New Diving Rules in Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2026

Dive Smart with These New Andaman Diving Guidelines 2026

Scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been one of the most immersive travel experiences in India. The islands have crystal clear waters, colourful coral reefs and marine biodiversity that attracts divers all over the world. Nevertheless, as the number of tourists and divers grew, a systematic and controlled system became necessary. In reaction, the Andaman government has enacted the new scuba diving regulation in 2026, which has developed an all-encompassing system that is centred on safety, transparency in the operations and environmental safeguarding. These new rules not only change the work of the dive operators but also the tourists, beginners, and certified divers. This guide tells you all you need to know in a practical and easy-to-understand manner, so you can know how these rules will influence your diving experience.

Why the 2026 Diving Rules Matter

The new rules will make Andaman a safe and globally competitive diving destination. These rules are not aimed at limiting diving but to make it more dependable and professionally controlled. 

The Andaman administration has developed a system that is advantageous to both the tourists and the operators by adhering to international training standards and regulatory practices.

The key focus areas include:

• Standardising dive centre operations
• Reducing accidents through strict safety protocols
• Protecting fragile coral ecosystems
• Ensuring accountability and transparency

Understanding the New Scuba Diving Rules of 2026

1. Registration and Legal Framework for Dive Centres

All scuba diving centres are now supposed to be registered before they can operate. This will make sure that only legitimate and abiding operators are permitted to operate in the islands. Dive centres are required to provide business qualifications, instructor qualifications, and business operations.  

Before applying, foreign operators must be issued a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Another need is that all the guidelines should be conspicuously posted in the premises of the dive centre, so that there is awareness among the divers and staff.

Key Registration Details

2. Classification of Dive Centres

The new system will split the dive centres into two groups, which will directly affect the training standards and diving permissions. This categorisation assists in making sure that operators can manage the skill level of divers.

3. Safety Framework: The Foundation of All Operations

The 2026 guidelines are based on safety. Dive centres have now been mandated to have a systematised safety ecosystem, hence being ready to handle any circumstance. The rules do not exist as individual actions, but as a whole safety environment, in which equipment, training of staff, and emergency preparedness interact.  

Also, the instructors should have professional insurance for diving, and operators are liable for the expenses that may occur due to negligence. The presence of a designated base leader or responsible staff member at the dive centre during operations is necessary to ensure that there is constant supervision.

Dive centres must maintain:

• A documented and approved Emergency Action Plan (EAP) must be in place
• Oxygen cylinders and fully stocked first aid kits must be available at all times
• Reliable communication systems, such as radios or walkie-talkies, must be operational
• Certified instructors with valid emergency response and first aid training must be present
• Third-party insurance coverage of at least ₹10 lakh per diver is mandatory
• Professional dive insurance must be held by all instructors and dive staff
• A designated base leader or responsible staff member must be present during operations
• Staff must be trained and familiar with executing emergency procedures effectively
• Immediate access to emergency transport and the nearest medical facilities must be ensured
• Dive centres must maintain safety equipment in working condition at all times
• Regular safety checks and drills must be conducted for staff preparedness
• Proper coordination must be maintained between dive teams and the surface support crew
• Emergency contact details of authorities and rescue teams must be readily available
• Dive centres must ensure compliance with all safety standards before every dive

4. Emergency Action Plan: Structured Response System

An Emergency Action Plan is not only a precaution but an obligatory operational requirement. It makes sure that all the dive centres are ready to be quick and effectively to any emergency.

