Are there any special precautions when diving around coral?

Question

Naturally I know you'd be much more careful but is there anything special you wear or have with you?

Answer 1

Yes there is. Don't touch it. The stuff in your hands will kill it. Try not to disturb it, and make sure you do not accidentally bend it. It is best to stay as far away as you can from it, to protect it. There really isn't any thing special to wear, just remember, the oils in your skin can kill an entire colony. Do not take a sample or souvenirs.,, it is a living thing. Moving it from its home will kill it. There are some washed up on shore you might be able to take. Also, it is illegal to remove it from some countries.Best to check before you try to remove it from the shoreline.

Answer 2

Good answers here...

I second the motion for reef gloves and suit, and I would add that prevention of contact should be your mantra.

As a whole, divers do more damage to the reefs than the coral does to divers. You should keep your distance and mind the currents.

I am always amazed by how many divers don't seem to know how to achieve and maintain neutral buoyancy. You'll be better positioned to avoid contact when neutral. Getting up close is great, but it can be tough to back out without scraping yourself, your fins, your gear, whatever.

I attached a link with 6 Secrets of Buoyancy Control, as a reminder if nothing else.

Answer 3

There are some corral that are poisonous (e.g., "fire corral"), and some have razor sharp edges, not to mention that there may be potentially dangerous fish hiding in and around them (e.g., eels, rays, crabs, lobsters, sharks, etc), so, "yes", precautions are necessary. That is why many such tourist destinations require visitors to take a brief safety course, so they know what to do and, more importantly, what NOT to do! Even experienced may be required to obtain permits or licenses if they go on their own.

The fact that you ask the question implies that you have not taken any diving (scuba or otherwise) courses, and are thinking of proceeding without any special training or supervision. As with most ventures of exploration, that would be most unwise. Consult the given locale's authorities for permits, courses, professional touring groups, etc.

Answer 4

Try to never touch any coral formation. Accidents happen though, so many divers will wear something to stop bare skin from getting cut or fire coral from giving you a sting. Reef gloves and a reef suit. They're made of a thin material.

Answer 5

Don't touch it! there are many reasons for this. Mainly, it could be illegal, you could kill it, and, as I've been told, it sometimes stings like crazy!

Answer 6

Yes, it can cut you or your wet suit.
I Cr 13;8a