Is Liveaboard Diving Safe? Addressing Rising Concerns and Risks

Almost all of the exceptional diving I have done in the last 10 years has been done by liveaboard. These vessels, which serve as floating dive resorts, provide divers with access to remote and pristine dive sites that land-based operations cannot reach. They have long been the gold standard of diving, a meeting point for the most seasoned divers to explore new destinations and reach places that are almost impossible to reach any other way. There really is no better way to dive; your every whim is taken care of and the chance to dive 5 times a day with little effort in some of the most pristine parts of the world is hard to beat for any experienced diver.

However, in recent years, the number of accidents involving liveaboard dive boats has raised concerns about safety in this segment of the dive industry. This article explores the history of liveaboard diving, its appeal, the accidents that have occurred, the impact on diver confidence, potential solutions, and the consequences of failing to address these safety issues.

At the time of writing this, a devastating incident on the Red Sea is currently unfolding. Four people have been found dead inside the vessel that sunk, another 7 are still missing and the hunt continues. Tweny-eight were rescued on the morning of the event, and 5 were found inside the vessel fighting for survival whilst underwater for over 30 hours before the Egyptian Navy rescued them.

This is the third liveaboard incident in just the month of November; fortunately nobody was harmed in the other two incidents. In June of 2024, Undercurrent released an incredibly well researched article listing all of the 23 incidents that had occurred up until June 1st 2023. Unfortunately, the stories have continued to come since then. The purpose of this article is not to point fingers at individual companies, as the issue is so widespread globally, however it is an issue that the industry needs to resolve. I would highly recommend that you read the article from Undercurrent for the full details of all the vessels involved in incidents and the details behind them.

The History and Appeal of Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard diving traces its roots back to the 1970s when a growing demand for remote diving experiences spurred operators to convert fishing vessels and small yachts into dive platforms. These early liveaboards catered to adventurous divers seeking untouched dive sites. Over time, the concept evolved into a specialized segment of the dive industry, with purpose-built vessels offering amenities such as air-conditioned cabins, gourmet meals, and onboard compressors for tank refills.

The appeal of liveaboard diving lies in its ability to immerse divers in a 24/7 diving experience. Unlike land-based operations, liveaboards allow divers to maximize their time underwater by staying close to the dive sites. They also provide access to remote locations like the Maldives, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, Egypt’s Red Sea, and the Galápagos Islands, where marine biodiversity is unparalleled. There are currently 483 liveaboards listed on the biggest sales platform Liveaboard.com, which shows the explosion of this industry.

A Decade of Tragedy: What are the Causes of the Incidents?

In the last ten years, the liveaboard diving industry has faced a series of high-profile accidents. While diving inherently carries risks, the added risks of fire, sinking, and mechanical failures onboard the vessels themselves is one that divers should not have to take on. Here are some of the main issues that the industry has been running into in this decade of devastation.

1. Fire Incidents

Fires have been a significant cause of liveaboard accidents. In 2019, the MV Conception, a dive boat operating in California, caught fire while anchored near Santa Cruz Island. The tragedy claimed the lives of 34 people, making it one of the deadliest maritime accidents in U.S. history. Investigations revealed deficiencies in emergency preparedness and fire safety measures, such as insufficient escape routes and inadequate crew training.

This incident was so traumatic for all divers, and so unexpected, the tragedy struck resonance with anyone who has ever been on a boat and was the first major incident that really got divers thinking about their own safety on holiday.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to be aboard a liveaboard that demonstrated exceptional safety practices, particularly during diver and fire safety briefings. The crew conducted a full fire drill while we were onboard, complete with the use of hoses, full breathing apparatus, and comprehensive muster drills for all guests. This even included a cabin escape drill to ensure everyone knew how to evacuate safely. I was thoroughly impressed by the high safety standards evident on the vessel. However, just a few months after I returned home, the boat caught fire and had to be completely evacuated. Although no one was injured and all guests were safely rescued, the vessel was a total loss. The incident remains a stark reminder of the potential risks and continues to resonate deeply within the diving community.

2. Capsizing and Sinking

Capsizing and sinking have also plagued the liveaboard sector. In 2023, the Raja Ampat Explorer sank after hitting a submerged reef, forcing divers and crew to abandon ship in the middle of the night. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the incident highlighted navigation errors and inadequate adherence to maritime safety protocols. This weeks event with the Sea Story vessel in Egypt was the result of a large wave that caused the vessel to capsize and sink within minutes, leaving people trapped inside the vessel as it sank.

Another friend of mine was on liveaboard when she was awakened by a lot of noise at 3am only to find a vessel tied up next to them had hit the reef and was going down. All of the guests were transferred onto their boat with almost no possessions and everything they had with them lost to the sea.

3. Mechanical Failures

Mechanical issues, including engine failures and problems with onboard compressors, have led to situations that jeopardize diver safety. While not always resulting in fatalities, such incidents can lead to abandoned trips, financial losses, and shaken confidence among divers.

Effects on Diver Confidence and the Industry

Many of my friends are seasoned divers with years of experience and countless trips under their belts. However, recent incidents involving liveaboard fires and other accidents have left even the most experienced among them feeling uneasy. There's a growing sense of concern and apprehension within the dive community, which has always been rooted in a love for exploration and adventure.