The plan must cover:

• Missing diver search procedures and recall methods
• Immediate first aid response and on-site medical assistance
• Evacuation and transport arrangements to the nearest medical facility
• Communication with authorities such as the Coast Guard, Police, Tourism Department, and Port authorities
• Emergency contact details of hospitals, rescue teams, and relevant authorities
• Clear roles and responsibilities of dive staff during an emergency
• Availability and use of emergency oxygen and first aid equipment
• Coordination between the dive boat crew and the shore-based support team
• Procedures for handling diving-related injuries, such as decompression sickness or barotrauma
• Continuous communication between the dive site and the base station during emergencies
• Incident reporting and documentation after the event
• Regular training and drills for staff to ensure preparedness

5. Depth Limits and Dive Planning

The implementation of severe depth limits according to the experience of the diver is one of the most influential changes. These boundaries are strictly followed and are not allowed to be surpassed under supervision. Every dive should be well calculated beforehand, and deviation should not be made unless necessary caused by safety reasons.

6. Understanding Low-Risk Diving Conditions

Only safe or low-risk conditions are permitted to dive. This will make sure that environmental factors do not jeopardise the safety of the divers.

A dive is considered low-risk when:

• The depth remains within prescribed limits
• Wave height is below 0.5 meters
• Water currents are minimal and manageable
• Underwater visibility exceeds 4 meters
• Diving occurs during daylight hours
• Sea conditions are stable with no sudden weather changes
• Entry and exit points are safe and easily accessible
• Surface conditions allow safe boat positioning and monitoring
• Divers can comfortably swim against the current with minimal effort
• Proper supervision and surface support are available throughout the dive
• Communication between divers and surface crew is reliable
• No environmental or operational hazards are present at the dive site 

7. Prohibited Diving Activities

Some of the practices are entirely prohibited by the new regulations to remove unnecessary risks.

Diving is not permitted in the following situations:

• When exceeding certified depth limits
• Within 24 hours before flying in a pressurised aircraft
• In restricted, prohibited, or unapproved diving zones
• As a solo activity under any condition (solo diving is strictly prohibited)
• Conducting introductory dives beyond 12 meters
• Entry-level divers attempting dives deeper than 18 meters
• Undertaking decompression dives without proper authorisation and training
• Diving in unsafe or adverse weather and sea conditions
• Diving without proper supervision by certified dive centre staff
• Diving without a valid certification or required documentation
• Ignoring safety briefings or violating established dive plans
• Using defective, poorly maintained, or non-compliant equipment 

8. Diver Eligibility and Medical Requirements

9. Orientation Dive: Skill Assessment Before Diving

Even the experienced divers might be required to take an orientation dive.

This is required if:

• The diver has limited experience (less than 30 logged dives)
• There has been a long gap since the last dive (typically 3 months or more)
• The diver is unable to provide a valid or updated dive logbook
• The diver appears unsure or lacks confidence in basic diving skills
• The diver is unfamiliar with local dive conditions or the environment
• The diver is transitioning to different equipment or diving conditions
• The dive instructor considers it necessary based on the safety assessment

10. Equipment Standards and Technical Reliability

The rules provide high standards of equipment to provide reliability and safety at sea. All divers should be adequately prepared with the necessary equipment that aids in breathing, flotation, navigation, and emergency rescue.

Each diver must be equipped with:

• Mask, snorkel, and fins for basic mobility and visibility
• Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) with an oral and low-pressure inflator
• Regulator with a submersible pressure gauge and a mandatory alternate air source
• Depth and time measuring devices, such as a dive computer or gauges
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and whistle for emergency signalling at the surface
• An adequate air supply cylinder suitable for the dive

11. Air Quality and Cylinder Safety

12. Dive Roster and Operational Monitoring

Record-keeping is mandatory, and it enhances operational transparency.

Dive centres must maintain detailed logs that include:

• Dive time and total duration of each dive
• Maximum depth reached during the dive
• Remaining tank pressure after completion of the dive
• Entry and exit time of divers (especially for shore-based dives)
• Names and details of all participating divers
• Certification level and experience of each diver
• Dive site location and conditions during the dive
• Name of supervising instructor or dive master
• Equipment used and any issues reported during the dive
• Details of any incident, irregularity, or emergency (if occurred)
• Confirmation of pre-dive briefing and safety checks conducted
• Records must be securely maintained and available for inspection for at least one year

13. Dive Boats: Safety, Crew and Equipment

Dive boats are important in offshore diving, and their control has been enhanced greatly. Besides the standard equipment, boats should have spare tanks and back-up diving equipment in case of an emergency. The operators are required to give daily trip plans to the authorities and adhere to all weather warnings closely.

