the exact coast, access point, coordinates if known, dive profile and possible decompression illness. Denmark has modern regional hospitals, but the nearest emergency department need not contain a recompression facility. The Rigshospitalet hyperbaric service in Copenhagen is documented as a nationwide referral center; emergency transfer and chamber choice must be coordinated by medical services rather than organized independently. Provide first aid and oxygen when trained. After contacting local emergency services, DAN can provide 24-hour diving-medical consultation at +1 919 684 9111. Remote Bornholm shores and weather-dependent boats require a realistic evacuation plan.

Protected underwater Danish cultural heritage, including remains more than 100 years old and certain specially designated younger wrecks, must not be disturbed or altered. Never remove artifacts, anchor into a wreck or enter fragile wreckage. Marine habitats include eelgrass, kelp beds, boulder reefs and sensitive porpoise areas. In Little Belt Nature Park, avoid chasing, feeding or swimming with porpoises; use responsible wildlife watching. The Ertholmene/Christianso nature reserve protects terrestrial and coastal features, with bird nesting access restrictions April 1 to June 15 and further boat-distance rules. Natura 2000 or nature-park designation alone neither creates a nationwide dive fee nor gives unrestricted access. Check each local regulation, avoid seabed contact, leave marine life untouched and carry out all waste.