Dive smart
New Diving Rules in Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2026
Dive Smart with These New Andaman Diving Guidelines 2026
Scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been one of the most immersive travel experiences in India. The islands have crystal clear waters, colourful coral reefs and marine biodiversity that attracts divers from all over the world. As the number of tourists and divers grew, a systematic and controlled system became necessary. In response, the Andaman government has enacted new scuba diving regulations in 2026, an all-encompassing system centred on safety, transparency in operations and environmental safeguarding. These new rules affect dive operators, tourists, beginners and certified divers alike. This guide tells you all you need to know in a practical and easy-to-understand manner.
Why the 2026 Diving Rules Matter
The new rules will make Andaman a safe and globally competitive diving destination. They are not aimed at limiting diving but at making it more dependable and professionally controlled, benefiting both tourists and operators by adhering to international training standards and regulatory practices.
- Standardising dive centre operations
- Reducing accidents through strict safety protocols
- Protecting fragile coral ecosystems
- Ensuring accountability and transparency
Registration and Legal Framework for Dive Centres
All scuba diving centres are now required to be registered before they can operate. This ensures that only legitimate and compliant operators are permitted to operate in the islands, with dive centres required to provide the appropriate business qualifications.
Diving with a registered PADI 5 Star centre
Dive Andaman is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort & Centre. Message us with any questions about the 2026 rules and how they affect your trip.