Mandatory Boat Requirements

14. Anchoring and Coral Protection

The new rules focus on marine conservation. Anchoring is also highly controlled so as not to damage coral. Also, it is recommended that the dive centres should have visible buoys (preferably orange) to identify diving zones and provide safety.

• Anchoring on coral reefs or sensitive marine habitats is strictly prohibited.
• Boats must anchor only in sandy areas or use designated mooring buoys
• Anchoring near protected zones, marine parks, or wildlife areas is restricted without permission
• Boat crews must ensure anchoring does not cause any damage to corals or the seabed
• In areas with installed mooring buoys, their use is mandatory instead of anchors
• Extra caution must be taken in reef zones where buoys are not available
• Anchoring practices must comply with guidelines issued by forest and marine authorities
• Any damage caused due to improper anchoring can lead to penalties and legal action
• Dive boats must maintain a safe distance from reef structures while stationary
• Anchoring is not permitted within restricted buffer zones of protected marine areas

15. Communication and Monitoring Requirements

Dive centres should have good communication with the authorities during operations.

They are required to:

• Inform the Port Management Board (PMB) of daily dive schedules before operations begin
• Submit boat manifest and trip details to the local Port Master’s Office
• Report any changes in dive plans or boat movements in advance
• Coordinate with local control rooms, beach officers, and tourism authorities
• Maintain continuous communication between the dive centre and the dive sites
• Notify authorities immediately in case of emergencies or delays
• Follow all weather advisories and operational instructions issued by authorities
• Use only registered and authorised communication channels
• Inform authorities when operating in protected or restricted areas

16. Environmental Protection Guidelines

The regulations of 2026 give a high priority to the protection of marine ecosystems.

Divers must avoid:

• Touching, standing on, or damaging corals and reef structures
• Collecting or removing marine flora, fauna, shells, or any underwater objects
• Dumping waste, plastics, or any kind of garbage into the sea
• Discharging sewage or pollutants in reef or diving areas
• Using chemicals, explosives, or any other harmful substances that may damage marine life
• Disturbing marine animals, chasing them, or interfering with their natural habitat
• Feeding marine life, which can disrupt natural behaviour patterns
• Anchoring boats on coral reefs or sensitive marine areas
• Causing physical contact with the seabed that may disturb ecosystems
• Removing or tampering with underwater artefacts, wrecks, or natural formations

17. Night Diving Rules

Night diving is also allowed, though it needs extra safety measures.

Divers must use:

• Backup lighting equipment for every diver to ensure visibility in case of primary light failure
• Primary underwater torch for navigation and communication
• Marker lights (preferably coloured blinking lights, such as red) are placed in the diving area for visibility to other boats
• Personal marker lights for each diver to help identify location underwater and on the surface
• Reflective Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) for better surface visibility
• Support vessel present at all times to monitor and assist divers from the surface
• Continuous surface supervision to track diver movement and ensure a quick response if needed
• Clear communication signals and protocols between divers and surface crew
• Emergency signalling devices such as whistles or audible alerts
• Proper briefing before the dive covering night-specific risks, entry/exit procedures, and navigation techniques

18. Instructor Responsibilities and Training Standards

Dive instructors play a pivotal role in safe operations and have to be highly qualified.

