The Tritons Code

The Monterey Bay Tritons are united by a passion for freediving, spearfishing, and a shared respect for the ocean and its resources. Our club is founded on the principles of safety, sustainability, community, and the preservation of our underwater ecosystems. As Tritons, we pledge to uphold the following eight pillars of our Code of Ethics:

1. Respect

Respect the ocean, wildlife, fellow divers, access points, regulations, and the communities in which we operate. Conduct yourself with humility and recognize that your actions reflect on the broader diving community.

2. Safety

Safety is integrated into everything we do. A Triton is always vigilant and trained to perform a rescue. Maintain an effective buddy system, remain attentive to your dive partner, follow established safety practices, and never knowingly place yourself or another diver in unnecessary danger. Always live to dive another day.

3. Sustainability

Harvest responsibly and with purpose. Follow all applicable regulations, take only what you intend to use, avoid unnecessary harm to non-target species, and honor your catch through responsible utilization.

4. Stewardship

Protect the places and resources that make our way of life possible. Care for reefs, kelp forests, fisheries, access points, and the broader marine environment. Leave dive sites better than you found them, support conservation efforts, and take an active role in protecting the ocean for future generations.

5. Teamwork

Dive as a team. Support your fellow Tritons, communicate clearly, and put the success and well-being of the group ahead of individual ego or achievement.

6. Competence

Develop and maintain the skills, fitness, knowledge, equipment, and judgment required to succeed at freediving and spearfishing. Know your limits, arrive prepared, and continually work to become a more capable and responsible diver.

7. Leadership

Lead by example. Act with integrity, accountability, sportsmanship, and professionalism. Follow the rules, own your decisions, treat others fairly, and set the standard you expect other Tritons to follow. Be a role model for all.

8. Community

Contribute more than you take. Mentor others, share knowledge, meals, and experiences, and help strengthen the freediving and spearfishing community for future generations.

As members of the Monterey Bay Tritons, we understand that these ethical principles are the foundation of our shared experience. By abiding by this Code of Ethics, we ensure that our underwater pursuits remain sustainable, enjoyable, and contribute to the preservation of our marine environments.

Tritons Unite!