Dive industry keeps evolving

THE Far North’s dive industry is regarded as one of, if not, the safest in the world.

The operators are constantly improving their methods and systems to make a trip to the Great Barrier Reef a safe, as well as, a memorable experience.

A lot has been learned since the tragedy of 20 years ago when US tourists Tom and Eileen Lonergan were left behind at St Crispin Reef and, despite extensive searches, were never found.

The operators and their industry organisations are leading the way to ensure the safety and health of their passengers is paramount.

The latest development should ensure that divers, snorkellers and swimmers will not be forgotten.

Passengers will be identified by their handprints as they board and leave the boat.

They will wear GPS-linked wristbands which will allow tour operators to be able to track the location of swimmers, snorkellers and divers in the water at all times, within 1m accuracy.

The system will be trialled on board two crown-of-thorns starfish boats operated by the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators and then by a Cairns-based Reef operator before being rolled out across the region and in the Whitsundays.

It aims to rule out human error associated with mandatory headcounts on-board diving boats.

While, there can be computer mistakes too, the association hopes to iron out any bugs before full implementation.

Once again the region’s dive industry is leading the world and should give further peace of mind.