Dive Safety & Emergency Reference
Emergency contacts, nearest hyperbaric chambers and step-by-step emergency procedures for divers in Malaysia. Save this page or download the wallet card before every dive trip.
Emergency Contacts
DAN Asia-Pacific (24h Emergency)
+65 6327 0731Diver Alert Network — 24/7 emergency hotline for diving accidents
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)
1800-88-3507 / VHF Ch. 16Search and rescue at sea — call if diver doesn't surface
| Organisation | Number |
|---|---|
| Sabah Medical Centre (Kota Kinabalu) | +60 88-211 333 |
| Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Kota Kinabalu) | +60 88-517 555 |
| Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (Kuala Terengganu) | +60 9-621 7333 |
| Hospital Sultanah Aminah (Johor Bahru) | +60 7-225 8000 |
| Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (KL) | +60 3-9145 5555 |
Nearest Hyperbaric Chambers by Dive Site
| Dive Site | Hyperbaric Chamber | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Sipadan / Mabul / Kapalai | Hospital Queen Elizabeth II Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +60 88-517 555 |
Mantanani | Hospital Queen Elizabeth II Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +60 88-517 555 |
Tioman | Institut Latihan Bawah Air (ILAN) — Royal Malaysian Navy Lumut, Perak | +60 5-683 8000 |
Perhentian Islands | Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu | +60 9-621 7333 |
Redang | Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu | +60 9-621 7333 |
Lang Tengah / Tenggol | Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu | +60 9-621 7333 |
Emergency Procedures
🚨Diver doesn't surface
- 1Alert the boat captain immediately — do not enter the water alone
- 2Call MMEA (1800-88-3507) or VHF Channel 16
- 3Note the last known position (GPS coordinates)
- 4Ensure all surface diving gear is ready for a rescue diver
- 5Call DAN Asia-Pacific (+65 6327 0731) for guidance
- 6Do not move the boat until instructed by rescue services
⚠️Signs of Decompression Sickness (DCS)
- 1Remove diver from water — do NOT let them dive again
- 2Lay diver flat or in recovery position — elevate legs slightly
- 3Administer 100% pure oxygen immediately if available
- 4Keep diver warm and hydrated (non-carbonated fluids only)
- 5Call DAN Asia-Pacific (+65 6327 0731) for recompression guidance
- 6Transport to nearest hyperbaric chamber as fast as possible
🩺DCS Warning Signs
- 1Joint pain ("the bends") — elbows, shoulders, knees, hips
- 2Numbness, tingling or skin mottling
- 3Dizziness, nausea or extreme fatigue after diving
- 4Difficulty breathing (pulmonary DCS)
- 5Visual disturbances or confusion (cerebral DCS — most serious)
- 6Symptoms may appear up to 24 hours after the dive
🩹First Aid Steps (general)
- 1Ensure scene safety — remove diver from water
- 2Check consciousness — call for help if unresponsive
- 3Begin CPR if no pulse and no breathing
- 4Use AED if available and diver is unresponsive
- 5Administer oxygen for any diving-related injury
- 6Do not give aspirin/ibuprofen — use paracetamol only if needed
⛈️Weather Emergency
- 1Monitor local weather — METO Malaysia (+60 3-7967 8000)
- 2Return to shore if wind exceeds 20 knots or visibility drops
- 3Signal distress: VHF Ch. 16 / 3 short horn blasts
- 4Deploy EPIRB or PLB if available
- 5Stay with the boat — do not abandon unless sinking
- 6MMEA hotline: 1800-88-3507
DiveAlert Network (DAN) Malaysia Membership
RecommendedDAN Asia-Pacific provides 24/7 emergency medical advice for divers, dive accident insurance and evacuation coverage. A basic DAN membership costs approximately USD 30–50/year and can cover hyperbaric treatment that may cost USD 5,000–50,000 out of pocket.
24h Emergency Line
+65 6327 0731
Available
24 hours / 365 days
Coverage
Recompression, evacuation, hospital
Website
danap.org
Hyperbaric chamber coverageMedical evacuationIn-water accidentTrip cancellation (add-on)
Download Wallet Emergency Card
Print this A6-sized card and keep it in your dive bag or wallet. It contains all critical phone numbers, the DCS symptom checklist and oxygen first-aid steps — even when you have no internet.
Download Emergency Card (PDF)