For many of us, diving on liveaboards is more than a hobby—it’s our favorite way to spend holidays. The idea of being immersed in the marine world, far from the bustle of daily life, is a cherished experience. Now, that sense of security and joy is being overshadowed by worries about safety. Conversations among divers often circle back to the risks, highlighting a collective anxiety about something we deeply value. The dive industry and its participants now face the challenge of addressing these fears while maintaining the spirit of adventure that draws us to the ocean in the first place.

The cumulative effect of these incidents is eroding confidence in liveaboard diving, particularly among experienced divers and those traveling to unfamiliar destinations where they don’t know the safety standards or the individual vessels. Many divers are beginning to question the safety standards of liveaboard operators and the regulatory oversight of the industry. 

1. Reduced Bookings

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some operators have experienced a decline in bookings following high-profile accidents. Divers who are hesitant to risk their safety may opt for land-based dive trips instead, potentially hurting the revenue streams of liveaboard businesses.

 2. Increased Insurance Costs

The rise in accidents has led to higher insurance premiums for liveaboard operators. These increased costs are often passed on to customers, making liveaboard trips more expensive and potentially less accessible to the average diver.

3. Reputational Damage

Accidents can tarnish the reputations of individual operators and entire regions. For example, the MV Conception tragedy led to heightened scrutiny of the U.S. liveaboard industry, while the sinking of the Raja Ampat Explorer raised questions about safety practices in Southeast Asia.

Addressing the Safety Issues: Solutions and Recommendations

To restore confidence in liveaboard diving, the industry must adopt a proactive approach to safety. Solutions must address vessel maintenance, crew training, regulatory oversight, and diver education.

1. Stricter Regulatory Standards

Governments and maritime authorities must enforce stricter safety standards for liveaboard vessels. These should include mandatory fire safety equipment, regular inspections, and clear guidelines for emergency preparedness. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) could play a role in setting global standards for the liveaboard sector.

2. Crew Training and Certification and Watchmen

Crew members should undergo comprehensive training in emergency response, first aid, and fire safety. Certification programs tailored to the unique challenges of liveaboard operations could enhance the professionalism and preparedness of crew members.

Many of the liveaboard incidents, such as fires or other emergencies, occur during the night when most passengers and crew are asleep. This highlights the critical need for enhanced vigilance during these vulnerable hours. A practical solution is for all liveaboards to implement a 24-hour watch system, with a designated watchman patrolling the vessel at night.

3. Improved Vessel Design and Charging Facilities

Advances in vessel design can mitigate risks. Modern liveaboards should feature fireproof materials, multiple escape routes, and advanced navigation systems to prevent collisions and groundings. Retrofitting older vessels to meet these standards should be incentivized.

With the rise of battery powered devices and in particular lithium batteries that are used in many dive accessories such as strobes and underwater lights, all liveaboards should provide appropriate charging areas on board and ban charging of devices in other areas of the ship. Perhaps they should even consider providing battery bags designed to contain lithium fires if they occur.

4. Emergency Preparedness

Operators should conduct regular safety drills and provide clear instructions to passengers. Divers should be briefed on emergency procedures, including fire evacuation plans and the use of safety equipment.

 5. Transparency and Accountability

Transparency about safety measures can rebuild trust. Operators who publicly share their safety protocols and inspection records are more likely to attract safety-conscious divers. Certification by independent bodies, such as insurance companies or even well known and trusted bodies such as Divers Alert Network (DAN), could serve as a mark of quality if the industry was open to adopting these.

6. Diver Education

Divers themselves must also take responsibility for their safety. This includes understanding the risks of liveaboard diving, asking operators about their safety practices, and ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared for remote diving trips. Divers should also take responsibility for purchasing high quality lithium batteries and for charging of their own devices in an appropriate place.

The Prognosis: What Happens If Safety Issues Aren’t Resolved?

If the liveaboard diving industry fails to address these safety issues, the consequences could be severe. Repeated accidents may lead to a loss of consumer trust that could cripple the industry. Insurance premiums will continue to rise, and governments may impose stricter regulations that increase operational costs.

Moreover, a decline in liveaboard diving could harm local economies in regions that rely on dive tourism. For example, destinations like the Maldives and Indonesia depend heavily on the revenue generated by liveaboard operators.

On the other hand, a commitment to safety can revitalize the industry. By investing in better practices, the liveaboard sector can attract a new generation of divers who value both adventure and security. Safety-conscious operators could also use their improved standards as a competitive advantage, setting themselves apart in a crowded market.

Conclusion

Liveaboard diving is truly a magical experience, offering not only breathtaking underwater encounters but also the chance to forge lasting friendships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the ocean. For many of us, it represents the pinnacle of diving adventures. However, the rise in accidents over the past decade has cast a shadow over this cherished pursuit, exposing critical gaps in safety that must be addressed.

To ensure the future of liveaboard diving, the industry must take proactive steps to improve safety. Stricter regulations are essential, ensuring that all vessels adhere to the highest safety standards. This includes comprehensive crew training, not just in diving operations but also in emergency response protocols, such as fire prevention and evacuation procedures. Investing in safer vessel design, particularly features that address common vulnerabilities like electrical faults or flammable materials, is equally crucial.

Transparency within the industry can also play a significant role in restoring trust. By openly sharing safety records, implementing regular third-party inspections, and ensuring accountability, operators can demonstrate their commitment to diver safety.

The alternative—maintaining the status quo—risks not only financial repercussions for the liveaboard industry but, more importantly, the loss of lives and the erosion of what makes the dive community so special. Through collective action and a commitment to change, we can preserve the magic of liveaboard diving for generations to come.