Taiwan issues diving safety guidelines — Taipei Times

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration has released new advisory guidelines on snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving following a series of diving incidents. The document is intended to improve the safety of participants in water activities and more clearly define the regulatory framework for operators, Taipei Times reports.

Training and equipment requirements

The guidelines define snorkeling as diving with a mask, fins or a snorkel. Scuba diving involves the use of a mask, fins, a snorkel and breathing equipment, while freediving means diving without breathing devices.

According to the document, people engaged in scuba diving or freediving must hold a qualification certificate issued by Taiwanese or international diving organizations. They must also meet internationally recognized training standards, including requirements concerning age, health condition, basic swimming skills, marine safety awareness, supervision and accompaniment.

For scuba diving, full breathing equipment is recommended: a regulator, buoyancy compensator and air cylinder. Freediving equipment includes a snorkel, mask, wetsuit and surface identification devices.

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Incidents and responsibility

Earlier this month, a student diver died after a training dive at Bat Cave in New Taipei City’s Ruifang District. According to the publication, when sea conditions deteriorated, he suffered hypoxia, lost consciousness and died. On the previous Sunday, six divers were trapped by high waves near Longdong in New Taipei City’s Gongliao District. The coast guard rescued them, and no injuries were reported.

Violations of the Tourism Development Act, including engaging in water activities in prohibited areas, carry a fine of up to NT$50,000. For commercial operators, the maximum fine can reach NT$200,000. Other violations concerning facilities, personnel or certification requirements will be handled by authorized bodies.

Wu Pinyu, secretary-general of the Taiwan Freediving Development Association, called the guidelines an important first step in clarifying responsibilities and obligations. The Tourism Administration said that the document is advisory in nature and can serve as a reference for local authorities, national park and national scenic area administrations, site managers, diving organizations and divers themselves.