11 Essential Scuba Diving Tips for First-Timers in the Andaman Islands

7. Follow underwater etiquette and protect marine life

Respect for the reef keeps it healthy for everyone. Avoid touching coral, even if it looks dead. Corals are living organisms and can be damaged by a single touch. Keep your hands to yourself and control your fins to avoid stirring up sediment. Never feed or chase fish; this changes their habits and can put you at risk. If you want photos, keep a respectful distance and ask your instructor where the best vantage points are. Many Andaman sites are protected; obey local rules and signage. Treat the underwater world like a sacred kitchen—quiet, careful, and full of life. Your small actions help preserve the reefs so future visitors can enjoy the same scenes without regret.