Attitude diving

A responsible dive operator is not afraid to tell you not to dive.

Coral reefs are a resource for dive operators and ackowledging that they certainly aren't an inexhaustible resource, a slow but steadily growing number of dive ops are making an effort to protect reefs in whichever way they can. Signs such as these remind divers to dive with the right attitude. The same way we're told to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos when we visit terrestrial reserves.

Others have invested in establishing artificial reefs, installed water recycling facilities or septic tanks so sewage doesn't leak into the sea. Some make an effort to continually mention the need to respect marine life, and teach divers to appreciate it in the appropriate ways. Because ultimately that's why we dive - because there's something beautiful down there.

The next time you dive, check that your dive operator is a responsible one. Be an informed consumer.