Are the dive operators certified?

We confirm PADI 5-Star Dive Center or equivalent accreditation, and instructors and divemasters must hold current PADI, SSI or equivalent professional ratings. Guides keep to a maximum of four divers each.

What happens in a medical emergency at sea?

Crew trained in first aid, CPR and oxygen respond first, with emergency oxygen and satellite communication on board. Evacuation runs via Labuan Bajo or Sorong; reaching a medical facility takes around 4–6 hours from remote sites.

How long should I wait to fly after diving?

At least 18 hours after your last dive, to prevent decompression sickness. Your planner schedules the dive days around your flights.

Is travel insurance included?

No — travel insurance is not included in our standard trips. Travel with a policy covering medical emergencies and evacuation, and declare diving and any pre-existing conditions.

Are Komodo dragon walks guided?

Yes. Walks in Komodo National Park are led by guides certified by the park authority, who know the wildlife, the terrain and first aid.

Trip planning guide

Bali Komodo Raja Ampat tour safety

How we vet boats and operators, what the dive crews carry, and what happens if something goes wrong far from shore.

Ask about safety How we vet operators

24/7: reservations team on WhatsApp
4 : 1: divers per guide, maximum
18 h: no-fly time after diving

Our commitment

Safety is built in, not added on

Every part of the journey — the vessels, the equipment, the guides — is checked before you board. We work only with operators who meet international safety benchmarks, often above local requirements.

We also track local authorities and travel advisories, and update plans when conditions change.

Pre-tour safety briefing document
Daily briefings from guides and crew
Follow-up after the trip to improve

Operator vetting

How a boat earns a place

A multi-stage check for every operator on your route, repeated rather than done once.

Ask about your boat

1

Step 1

Track record

Operating history, safety record and financial stability reviewed.
2

Step 2

Licences and permits

Proof of all required Indonesian licences and permits.
3

Step 3

On-site inspection

Vessels, equipment and facilities — from engine logs to life vests.
4

Step 4

Crew certification

Valid professional certificates for navigation, engineering and diving roles.
5

Yearly

Document review

Renewal dates and ongoing training checked again every year.

Ask about your boat

What we check

Certificates and kit on board

The standards partners must show before and during your trip.

Vessels

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation)
Fire suppression systems, regularly inspected
Working emergency lighting throughout

Dive operations

PADI 5-Star Dive Center or equivalent
Instructors with PADI, SSI or equivalent professional ratings
Gear checked before every dive
Tanks hydro-tested every 5 years, inspected yearly

On every dive boat

Comprehensive first-aid kit
Emergency oxygen
Satellite communication
Crew trained in first aid, CPR and oxygen

Land guides

Komodo guides certified by the park authority
Trained in first aid and emergency procedures
Fluent English

Planned for remote water

The numbers we plan around

4–6 h: Remote site to nearest medical facility
6–8 h: Emergency call to air ambulance arrival
5+ years: Dive guide experience in the region
5 years: Tank hydrostatic test interval

If something goes wrong

Emergency protocols, step by step

Proactive plans that every crew and guide knows before the trip starts.

Action plan

Each itinerary carries a plan for medical incidents and severe weather.

Always in contact

Satellite phones and marine radios reach the operations hub beyond cell range.

Medical evacuation

Air ambulance via Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, or Domine Eduard Osok, Sorong.

Medical network

Trusted doctors and clinics in Bali, Labuan Bajo and Sorong.

Contact card

Every guest gets emergency numbers and instructions before departure.

Crew drills

Fire, man-overboard and evacuation drills for everyone on board.

Financial protection

Insurance and evacuation cover

Travel insurance is not included in our standard trips, so arrange a comprehensive policy that covers medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption, lost luggage and personal liability.

Our operating partners also carry commercial liability insurance. Your planner can advise on upgrades for pre-existing conditions or diving.