How Do Day Trip Operators Handle Emergencies at Sea?

Emergency Response on Komodo Day Trip Boats

All reputable Labuan Bajo dive operators maintain emergency equipment and procedures to handle incidents at sea. Understanding these protocols gives you confidence in the safety of your dive trip.

On-Board Emergency Equipment

Common Emergency Scenarios and Responses

• Diver separation in current: Diver deploys SMB; boat tracks SMB on surface; tender dispatched for pickup. This is the most common "emergency" in Komodo and is managed routinely by experienced crews.
• Suspected DCS (decompression sickness): Administer emergency oxygen, keep diver horizontal, radio ahead to Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo (hyperbaric chamber), fastest transit back to harbour.
• Injury (marine life sting, cut): First aid on board; hot water for stonefish/lionfish stings; monitor for allergic reaction.
• Equipment failure: Buddy breathing protocol; ascent with alternate air source; spare equipment on board for regulator or BCD failure.

Nearest Medical Facilities

Your responsibility: Carry dive insurance, know the DAN emergency number, and always dive with an SMB. These three things give you the best safety net in any emergency.