Queensland diving and snorkelling industry places a high priority on safety

Queensland Diving and Snorkelling Industry Places a High Priority on Safety

The Queensland Government has announced revisions to the Safety in Recreational Water Activities Regulation and the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving and Snorkelling Code of Practice. These updates aim to uphold safety standards for the state's diving and snorkelling industry, reinforcing why the Queensland diving and snorkelling industry places a high priority on safety across every operation.

The revised framework strengthens requirements around equipment, emergency management, and operational practices for operators offering recreational diving and snorkelling experiences.

Why Safety Standards Matter for the Industry

The State Government emphasises minimising risks associated with recreational water activities including diving and snorkelling, protecting participants while supporting continuous growth of Queensland's tourism sector.

Robust safety management underpins public confidence in the industry. Without clear regulation covering equipment standards and emergency response, operators face greater exposure to incidents that could harm both participants and business reputation.

Queensland's approach reflects broader workplace health and safety principles seen across other high-risk industries, where consistent management systems reduce harm and support sustainable operations.

Deputy Director General's Statement on Industry Safety

Office of Industrial Relations Deputy Director General Donna Heelan said the legislative framework is designed to provide the utmost protection for individuals engaging in leisure water activities such as diving and snorkelling.

"Safety is our first priority which can only enhance the economic viability and opportunities in this important industry," Donna said.

What the Revised Code Covers

The updated code of practice addresses several critical areas for diving and snorkelling operators, including:

• Equipment maintenance and inspection requirements for diving and snorkelling gear
• Emergency response protocols for water-based incidents
• Management systems for supervising recreational diving and technical diving activities
• Health and safety obligations for tour operators and service providers

These measures align closely with established occupational health and safety management practices, ensuring operators maintain consistent standards across their services.

Supporting a Safer Tourism Industry

Diving and snorkelling remain popular drawcards for visitors exploring Queensland's coastline, making safety management essential to protecting both participants and the broader tourism economy.

Operators providing diving, snorkelling, and related recreational services should review their current management systems against the updated code to confirm compliance. This includes checking equipment standards, emergency procedures, and staff training records.

For businesses managing safety obligations across other sectors, resources like the workplace health and safety guidance for the cleaning industry demonstrate how tailored codes of practice support compliance across diverse Queensland industries.

Queensland continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for recreational activities, following recent moves such as extending health and safety regulations to cover additional industries within the state.

Businesses seeking guidance on building compliant management systems for diving, snorkelling, or other recreational water services can explore SafetyDocs' Work Health and Safety Manual for practical templates supporting workplace compliance.

Learn more here.