The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has urged marine tourism operators to cancel or postpone trips when weather or sea conditions threaten customer safety, and warned divers and snorkellers not to pressure operators proceeding into with trips because they have already booked and paid.
The announcement comes as Malaysia’s north-east monsoon approaches and many tour operators along the eastern coast suspend their services for the season.
MSDA president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said operators should postpone or cancel excursions whenever conditions were unsafe, and not allow customer pressure to override safety considerations in order to fulfil bookings.
‘Safety assessments must take into account weather warnings, wind and wave conditions, visibility, the condition of the vessel, and the capabilities of the crew,’ said Aminor.
‘Should weather conditions deteriorate while an activity is underway, the activity must be halted,’ he added. ‘A plan to return to shore or seek shelter in a safe location should then be implemented, based on the boat operator’s assessment.’
‘These decisions are professional and responsible,’ said Aminor.
Aminor said that customers should respect such decisions, rather than demand that a trip proceed because they had already paid.
‘Operators, in turn, must provide clear explanations and discuss rescheduling or other reasonable solutions in accordance with booking terms,’ he said.
Malaysia’s monsoon transition phase, which is expected to continue until the end of October, can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds.
The MSDA also advised operators to monitor the Air Pollutant Index for areas near the islands as haze from smoke can greatly reduce visibility at sea, making it more difficult for captains to see other boats, or divers and snorkellers at the surface.
As part of the safety statement the MSDA is also calling for boats to be inspected prior to every departure, with checks to include the engine and fuel systems, batteries, steering and bilge pumps, and ensuring sufficient fuel with an emergency reserve is carried for each trip.
Marine radios and other communication equipment should also be tested, rather than staff relying on mobile phones, and boats should carry functioning lifejackets, navigation equipment, first-aid supplies and other emergency equipment.
Crew members should understand the vessel’s emergency procedures and all customers should receive a safety briefing before departure.
In addition to operator safety considerations, Aminor stressed that scuba divers and other tourists must ensure they are medically fit enough to participate, inform the operator of any health conditions that might affect their safety, and carry sufficient quantities of any required medications.
The MSDA also called on Malaysia’s maritime enforcement, marine police, fire and rescue and civil-defence agencies to strengthen their readiness for emergencies at sea, while warning that the availability of rescue services should never be treated as justification for undertaking a hazardous trip.
‘Bad weather can complicate and delay rescue operations,’ said Aminor. ‘The safety of customers, crew and rescue personnel must always remain the priority.’
The MSDA statement follows two recent scuba diving-related fatalities off Pulau Tioman in September, which although not thought to be weather-related, have nevertheless raised safety concerns over dive operators in the region.
Indian tourist Sabiya Shiek, 65, drowned after falling from a dive boat following a Discover Scuba Diving session on 12 September, and US-resident Afghan tourist Mohammed Seyar Musazay, 55, died after losing consciousness during an introductory dive on 30 September.
The MSDA subsequently called for full investigations into both incidents and said it would take firm action – including demanding that authorities shut down dive centres – if negligence or other safety breaches were identified.
Related articles
- Malaysia diving association calls for investigation after Tioman deaths
- Malaysian diver dies after emergency at Nusa Penida’s Crystal Bay, Bali
- Malaysian woman dies during dive off Pulau Tioman
- 72-year-old diver dies at Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
- DIVE’s Big Shot In Your Face – win an Aggressor Adventures liveaboard trip - 21 October 2026
- Malaysia Scuba Diving Association urges divers to prioritise safety over bookings - 20 October 2026
- Underwater Magic – an extract from Michal Štros’ new book - 19 October 2026
