Ensuring Safety for Non-English Speaking Workers: Your Role in Effective Communication

In the context of recreational diving and snorkelling, it's important for WorkCover Queensland to address the needs of participants who may not have English as their first language. This group may face challenges in comprehending the risks associated with these activities and the safety guidance provided by the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU).

Certain cultures may not be familiar with water safety norms commonly understood by Australians, placing them at considerable risk without proper equipment and supervision. To facilitate effective communication, it is advisable for WorkCover Queensland to engage workers who can converse with non-English speaking participants in their native language. Ensuring the availability of bilingual workers, or utilizing interpreters like bilingual tour guides, can enhance communication in such instances.

WorkCover Queensland also recognizes the significance of providing safety information in translated written or visual formats. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has developed safety publications for divers and snorkellers in 13 languages. These resources cover safety instructions for certified participants, medical declarations, and guidance on diving and snorkelling signals, as well as flotation device options.

In situations where there is a concern that a diver or snorkeller may not fully grasp the provided information, additional levels of supervision should be implemented while they are in the water. For resort or entry-level certificate divers, it is essential to ensure they demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge before participating. Diving activities should only proceed if the dive instructor is confident that the individual can safely engage in the dive, reinforcing a proactive approach to participant safety.


  • English (Includes all non-English languages as listed below) (PDF, 5.55 MB)
  • English only (PDF, 2.1 MB)
  • Chinese (Simplified) (PDF, 2.16 MB)
  • Chinese (Traditional) (PDF, 2.13 MB)
  • French (PDF, 2.11 MB)
  • German (PDF, 2.12 MB)
  • Hindi (PDF, 1.36 MB)
  • Italian (PDF, 2.11 MB)
  • Japanese (PDF, 2.13 MB)
  • Korean (PDF, 2.17 MB)
  • Malay (PDF, 1.23 MB)
  • Portuguese (PDF, 3.15 MB)
  • Russian (PDF, 2.18 MB)
  • Spanish (PDF, 2.11 MB)
  • Swedish (PDF, 2.11 MB)
  • Vietnamese (PDF, 2.18 MB)


    • Film:

    The film Snorkelling sense shows medical advice being given to snorkellers and has multilingual subtitles. This film can be incorporated into the safety briefing to help engage passengers and reinforce key snorkelling safety messages.


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