When collecting the Crown of Thorns we have to pay special attention not to get stung by them, since their spines contain a potent venom. A sting leads to pain and if not treated properly to bad infections. First aid treatment is hot water to neutralize the venom so whenever we go out to collect COT we make sure to have hot water on board.
We usually collect them in groups of 3 to 4 divers, where 2 divers are responsible for collecting while the others act as spotters and to carry the net bags. The collected COT will be counted and then burried in the sand.