DIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Although often mistaken for stony coral, fire coral is a hydroid colony that secretes a hard, calcareous skeleton. Fire coral grows in many different shapes, often encrusting or taking the form of a variety of reef structures. It is usually identifiable by its tan, mustard or brown color and finger-like columns with whitish tips. The entire colony is covered by tiny pores and fine, hair-like projections nearly invisible to the unaided eye. Fire coral “stings” by discharging small, specialized cells called nematocysts. Contact causes a burning sensation that lasts for several minutes and may produce red welts on the skin. Do not rub the area, as you only spread the stinging particles. Cortisone cream can reduce the inflammation, and antihistamine cream is good for killing the pain. A doctor should treat serious stings.

Air-breathing reptiles with venom that’s 20 times stronger than any land snake, sea snakes release venom only when feeding or under extreme distress – so most defensive bites do not contain venom. Sea snakes rarely bite even if they are handled, but avoid touching them. To treat a sea snake bite, use a pressure bandage and immobilize the victim. Try to identify the snake, be prepared to administer CPR, and seek urgent medical aid.

Tropical shark attacks are very rare – nevertheless, they do occur. Sharks will generally not attack unless provoked, so don’t taunt, tease or feed them. Avoid spearfishing, carrying fish baits or mimicking a wounded fish and your likelihood of being attacked will generally diminish. Face and quietly watch any shark that is acting aggressively and be prepared to push it away with your camera, knife or tank. If a shark does bite a fellow diver, stop the bleeding, reassure the patient, treat for shock and send for immediate medical help.

The struggle to establish legally recognised marine reserves revolves around traditional fishing rights. Operators must convince chiefs and villagers that divers do not fish or take anything from the reef, but only take pictures. (See section on Marine Reserves in Fiji).

Fiji’s hard and soft coral reefs are vulnerable to cyclones, crown-o-thorns invasions and coral bleaching, besides the impact divers and anchors may have. Villagers believe moorings may harmfully affect their fishing ground resulting in the difficulty operator’s face in trying to put permanent moorings. Even though damage does occur, currents constantly flush the reefs in nutrient-rich water, speeding their recovery.

Fiji is a naturally beautiful country with ocean waters alive with beautiful corals and sponges. It doesn’t take much to inflict damage that can take years to correct.

We request that you take care when you dive our waters assisting us in ensuring that our marine eco-system remains intact for generations to come.

1. Take care where you drop your boat anchor.
2. Avoid touching living marine organisms as they can be damaged easily.
3. Be aware of your fins and what they are touching.
4. Maintain proper buoyancy control.
5. Take extra care in underwater caves and remain only for a limited time as air bubbles can damage the eco-system
6. Resist buying shells remembering that the animal inside was killed for that shell.
7. Take home all your rubbish and any other litter lying around as well.