As professional operators within the marine tourism industry, there is an industry, government and community perception that all operators will act in a responsible and professional manner.  

This Code of Practice has been developed by, and for, the members of the Mentawai Marine Tourism Association to ensure that those expectations are realized.

1. Always act with integrity and in a responsible and professional manner. As ambassadors of this industry, each and every individual’s actions will reflect the community’s perception of the whole industry.
2. Promote the marine environment and its natural resources. Educate charter guests and others, about the Mentawai Islands, the surrounding waters and the archipelago's inhabitants.
3. Protect the marine environment and its natural resources.
4. Abide by all Regency, Provincial and National government laws and regulations.
5. Encourage all guests and crew to respect MMTA rules and this code of practice.
6. Keep the marine environment free from any pollution. Abide by all relevant regulations with regard to dumping of all garbage and petroleum products. Report any and all incidents of pollution whether from fuels, oils or any form of rubbish. Report any large dead aquatic mammals. Wherever possible, retrieve small amounts of garbage and dispose of properly.
7. Instruct all captains and crew that anchoring in Marine Management Areas is prohibited. Use only official moorings at MMTA designated surf and dive locations.
8. Respect all resort buffer zones and avoid anchoring outside MMA and buffer zones where damage to coral could result. The MMTA members manage moorings at surf breaks and dive areas near resorts. (A separate Code of Practice related to moorings will be published).
9. Display in a prominent position the MMTA registration stickers issued from time to time so that authorities can determine the status of member's boat licenses.
10. Be particularly careful when approaching other vessel’s. There may be people in the water.
11. Be courteous to all other operators, landholders , government officials, and the general public.
12. Ensure that all vessels are operated  by licensed operators and the vessels are in a well maintained condition, having the required safety equipment on board, not carrying excess passengers, and all passengers and crew have been drilled on the emergency procedures in place on the vessel.
13. Recognize the rights and beliefs of all historical and traditional users of the marine environment including indigenous people
14. Ban all guests from fishing and spear-fishing in MMA zones. Fish only for edible and non-protected species in surrounding waters & encourage fish tag and release wherever possible
15. Support research and community forums that has obvious benefits to the Mentawai Islands, and its ecosystem.
16. Report any illegal and irresponsible activities to the MMTA and the appropriate authorities.
17. Stay in touch with legislation changes that impact on this industry.
18. Become familiar with this ‘Code of Practice’, the ‘Moorings Code of Practice’ and the MMTA's ‘Rules of Incorporation’.
19. Actively promote the aims of, and the benefits of being a member of the Mentawai Marine Tourism Association.
20. Undertake training courses that from time to time may be organized to inform on changes to legislation and licensing requirements etc.
21. Promote surf etiquette at all times and ensure that all captains and crews understand and explain acceptable behavior to guests.
22. Support humanitarian, social and health initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions for Mentawai communities.