Safety & Safeguarding

A Culture of Care
Backed by 10+ Years of Experience

At Big Ocean Dive, safeguarding is more than a policy—it’s the foundation of how we operate. With over a decade of experience running residential trips across Southeast Asia, we’ve earned the trust of schools like ISKL, MKIS, NLCS Singapore, IGB International, and HeadStart Phuket through our uncompromising commitment to student well-being.  

Risk Management & Staff Training

Every program starts with a detailed risk assessment and a safety plan tailored to the destination. Trip leaders are certified in child protection, safeguarding, and first aid.

Health & Medical Support

Every program begins with a detailed risk assessment and a destination-specific safety plan. Trip leaders hold certifications in child protection, safeguarding, and emergency first aid.

Safe Recruitment & Code of Conduct

Each program starts with a thorough risk assessment and a destination-specific safety plan. Trip leaders are certified in child protection, safeguarding, and emergency first aid.

Reporting & Escalation

Staff receive briefings, and students are trained to report concerns. All trips include emergency plans, local medical facilities, and first aid-trained staff.

Risk Management & Staff Training

Every program begins with a detailed risk assessment and destination-specific safety plan. Our trip leaders are certified in:

  • TES Child Protection in International Schools
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
  • Emergency First Aid & Outdoor Risk Management


Before departure:

  • Staff receive school-specific child protection briefings
  • Students are trained on how to raise concerns and who to contact
  • Communication protocols with school leads are established


We maintain a
1:10 adult-to-student ratio at all times. 

Health & Medical Support

All our trips include:

  • Emergency response plans customized to each site
  • Local medical facilities mapped in advance
  • Staff trained in first aid and emergency medical protocols

Health disclosures reviewed pre-trip for every participant.  

Safe Recruitment & Code of Conduct

Every staff member, intern, and volunteer undergoes:

  • Background checks (local and international)
  • Reference vetting
  • Safeguarding onboarding prior to any student interaction


We uphold a strict code of conduct:

  • No being alone with a student unless necessary
  • No physical discipline or inappropriate contact
  • No social media exchange or private communication

Reporting & Escalation

We operate a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, misconduct, or negligence.
All concerns are:

  • Reported directly to both the Trip Leader and School Safeguarding Lead
  • Logged and reviewed using a transparent protocol
  • Escalated to child protection services or local authorities if necessary. 

 

Global Standards & Compliance: Our safeguarding policy aligns with best practices from:

  • CIS (Council of International Schools)
  • COBIS (Council of British International Schools)
  • PADI Youth Safety Framework (for dive-related programs)


We regularly review and update our practices to remain in step with international expectations.

Want the Full Policy?

We’re happy to share our comprehensive Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy document. Email us at hello@bigoceandive.com or use the Contact Form.