They are responsible for:

• Conduct detailed pre-dive briefings covering safety protocols, dive site conditions, and potential hazards
• Assess diver readiness based on skills, experience level, and medical suitability
• Supervise all diving activities as per recognised training agency standards
• Ensure divers follow depth limits, safety procedures, and approved dive plans
• Maintain and verify all required documentation, including waivers, medical forms, and certifications
• Monitor diver behaviour underwater and intervene to prevent unsafe situations
• Manage dive rosters by recording dive time, depth, and remaining tank pressure
• Ensure all diving equipment is functional, properly fitted, and compliant with safety standards
• Respond promptly to emergencies and execute the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) effectively
• Coordinate with boat crew and surface teams for safe and smooth dive operations
• Provide orientation or refresher dives for inexperienced or inactive divers when required
• Educate divers on environmentally responsible practices and marine conservation
• Ensure proper use of safety equipment such as SMBs and alternate air sources
• Maintain active certifications and stay updated with recognised diving agency standards

19. Pricing Transparency and Consumer Protection

Dive centres should have transparent pricing policies to be fair.

They are required to:

• Display rate cards clearly and prominently at the dive centre premises
• Provide proper receipts to all tourists and guests for every transaction
• Maintain transparent pricing for all dive services, courses, and packages offered
• Inform authorities in writing if there is a significant change in pricing (beyond 20%), along with an updated rate card
• Maintain proper records of all customers, services provided, and fees charged
• Ensure that discounts, if offered, are applied transparently without misleading pricing practices
• Avoid hidden charges or undisclosed costs in any diving activity or package

20. Approved Diving Areas and Restrictions

Only approved areas by the authorities are allowed to dive. Illegal exploration is highly prohibited, and it can damage marine ecosystems, as well as raise safety concerns.

Penalties and Enforcement- The administration has implemented strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Violations can result in:

• Suspension or cancellation of registration/licence of the dive centre
• Financial penalties and recovery of costs incurred during rescue or emergency operations (in case of negligence)
• Legal action in serious cases, especially those involving environmental damage or safety violations
• Administrative hold on registration if annual compliance documents are not submitted on time
• Disciplinary action against dive centre staff and instructors for repeated or deliberate violations
• Immediate restriction or prohibition from conducting further diving activities
• Rejection or cancellation of renewal applications by the Directorate of Tourism
• Damages caused to marine ecosystems, including penalties under applicable environmental laws

What Changed in 2026

What These Rules Mean for You

These regulations eventually make the experience of tourists and divers safer and more trustworthy. As much as they bring in stricter checks, documentation and well-defined limits, they also see to it that all dives are carried out under professional guidance and controlled circumstances. Practically, this implies that you are much less likely to come across untrained operators, equipment that is not in good condition, or unsafe diving habits. It is not only the first-time scuba divers or certified divers, but also the new structure is able to provide some consistency in quality and safety across all the dive centres in the Andaman Islands. 

Meanwhile, these regulations are beneficial to maintain what makes Andaman special in the first place, its clean coral reefs and abundant marine life. The damage to the ecosystems is minimised, and the diving activity is controlled to ensure that the experience is as beautiful to the visitors as it is now. These rules do not limit your adventure; on the contrary, they make it better. You have a more organised, predictable, and safe diving experience, where the emphasis is on fun without jeopardising safety or sustainability.

A New Era of Safe and Sustainable Diving in Andaman

The 2026 scuba diving laws are a significant change in the management of underwater tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are not merely a collection of rules but create a long-term vision, one that would balance the development of tourism with environmental responsibility and international safety standards. These rules put Andaman on the same level as international diving spots, where stringent measures are not perceived as restrictions but as necessary precautions. The training standards and compulsory insurance, a better monitoring system, and environmental protection are all aspects of the diving experience that have been reinforced. 

This translates to more peace of mind among the travellers. You can concentrate on the exploration of colourful reefs, meeting with marine life, and enjoying the underwater world, and you know that your safety is a priority at all times. To the industry, it provides a more professional and responsible ecosystem that is beneficial to both the operators and the visitors. These rules are no longer a choice, but an obligation, in case you are planning a scuba diving trip to Andaman in 2026 or later. The proper preparation and awareness would make you experience one of the most extraordinary marine experiences in India, which is now made safer and more sustainable than ever before.