Lately, there have been some thoughtful news articles asking an important question: Is liveaboard diving safe? It is a question every traveling diver should consider and one we take very seriously.
Liveaboard diving can take us to the world’s most remote and wild places, from Socorro to Antarctica. So, how can you tell if a liveaboard is safe before confirming your reservation? To help, we’d like to share some “insider perspectives”. What to look out for? What essential safety gear should you bring? And, once onboard, what can you do to maximize your safety?
1) The Gold Standard in Liveaboard Safety
The most safety-conscious liveaboards will have an externally audited Safety Management System (SMS) — the same rigorous standard used by cruise ships, ocean-going yachts, tugs, and aviation operations.
You can rest easy if an operator provides a current SMS certificate. It means everything is in place, from vessel stability, fire protection, life-saving equipment, and escape routes to crew certification and emergency training.
2) If There’s No SMS — What Then?
Most liveaboards don’t have an SMS in place, so the tough question is, how can you make an informed choice?
✅ Do your research: The nonprofit Undercurrent.org is one of the most balanced and informative dive review sites around. Their undercover reviewers are far more reliable than the average “keyboard warrior” on Google or TripAdvisor, offering honest insights on the good, the bad, and the ugly.
✅ Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask, but some operators may not share details about their fire and safety procedures or crew certificates. A good strategy is to ask for a copy of their insurance cover note. It’s a quick way to see whether the insurance underwriters consider the operation low-risk — letting them do the heavy lifting on risk assessment.
✅ Look at the boat: Is it made from wood, steel, or aluminum? Steel hulls are best for strength, safety, and comfort at sea. Does the boat look too narrow or top-heavy? A boat that doesn’t look right definitely warrants skepticism. If something seems off, trust your instincts. The safest boats have a height and beam that are in proportion to its length. Also, does it have one main engine or two? Simple. Two are always better than one.
3) What Safety Gear Should You Bring?
🆘 Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue GPS: Or a similar device… Yes, we admit to being biased on this. The point is to take safety into your own hands. Don’t get left behind. After all, you can never be sure of the crew’s competence or diligence.
🔶 Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Size matters—the longer, the better! Choose a red or orange color to stand out against the ocean. Bring a DiveAlert signaling device and a strong waterproof LED flashlight so you can be seen and heard.
🚨 Battery-powered smoke detector: Bring one for your cabin, for peace of mind while you sleep (unless you’re sure there’s a hard-wired fire and smoke detection system, preferably with a primary and backup system).
🛰 Satellite phone or compact Starlink antennas: These have become very affordable and are great for emergencies.
4) What Can You Do To Maximize Your Safety On a Liveaboard?
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the boat and consider the following:
- How would you get to safety in an emergency? If you’re below deck, would you go towards the bow or stern? Locate the emergency escapes and know how to open the hatch.
- What are the fire safety procedures? It’s important to know if the boat has a sprinkler system and properly functioning fire hydrants.
- Does the boat have emergency lighting and an emergency generator? It’s sometimes hard to tell, and having your own powerful LED flashlight could make all the difference.
- Where are the lifejackets? Make sure you know how to put them on, and check they are in good condition with a working light and whistle.
On a well-run boat, the first day should include a thorough liveaboard safety briefing. The crew should cover all of the above and more. If they don’t, consider it a red flag, and that’s your cue to be on full alert! Imagine how nervous you would be taking off in an airplane without them giving the standard safety briefing.
In the End…
Liveaboard diving is one of the best ways to explore the ocean, combining adventure, comfort, and luxury. Sure, state-of-the-art interiors, TVs, and sound systems are wonderful, but most importantly, safety first. Take reasonable precautions, ask questions, and dive with confidence.
We love talking about safety! Please feel encouraged to contact us anytime with questions.
