Dive operators urged to assess divers' competency prior to diving in Sipadan

By Olivia Miwil

September 30, 2019 @ 2:06pm

SEMPORNA: Tour operators have been urged to be more responsible in handling divers especially at world renowned dive sites like Sipadan island.

Semporna Professional Divers Association president Abdul Razak Ismail was commenting on a social media post by Facebook user Kelly Gibbs about divers being “carried” around by dive masters at the South Point off Sipadan island.

Some netizens queried if the move by Sabah Parks to increase the number of daily Sipadan diving permits from 120 to 176 in May has led operators in taking more divers there regardless of their skills.

A certified and competent diver should be able to control his or her buoyancy and move around independently.

Abdul Razak added that dive operators should play their roles and dive marshals should monitor such activities at the island.

“There should be a check dive a day before they (divers) go to Sipadan island and there should not be discovery scuba diving (for non-divers) at the island.

“The checks are the same as orientation dives and after that, dive masters will be able to choose appropriate dive sites based on the competency of divers,” he said when contacted.

He said divers with poor buoyancy would likely destroy marine live and also endanger their lives following the strong currents in Sipadan.

He said check dives and briefings should also be conducted for non-local dive masters for them to better understand Sipadan prior to bringing their guests.

“It is best for dive operators to hire local dive masters who are familiar with their own areas.

“But it is worrying that operators are more keen on having dive masters from overseas just because the hiring cost is lower compared to professional local guides,” Abdul Razak said, adding that he hopes the state government would continue to provide courses for locals to assist the development of the dive industry in Sabah.