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Understanding the specific risks of Komodo diving — and how to mitigate them — is the foundation of a safe trip.
| Risk | Likelihood | Severity | How to Manage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swept away by current | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Follow guide, carry SMB, stay with group, maintain reef proximity |
| Downcurrent at pinnacles | Low | High | Swim horizontally away from wall, inflate BCD, stay calm |
| Decompression sickness | Low | High | Use dive computer, conservative profiles, hydrate, no-fly time |
| Equipment failure | Very Low | Moderate | Pre-dive checks, choose reputable operators, know buddy procedures |
| Marine life injury | Very Low | Low-Moderate | Don't touch anything, maintain buoyancy, wear full wetsuit |
| Hypothermia (south Komodo) | Low | Moderate | 5mm wetsuit, limit bottom time in cold water, warm up between dives |
| Surface separation from boat | Low | Moderate | Always carry SMB and whistle, stay with guide, deploy SMB during safety stop |
The single most common serious risk in Komodo is being separated from the group in strong current. This is manageable through simple protocols: always carry an SMB, stay close to your guide, maintain visual contact with your buddy, and do not wander away from the group to photograph something alone. An SMB deployed on the surface makes you visible to the boat from hundreds of metres away.