Brisbane 28 June 2013. Scuba diving and snorkelling is now safer and cheaper in Queensland.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie announced changes to state regulations today, and stressed the benefits to Queensland’s tourism industry.

“We have some of the best underwater sights in the world and people now have fewer hoops to dive through before they can get out there and experience them for themselves,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Diving and snorkelling contributes $1.4 billion to the Queensland economy, with more than 1.2 million diving trips and 2.3 million snorkelling trips each year.

“The industry has been held back by out dated regulations, but we are changing all that.

“As part of our commitment to slash red tape, the medical certificate that was compulsory for many first-time divers is now required for only people who are considered ‘at risk’.

“That certificate costs up to $100. It isn’t required in any other Australian or Asia Pacific jurisdiction and, as a consequence, divers were being driven away to other states.”

A medical certificate is now required only if the diver:

· has an at risk medical condition; or

· is over 45 years of age; or

· has a body mass index over 30 and a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females

Mr Bleijie said diving and snorkelling was now also safer in Queensland.

“Following consultation with the industry, we have improved the method of head counts,” he said.

“Two crew members, instead of just one, will now be required to count and compare the number of all people on board to ensure no one is left behind or still underwater.

“We are also providing further guidance to operators and users of emergency signalling equipment and working with the industry to develop more educational resources.

“These changes make diving in Queensland safer and more affordable and they open up our waters to so many more water lovers.”

The new regulations come into effect from today.