Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
Which local rescue or training agency should I check first?
Use the local lens: coastguard/federation norms and the shop briefing for that bay — not a blog visibility claim.
Is touching coral always illegal?
Often yes in a park, and always a bad idea. A glove does not make a polyp tougher.
Why do Hawaii and Palau restrict sunscreens?
Statutes target ingredients such as oxybenzone. The science and the politics are both live; long sleeves work regardless.
Can people take a shell?
In many countries, even empty shells and sand are restricted. Assume no souvenir.
How far from a turtle?
Many parks specify 2–3 metres or more, no blocking the surface path. If the animal changes direction, the person is too close.
Is feeding fish kind?
It changes behaviour and is banned in serious parks. The bread-ball boat is a failure mode.
The etiquette bag is mostly absences: no gloves for grabbing, no spear, no feeding bag. Long sleeves replace a lot of cream.
The best accessory is a mooring fee receipt.
Core kit
- Well-fitting fins — So the kick stays in water, not in Acropora.
- Rash top / skins — Sun without a slick.
- Reef-safe sunscreen if used — Applied 20+ minutes before; still not a licence to dunk a wet face in a colony.
- Pointer only for scuba — A muck stick for the sand, never a coral hook.
- DSMBs and reels (scuba) — So the boat does not drop an anchor to find the group.
- Mesh trash pocket — For the plastic the tide already delivered.
Optional
- Float for snorkelers — Keeps knees off the plateau.
- Red light for night — Less startling than a white sun.
- Zoom lens or crop — Instead of a metre more of finning.
- Slate — To write a rule you will forget in the excitement.
Care
- Rinse away sunscreen films — From rash tops so the next entry is cleaner.
- Inspect fins for chunks — A missing rubber tip is a coral story.
- Do not bleach “to clean souvenirs” — There should be no souvenirs.
- Service the pointer tip — A sharp stick becomes a weapon.
Budget bands
- Start — Sleeves and listening.
- Park fees — The real line item.
- Photo — A better lens, not a closer knee.
- Skip — Feeding bags and take-home coral “art.”
Spend on the park fee and the sleeves. The rest is restraint.